Open Range Home's Green Building Initiatives

Builder, Michael Horn is a certified LEED® Accredited Professional (LEED AP) by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).  Depending on the project, we offer several compliance paths to obtain green building certification or we can tailor a program specific to your home, budget, and building site.  The USGBC is a profit organization and their LEED® program is not a US government program.  The Built Green Colorado program has been used successfully on many high-end residential homes in Colorado but does not certify in other states.

• Open Range Homes Green Building Program (tailored to your needs)
• Built Green Colorado
• Yellowstone Business Partnership (Sustainability Program)
• LEED® for New Construction (LEED-NC)
• LEED® for Homes (LEED-H)

Open Range Homes Green Building Options

Many of the criteria found in all green building rating systems are standard building practices on all Open Range Homes. In general, we can tailor a green building program for your house that combines the best attributes of the numerous green building rating systems and is appropriate for your house and building site. Some of these may include:

• Site preservation and open space protection
• Recycle construction waste
• Use reclaimed or salvaged building materials
• High-performance energy systems such as hydronic in-floor heating
• Renewable energy such as wind turbines and photovoltaic panels
• Energy efficient building practices
• Water efficient landscaping
• Permeable driveway and walk surfaces

LEED® For Homes

LEED-H uses residential (Energy Star) criteria in a point-based rating system that promotes the design and construction of energy efficient homes. LEED-H is suited for small to medium sized homes with traditional floor plans. LEED-H penalizes larger homes and doesn’t allow use of wood burning fireplaces. LEED-H builds upon the following areas:

• Reduce energy consumption using residential Energy Star guidelines
• Prevent energy loss by making the structure air-tight
• Minimize environmental impact
• Third party verification required to obtain certification

LEED® for New Construction

LEED-NC uses commercial (ASHRAE) construction standards in a point based rating system that promotes the design and construction of multiple types of energy efficient structures. LEED-NC is suited for multi-family, office buildings, government buildings, recreational facilities, universities, etc. LEED-NC builds upon the following areas:

• AHRAE commercial standards used as performance benchmark
• Use of high-performance heating and cooling systems
• Promote use of renewable energy
• Minimize environmental impact
• Increase water efficiency, reduce wastewater, capture rainwater
• Verification accomplished directly with US Green Building Council