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LEED^® Canada for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. 

LEED Canada for Homes applies to single family homes and multifamily buildings up to 3 residential stories, check out the Quick Start Guide to get started. Mixed use projects can apply, please contact a Provider to discuss your specific project. Buildings up to 6 stories may be eligible for the U.S. LEED for Homes Mid-Rise.

Existing homes may participate in LEED Canada for Homes if they undergo a gut and rehabilitation process that exposes the full thermal envelope - that is, if the full insulation on the exterior wall of the house will be exposed, either by removing the drywall on the inside or by removing the siding on the outside. Please contact a Provider for more information.

For more modest renovation projects, the ReGreen Guidelines can help ensure it protects the health of occupants and the environment. The guidelines are laid out by the project type (kitchen renovation, bathroom, major addition, etc.) and cover water use, indoor air quality, materials selection, and more.

Rating System and Reference Guide

LEED Canada for Homes Rating System (pdf) - lists intents and requirements for each credit and includes the Project Checklist.

Rating System Clarifications (pdf) - August 2010

LEED Canada for Homes Reference Guide (online purchase) - this comprehensive document provides advice and information on using the LEED Canada for Homes Green Building Rating System for your residential project. For each credit, the Reference Guide provides:

• overview and points per credit
• documentation requirements
• summary of reference standards
• importance and benefits of compliance
• recommended design strategies and technologies
• potential design synergies and trade-offs
• economics
• calculation methods and formulas
• resources and definitions
• case studies (when available)

Checklist (xls) - updated October 2011 - the checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification.

Providers

LEED homes are rated by LEED Canada for Homes Providers – local organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise in their region's market. A LEED Canada for Homes Provider has three primary roles:

• Providing green home rating support services to builders; 
• Training, coordinating and overseeing LEED qualified inspectors (Green Raters) and builder support staff; and 
• Marketing LEED to builders.

There are currently 11 LEED Canada for Homes Providers, located in most of the leading housing markets. CaGBC selects providers that demonstrate outstanding abilities and have a proven record of supporting builders in the construction of high-performance, sustainable homes. These Providers are responsible for selecting suitable LEED Canada for Homes projects and administering a team of Green Raters, who together with the Providers verify that homes in the program are built to meet the requirements of the rating system.

Homebuilders interested in participating in the LEED Canada for Homes program should contact one of the LEED Canada for Homes Providers. If there is not a Provider in your area, please feel free to contact a geographically proximate Provider or any other Provider listed on our website. CaGBC will be selecting new Providers as needed as the LEED Canada for Homes program continues to grow.

LEED for Homes Mid-Rise

The LEED for Homes Rating System was originally designed for single family and low rise multi-family residential development. As the program has grown, residential projects in the 4-6 story category have shown an interest in using the LEED for Homes criteria. In order to address this market sector, USGBC operated a LEED for Homes Mid-Rise pilot for the last few years. Now the program is fully launched and can be used for residential mid rise and mixed use buildings where the majority of the floor area is residential in use. For more information, please visit the USGBC's website, or contact your local Provider.