Sustainability is an area of increasing focus in architecture and construction, and LEED green buildings are at the forefront of this movement. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an international rating system and designation given to buildings that meet certain criteria for being environmentally friendly. LEED-certified buildings are not only good for the environment but also for the people who occupy them.
LEED green buildings have been designed and constructed to meet certain criteria set forth by the LEED rating system and have been awarded LEED certification. The goal of LEED is to promote sustainable building practices and reduce the environmental impact of buildings. LEED green buildings are designed to use less energy, water, and other resources, and they generate less waste and pollution.
LEED certification is available for all types of buildings at all phases of development, including new construction, major renovations, and existing buildings. To achieve LEED certification, a project or existing building must earn points by meeting various LEED credit requirements. These prerequisites are grouped into six categories:
Buildings and projects attempting to achieve LEED certification are evaluated in each of these categories and given a score based on the number of LEED credits earned.
There are various LEED rating systems. The specific rating system that applies to a particular project depends on the type of building and the phase of development. The different LEED rating systems are:
To be eligible for LEED certification, projects must accumulate a minimum of 40 points. Depending on the number of points the building or project earns, it's then awarded one of four LEED certification levels:
There are many reasons to seek LEED green certification for your building or project, including:
For your project or building to become LEED-certified, follow these steps:
All LEED projects, regardless of the rating system, must satisfy the LEED minimum program requirements (MPRs). These state that LEED green buildings must:
All LEED projects are certified under a single rating system. If several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project, the 60/40 rule applies:
Defining the LEED project scope involves stating which rating system will be used, which LEED credits the project will attempt to earn, and what the LEED project boundaries are. Creating a LEED project roadmap is a key step in the LEED certification process. This is a document that outlines the LEED project team's goals, strategies, and milestones for achieving LEED certification.
Before a LEED project can begin the certification process, it must be registered with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which is the organization that manages LEED certification.
To apply for LEED certification, the project team must submit an application and supporting documentation to GBCI. The supporting documentation includes things such as floor plans, LEED calculation worksheets, and LEED-required third-party documentation.
After the LEED application and supporting documentation have been reviewed and approved, the project team must pay a LEED certification fee. The fee is based on the project's size and type.
After the LEED certification fee has been paid, GBCI will assign a LEED reviewer to the project. The LEED reviewer's job is to review the LEED documentation and make sure that the project meets all the requirements for LEED certification.
Once the LEED reviewer has determined that the project meets all the requirements, the project is awarded LEED certification.
Bison supplies products that are manufactured in an environmentally sensitive and efficient manner. Using our products in your project can help you accumulate points in the Materials and Resources category for LEED certification. If you are working on a LEED project, please contact us to learn more about how our products can help you achieve LEED certification.