A Ten-Point Summary of LEED Certification
Want to learn more about LEED? Are you concerned whether or not LEED certification is something you’d like to invest in for you project? Here’s a short 10 point summary of what L.E.E.D. certification can mean for your project.
Who created LEED? The LEED certification system for buildings was created by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization comprised of more than 20,000 member businesses and organizations and 78 local affiliates. LEED certification for buildings and professionals is managed by the Green Building Construction Institute (GBCI), an offshoot of the USGBC formed in 2008.
What projects are eligible for LEED? Various types of projects can become LEED certified.
- LEED-EBOM (Existing Buildings – Operations & Maintenance)
- LEED-ID&C (Interior Design & Construction)
- LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development)
- LEED-BD&C (Building Design & Construction)
- LEED for Homes
What kind of changes is LEED undergoing this year? LEED v3 is the most recent version of the LEED certification system. LEED v3 brought about changes to make LEED certification carry more meaning. The system was redeveloped to be more aware and inclusive of performance over time, better able to deal with emerging green technologies and practices, as well as becoming more regionally specific.
How is LEED organized? The LEED system is organized into 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). Based on the various measures taken during design and construction, each project will achieve a different combination of points in these categories.
Why go through the certification process? LEED buildings typically use resources more effectively when compared to traditional buildings that are built to code. Because of this, they are recognized as better for their surrounding environments.
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? While LEED projects may incur additional initial costs in attempting to achieve various LEED points, and LEED certification itself is an additional expense, economic payback may come in the form of lower utility bills, employee productivity gains, 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 quickly 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 allows you to take advantage of a growing number of state and local government incentives, and can help boost interest in your project.
One of the first steps 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.
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