Home Size Adjustment: -8
Number of points: 67
Total Cost: $8,360.13 (Rough estimate, not including tax or shipping)
Biggest point contributions:
(1) Sustainable Site -Taking steps to minimize the constructions impact on the site gained 18 points. This includes planting non-invasive plants, installing a light colored, high albedo permeable driveway, and having a compact development.
(2) Location and Linkage - Choosing the right site gained a lot of LEED points for little cost. The site had to be on previously developed land, near a water line, near community resources, and near but not on to of a park. By assuming the house was built on this kind of site, the project gained approximately 11 virtually free points.
(3) Reduced Water Need - Drought tolerant plants (ground cover - carpobrutus edulis), low flow rate toilet and shower, and reduced irrigation need accounted for 12 points.
(4) Environmental Quality - Reducing exposure to pollutants by not having a fireplace, using MERV 13 filters, carbon monoxide detectors, and not building a garage added 12 more points to the total.
(5) LEED Education - Educating the team, the public and home owners through manuals, newspaper articles, workshops, and open houses got 6 points.