Louis asks: How do I contract with USGBC to become a LEED Green for Homes Provider in my state? My understanding is that these companies contract directly with USGBC to become a provider in their individual localities;. Judging from the USGBC provider reference page located here, there aren't any providers currently domiciled in New York state and hence our interest in what the requirements are in case we would like to become one.

Answer:

Hi Louis, thank you for your question. As you probably already know, back in 2008, the USGBC sent out a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) which provided background information on the LEED for Homes Program and the submittal instructions for organizations interested in applying to be selected as LEED for Homes Certification Providers, along with a nine-page submittal form. Submittals for this initial RFQ were due to USGBC by 5 PM EST on Friday, October 31st, 2008.

On their website, the USGBC states that it plans to establish contractual relationships with new LEED for Homes Certification Providers and that these Providers will be the primary verification agents for the LEED for Homes program, with USGBC providing quality assurance oversight. Furthermore, each Provider organization will be responsible for the selection, training, scheduling, and quality assurance of a team of in-field LEED for Homes green raters.

The USGBC goes states that LEED for Homes Providers have three primary roles:

* Marketing LEED to builders;
* Providing green home rating support services to builders; and
* Training, coordinating and overseeing LEED qualified inspectors and builder support staff.

There are currently 38 LEED for Homes providers in the United States, located in most of the leading housing markets, however, none specifically headquartered in New York (which is a major market, so I'm not sure how they missed that!)

As the initial RFQ deadline has passed, it seems that the USGBC is interested in growing the program organically as the demand for LEED for Homes grows.

SO today in 2009, homebuilders that are interested in participating in the LEED for Homes program must contact one of the EXISTING LEED for Homes providers to inquire about the process as indicated here.

This seems counter-intuitive to me (if I understand it correctly) because the process for determining LEED for Homes Providers TODAY (i.e. after the initial deadline) is DIFFERENT than it was before the deadline. More troubling is that the existing LEED for Homes Providers are seemingly in control of the process of choosing additional LEED for Homes Providers. This is a real conflict of interest IMHO. Why would a LEED for Homes provider create additional competition for itself in a potentially lucrative market such as certifying LEED Homes in New York State??? They wouldn't. Especially today given the panic in the economy.

Regardless of my opinion, if there is not a provider in your area, you're required to contact a geographically proximate provider or any other provider listed on our website. The USGBC indicates it will be selecting new providers as needed as the LEED for Homes program continues to grow... but provides no further guidance that I've seen.

Good luck!
Green-Buildings.com

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