The term LEED is so prevalent in construction and design jargon that it has gone mainstream, even making it into the dialogue of a popular television drama.
So what is it? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a designation created by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure how well a structure stacks up in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity. It began with specific criteria for new commercial construction, but has expanded in recent years to include many other categories.
Now there are LEED standards for existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell construction, homes, neighborhood development and schools. Each category includes several levels of performance. Meeting the minimum standards results simply in LEED certification. Buildings that go above and beyond may be certified as LEED silver, gold or platinum — the highest level of achievement.
On April 27, the council will roll out an updated version of the program, called LEED v3, to address new energy-use priorities and carbon dioxide emissions. Specifics about new credits and standards are outlined on the council’s Web site.
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Has LEED become the standard for new commercial construction?
“Absolutely. LEED buildings outperform standard construction in energy reduction, water reduction, indoor environmental quality and productivity gains, as well as in the real estate markets.”
Tom Hootman, Director of sustainability
“LEED has become standard across the
Will Bruder, President
“I don’t believe LEED is the standard just yet, but it is quickly becoming one, along with Energy Star.”
Luis Huertas, Project architect
“LEED is not the standard. However, we are finding that more owners are at least requesting sustainable design, if not formally certified by LEED. It’s not standard because there is a perception of increased costs for construction of a LEED building.”
Neal Jones, Principal
“Sustainable design is the new standard for commercial design and construction. The decision to seek LEED certification is a complicated one and may not make sense for every project.”
Mike Davis, Principal
What are the most challenging aspects of designing to LEED standards?
“Some owners are on top of the LEED requirements and initiatives, and others are not. In a lot of cases, the process is not as collaborative as it could be, and we end up guiding and directing the ship.”
Jeff Stanton, Vice president and sustainable design leader SmithGroup
“Developers often want ‘LEED-like’ or ‘LEED lite’ at a lower price.”
Will Bruder
“The costs associated with LEED certification are considerable and don’t always fit with the budgetary constraints of a project.”
Mike
“We find that having an experienced team helps you navigate some of the ambiguities and areas of interpretation in LEED.”
Tom Hootman
“Helping the client understand the long-term benefits of sustainable design of LEED can be a challenge. However, a life-cycle cost analysis does effectively illustrate the benefits of LEED.”
Neal Jones
What changes or new categories would you like to see in LEED?
“A new category that would address criminal justice projects, like border stations, law enforcement and correctional facilities, and courthouses.”
Neal Jones
“New LEED standards should seek to improve on the applicability of certain credits to varying climatic regions. LEED also needs to integrate infrastructure projects and site/landscape design better.”
Luis Huertas
“We’d like to see more credit for social and economic sustainability, including beauty, adaptability, productivity, health and well-being.”
Tom Hootman
“LEED should not be a choice, but a given, as it becomes part of every community’s requirements for a building permit — just like structural integrity and (Americans with Disabilities Act requirements) are now.”
Will Bruder