Abstract
Despite the rapid growth in the number of LEED-certified homes, little data is currently available about the actual effects of LEED-certified affordable homes. The purpose of present study is to conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation for LEED-certified Habitat for Humanity residences in terms of (1) energy efficiency, (2) indoor environmental quality, (3) health impact, (4) residential satisfaction, (5) quality of life, and (6) environmental attitudes and behaviors. A case study was conducted with 15 households living in LEED-certified Habitat for Humanity homes in Kent County, Michigan using observation, in-depth interviews, and surveys. Findings revealed overall housing satisfaction was very high although some residents indicated lower satisfaction with their neighborhood. Most of case study homes had 30-50% lower electricity and natural gas bills. Most participants were satisfied with indoor environmental quality (IEQ) including thermal comfort, indoor air quality, amount daylight, quality of artificial lighting, and acoustical condition. Most participants agreed that since moving into their current homes they have experienced improved family relationships, better health conditions, more positive attitudes, and better performance of their children. The major findings of this case study support the positive effects of LEED-certified low-income homes on residents’ behavioral, social, and psychological aspects of well-being.
Highlights
The U.S Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the leading rating and certification systems for green buildings in the world
The increase in the number of LEED-certified homes is expected to continue because there are tremendous numbers of units that have registered for LEED certification (USGBC, 2018a)
The present case study focused on the performance of LEED-certified Habitat for Humanity homes by collecting data about (1) energy efficiency, (2) perceived Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), (3) perceived health impact, (4) satisfaction with home and neighborhood, (5) quality of life, and (6) environmental behavior using observation, in-depth interviews, and survey questionnaires
Summary
The U.S Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the leading rating and certification systems for green buildings in the world. During the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of green homes that received LEED certification in the U.S and Canada. According to LEED for Home market brief (USGBC, 2018a), the number of LEED-certified residential units jumped to more than 158,600 in 2018 from about 50,700 in 2013 (see Figure 1). The increase in the number of LEED-certified homes is expected to continue because there are tremendous numbers of units that have registered for LEED certification (USGBC, 2018a). The ever-increasing number of LEED-certified homes today is largely credited to the affordable housing sector, which has been an important part of the green movement. According to 2018 LEED in Motion report (USGBC, 2018b), about 43% of LEED for Home units were affordable housing projects. Habitat for Humanity contributed to this increasing number of affordable green homes as Habitat affiliates have built numerous energy-efficient homes since 1995 and increased participation in LEED for Home certification across the U.S with support from various funding agencies (Habitat for Humanity, 2012)
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