by Fiona Hollis
There is a focus on building homes to satisfy energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints and place less strain on the environment.
Smart homes have highlighted how using technology can help meet these ends, but LEED projects could be coming to a town near you soon.
What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. From individual buildings and homes, to entire neighborhoods and communities, LEED is transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated. Comprehensive and flexible, LEED addresses the entire lifecycle of a building.
Participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. LEED provides building owners and operators the tools they need to immediately impact their building’s performance and bottom line, while providing healthy indoor spaces for a building’s occupants.
LEED projects have been successfully established in 135 countries. International projects, those outside the United States, make up more than 50% of the total LEED registered square footage. LEED unites us in a single global community and provides regional solutions, while recognizing local realities.
How it works
For commercial buildings and neighborhoods, to earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. Homes must earn a minimum of 45 points on a 136-point scale. Learn more
Learn about LEED
LEED is developed, implemented and maintained with the help of the LEED Committees. Focusing more on the application of LEED, the LEED International Roundtable identifies ways LEED can better meet the needs of global users. Together, these groups include representation from a variety of industries across the country and around the globe.
For for information visit: http://new.usgbc.org/leed