LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating system established by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the most commonly used system to rate the environmental performance of buildings and assess the sustainability of construction projects. It provides a set of best practices to help guide the design and construction of green buildings, as well as other “green” forms of building operations, such as waste and energy management. LEED certified buildings are designed to use less energy and water, reduce carbon emissions, and increase the overall health and productivity of both the building occupants and the community.
The LEED rating system is divided into four categories, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. To be eligible for certification, buildings must meet certain prerequisites and then earn a certain number of points in each of the main LEED criteria. The criteria includes five categories: Sustainable Site Development, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. Based on the number of points a building earns, it is awarded one of the four certification levels.
The benefits of having a LEED certified building are many. First, buildings that receive LEED certification become eligible for incentives from local, state, and federal government. Incentives can range from reduced utility bills and tax incentives to credits for the project cost when given to investors. Additionally, buildings that receive LEED certification normally receive higher rents, lower vacancy rates, and higher resale values.
In addition to being financially beneficial, LEED certification has far-reaching environmental impacts. By encouraging buildings to use green technologies, materials, and operations methods, buildings that receive LEED certification help reduce water waste and energy use. This, in turn, reduces the emissions of a building and thus, helps to reduce its environmental footprint.
Lastly, the buildings themselves are healthier and more comfortable environments in which to work. LEED certified buildings contain features that include energy efficient lighting, superior air quality, efficient plumbing fixtures, and easily accessible recycling options.
For these reasons, many businesses, institutions, and developers are motivated to obtain LEED certification as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, LEED certification can be a complicated and time consuming process. To simplify the process, developers often employ the services of LEED consultants. LEED consultants provide advice and support throughout the certification process. They can help a development team analyze the construction project for LEED certification opportunities, follow the guidelines for documentation, supply plans and drawings to aid in attaining points, evaluate systems for optimization and make recommendations for improvements, and provide an accurate estimate of how much the project will cost.
Overall, LEED certification provides numerous benefits for developers, businesses, and local communities. Beyond the potential financial rewards, LEED certified buildings promote sustainability and healthier environments for building occupants. LEED certification is increasingly becoming a standard for developments, demonstrating the commitment to sustainability and green building to providers and stakeholders.
