The value of investing in a LEED-certified home

USGBC's recently released LEED in Motion: Residential report shows how LEED-certified homes are transforming the real estate market. The number of LEED-certified units—single-family homes and multifamily apartment buildings alike—has grown 19% since 2017, encompassing more than 400,000 homes in the U.S. alone.

When you take into account not only LEED-certified homes, but those registered for and pursuing certification worldwide, that number rises to more than a million units—encompassing over 2 billion square feet of LEED residential space.

Increased resale value

Planning to put your home on the market one day? LEED-certified homes can create additional resale value. A 2018 study by Build It Green that analyzed almost 1,400 homes with green rating certifications (including LEED) in the San Francisco Bay area concluded that green homes bring a higher price than conventional homes.

Similarly, a 2017 study from the University of Texas at Austin and USGBC reported that between 2008 and 2016, LEED-certified homes in the Austin-Round Rock area showed an 8 percent boost in value. In the same study, homes built to meet green building standards were estimated to be worth an average of $25,000 more than conventional homes.

Is your state one of the top 10 for LEED residential projects? View the graphic from the report.

Energy, resource and cost savings

LEED homes use an average of 20–30% less energy than a home built to code, with some reporting energy savings as much as 60% over code requirements. Energy-efficient residences contribute less carbon and pollution to the atmosphere; plus, you can save a significant amount of money on your energy bills. In some areas, green homes qualify for special tax credits and rebates.

The LEED in Motion: Residential report breaks down how LEED addresses six categories: human health and comfort, energy, water efficiency, location, materials and resilience.

LEED certification uses third-party verification, including detailed documentation review and testing, to ensure projects meet the highest standards for performance—inspiring trust in the rating system and cultivating a greater living standard for all in our communities.

Take a closer look to see how LEED certification can improve the health and the value of your home.

Read the LEED in Motion: Residential report

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