LEED basics

what and how

• What is it? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, is a third-party rating system that determines whether a building design is green or not. According to U.S. Green Building Council, "LEED is transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated. Comprehensive and flexible, LEED addresses the entire lifecycle of a building."
• How does it work? LEED is run by a point system. For commercial buildings to earn a LEED certification, a project has to earn a minimum of 40 points on a 110-point LEED scale. Homes, on the other hand, are required to earn a minimum of 45 points on a 136-point scale. 

the rating system

• How does it work? The rating system is composed of different categories that depend on what type of building project you're working on. For instance, the criteria for a a LEED healthcare facility is going to have different requirements than a LEED home. Within those rating systems there are credit categories that act as guidelines or a checklist when your building green. After all is said and done, depending on your LEED score card determined by your criteria, the LEED professionals will rate your LEED building as platinum, silver, or gold. (The more LEED points, the higher the rating)

    

             

benefits of LEED

• Although green building is costly in the construction phase, one huge benefit LEED buildings offer are the reduced maintenance and operating costs over time. Over time LEED buildings can save so much of these costs that they end up paying off the initial fee of construction.
• Conserve energy and water
• Better indoor air quality
• Healthy environment for occupants
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Better employee relationships
• Increase asset value
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities

Still want a better idea of how LEED works?

Click on the video below for a quick visual run through.

Click Here for more information about LEED