Leed Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is one of the most recognized green building certification systems in the world. Developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally respected mark of achievement in sustainable building.
History and Development
LEED was created to encourage and facilitate the development of environmentally friendly building practices. It was first introduced by the USGBC in 1993, with the first rating system launched in 2000. Since then, it has undergone numerous updates and refinements to better address the needs of the built environment and the challenges of sustainability.
Certification Process
To achieve LEED certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites and earn points based on specific environmental and sustainability criteria. These criteria cover a wide range of considerations, including energy use, air quality, water efficiency, and materials selection.
Projects are awarded points across several areas that address sustainability issues. They include:
- Sustainable Sites: Encourages strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources.
- Water Efficiency: Promotes smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption.
- Energy and Atmosphere: Focuses on energy performance, including energy use reduction and renewable energy sources.
- Materials and Resources: Encourages the selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Aims to improve indoor air quality and access to daylight and views.
The total number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification it receives. Levels range from Certified, Silver, Gold, to the highest level, Platinum.
Types of LEED Certification
LEED certification can be applied to a wide range of building projects, including new constructions, existing buildings, commercial interiors, and homes. Some specific types of LEED certification include:
- LEED for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C): Focuses on new constructions and major renovations.
- LEED for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C): Concerns the interior fit-out of tenant spaces.
- LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M): Targets existing buildings in operation.
- LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND): Combines principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building.
Global Use and Impact
Though originally developed for the United States, LEED has become a global standard. More than 100 countries and territories participate in the LEED program, making it a universal language in the field of sustainable building. It is often compared with other international green building rating systems, such as BREEAM in the United Kingdom and DGNB in Germany.
Notable LEED-certified buildings include Taipei 101, which achieved a Platinum rating, and Target Field, a professional sports stadium awarded LEED Silver Certification. These buildings demonstrate the wide applicability and impact of LEED standards across different types of structures.