When house hunting on an increasingly warming planet, thinking sustainably is never a bad idea.
Luckily, Illinois ranks number one in the nation for its number of LEED-certified square feet per person. (LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, is a globally recognized designation awarded to buildings designed to be sustainable, with points earned for things like water efficiency, air quality, and earth-friendly building materials.)
While these metrics are more commonly considered in commercial and institutional buildings, LEED-certified residential properties are popping up more frequently across the city. Here’s a sampling of some standout homes built to reduce energy use and minimize waste.
1345 South Wabash Avenue, Unit 1601, $360,000
![1345 South Wabash Avenue, Unit 1601](/wp-content/archive/real-estate/December-2019/Going-Green-Try-a-LEED-Certified-Home/1345-S-Wabash-Ave.jpg)
This modern two-bedroom apartment sits on the top floor of its South Loop building. It’s also finished with deluxe details like quartz countertops and a smart Nest thermostat, which will help you save on your utility bill. Take in panoramic views of the city and the lake from two private balconies.
3848 North Nottingham Avenue, $505,000
![3848 North Nottingham Avenue](/wp-content/archive/real-estate/December-2019/Going-Green-Try-a-LEED-Certified-Home/3848-N-Nottingham-Ave.jpg)
Built in 2015, this Dunning house has a LEED Silver certification with a Gold level pending. Brightened by several floor-to-ceiling windows, the roomy 2,782-square-footer features four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and a gourmet kitchen for passionate chefs.
1000 North Damen Avenue, #2, $749,000
![1000 North Damen Avenue, #2](/wp-content/archive/real-estate/December-2019/Going-Green-Try-a-LEED-Certified-Home/1000-N-Damen-Ave.jpg)
Located in one of the first LEED Silver certified buildings in Ukrainian Village, this 1,750-square-foot unit in a corner duplex integrates energy-saving tech like windows that block heat and smart home automation. (It also, however, boasts heated bathroom floors and a heated two-car garage.) Per the listing, its efficient design results in an $83 monthly electric bill during the summer.
2633 North Hermitage Avenue, Unit 205S, $875,000
![2633 North Hermitage Avenue, Unit 205S](/wp-content/archive/real-estate/December-2019/Going-Green-Try-a-LEED-Certified-Home/2633-N-Hermitage-Ave.jpg)
This three-bedroom residence occupies a new construction in Lincoln Square that’s LEED Platinum certified — the highest possible level. The building isn’t just green: it’s a veritable micro neighborhood, with a roster of amenities including an outdoor pool, indoor dog wash station, sports court, hammock garden, and fitness center.