Comparison of two different rating programs for sustainable homes

Abstract

This thesis compares two different rating programs for sustainable homes; The Code for Sustainable Homes in the United Kingdom, and LEED for Homes in the United States. The comparison is both in general and with respect to Icelandic homes. Iceland is a small market that currently does not have its own program to rate sustainable homes, and there is an ongoing discussion on whether a foreign program could be adopted in Iceland. The Code for Sustainable Homes and LEED for Homes are two of the most recognized rating programs in this area, and are therefore both possible candidates for adoption. It is shown in this thesis that both the rating programs in question are quite similar and target much the same areas, even though the emphasis on specific aspects might be different. Both these programs were created to be suitable for use in their home countries and focus on subjects that are important in these countries. This fact makes them less adaptable in Iceland, since Iceland differs in many respects from the United Kingdom and the United States. There are, however, many subjects targeted in these rating programs that do apply to Iceland and would be beneficial to adopt. This thesis is therefore not a decisive document on whether one program or the other, or even neither, could be adopted in Iceland, but could rather be an input in the current discussion on these matters.