We are still preparing to pour the slab sometime next week after the holidays. Since there is a lull in the building update, I'll take a minute to explain our green home designation.

We have decide to get our home certified green in accordance with the Florida Green Building Coalition. There are more than 70 other certifications out there, mostly state and local. A couple of national programs include:
Energystar -this designation really only deals with the energy efficiency of a home. It doesn't take into account the landscaping, recycled materials, indoor air quality, etc.





LEED.-this is a nationwide rating system. Taken from their website, "LEED for Homes, which launched in February 2008, measures green homebuilding
performance based on eight categories: site selection, water efficiency, materials &
resources, energy & atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, location & linkages,
awareness & education, and innovation. Within each of these areas, projects earn
points toward certification. LEED has four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold
and Platinum, with Platinum representing the highest level of achievement."

Why did we go with FGBC?? Honestly, I don't know. I guess it makes sense to obtain a certification through a checklist that is developed especially for Florida homes.

All of these programs require a third party certifying agent. We have chosen to use Alex Mordas, an FGBC certifying agent who is affiliated with EARTHSTEPS, a local green consulting company.
Here's his blog site, which we are featured on :) He's been great to work with so far!