Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - The Martha

The Martha is LEED Certified! LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is a voluntary third-party certification system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes.

  • LEED homes are safer, healthier, more comfortable and more durable.
  • Green homes perform better than the average home. LEED-certified homes provide a healthy place to live, produce lower utility bills and have a smaller environmental footprint.


LEED certification provides proof that homes that have been third-party inspected, performance-tested and certified as truly green homes that will perform better than conventional homes.

Benefits of LEED

A few of the benefits of this LEED home include:

  • Cleaner, healthier air.
  • Exhaust fans above the stove and in the bathroom remove moisture and other contaminants directly to the outdoors
  • Low-emission materials including paints, flooring, insulation and composite wood.
  • Reduced air infiltration that also means contaminants such as radon, wildfire smoke, and pests cannot sneak in through cracks.
  • Reduced water usage that has ranged from 20-50% in case studies.
  • Lower flow but high performing faucets and toilets.
  • ENERGY STAR dishwashers and clothes washers.
  • This project uses 61% less water in the landscape compared to the EPA baseline.
  • Reduced energy usage - HERS rating of 66 (www.hersindex.com)
  • Better insulation.
  • Efficient heating equipment.
  • ENERGY STAR appliances.
  • Tight air sealing to prevent drafts.

LEED Credit Categories

LEED for Homes addresses the whole home through eight credit categories, including:
  • Integrative Process
  • Location & Transportation
  • Sustainable Sites
  • Water Efficiency
  • Energy & Atmosphere
  • Materials & Resources
  • Indoor Environmental Quality
  • Innovation & Regional Priority