Preserving the old “Holbrook Mill” • one of the oldest structures in Aurora, Illinois

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

UPDATE:

December 20012

Silver (bells?) for Christmas!
I was just informed of a suprise "Christmas Present" -- The Holbrook Mill has been (prelimilarily) awaded "Silver" LEED for Homes Status -- the first in the City of Aurora, and one of only a handful in the western suburbs!

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification program created by the US Green Building Council that takes in a project's energy and environmental impact. A “green” building is not just about adding solar panels, or using recyclable materials, it is a building that encourages the use of less energy because of it's proximity to essential services (banks, schools, stores, and public transportation). It is a project that is more environmentally friendly during construction because it utilized old, existing, or reclaimed building materials (such as all the Holbrook Mill's original stone). By incorporating “Energy Star” appliances, compact florescent lighting, and innovative mechanical and ventilation systems, they are cheaper to operate and also healthier to live in.

What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating Systems are groups of requirements for projects that want to achieve certification. Each group of requirements is geared towards the unique needs of a project or building type such as healthcare facilities, schools, homes and even entire neighborhoods.

For LEED for Homes projects, there are eight credit categories. Within each of the categories, projects must satisfy prerequisites and may also earn points. The total number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification.

Innovation in design or innovation in operations credits

Address sustainable building expertise as well as design measures not covered under the five LEED credit categories.


5 out of a potential 11 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
•  Integrated Project Team
• Third-Party Durability Mgnt. Verification
Location & linkage credits

Encourages construction on previously developed or infill sites and promotes walkable neighborhoods with access to efficient transportation options and open space.

 

10 out of a potential 10 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• Site Selection
• Infill
• Previously Developed
• Existing Infrastructure
•  Outstanding Community Resources / Transit
ª Access to Open Space
Sustainable sites credits

Promotes strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources.

11 out of a potential 22 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• Limit Conventional Turf
ª Management of Run-off from Roof
ª Very High Density
ª Pest Control Alternatives
Water efficiency credits
Promotes smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption.

5 out of a potential 15 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• High-Efficiency Fixtures and Fittings
• Very High Efficiency Fixtures and Fittings
Energy & atmosphere credits

Promotes better building energy performance through innovative strategies.

 

19.5 out of a potential 38 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• Enhanced Insulation
• Greatly Reduced Envelope Leakage
• Minimal Envelope Leakage
• Enhanced Windows
• Exceptional Windows
• High-Efficiency HVAC
• Very High Efficiency HVAC
• High-Efficiency HVAC
• Very High Efficiency HVAC
• Efficient Hot Water Distribution
• Pipe Insulation
• ENERGY STAR Lights
Materials & resources credits

Encourages using sustainable building materials and reducing waste.

9.5 out of a potential 16 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• Framing Efficiencies
• Environmentally Preferable Products
• Construction Waste Reduction
Indoor environmental quality credits

Promotes better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views.

19 out of a potential 21 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package
• Enhanced Outdoor Air Ventilation
• Enhanced Local Exhaust
• Best Filters
Awareness & education credits

Encourages home builders and real estate professionals to provide homeowners, tenants and building managers with the education and tools they need to understand and make the most of the green building features of their home.

2 out of a potential 3 points were earned by the Holbrook Mill Project in this catagory.

Based on:
• Enhanced Training
• Public Awareness


For more information on LEED for Homes Certification, and what it can do for you, visit:
United States Green Building Council's LEED for Homes page or the USGBC's Green Homes Guide.

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