ESI can design a LEED project for any type of existing facility. For more on the LEED Rating system and its benefits, read the information listed below or contact ESI today!
What is LEED® ?
One of the biggest challenges in turning green is being able to know exactly what ‘green’ is. This is why the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED® was developed in order to define efficiency standards for green buildings.
Adopted in 1998, the LEED® standard is a consensus based rating system reflecting input from the USGBC’s diverse membership, which includes architects, universities, manufacturers and all those in between. It is an extensive look at how new and existing commercial, institutional and residential buildings can be efficient for the 21st century and beyond.
LEED® already accounts for 5% of all new US commercial construction. By 2010 this number is expected to rise to 10% (McGraw-Hill Smart Market Report 2006). Existing construction is embracing these eco:vative ideas as well. Since buildings that follow these green standards on average bring in 3% higher rent and a 7.5% increase in value, developers and property managers are starting to increase the number of green buildings in there portfolios.
USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council is one of the nation’s leading authorities on efficient building design. Using breakthroughs in science, technology and building operations, the council is not only able to define what an environmentally efficient building is, but also how to quantify characteristics like productivity increase, environmental performance and occupant well-being; intangible values that were once thought immeasurable.
The USGBC’s strength lies in the diversity of its membership. To provide a balanced approach supporting the entire building industry, the council gets help from all areas of private and nonprofit institutions within the building industry, including:
- Architects
- Engineers
- Consultants
- Attorneys
- Product Manufacturers
- State & Local Governments
- Universities
For more information on the U.S. Green Building Council, go to their website at: www.usgbc.org .
LEED® Projects
With green buildings saving an average of 30-50% on energy and having an average payback of 1-2 years, it’s no surprise that more and more new and existing commercial and residential construction is embracing the LEED® model.
Everyday $100 Million worth of construction registers with the U.S. Green Building Council. These buildings enjoy maximum efficiency from each of LEED®’s five main categories:
- Sustainable Site Management
- Maximum Water Efficiency
- Material and Resource Management
- Quality in Energy and Atmosphere
- Indoor Environmental Quality
*ESI uses other eco:vative strategies to receive credits above LEED® standards, increasing the savings and producing a faster payback period for all of our clients.
If you would like more information on green building, or would like to talk to a LEED® Accredited Professional, Click Here..
