Planning for LEED ® © 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc.Civil Engineering and Architecture Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED ® and its related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council ® and is used by permission

Planning for LEED LEED Defined Green Building Environmental Impact of Buildings Why LEED certify? LEED for Building Design and Construction LEED for Homes Credit Categories Four Levels of LEED Certification Home Size Adjustment Cost of LEED Certification for Architects and Designers

LEED Defined L eadership in E nergy and E nvironmental D esign The LEED Green Building Program—An independent certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that provides rating systems for the design, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenance of high performance green buildings

Green Building Planning, design, construction, operations, and end-of-life recycling of structures Solutions that represent a healthy and dynamic balance between environmental, social, and economic benefits Triple Bottom Line—a long term view for assessing potential effects and best practices for: –People –Planet –Profit U.S. Green Building Council

The Environmental Impact of Buildings In the United States buildings account for: 14% of potable water consumption 30% of waste output 40% of raw material use 38% of carbon dioxide emissions 24% to 50% of energy use 72% of electricity consumption Source: Environmental Protection Agency (2009). Buildings and their Impact on the Environment: A Statistical Summary

Why LEED Certify? Reduce the building’s carbon footprint Improve productivity of building occupants Reduce operating and maintenance costs Receive recognition for your commitment to environmental issues in your community, your organization, and industry Receive third-party validation of achievement Qualify for federal, state, and local government financial initiatives Receive positive marketing exposure

LEED for Building Design and Construction New construction Core and shell Data Centers Hospitality Schools Retail Healthcare Warehouses and Distribution Centers Homes Multifamily Mid-rise

LEED for Homes Credit Categories IP Innovative Process LTLocation and Transportation SS Sustainable Sites WE Water Efficiency EA Energy and Atmosphere MR Materials and Resources EQ Indoor Environmental Quality INInnovation RP Regional Priority

IP Innovative Process Effectively implementing an integrated design process, with input from multiple stakeholders, can keep cost down and ensure appropriate integration of green building techniques

LT Location and Transportation Encourages the placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community ©iStockphoto.com Courtesy Isle of Palms, SC Recreation Department

SS Sustainable Site The site is designed to minimize the project’s impact on the environment and takes into consideration local and regional ecosystems, environmental preservation, and long- term management needs

WE Water Efficiency Careful attention is given to promoting water conservation both indoors and outdoors

EA Energy and Atmosphere Promotion of on-site renewable energy resources and maximization of energy performance help protect the environment and human health.

MR Materials and Resources Efficient use of environmentally preferable materials and minimizing the amount of waste during construction reduces negative impacts on the environment.

EQ Indoor Environmental Quality Reducing the creation of and exposure to pollutants can greatly improve the indoor air quality

IN Innovation Points can be earned for design and construction techniques that use innovative green strategies, provide exemplary performance levels, or incorporate regional best practices

RP Regional Priority Allows LEED project teams to address critical environmental issues in the specific project locale

Four Levels of LEED for Homes Certification LEED Certified LEED Silver LEED Gold LEED Platinum

Home Size Larger homes consume more resources and result in more greenhouse gases LEED Home Size Adjustment allows for a reduction in credit point requirements for smaller homes

Home Size Adjustment Compared to ENERGY STAR reference home +1 point for every 4% decrease in conditioned floor space –1 point for every 4% increase in conditioned floor space

Cost of LEED Green buildings can return cost savings depending on the design strategies for the structure. Some green designs may cost more up front, but they can save money due to lower operating costs during the life of the building.

Certification for Architects and Designers Certification can be obtained by design professionals through classes, seminars, and testing. Once training is complete, designers can become a LEED AP ® (Accredited Professional).

References The Royal Academy of Engineering (2005). Engineering for sustainable development: guiding principles. Royal Academy of Engineering: London. U.S. Green Building Council. Getting started with LEED Homes. Retrieved from

Image Resources Isle of Palms Recreation Department. Isle of Palms, SC Istockphoto. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from Microsoft, Inc. (2009). Clip art. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from