You may have switched from incandescent bulbs to CFLs. You may have installed super-efficient Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) solar roof panels. You may also have purchased a tankless water heater.

But the savviest way to green your home is to consult a LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council Website.

What’s LEED? It’s an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it’s the U.S. Green Building Council’s national benchmark for a voluntary rating system to promote the design and construction of high performance green homes.

To use less energy, water and natural resources, LEED uses these five categories as a roadmap to going green:

1) Indoor environmental quality – You can improve your indoor air quality by switching to products that are low emitters of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), such as VOC paint, wood finishes, sealants and cleaning products. Purchase low-emitting carpets and furniture. Use wood alternatives or FSC-certified sustainable wood products like bamboo, cork and eucalyptus for flooring and cabinetry materials. Choose linoleum, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet that have no added carcinogens.

2) Materials and resources – Search for high-recycled materials with pre-consumer content sourced within 500 miles of your home vs. those shipped across oceans with higher environmental impacts. Install larger windows that offer more natural light or a higher quality of glass. Strive to re-use materials in a new creative way, such as barn siding for a ceiling.

3) Energy and atmosphere – Don’t just think of double pane windows. Purchase higher performing windows, such as low E2 that reflect solar heat vs. letting it in. Buy photovoltaics to generate solar energy. Use less energy overall with CFLs, light sensors when appropriate, and ENERGY STAR® appliances.

4) Water use – Select native or drought tolerant plants that use less water, fertilizer and insecticides. Conserve water with turf grass and more efficient irrigation systems. Reuse rainwater for landscaping. Indoor: Purchase aerators for sinks, low-flow showerheads, and low-flow or dual flush toilets.

5) Sustainable site selection – Consider a green vegetative roof that enables water to penetrate, or a highly reflective roof with BIPV integrated tiles.

6) Consult a LEED certified architect – Before you do anything with your “green house”, speak to a LEED certified architect in your area. He/she can guide you on what the costs and tax incentives may be, how long it will take to recoup your investment, and more.

For more information about greening your home through a LEED Certified Professional, visit the U.S. Green Building Council Website.