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LEED-certified commercial buildings – a green light for successful business
Design and architecture are constantly evolving artforms. Building styles change as tastes change. They also change as new materials become available. We make adjustments as we learn about unforeseen shortcomings in designs of the past. These days, there are things like building codes and certifications meant to prove that today’s designers and builders are following best practices. One of the most popular green building certifications in the world today is a LEED certification. Let’s take a look at why it’s such a popular option for business owners and property developers alike.
When LEED first started gaining traction, some builders were concerned with the possibility of added costs associated with green building materials, but as those costs have come down, the cost of a green building, when compared to conventional construction, have become very comparable. These days, LEED Certification is seen as a worthwhile investment in time and money. The benefits of going green can recoup the cost of certification in no time.
There are a number of ways a project earns points in the certification process, and the number of points determines the rating level. You can download the LEED certification checklist from the USGBC.org website. It shows you how you can earn points toward certifying your building, and it is a good roadmap when planning new structures.
LEED Certified Commercial Buildings come in four levels of certification:
Sustainable buildings can save you money. We’ve already talked a little bit about how they can earn you more money, but they can also save you money in a number of ways. Green buildings are generally more energy-efficient than conventional buildings and can save you money on your utilities. Lower operating costs give you flexibility when making decisions that affect the quality of life for your employees and clients. If your building is able to recycle rainwater to keep your green spaces growing, you can put the money you save on your water bill to better use somewhere else. In addition to that, maintaining green spaces itself drives business and can qualify you for tax credits, depending on your location. Some companies can qualify for tax breaks just for leasing space in a green building.
The comfort of the occupants of your building should be another point of focus. Using sustainable design principles and incorporating things like acoustical elements improve building tenant health, safety, functionality, and comfort. It is possible to achieve acoustic performance credits toward your LEED Certification for cutting down on the noise pollution in your building. Acoustic panels and treatments are something that are often tackled in the planning phase, but they also fall into an area where business owners can retrofit their existing location to meet the requirements and earn points.
What is LEED Certification?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it provides third-party verification of sustainable buildings. It was created by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a private, membership-based non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. There are five main categories that LEED rating systems fall into. Those categories are: Building design and construction, interior design and construction, operations and maintenance, homes, and neighborhood development.- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80 points and above