subject: Introduction to LEED [print this page] Introduction to LEED Introduction to LEED
In United States, A normal building account for 72% electricity consumption, 39% energy use, 38% carbon dioxide emissions, 30% waste output, 14% clean water consumption, and 40% raw materials. The one and the same building which is converted to a green building accounts to only 26% less energy use, 13% lower maintenance cost and 33% lower green gas emissions. This is the primary reason for the evolution of LEED.
LEED an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design was founded by U.S Green Building Council in 1993 to create sustainable building with huge benefits. The program was originally launched in 1998.
Categories:
LEED is divided into seven categories
1.Sustainable Sites - Training starting from site selection to parking of vehicles in an eco friendly manner will be provided. It includes less pollution during construction, wet land selection, usage of less energy consuming vehicles, etc.
2.Water Efficiency Here water management is perfectly explained. Less water consumption along with recycling of waste water will be implemented.
3.Energy & Atmosphere High energy consuming equipments are replaced. Low CFC refrigerators, Onsite renewable energy and geo thermal energy are implemented to obtain 35 % of total energy needed in the building through renewable resources.
4.Materials & Resources Products that are certified by Forest Steward council is used for wood furnishing. Basic building structure is maintained to avoid wastage of building materials.
5.Indoor Environmental Quality An essential section where the building is totally flushed out with air before occupancy. It is necessary to prohibit smoking inside building and to increase air ventilation make building live.
6.Innovation & Design Process It purely depends on the individual who undergoes the LEED process that attracts everyone with its design other than being eco friendly.
7.Regional Priority And finally the regional priority accompanies to accomplish the LEED Process.
Levels of LEED:
Different levels are earned based on the point
1. 40-49 - Certified
2. 50-59 - Silver
3. 60-69 - Gold
4. 80 & Above - Platinum
Highlighted Terms in LEED:
The following terms are used commonly in LEED Process. Only some are listed here to gain a quick outlook on the LEED Importance. A LEED Certified Building is one which has successfully undergone the LEED process. A LEED Accredited Professional (AP) title is given to a person who has passed the LEED Exam. LEED Credit is a sustainable energy able to be accepted.
Importance of LEED Certification:
It could be a question on "why to pursue a LEED Certification". It establishes eco friendly environment. It is a growing Client need and above all it possess national standard for buildings.
Reference Books:
Books on LEED are published to understand more about LEED Certification. Books like LEED for Homes, Green Interior Design & Construction 2009 Edition, Green Building Operation and Maintenance 2009 Edition describes LEED and its Implementation.
Rather than considering it as a course, it must be considered as your participation in developing an Eco friendly society where nature is undisturbed. The entire process ends in an exam finally to certify you to launch the work or service.
