LEED Certification Helps the Environment
Are you interested in green building? If so, you may wish to learn more about LEED certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating systems are used to recognize buildings which follow international standards as they relate to environmentally friendly construction, maintenance, operation and sustainable design of buildings, both commercial and residential. Third party verification is needed to ensure that these sound building practices are followed and a LEED green associate is responsible for this task.
The green associate will come in and evaluate a building for energy efficiency and saving. He or she will also look as the proper management of natural resources, emission reduction and environmental quality and safety. The building will receive a rating based on what is found during this inspection.
The ratings used in this process were created by the US Green Building Council. This council consists of industry leaders and is run as a nonprofit organization. Not only do these experts and specialists from the construction and building offer their time, technical advisers are used. They help to ensure that the standards are both consistent and rigorous. The standards must all reflect sustainable building practices.
Governments at all levels make use of the LEED certification process for buildings which are owned or funded by the public. This rating system is now used throughout the world and buildings of all types have made use of the ratings system. The use of this system helps to protect the environment though the use of healthful and sustainable practices across the building industry.
There are four levels of LEED certification. The levels are certified, silver, gold and platinum. A building receives its rating based on its environmental sustainability. There are five categories that are looked at in the rating process: energy and atmosphere, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, sustainability and water efficiency.
When the LEED certification rating systems are used, buildings can lower their cost of operation. In addition, the ratings system may increase the value of the building and therefore the owner’s bottom line. Water usage is reduced and energy and water are conserved. The building is both healthier and safer for its occupants and greenhouse emissions are reduced. What a great way to help the environment.
