i+D - September/October 2019 - 40

There are more than
46,400 LEED-certified
commercial projects
and nearly 500,000
certified residential
units in 175 countries
and territories.
(Image: Jeff Goldberg)

LEED and the Climate Solution
Buildings are responsible for nearly 40 percent of global energy-related CO2.
By greening the building sector, the A&D community is part of a climate
solution that can improve lives. Launched in 2000 by the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
is the most widely used green building rating system in the world-and
it's available for virtually all buildings, communities, and residential projects,
according to Melissa Baker, senior vice president, LEED Technical Core
for the USGBC. There are more than 46,400 LEED-certified commercial
projects and nearly 500,000 certified residential units in 175 countries
and territories.
"It's important that designers and architects be able to explain the benefits
and role LEED plays in helping clients reach their goal," says Baker. In
addition to the social and health reasons for building green, there's
substantial research that shows green is good for business. "From cost
savings to sale and rental premiums, green buildings can support every
market and every community," she adds. "So, the question to clients
should be, 'Why wouldn't you build green?'"
Under the latest version, LEED v4.1, project teams will find rating systems
for new construction, interior spaces, existing buildings, residential projects,
cities, and communities, as well as recertification. Residential project teams
most likely will use one of the LEED v4.1 Residential rating systems, which
include LEED v4.1 Residential: Single Family Homes, LEED v4.1 Residential:
Multifamily, and LEED v4.1 Residential: Multifamily Core and Shell.

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i+D - September/October 2019

"Certifications for residential units are at an all-time high
and have grown 19 percent since 2017," explains Baker.
For commercial interiors, project teams will want to consider
the LEED v4.1 for Interior Design and Construction and
LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Interiors
rating systems. These options focus on the realities of
interior spaces and are designed for the compete interior
fit-out. The rating system can be applied to commercial
interior spaces, retail, hospitality, and more. "This is the
first time we've had an option for certification of existing
interior spaces," notes Baker.
One of the hallmarks of LEED is continuous improvement,
and recertification protects the building asset while keeping
a client's sustainability investment in place. There is no
set schedule for when standards are updated; in fact,
these decisions typically are based on feedback from the
market. "We're focused now on the adoption of LEED v4.1
and seeking feedback, ideas, and comments so we can
understand where the future of LEED should be headed,"
says Baker.
i+D - September/October 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of i+D - September/October 2019
