Emerald Blog

What is LEED?

Written by Laura Steinbrink | Mar 22, 2019 2:20:38 PM

Works for every building type - from homes to universities at all phases of design and development. Projects pursuing certification earn credits points across key areas – The Site, Water and Energy Efficiency, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality – addressing a wide range of sustainability strategies. Based on the number of points earned, a project then achieves one of four LEED rating levels signifying a level of sustainability and performance green building: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

 

Certified buildings are markedly more resource efficient than a typical building. While reducing costs, they use less water and energy while generating less waste and climate changing emissions.

LEED was developed to address all building types no matter location or age. It can be applied to new construction and to historic renovations, heavy industrial facilities, or small commercial office spaces. Whether it is a hospital, school, apartment, factory, office building, museum or data center, there’s a path towards achieving LEED certification.

 

The U.S. Green Building Council and its LEED green building rating systems are propelling the green building industry and pushing building owners to realize that sustainable, green buildings are a win for their companies, building occupants, communities, and the environment.

 

LEED is designed to inspire developers, corporations, government organizations, and project teams to seek innovative solutions that do not necessarily increase first-costs and often actually produce dramatic operational cost savings. On average, over 75% of a building’s lifecycle cost is attributed to operations whereas roughly 15% is in first cost. LEED provides a framework for balancing first cost with lifecycle cost to assure more efficient and durable design

How Do You Achieve LEED Certification For Your Structure?