With only a handful of LEED certified homes built thus far in Hawai'i, the acronym is new to many people and often confused with the Energy Star moniker. The U.S. Green Building Council offers LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes, a nationally recognized green home building rating system, which uses third-party verification of all sustainable practices applied to the home. LEED for Homes sets benchmark goals of efficiency and sustainability in eight categoriesÐindoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, water efficiency, site selection, site development, materials selection, residents' awareness and innovationÐand a home must meet or exceed baselines in all categories for one of its four coveted levels of certification.
Architect and Principal Jeffery Long of Long & Associates was inspired to build a luxury LEED certified home to dispel the myth that sustainable and energy efficient homes are limited in scope and economy; they're not dark caves. While this "Luxury Contempo" home, more suggestive of a spa retreat than family dwelling, is above most of Hawai'i's residents' means, it is a prime example of the multitude of sustainable principles that must work together to construct a completely sustainable abode, from start to finish.
Completed in December of 2009, the work began when the Kahala site was initially chosen for its ample wind and sun exposure and proximity to the beach and a community park. A small, existing dwelling was deconstructed by Reuse Hawai'i and then construction began on the new five-bedroom, four-bathroom home. As the two-level house stands today, skylights and windows abound for ample natural lighting and living area doors slide into pockets for complete indoor/outdoor living. Energy Star fans help circulate the air in every room and an operable skylight opens above the staircase for additional ventilation. A 20-panel PV system powers the home and the Energy Star kitchen, complete with gas range, while a solar hot water heating system, dual-flush toilets (which should be standard in every home) and low-flow fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom account for water efficiency, not to mention the extra savings from water-thrifty landscaping. All the wood used for the project was sourced from renewable resources and the expansive bamboo flooring of the upper level offers cushion without releasing allergens and particulates into the air. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The multi-million dollar home has yet to find the right buyer, and until then, Long & Associates offers weekly tours to schools, community groups and individuals to educate and bring awareness to the infinite possibilities available for sustainable homes. The Kahala estate was recently awarded a LEED for Homes "Gold" rating, nearly the highest rating possible for a LEED home. In addition, the home also received the Grand Award for design in the Hawai'i Built Green Division from the Building Industry Association of Hawai'i.