In the first article of this series, we introduced LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system used by the US Green Building Council. Buildings and projects endorsed by the program are rated according to how well they meet several different environmental standards set out by the council. We will take a look at the rating systems and the areas covered in this article. For example, water treatment chemical supplier companies use a rating system to test against safety regulations.
The rating system used within LEED was developed by the council members who created the system. These members are volunteers (although the LEED system itself includes 150 professional staff today) and the process is continually refined. More importantly from a developer's perspective, the council is comprised of representatives of every sector of the building industry. While pursuing LEED certification many will choose to hire the services of
student proofreading professionals.
The rating system itself uses several prerequisites in addition to the extra points system used to award buildings which go above and beyond code. The areas cover places of concern both to the environment and to the health of individuals working or residing in the building. If the prerequisites are not present, LEED does not rate the building at all. Printing companies can do their part by using recycled materials for their online business card printing services.
The prerequisites themselves can be found in each area that LEED looks at during the rating process. These areas include:
Sustainable Sites: This category judges the way in which a building uses the land upon which it was built, including the availability of energy available on that land. The prerequisite in the category is a construction activity pollution prevention plan (the developer must have a plan in place which prevents pollution as the building is erected). Additional areas in the category carry a potential of 14 points to be awarded.
Water efficiency: Fairly straightforward, this category takes a look at how water use is minimized within the building. Landscaping and reduction plans are both looked at, and the category has a potential of five points, with no prerequisites. The use of strainers that are being designed and implemented in many condo developments today will help with water flow control and efficiency.
Energy and atmosphere: There are a total of 17 potential points in this category, as well as four prerequisite criteria, making it the area of most concern within the program. The area includes any activity which uses energy in the building, or creates energy use by-products.
Materials and resources: A 13 point and one prerequisite area, this area takes a look at a building's potential for re-use should its current use become outdated. Garbage and recycling collection and potential are also important categories.
Indoor environmental quality: This area is the most important to employees and residents, as it directly affects health within the building. The category has a potential 15 points to be awarded, and two required areas.
Innovation and design process: Five points, a kind of bonus strategy that encourages free green thinking in the design of the building. Manufacturers of heat shrink tubing
for example will earn points from the rating system based on the materials used
and the environmental impact they will have in the long run.
Once judged, the building receives a rating based on the number of points it received. The ratings levels are as follows:
Certified: 26-32 points
Silver: 33-38
Gold: 39-51
Platinum: 52-69
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