Green Homes on the Rise

The popularity of residential green building is continuing to grow, according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Most recently, the group noted that more than 10,000 homes across the U.S. have earned LEED certification through the LEED for Homes program. "Reaching this milestone signifies the continued transformation of the home building industry towards high-performing, healthy homes that save homeowners money," said Nate Kredich, vice president of residential market development for the USGBC. "Market leaders across the production, multifamily, affordable and custom home segments have recognized that there are green homes, and then there are LEED homes, and they are acting accordingly." Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would promote the use of domestic wood as a green building material.