Solar panels on a home can earn points toward LEED certification.
LEED certification is recognition that a building or construction project can achieve by using environmentally friendly building practices during construction or renovation. The name is an acronym that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is the Green Building Rating System developed by the US Green Building Council. The model was developed in 1998 to encourage environmental awareness among government agencies. , architects, engineers, developers and builders.
LEED certification is awarded to owners of commercial buildings that meet specific sustainability standards set by the US Green Building Council.
There are four different levels at which LEED certification can be earned: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, and they are determined by a point or credit system. A building or project can achieve LEED certification by submitting an application documenting compliance with the requirements established in the rating system. The Green Building Council issues LEED certification after a successful application, review, and verification of compliance. There are fees associated with this certification.
Wind turbines can be included in construction projects to provide electricity.
While building design and construction have used green practices in the past, LEED was developed to provide a streamlined set of building standards. The government has been working to create a sustainable green building model, achieving certification for many of its state buildings. To increase the number of new and reconstructed buildings that qualify for LEED certification, the government also offers many incentives within the construction industry, including subsidies and tax breaks depending on the level of LEED certification achieved.
Environmental engineering can play a consulting role in the design and construction of manufacturing facilities to green standards.
LEED professional accreditation can also be earned by individuals, contractors, project managers, and other industry professionals. Professional accreditation demonstrates that an individual or business is well versed in the LEED system and can work with other individuals and developers to oversee the construction process and follow the guidelines to achieve certification.
Some of the practices used or observed for LEED certification include the use of recycled material, the elimination or reduction of the amount of waste leaving a job site, the reuse of existing material, the use of sustainable green building material, and the use of low-emitting materials, such as caulking and sealants.
Certification can be obtained for both new construction and renovations. The Green Building Council has awarded LEED certification to a number of new construction projects in the state of California, including the Department of Motor Vehicles in San Ysidro and the Department of Education in Sacramento, both of which are Gold certified. Many other states can also boast certified government buildings, and this has largely been achieved in the private sector as well.