LEED for Homes Winners: LEED Platinum Best's

The US Green Building Council has announced the 2012 LEED for Homes Awards that recognizes single and multi-family projects that have demonstrated leadership in the green building industry. This year's winners are:

• Project of the Year-Place of the Hidden Waters Community Longhouse, Puyallup Tribal Housing Authority; Puyallup, Wash.

This LEED Platinum certified project, located on the Puyallup reservation, includes structural insulated panels, triple pane windows and ground heat pumps.

• Production Builder- Clarum Communities for Cambridge Plaza

A LEED platinum three story townhouse with a strong commitment to energy and water efficiency, featuring photovoltaic system and a thermal solar hot water system.

• Affordable Developer- Avesta Housing for Oak Street Lofts

First affordable multifamily development to obtain LEED platinum in Maine. The building achieved preliminary savings of 35 percent better than ASHRAE that showcase benefits that could be received in affordable housing projects.

• Outstanding Affordable Project - Rio Vista Apartments, Abode Communities

A former brownfield that now is home to LEED Platinum apartments that were designed to reduce heat island effects. The development is owned and operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

• Outstanding Commitment to LEED for Homes - McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. (MHI)

This company has superior commitment to implement LEED for Homes on multiple communities and different offerings.

• Outstanding Multifamily Project - Eco Modern Flats, Specialized Real Estate Group (developer); Fayetteville, Ark.

This LEED Platinum project has its origin between 1968 and 1972, where the original complex was built. The developer delivered a project focused on energy and water efficiency while creating a modern, green multifamily rental complex.

• Outstanding Single Family Project - Brooks Residence (architect Isabelle Duvivier):

A 100-year old home turned into a 1,700 sq. ft. LEED Platinum home. The project incorporates nature and design creating a habitat for living elements and reducing water and energy consumption.