In the states households account for 20% of energy consumed and 21% of carbon emissions, while residential power use has grown by 34% since 1985.

To help cut this, using the LEED program an internationally recognized green building certification system, the council hopes to make it easier for the estimated 120m US homes in need of energy efficiency improvements and retrofits.

The LEED for Homes Affiliates scheme will allow home owners to select professionals from a nationally recognised program, who will specialise in particular fields.

The council’s vice president for residential market development, Nate Kredich, said: “This is an important step forward as we advocate for full marketplace adoption of green home building.

“Through the LEED for Homes Affiliate Program, green residential programs can partner with us to further promote green homes.”

The first two green home building programs that have signed-on to be LEED for Homes Affiliates Program are the Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas and Minnesota GreenStar.

Luke Walsh

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