Want to know more about LEED? Are you concerned whether or not LEED certification is something you’d like to invest in for you project? This article will give you a few highlights regarding LEED and what to expect in terms of what L.E.E.D. certification can mean for your project and your customers.
What organization created the LEED standard? The LEED certification system for buildings was created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization comprised of 78 local affiliates, and more than 20,000 member companies and organizations. LEED certification for buildings and professionals is managed by the Green Building Construction Institute (GBCI), an offshoot of the USGBC formed in 2008.
What kinds of projects are eligible for LEED? There are different categories of LEED for different types of projects.
- LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development)
- LEED-BD&C (Building Design & Construction)
- LEED for Homes
- LEED-ID&C (Interior Design & Construction)
- LEED-EBOM (Existing Buildings – Operations & Maintenance)
What kind of changes is LEED undergoing this year? The most recent version of LEED is LEED v3. LEED v3 brought about changes to make LEED certification carry more meaning. The certification system has been redesigned to be more regionally specific, more responsive to emerging technologies and practices, and more cognizant of ongoing performance over time.
How is LEED organized? The LEED rating system has four certification levels for construction: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These levels correspond with the number of credits achieved in five categories: Sustainable Sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE), Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Each project will achieve a different combination of LEED points or credits in these categories.
What’s the point of going through the LEED certification process? LEED certified buildings typically use resources more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings that are built to code. In turn they are better for the environment, and with a growing concern towards the environment, LEED certification comes up as a win-win situation.
Will my customers notice the difference? It is not uncommon for LEED buildings to be much healthier and more comfortable for its inhabitants.
Does LEED certification cost a lot? Even though additional expenses may be incurred by LEED projects early on, the investment will often pay rewards as lower utility bills and higher rents and resale value.
What number of projects are LEED certified? As of January, 2009, more than 20,000 building projects have been LEED-certified nationwide. The US Green Building Council has stated a goal of achieving 100,000 LEED-certified commercial buildings and one million certified homes by 2010. 284 million square feet of LEED-certified construction has been built, a 92% increase over just two years ago. The popularity of the LEED credential is growing quickly, with over 120,000 people becoming LEED Accredited Professionals since 2001.
Is LEED becoming standard? LEED has become the industry standard, meaning that attaining LEED certification in building projects is rapidly becoming the norm, rather than the exception.
What else does LEED certification do for my building? LEED certification offers compelling proof to you, your clients, your peers, and the public at large that you’ve achieved your environmental goals and your building is performing as designed. Getting certified has advantages in terms of attracting local and state government support for your project.
The first step in being able to participate in LEED-certified projects is via passing the LEED exam and becoming a LEED accredited professional! Visit the Everblue Training Institute’s website for a LEED class near you.
