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Learn all about LEED certification, its benefits to your project, how to prepare for accreditation, and the concept of sustainability in building design.
Published 27 Mar 2023
LEED or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certificate is a rating system that assesses a building’s environmental performance to create eco-friendly structures. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) awards this to new and old developments that meet a set of criteria for sustainable design.
The main goal of sustainable design is to improve the environmental performance of buildings by ensuring the health and safety of their occupants and reducing its negative impacts on the environment today and in the years to come.
This perfectly aligns with the United Nations’ definition of sustainability, which is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
With those principles in mind, here are the criteria that the USGBC set and continuously reviews in developing or revamping structures:
Although these cannot be precisely measured immediately as the criteria enumerated above, the USGBC also considers the following as priorities when awarding certifications for sustainable design:
The construction sector is said to account for a third of the total energy demand in 2021. It is also a huge contributor to carbon emissions in the same year. Fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within organizations across industries is a must today. But aside from minimizing one’s environmental impact or getting LEED certified, going green has great advantages for companies.
Getting LEED-certified is not just a nice perk or accessory. The US General Service Administration (GSA) uses the USGBC system to evaluate and measure sustainable design in building projects, especially for federal or state structures.
Whether you were assigned a government project or just want to uphold sustainability in your construction undertaking, here are some tips for preparing for accreditation.
USGBC’s provisions vary depending on the construction plan. Do check the LEED certification guide for specifics.
The points to be earned will depend on the level of certification your company is aiming for. There are four to choose from.
It is best to review your building’s level of sustainability based on the different criteria before applying so you can choose which level suits your plan best.
USGBC does not certify construction materials. However, they partner with different manufacturers so that the latter can produce more sustainable materials. This also helps their applicants choose better materials for their construction.
Yes. Historic buildings can enhance sustainability by incorporating modern technology while preserving their aesthetics and cultural value. Century-old libraries, schools, and homes have been LEED-certified, successfully adapting to modern times without losing their old-world charm.
No. USGBC also offers certification to professionals (engineers, architects, builders) who want to help build green structures and uphold sustainability best practices in the construction sector. People vying to be a LEED green associate must pass an examination before getting the credentials. Learn more about this on their website.
Getting the sought-after LEED certification for your project is a good first step to achieving sustainability that will benefit the people around you and the environment they work in. There is no doubt that working towards this is a challenge. However, this is not impossible, especially when you have SafetyCulture at your side.
Eunice Arcilla Caburao
Eunice is a content contributor for SafetyCulture. A registered nurse, theater stage manager, Ultimate Frisbee athlete, and mother, Eunice has written a multitude of topics for over a decade now.
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