What is LEED Certification?
LEED is a green building rating system developed by the U.S.
Green Building Council (USGBC) that provides a set of standards
for sustainable construction. A building's sustainability is determined
by a point system along with certain prerequisites that must be met
in six categories. The categories are as follows:
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation and Design Process
Based on the number of points your building qualifies for, you will
fall into one of four different levels of certification, which are:
Platinum, 52-69 points
Gold, 39-51 points
Silver, 33-38 points
Certified, 26-32 points
LEED Certification is not just for new construction. Different
versions have been developed for neighborhood development,
existing buildings, tenant build-outs, white-box construction, retail,
schools and homes. (Refer to text below for more information
regarding LEED for Existing Buildings)
What are the advantages of LEED Certification?
LEED Certified buildings provide healthier environments to live and work. The elimination of toxic chemicals from building products and ample use of natural light boosts productivity, health and well-being. Also, due to the use of sustainable building materials and efficient use of resources, there is less stress to the environment locally and globally.
LEED Certified buildings are a good financial investment as well. They tend to be more energy efficient and over time allow the owner to save
significant amounts of money on energy costs. These buildings may appreciate in value at a faster pace than traditionally constructed buildings as potential buyers become more aware of the benefits of green building.
LEED Certified buildings are good for the local community. Local utility companies benefit throughreduced loads on power, water and sanitary sewer systems. The use of innovative building products and green design elements such as ample windows and greenery contributes to pleasant looking structures that enhance property values and may stimulate revitalization of entire neighborhoods. Our LEED certified architect has the experience needed to maximize your investment potential.
Any disadvantages?
The initial costs to design and build a LEED certified building are
higher than with traditional buildings. Also, design and construction
time may take a little longer. However, these costs tend to be
mitigated by savings on energy costs and a boost in worker
productivity.
LEED® for Existing Buildings
What is LEED for Existing Buildings?
LEED for Existing Buildings is a tool for the ongoing operations and maintenance of existing buildings. The rating system identifies and rewards current best practices and provides an outline for buildings to use less energy, water and natural resources; improve the indoor environment; and uncover operating inefficiencies. It is one tool within a suite of LEED assessment instruments developed by the USGBC to promote market transformation to sustainable building and operating practices.
What are the benefits of LEED for Existing Buildings?
LEED helps building owners and managers solve building problems,
improve building performance, and maintain and improve this performance over time. LEED reduces cost streams associated with
building operations, reduces environmental impacts, creates healthier and more productive employee workspaces, and provides public recognition for leadership in sustainability. The majority of requirements for LEED for Existing Building certification are operations and maintenance best practices. The process does not necessarily require any major upgrades, instead it promotes using performance records, testing and analysis and tracking resource use. LEED for Existing Buildings certification ensures your building is meeting its potential.
How is LEED for Existing Buildings different than other LEED rating systems?
LEED for New Construction and Commercial Interiors focus largely on the construction and/or major renovation phase of a building. When the project is complete and the building is in operation, LEED for New Construction and Commercial Interiors have performed their intended task. The intent of LEED for Existing Buildings is to certify the operation of the building and create a plan for ensuring high performance over time. The rating system captures both a buildings physical systems (equipment, design, land use, etc.) but also the way the building is occupied and operated by its managers (waste management, temperature monitoring, commuting programs, etc.).
A key goal of LEED for Existing Buildings is to institutionalize a process of reporting, inspection and review over the lifespan of the building. So when LEED is applied to new construction and commercial interiors, the one time act of renovating, constructing or tenant fit-out is certified. LEED for Existing Buildings certifies the completed and operated building as it functions on an ongoing basis.
Who should use LEED for Existing Buildings?
LEED for Existing Buildings helps building owners and managers solve building problems, and improve building life cycle performance. LEED is used by everyone from facility managers to operations contractors. LEED applies to the spectrum of facilities ranging from those wanting to identify efficiency improvement opportunities and put in place sustainable policies to those facilities in need of significant system and operational improvements.
LEED for Existing Buildings requires three months of operational data for an initial certification, any building construction must be complete for at least a three month span before LEED certification can be pursued. Existing buildings undergoing substantial renovations are eligible to become certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors, Existing Buildings (upon completion of the renovation and three months of occupancy/operation) or New Construction. Comparing the requirements of LEED for Existing Buildings to other LEED rating systems will help you determine which rating system is better suited to your project type.
How do I know if LEED for Existing Buildings is right for my
project?
USGBC encourages the project team to tally a potential point total using the rating system checklists for all possibilities. The project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum points required in a given rating system. If more than one rating system applies, then it is up to the project team to decide which one to pursue. If questions or concerns remain, please e-mail leedinfo_usgbc.org or call 202-828-7422.
How was LEED for Existing Buildings developed?
The LEED for Existing Buildings Core Committee, a group of experts representing various facets of the industry, developed a draft of the rating system (LEED for Existing Buildings Pilot Program Rating System) with input from the LEED Steering Committee. Technical Advisory groups, the Technical and Scientific Advisory Committee, and representatives from all major sectors of the building industry also guided the development of LEED for existing buildings. The rating system was piloted in 100 buildings to ensure its practicality as a tool for achieving sustainability. Comments on the pilot rating system received from pilot participants and members of the public guided revisions to the draft system, and the USGBC membership approved a final, balloted version of LEED for Existing Buildings in October of 2004.
Helpful tips to get started:
1.Review the LEED rating system to assess credit potential
2.Set your target certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
3.Assess what equipment will need upgrades
4.Assign responsibility for credits and for writing green policies
5.Make a budget
6.Make a timeline to optimize work and process flow
7.Register project to take advantage of USGBC resources
What is the process for LEED certification?
LEED Certification steps:
1.Register eligible building via www.usgbc.org
2.Identify and implement operational improvements and equipment
upgrades necessary to obtain certification
3.Prepare your application by documenting building performance
data and operational procedures
4.Submit certification application to the USGBC for review and
provide any supplemental information deemed necessary by the
reviewers
5.Receive a final LEED certification review from the USGBC
How often does a project need to re-certify under LEED?
Re-certification of LEED is required at least once every five years,
though buildings can re-certify annually. Annual certification might
be beneficial in cases where building operators want yearly
feedback on building performance for performance reviews and
budgets, or in cases where LEED certification scores are included
in lease agreements as a metric for quality of delivered space.
Applications for re-certification only require documentation of
changes in policies and performance data that have occurred since
initial certification.
Is there a minimum age for a building to participate in LEED
for Existing Buildings?
LEED for Existing Buildings requires buildings to be at least two years old before certifying. Buildings less than two years old can register projects and begin the performance period for certification, but will not be certified until two years have elapsed.
