LEED6Saratoga Springs, NY- A private residence in Malta, NY has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The private, custom-built home is the fourth LEED certified project designed by Phinney Design Group, a multi-disciplinary Architecture, Interior Design and Green Building Consulting Firm in Saratoga Springs.

The homeowner approached Phinney Design Group with a desire to design a “green home” that would both reduce her dependence and reliance on fossil fuels and electricity and provide her with a healthy interior environment that showcased her enthusiasm for environmentally responsible homebuilding. The design team worked with the owner to integrate sustainable design techniques into a beautiful, functional home overlooking Saratoga Lake.

“This home earned LEED Silver certification due to its sustainable features, including locally sourced wood, high efficiency HVAC, cellulose insulation, and a geothermal heat pump,” says Michael Phinney, Principal of Phinney Design Group. “Additionally, the landscaping was designed to include locally sourced stone pavers, zoned drip irrigation, no mow grass, rain water harvesting, and drought tolerant landscaping, all of which integrate the home into its natural surroundings and reduce the environmental impact.” Find out more about these features.

The home was certified under the USGBC LEED for Homes program, a national voluntary certification system that provides guidance and verification that homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for occupants. More than 20,000 homes across the US have earned certification through the LEED for Homes Program.