1. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Planning for LEED®
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
Civil Engineering and Architecture
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2. Planning for LEED LEED Defined Green Building
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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3. LEED Defined Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
LEED Defined
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
The LEED Green Building Program was developed in 1999 by the USGBC. The LEED rating systems, and their related guides, help design teams make appropriate decisions related to sustainability for their projects in order to promote the effective integration of building systems.
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
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4. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
U.S. Green Building Council
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
The U.S Green Building Council advocates for a sustainable built environment through community and consensus building, education and the LEED Green Building Program.
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5. The Environmental Impact of Buildings
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
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6. Why LEED Certify? Reduce the building’s carbon footprint
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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 certification provides a marketable credential to an employer, prospective employer, or client.
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7. LEED for Building Design and Construction
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
The LEED rating systems include ratings for interior design and construction, building operations and maintenance, neighborhood development, and building design and construction. We will focus on LEED for building design and construction in this project.
[After presenting all categories of LEED, click]. We will concentrate on LEED for Homes in this presentation. Take careful notes so that you can incorporate LEED into your Affordable Home design.
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8. LEED for Homes Credit Categories
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
LEED for Homes Credit Categories
IP Innovative Process
LT Location and Transportation
SS Sustainable Sites
WE Water Efficiency
EA Energy and Atmosphere
MR Materials and Resources
EQ Indoor Environmental Quality
IN Innovation
RP Regional Priority
Design teams of architects, civil engineers, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) and landscape architects may coordinate the entire project together. The green building design movement will include more attempts at bringing outdated or under-performing buildings up to “Greener” levels.
The LEED rating systems include prerequisites and credits. Prerequisites are required elements that MUST be included in order for a project to be LEED certified. Credits are optional elements that project teams can elect to pursue to gain points toward varying levels of LEED certification.
The LEED rating system for homes includes eight credit categories listed on this slide.
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9. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
IP credits can be earned by involving multiple design professionals throughout the design and construction phases of the project, facilitating a design charrette, and providing training to trade workers on green building and their contributions to LEED certification. The Innovative Process credit is part of the Innovation credit category, which you will see later in this presentation.
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10. LT Location and Transportation
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
LT Location and Transportation
Encourages the placement of homes in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community
Courtesy Isle of Palms, SC Recreation Department
Discourages the use of sites within fragile ecosystems and encourages development of sites that border previously developed land or building on a previously developed site. Credits are also available for sites that provide access to open space and allow walking, biking, and public transit to nearby facilities.
©iStockphoto.com
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11. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
Sustainable site credits relate to site design in contrast to location and transportation credits which are dependent on the location of the site.
The site design should take into consideration the aesthetic and functional aspects of the landscape but also consider long-term effects. Site developers are encouraged to minimize the construction activity, apply low-impact landscaping and minimizing the area of non-permeable surfaces.
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12. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
WE Water Efficiency
Careful attention is given to promoting water conservation both indoors and outdoors
Water demand in the U.S. currently results in a 3.7 trillion-gallon water deficit—that is, Americans use 3.7 trillion gallons more than is returned to the natural water system.
Using captured rainwater or reusing “greywater” from home sinks and showers can provide a five-point LEED credit. Using water-efficient irrigation and installing high-efficiency shower heads, faucets, and urinals can greatly reduce water consumption in a building and reduce water and sewer utility costs.
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13. EA Energy and Atmosphere
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
EA Energy and Atmosphere
Promotion of on-site renewable energy resources and maximization of energy performance help protect the environment and human health.
The average LEED home uses 30 percent to 40 percent less electricity and saves more than 100 metric tons of CO2 [US Green Building Council, LEED v4 Home Design and Construction Guide].
Reducing the need for natural energy resources helps reduce pressure on the environment and make homes more healthful, comfortable, and durable. LEED credit is given to homes that exceed the ENERGY STAR performance requirements. Careful attention to insulation, air infiltration, window selection, heating and cooling systems, lighting , appliances, and water heating can greatly reduce energy consumption. Using renewable energy is also encouraged.
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14. MR Materials and Resources
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
MR Materials and Resources
Efficient use of environmentally preferable materials and minimizing the amount of waste during construction reduces negative impacts on the environment.
Credit can be obtained by minimizing waste, choosing environmentally friendly materials, and finding other uses for construction waste. Reclaimed and recycled-content materials can provide cost savings and reduce resource use. Many public and private waste management facilities now have implemented alternative methods to recycle construction debris which often involve separating construction debris at the job site. Efficient design, especially associated with structural framing can significantly reduce the volume of construction materials used (and the associated waste produced) in home construction.
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15. EQ Indoor Environmental Quality
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
EQ Indoor Environmental Quality
Reducing the creation of and exposure to pollutants can greatly improve the indoor air quality
IAQ (indoor air quality) has a significant impact on the building occupants. The health of occupants should be of utmost concern for the owner of the building. With proper venting, moisture control, air filtering, and distribution of heating and cooling, the IAQ can be protected.
Evaluating products used in home construction such as adhesives, paints, carpets, and composite products for potentially hazardous off-gases can reduce exposure to toxins. Using fresh air to dilute indoor pollution can also improve IAQ.
Another aspect of IAQ is occupant comfort. Careful planning and installation of sensors and controls to control temperature, humidity, and ventilation can help maintain occupant comfort.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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16. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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17. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
RP Regional Priority
Allows LEED project teams to address critical environmental issues in the specific project locale
Environmental issues are often localized. USGBC has identified distinct environmental priorities within specific areas of the country. Six RP credits are available for each locale that can include naturally occurring or man-made issues and reflect environmental concerns or utilize environmental assets. The six RP credits differ among rating systems and across the country.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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18. Four Levels of LEED for Homes Certification
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Four Levels of LEED for Homes Certification
LEED Certified
LEED Silver
LEED Gold
LEED Platinum
Architects plan for LEED deign credits to receive certification for the building. The number of points earned determines the level of certification. Platinum is the highest level of LEED certification for homes. A fee is charged to register for the LEED program. A separate certification fee is charged depending on the size of the project and the rating system used. The combined fees typically are less than $600 for a single family home.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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19. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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20. Home Size Adjustment Compared to ENERGY STAR reference home
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
The home can earn one point adjustment for every 4% decrease in conditioned floor area compared to the reference home. Homes larger than the reference lose one point for every 4% increase in conditioned floor area.
You will determine the home size adjustment for two- and three-bedroom homes in a future activity.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010

21. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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.
Mechanical systems and green building materials may have up-front costs due to special manufacturing methods during production.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010

22. Certification for Architects and Designers
Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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).
LEED Accredited Professionals use their training and experience to design the most sustainable buildings possible.
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23. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
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
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
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24. Planning for LEED
Civil Engineering and Architecture
Unit2– Lesson 2.3 – Residential Design
Image Resources
Isle of Palms Recreation Department. Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Istockphoto. Retrieved March 1, 2010, from
Microsoft, Inc. (2009). Clip art. Retrieved April 7, 2009, from
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