Picton Brothers LLC, in collaboration with Ten Titus LLC, has designed and built a house called "Easter Fields" in Upper Merryall, New Milford, Connecticut, which has been awarded the highest ranking of 5 Stars + in the US Department of Energy's Energy Star Homes program, and the highest certification level of Platinum in the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® for Homes program.

This home ranks among the most energy efficient houses in Connecticut. Quality, durability, adaptability, and liveability, along with energy and material efficiency, are reflected in large and small design and construction decisions throughout the house.

For more details on the building and features of this house, see our press release and explore the links at left. Also see a great discussion of this house and the world of green building at GreenBuildingAdvisor.com.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification program covers a broad spectrum of the construction process, from choosing the project site and orienting the house for solar gain, to the indoor environmental air quality. The LEED program for residential construction is relatively new, but many of the criteria employed in the program have been our standard practice for years.

LEED-certified buildings:

• Lower operating costs and increase asset value.
• Reduce waste sent to landfills.
• Conserve energy and water.
• Are healthier and safer for occupants.
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
• Demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

For a detailed breakdown on LEED certification credits and levels, see LEED Credits.