LEED certification - learn all about LEED rating system
In this article we will explain the basics of the U.S. Green Building Council & LEED and how green building benefits both our lives and the planet we inhabit. We will look specifically at the LEED Certification, without doubt the dominant green building qualification in the global real estate industry today.
LEED buildings consider both the human aspect, working to create a healthy indoor environment for its occupiers, while also reducing the building’s environmental impact - from waste management, to energy use, water consumption, materials selection and more.
From motivation boosts to an increase of life expectancy, living and working in a healthy environment benefits humans in a variety of ways. Spending eight hours sitting in a poorly lit office filled with stale air on the other hand, not only impacts the productivity of the office workers but can have a negative affect on their lives outside of the building too.
Working and living in poor indoor conditions (often referred to as ‘sick building syndrome’) has been linked to numerous psychosomatic issues including migraines, insomnia, stress and obesity.
By implementing the LEED green building approach, you are minimizing these risks by optimizing an indoor space for better performance, creating a healthier environment for you and your team, whilst minimizing negative impact on the planet.
What does LEED certification mean?
Developed by the non-profit organisation named U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is a “green building” certification program for the real estate industry.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is an internationally recognized eco building certification which includes a unique rating system for the construction, design, maintenance and functionality of environmentally responsible buildings.
How does a LEED building make a difference?
Through different media outlets we hear news about the fragile state of our ecosystems on a daily basis. Real estate is a major contributor to the future health of our planet and so LEED identifies the key metrics that environmentally responsible buildings need to consider in order to promote the wellbeing of its users as well as that of the planet.
The goals of LEED certified buildings include:
Energy savings
Water efficiency
CO2 emissions reduction
Improved indoor environmental quality
Stewardship of natural resources and the sensitivity to their impacts
What is the purpose of LEED?
Improving the real estate industry’s impact on environmental and human health metrics is LEED’s mission. Healthy building certification gives real estate developers and building operators with a framework for practical and efficient building design, construction and maintenance solutions.
In conclusion, LEED’s main objective is providing a safe, sustainable and productive living or work environment.
Advantages and solutions
A common misconception around eco-friendly real estate is that it equates to additional CAPEX and OPEX costs for the building owner, as well as adding to a project’s delivery timeline.
In reality, LEED can be a long-term cost-saver when applied correctly and integrated into the development process, something known as Integrative Design, resulting in highly efficient commercial and residential buildings that are in a way ‘future-proofed’.
Many ESG property funds are now looking for such sustainable credentials when making real estate investments, another reason to build green.
How has the LEED rating system evolved over time?
Ever since it was introduced, LEED has been in a process of constant evolution to more accurately represent and implement the latest sustainable building techniques and technologies, as well as healthy building principles with a human or social focus.
Four different versions of the LEED rating system have been released over the years, right up to the current LEED V4.1 in use today.
Accredited Professionals (APs) and Green Associates (GAs) are required to stay up to date with the latest iterations of the system in order to ensure their work in the real estate sector is delivered in line with current benchmarks in green building excellence.
Green Building Certification levels
LEED ratings are classified into five different categories which in turn have a number of sub-categories used to reflect the specific genre of green building project in question, with the prerequisites:
Green Building Design & Construction
LEED for New Construction
LEED for Core & Shell
LEED for Schools
LEED for Retail: New Construction and Major Renovations
LEED for Healthcare
Green Interior Design & Construction
LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors
Green Building Operations & Maintenance
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
Green Neighborhood Development
LEED for Neighborhood Development
Green Home Design and Construction
LEED for Homes
The various LEED rating scales are:
Certified: 40-49 points
Silver: 50-59 points
Gold: 60-79 points
Platinum: 80 points or above
LEED certification process
After fulfilling the previously stated requirements, certification is admitted by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) which handles the third-party verification of a project’s concurrence with the LEED requirements.
LEED certification fees are applied during the process of registering the building and submitting the design and construction applications. The price of the fees can vary depending on the size of the project starting from around 2000 USD.
The entire application process is then handled through an online service which is filled with PDF forms that allow project teams to fill out credit forms and upload additional documentation.
Why is LEED certification important?
Even though we have previously stated the numerous benefits of environmental design, it’s crucial to mention that the biggest advantage of LEED is providing a sustainable framework for construction, design and maintenance of new and existing buildings.
We are great supporters of and professionals trained in the LEED certification process. Biofilico offers eco interior design services, green building consultancy and ESG advisory services for real estate development funds.
If you wish to discuss a certain type of certification for a real estate project, contact us here.