Chapter 2: About LEED

A workshop where participants brainstorm, discuss, and develop strategies to create a shared vision for a project, organization, or community, focusing on LEED goals.

Evaluation of the possibility of achieving LEED credits within a project.

All parties involved in construction or use of a building (owner, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, etc.) are crucial for success.

All stakeholders (owner, tenants, etc.) must be enthusiastic about green building for success.

A preliminary document outlining the LEED goals and the roles of team members, ultimately leading to a LEED rating.

Lack of experience in high-performance buildings can lead to problems; seek expert guidance.

Consultants can guide teams through the LEED process, including the Charrette, and offer training classes.

LEED reviewers actively assists project teams with challenges and guides them towards success.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a globally recognized green building certification system that assesses and awards points for buildings that meet certain sustainability standards.

LEED was created to define 'green building' with a common standard, promote whole-building design, recognize environmental leadership, stimulate green competition, raise awareness of green building benefits, and transform the building market.

LEED evaluates a building's performance throughout its life cycle based on specific criteria and awards points for achieving sustainability goals. Points are grouped into categories like energy efficiency, water conservation, and material selection.

LEED certification saves money over the building's lifetime, primarily through lower operating costs, increased building value, higher occupancy rates, and higher rents.

LEED certified buildings have healthier work and living environments, which contributes to higher productivity and improved employee health and well-being.

Implementing a LEED strategy benefits society by improving air and water quality, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices.

Implementing LEED certification can increase initial design and construction costs due to the need for research, understanding of sustainable principles, and higher standards of service.

Meeting LEED standards can involve complex requirements, leading to potential misunderstandings between design, construction, and client teams, possibly causing delays.

LEED projects must meet specific area requirements depending on the rating system. For example, BD+C projects need at least 1,000 square feet, while ID+C projects need 250 square feet.

Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) are mandatory criteria for LEED certification. These define project eligibility and ensure compliance with the LEED rating system.

Projects that don't meet the Minimum Program Requirements may have their LEED certification revoked. This means they won't be recognized as sustainable buildings.

LEED certification process involves a series of steps: Registration, Application, Preliminary Review, Final Review, Acceptance or Appeal.

The first step in the certification process where you officially start your LEED journey.

Submitting your project information and supporting documentation to the USGBC for review.

Initial assessment by LEED reviewers to ensure your project meets basic requirements and guidelines.

Detailed evaluation by LEED reviewers to determine if your project meets all credit requirements.

Upon completion of the final review, your project is either accepted and certified or you can appeal.

If your project fails to achieve certification, you can appeal the decision based on specific evidence or arguments.

The process of officially submitting your project for LEED certification, requiring project details and fees. This step initiates the formal review and certification process.

Costs associated with officially registering your project with the LEED program. Fees vary based on your membership status with the USGBC.

The final payment required upon submitting your project for LEED certification review. The amount depends on the project's size and the chosen rating system.

Registering early allows more time to incorporate LEED principles into the project design and provides opportunities for early review and feedback, reducing potential redesign efforts later.

Submitting your project for LEED registration before the design process begins. This allows for more time to strategically plan green features into the project.

A process for project teams to challenge a denied LEED credit or prerequisite if they believe sufficient grounds exist.

Official recognition given to a building that successfully meets LEED standards and earns enough points.

Changes and corrections made to the LEED requirements over time, ensuring the system stays up-to-date.

The date when a project is registered for certification, determining the applicable LEED requirements.

LEED certification for entire neighborhoods, divided into stages for review and final certification.

Three stages of assessment for LEED ND certification: design review, approved plan review, and final certification.

Three stages of review for LEED ND certification: Design review, Approved plan review, and Final certification.

Target a higher point score than your desired certification level to account for potential credit denials.

Aiming for more points than needed allows for potential deductions without losing certification.

Regularly check the USGBC website for updates and errata to ensure you're using the latest requirements.