EnergyStar has been a welcome guest in homes since the labeling for energy efficient appliances was approved by the government in 1992. Another label that might soon become commonplace in residences is LEED.

For years, architects and environmental designers have been creating 'green' buildings, schools, libraries and offices, that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design criteria. Now those same innovative design principles are popping up in single family houses.

The latest trend is residential buildings with LEED certification. LEED, created by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, is a national third party certification program for environmentally responsible building. Overlook Clipper Mill, a new development of 38 semi detached houses in Baltimore, boasts the first private homes in Maryland to be LEED certified.

'This is really the cutting edge of housing,' says Overlook resident Robert Kan, a retired surgeon who moved into his new home in April.

By Nancy Taylor Robson

THE LATEST ECO HOMES NEWS, FROM BUILDINGS CAN BE GREEN

Labels: ECO BUILDINGS, ECO HOMES