A Beulah couple has the first LEED “platinum” certified home in Benzie County.
BENZIE COUNTY, MI -- A Beulah couple has the first LEED “platinum” certified home in Benzie County.
April 27, 2012, the new residence of Barbara Dillon and Jack Witham was awarded LEED “Platinum” certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design.
LEED for Homes is a national third party certification system for energy efficient, healthy, green homes. LEED certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound and a healthier place to live.
Green homes have substantially lower utility bills and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives. ‘Platinum’ is the highest possible level to achieve with USGBC, signifying the best of ‘best practices’
This new home is one of 130 Michigan projects that have been certified under the 'LEED for Homes' program, the 28th home to receive highest possible LEED “Platinum” certification and the first LEED certified home in the Beulah area.
Witham said the start up cost was well over $50,000, but they have received federal tax rebates and lower home owners insurance.
