How do I find LEED certified building materials?

There are no LEED certified materials, only buildings can be certified. There are certain products that can help earn LEED points by having passed other certifications e.g: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood or  EnergyStar windows. 

When can I advertise my LEED home?

Once  you have enrolled in the LEED program with the CaGBC, you can promote the home as  "Registered with LEED Canada for Homes". A project is not LEED certified until it has been issued final approval by the CaGBC.

Is it necessary to hire a LEED AP?

Having a LEED AP (Accredited professional) on your team will earn you a point ( 1.3. in Innovation & Design) but it is not required for certification. A LEED AP for Homes has two main roles in the certification process: to act as project advisor during the design and construction phase, and be the link between evaluators and project managers during the certification process.

Where can homes earn LEED certification?

LEED Canada for Homes is accessible anywhere in Canada. There are LEED for homes providers across the country that will act as your agent during the certification process. Please see our providers list to find one in your region.

Are there LEED prefab homes?

A manufactured home cannot be declared LEED certified, for eligibility a project must go through all the stages of certification. There are however, prefab homes that are Passive House and LEED certification ready. 

Can a renovation project be LEED certified?

Renovations are eligible, as long as it involves a renovation of the building envelope (wall system). Renovation projects that only involve a single part of a home like kitchens or bathrooms are not eligible.

When is it to late to register for LEED?

Ideally registration begins before construction and even design, but it may not be too late. A project that is late to register will not be eligible for certain points, so it can make certification a bit more difficult. As long as the walls have not been closed (meaning insulation is still visible), you can still register.

Can additions be LEED certified?

Additions to existing homes are not eligible for registration.  Expansions that have their own street address may be considered, provided they form an independent property and residence.

Who can help me meet LEED requirements?

Ecohome built Canada's first LEED V4 Platinum certified house, take a tour here! The provider assigned to your project is not the person designated for this role. Their role is that of evaluator, not consultant or project manager. If you lack experience in green building, you can search for environmental consultants specializing in residential building. The Ecohome website also has a free green home building guide that will offer information on sustainable building products and techniques, and we offer green building courses as well. Photo credit above to Coates Design Architects in Seattle.

Are there any special mortgage or insurance rates for LEED homes?

Yes, some institutions offer discounts. Many banks are now offering special mortgage rates for energy efficient green homes, and some home insurance companies offer discounts as well, since LEED homes are more durable than homes built simply to provincial building code. Certain municipalities will also offer financial incentives in the form of tax relief.

How long to get a home LEED certified?

The project of building a LEED certified home start at the design phase and ends with the completion of the project. Once a home is finished and all elements of the certification are verified, it will take approximately one month before final certification is issued.  Any points sought for landscaping must be completed at the time of final inspection.


Learn all about LEED for homes, LEED V4, Passive House Certification or other Green home rating systems for Canada and the U.S.A. in the Ecohome green building guide pages.