LEED for Homes Post Occupancy Evaluation by MSU

Thanks to Michigan State University (MSU) for completing a study on Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) of 235 LEED-certified homes in the Midwest. The goal is to identify the homes’ actual performance after people moved in, and also the benefits and shortcomings of the current LEED for Home certification system. The survey consisted of various categories including (1) general satisfaction with the LEED-certified home, (2) satisfaction about the home in general and various aspects of the indoor environment, (3) overall well-being including the health impact, (4) energy efficiency and building performance, (5) the environmental behavior of residents, and (6) demographics. The findings of this study revealed that most residents of the LEED-certified home were satisfied with their home and their quality of life in their home. As an accompaniment, you can review a pre-occupancy survey also completed on over 100 homes in the Midwest that focus on energy usage and savings predicted.

Lessons Learned

1. Learn what tools help predict energy usage in a LEED certified homes for occupant welfare
2. Learn details about occupant satisfaction with LEED certified homes and units.
3. Understand occupant perception with energy efficiency & health
4. Discover some of the basic benefits reported of LEED housing

Continuing Education Units (CEUS)

2 Hours

State Architect / Builder License.
GBCI (LEED H Specific)
Certified Green Professional (NARI & NAHB)
AIA(HSW)
AIBD
Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)

Author: Michigan State University School of Planning, Design & Construction

Prepared by Eunsil Lee, Suk-Kyung Kim, and Thom Phillips Sponsored by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research

Eunsil Lee, PhD
Associate Professor and Program Leader
Human Ecology Building, Room 201L
(517) 432-3249
Research Interests: Human perception and behavior in relation to culture, sustainable lighting design, workplace design and job performance, evidence-based design

Dr. Eunsil Lee is an Associate Professor in SPDC’s Interior Design program. She joined the faculty in 2008 after obtaining her Ph.D. in Human Environment Design and Management at MSU. Her teaching experience centers on design theory, design studio, presentation media and techniques and lighting design. Previously, she practiced professionally as an Interior Designer at design firms for four years in Seoul, Korea. Her professional specialty is grounded in hospitality, commercial and residential design. Her teaching and research is based on the combination of her professional experiences and educational background from multiple disciplines, including interior design, lighting design, housing and facility management.

Suk-Kyung Kim, PhD
Associate Professor Suk-Kyung Kim Photo
Human Ecology Building, Room 201B
(517) 353-9367
View CV

Research Interests: Affordable housing, sustainable and green design, environment and behaviors, New Urbanism, contemporary housing, healthcare design and theories, post-occupancy evaluation, crime-free environment through neighborhood design