Rising energy prices and progressive environmental pollution call for decisive, coordinated action. At the level of building design and construction, proof of concern for nature, as well as for the users of the property, is LEED certification. How can it be obtained?
LEED – what it is
The abbreviation LEED (from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) can be expanded in Polish as leadership in energy and environmental design. And LEED certification itself – what is it? The LEED system is a multi-criteria evaluation of buildings to demonstrate which properties have the lowest possible environmental impact. The LEED system was introduced by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the design, construction and operation of buildings.
LEED certification includes a broad set of criteria according to which buildings and entire developments are evaluated. The first LEED certification in Poland was awarded in 2009. Currently, there are already 246 buildings in the country that meet the strict requirements. There are more than 105,000 such properties worldwide, and specialists who can award LEED certification operate in 185 countries around the world.
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What is LEED certification used for?
LEED building certification was created to promote sustainable, green building projects. On the one hand, the requirements set by LEED certification encourage developers, general contractors and investors to strive to ensure the highest possible level of sustainability. It is also important information for potential buyers or users of such buildings. The entity responsible for the design and construction of the building gains reputation and respect, while those who use it have a sense of contributing to environmentally friendly activities.
In a broader, environmental context, LEED certification is said to bring relief to nature. LEED-certified buildings are energy- and water-efficient, and often show reduced environmental impact in other respects (e.g., lower noise emissions due to the use of highly insulating materials, less light pollution in the night sky due to implemented solutions – this can be verified by a noise survey).
LEED guidelines
Being LEED certified is quite an honor, so it’s not hard to figure out that LEED certification is not an easy process. Buildings (including at the construction stage), are evaluated in seven areas:
- Integrated design process, energy and environment,
- efficient water management,
- materials and natural resources,
- The quality of the indoor environment,
- location and transportation,
- sustainable terrain,
- innovation and regional priorities.
In each category, certain minimums must be met to apply for certification. In the course of the evaluation, credits are awarded. A total of 110 of them can be earned, of which 100 are basic credits and 10 are additional credits for innovation. Their sum determines the final level of the certificate:
- 80-110: Platinum,
- 60-79: Gold,
- 50-59: Silver,
- 40-49: Certified.
Below 40 points, the certificate is not awarded.
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LEED certification process
The path to LEED certification can be divided into 5 steps:
- Step 1: Initial building assessment. A certified specialist performs a visual inspection to see if it is worthwhile to begin the process of applying for certification.
- Step 2: Detailed analysis of the investment. Experts will take a close look at the project or building, paying particular attention to areas for improvement and performing tests, such as an air quality study, among others.
- Step 3: Implement the recommendation. Now the building is ready to officially apply for LEED.
- Step 4: Submit the investment documentation to the certification body. Here the final verification of the project will take place and a decision will be made on whether to grant/not grant the certificate.
- Step 5: Receive the certificate. It is issued indefinitely for new buildings and for 3 years for existing ones.
LEED certification – benefits
As a holistic system, LEED benefits everyone: the developer, contractor and user, as well as nature. The building features lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact, followed by further amenities for residents or users.
At the same time, the market value of the property increases, which translates into sales at a higher profit or higher rental income, but also into prestige and public trust. Green solutions are often one of the criteria for tenders or the selection of a contractor.
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