Conspicuous consumption is out, and conspicuous non-consumption is in... at least architecturally. Recently, LEED-platinum-certified homes seem to have become the must-have item for some of Hollywood’s more environmentally-conscious trendsetters.

According to a New York Times article, such notables as John Cusack and Pierce Brosnan have considered buying LEED-platinum-certified homes.  But as much as Brosnan and others admire the principles behind the shift to non-consumption, they still seem to be adjusting to the full implications of the most stringent LEED principles. Brosnan is building his own green home, but, according to a Times interview with his architect, the actor “is not going to live in a 2,400-square-foot home.” His new pad, while incorporating many of the environmentally-sound building techniques that go into an LEED-certified home, will be built on a slightly grander scale.

While many celebrities like the status conveyed by a certified green home, the process is slow going, no matter how rich or famous you may be. In the U.S., 684 homes have received an LEED certification to date — and of those, only 48 have received the lofty platinum ranking. LEED certification requires a great deal of effort of the part of the architect, builder and homeowner, as well. Many people back out of the application process once they realize just how big a commitment LEED certification is. Don’t look for it in your local builder’s menu of options just yet.

Photo — UrbanReviewSTL