With so many buildings on the rise, sustainability and environmental responsibility are hugely important. LEED certification plays a major role in ensuring that the structures you build make the least impact on the environment.
The term LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification system that is globally used to evaluate a building’s environmental performance. This certification was developed by the US Green Building Council also known as USGBC to promote sustainable practices while building any structure. If your building earns a LEED certification, it means that your structure has met a specific set of green building standards.
Since this certification ensures that you build responsible structures, it helps create resource-efficient buildings. The LEED certification sets a benchmark for ensuring that everyone keeps the environment in mind when designing and operating buildings.
If your building has LEED certification, it is as beneficial to its occupants as it is to you.
Energy Efficiency: You need to incorporate energy-efficient systems and renewable energy resources to get LEED Certifications. This means that buildings with LEED certification are energy efficient. They consume less power and have lower utility bills compared to other conventional buildings.
Water Conservation: To get a LEED Certification, your buildings must be designed to use water efficiently. You can do this by using water-saving technologies like low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation systems that can conserve water and reduce costs.
Improved Indoor Air Quality: LEED Certification is only given to buildings that prioritize indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for their occupants. This means such buildings will have low-emitting materials and ventilation that enhances air circulation.
Environmental Impact: When a building optimizes its energy and water usage along with improving its air quality, it minimizes that building’s impact on the environment
Increased Property Value: Nowadays potential buyers and tenants are all looking for sustainable and energy-efficient spaces. Having a LEED certificate at this time is a valuable investment.
Enhanced Occupant Satisfaction: Naturally, a more sustainable and efficient building increases the satisfaction of the people who are staying there because it contributes to their overall well-being
Read on if you are interested in knowing how to get a LEED Certification.
You start by registering your project with the USGBC. Pay the registration fee and give the basic information about the building.
Keep all LEED requirements in mind while you plan your project.
Document everything you have done in compliance with LEED Standards. Keep enough evidence of all the sustainable practices you have implemented, such as energy-efficient designs.
Once your documentation is complete, you can submit it to the USGBC for them to review it.
Once they evaluate the project and its compliance with all the LEED standards, you will be rewarded a LEED Certificate. There are different levels of LEED Certifications.
This certification is determined based on the number of points you earn during evaluation. It indicates the degree to which your building meets the sustainability criteria. Your building can be categorized into any of the four following levels
Here are the main factors that are evaluated when you apply to get a LEED Certification
Sustainable Sites: This evaluates how your building impacts its surroundings. Here factors like your selection of the site, the transportation options available, etc are paid special attention.
Water Efficiency: You must demonstrate the building’s efficient water use indoors and outdoors. It includes making sure you have installed water-saving mixtures and reduced irrigation needs as much as you can.
Energy and Atmosphere: Your building must have renewable energy sources along with the energy-saving strategies you have implemented.
Material and Resources: It is best that you prioritize recycled and locally sourced materials. You need to also showcase all the waste reduction practices you have implemented.
Indoor Environmental Quality: LEED certification gives special importance to buildings that prioritize indoor air quality along with natural light and thermal comfort because they make it healthy and comfortable for occupants.
Innovation and Design: There are always additional points to earn if you implement innovative design strategies and more sustainable practices beyond what is required.
