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Getting LEED Certified: The Points System Explained
Author : Marianne Conway
Whether you're constructing a commercial center or renovating an office building, getting LEED certified is one of the best ways to ensure that your structure is built to be earth-friendly.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification was developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to recognize structures and communities that reduce their impact on the environment, preserve natural resources, and provide a healthy place for people to live or work.
To achieve certification, applicants are awarded 100 possible LEED points that correspond to the key aspects of a sustainable structure. For commercial interiors, they are: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. They can also earn 10 bonus points for innovation in design and regional priority.
A minimum of 40 points is required to be certified. Those who achieve higher than 40 points are awarded with distinct levels of certification: Silver for 50+ points, Gold for 60+ points and Platinum for 80+ points.
One of the first LEED Platinum certified carbon-neutral buildings in the world is The Aldo Leopold Foundation Headquarters in Fairfield, Wisconsin. Sporting the second-largest solar electric system in Wisconsin, the building also uses geothermal energy and features a good passive solar design that uses natural daylight and shade for heating and cooling purposes.
LEED Performance Measures
To get LEED certified, study and apply the guidelines for each performance measure or credit category. Depending on what type of structure you submit for certification, some of the criteria are given higher points than others which will give you an idea of what areas you need to prioritize before you construct your building.
Sustainable Sites. This category awards points for structures that reduce their impact on the ecosystems and waterways, decrease erosion and pollution, and allows for accessible public transportation.
Water Efficiency. Points are earned in this category when buildings use appliances, fixtures or structures that reduce water consumption.
Energy & Atmosphere. To earn points in this category, buildings can use or even combine a wide variety of energy - saving strategies such as: installing energy-efficient appliances, using renewable sources of energy, and monitoring electricity use.
Materials & Resources. This category rewards the use of sustainable and Eco-friendly building materials as well as efforts to recycle and reuse available resources.
Indoor Environmental Quality. Since most traditional construction materials cause poor indoor air quality, this category encourages the use of materials and strategies that will help promote healthier interiors for the building's occupants.
Locations & Linkages. A category used for the LEED for Homes rating system, this gives points for residences that are strategically located within a community that allows the use of public transportation and encourages physical activity.
Awareness & Education. This LEED for Homes category credits builders and real estate professionals who provide information for owners and tenants about how to maximize the green features of their homes.
Innovation in Design. Bonus points can be earned in this category if the project uses innovative techniques to improve their structure's performance and employs a LEED Accredited Professional to work with them in the project.
Regional Priority. Additional points are also awarded for those who address the environmental concerns and local priorities that the USGBC identified for particular regions.
Getting LEED certified is more than just a high distinction. Accredited buildings can receive economical benefits such as tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives. More importantly, the LEED seal of approval affirms a builder's commitment to preserve natural resources, to protect human health, and to save the environment.
Author's Resource Box
Learn more about environmentally friendly building materials by clicking on this link: Eco-friendly building materials. You will be happy you took action so your upcoming building project is as green and Eco-friendly as possible!
Article Source:
Articlebliss
Tags: Ecofriendly building materials, LEED certification, Green Building, Sustainable Sites
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Submitted : 2011-05-14 Word Count : 588 Popularity: 22 Times Viewed: 53
