Green Living is a new regular column on Helium Report devoted to covering eco-trends in second homeownership and private jet travel.

The new eco-standard

Green. Organic. Sustainable. As if there weren’t enough terms to classify the eco-friendly movement, here’s another one to throw in the mix: LEED certification. And now, it’s becoming more and more important to second-home developments and resorts around the country.

Some second-home communities are getting in on the green game by applying for LEED certification, but what does that really mean for the environmentally-conscious homeowner?

When it comes to construction and building, LEED reigns supreme. The acronym, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was developed by the United States Green Building Council to create a benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. According to the USGBC, in order for a building to be granted LEED certification there are five key areas in which it must perform: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

There are different requirements for LEED certification for new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell projects, schools, retail sites, healthcare facilities, homes, and neighborhood developments. Even beyond that, there are different levels of LEED, from platinum (meeting the highest standards) to gold, silver, and certified.

So what does this mean for consumers? For one, potentially less guilt about owning a second home. Some second-home developments are vying for LEED certification, and skiers look to be the first to benefit from the initiatives.

Some luxury resorts already going green

Vail Resorts is starting off with Ever Vail, at the base of Vail Mountain, the largest LEED-certified, multi-use resort property in the country. The one-million square foot mixed-use space (which will include residences, a hotel, and restaurants) is planning to use green materials whenever possible, implement ground-source heat pumps, and implement a car sharing program, among other initiatives.

Nearby, the Viceroy Snowmass (scheduled for completion in winter 2009) is another such green project. Located near the base of Aspen Mountain, the $1 billion development is following the guidelines for LEED’s neighborhood development requirements and is shooting for silver certification. Snowmass will be putting each building up for LEED certification individually, and according to the resort’s website, its sustainable initiatives will focus on water, energy, materials and resources and more.

If you’d like to learn more about LEED certification, Ever Vail and the Viceroy Snowmass, check out these websites:

• United States Green Building Council
  • www.usgbc.com

• Ever Vail
  • www.evervail.com

• Viceroy Snowmass
  • www.elevatedlivingatsnowmass.com