LEED is a green building certification program run by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. This certification offers third-party verification that a particular structure or complex was built (or modified) so as to fulfil certain environmental standards.
This entire process is highly complex and takes many months or even years. The actual certification cost, requirements and duration of the project will vary based on the project's type and size. There are many things that are different from ordinary projects, such as use of locally sourced and recycled material for construction, and a sustainable design.
The factors taken into consideration include water and energy savings, and the overall carbon footprint of the project. In addition to the design, the USGBC also checks into the planned operations, to see how green practices are or will be implemented by staff. Use of alternative/renewable power and reducing water consumption are two very important aspects that help with gaining
LEED certification.
Also required in the plans are devices and designs for saving energy. This could in the form of a design which keeps a room brightly lit with natural lighting, and sensors which can detect an empty room and turn off the lights. Heat pumps and solar power are often used to reduce power usage from the grid.
Many buildings are also adding rooftop gardens to help deflect heat and keep the building cool to reduce air-conditioning needs. It helps if the building design and construction includes things like heat deflecting film on windows. The location and building plan has to be figured out carefully to minimize heating and cooling needs.
The most important thing to remember, though, is that the building or the project has to become a part of the surrounding environment and eco-system, instead of feeding on it. This means that any and all use of resources should be sustainable. It should not empty out the area's water reservoir or cut down trees and natural greenery.
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