5.1.4.1 - Certification types and Credit scoring
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Understanding LEED Certification Types
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Today, let's delve into LEED certifications! LEED offers various certifications depending on the project type, such as 'Building Design and Construction' for new builds or 'Building Operations and Maintenance' for existing buildings. Can anyone tell me why it's important to have different certification types?
I think it's to address the specific needs of different projects!
Exactly! It ensures that each type of project can be evaluated based on relevant criteria. For example, the 'Neighbourhood Development' LEED certification is tailored for community-scale projects. Student_2, can you remind us what LEED stands for?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design!
Great! Let's recap: we have various certifications for different building types, focusing on their unique requirements, including design, operation, and integration into community planning.
The Importance of Credit Scoring in LEED
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Now, let's discuss how these certifications are awarded. Each project accumulates points through a credit system based on adherence to environmental standards. Who can name one of the primary categories of LEED credits?
Energy and Atmosphere!
Correct! The 'Energy and Atmosphere' category provides up to 33 credits. Student_4, can you explain a bit about what these credits measure?
They measure how effectively the building performs in terms of energy use and emissions.
Exactly! It's crucial for promoting energy efficiency and thereby reducing environmental impact. Remember, the more points a project accumulates, the higher the certification level, ranging from Certified to Platinum.
The Role of LEED in Sustainable Development
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Let's now consider the broader implications of LEED. How does achieving LEED certification contribute to sustainability, Student_1?
It helps reduce carbon emissions and encourages energy efficiency, right?
Absolutely! LEED supports various Sustainable Development Goals and incentivizes developers to prioritize environmental stewardship. Can anyone share one example of a category that supports this?
Water efficiency! It ensures the building uses water wisely.
Great point! By addressing various environmental aspects, LEED enhances overall quality of life in communities while promoting economic benefits. To conclude, LEED is not just about buildings—it's about sustainable development.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines different LEED certification types based on the building phase and project type, explaining how projects earn credits through adherence to environmental standards. It emphasizes the significant role of LEED in promoting sustainability and its assessment criteria through a point-based system.
Detailed
In this section, we explore LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It introduces various certification types tailored to building phases, such as LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), and others targeting specific needs like existing buildings and neighborhoods. LEED certifications aim to assess the sustainability of a project based on a credit scoring system where points are awarded for meeting established prerequisites and criteria covering aspects such as carbon emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation, and more. The accumulation of credits determines the certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The alignment with sustainable goals and the impact on environmental quality are pivotal, as noted in the scoring breakdown of applications. This detailed approach reinforces LEED’s significant contribution to promoting sustainable building practices globally.
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LEED Certification Types
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Chapter Content
There are various kinds of LEED certifications depending on the types and the phase of the building of projects, as follows;
- LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) For new construction or major renovations, and also includes applications for Schools, Retail, Hospitality, Data Centers, Warehouses & Distribution Centers, and Healthcare.
- LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) for complete interior fit-out projects, Includes Commercial Interiors, and also includes applications for Retail and Hospitality.
- LEED Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) for existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction. Includes Existing Buildings, and also includes applications for Schools, Retail, Hospitality, Data Centers, and Warehouses & Distribution Centers.
- LEED Neighbourhood Development (ND) for new land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, non-residential uses, or a mix. Projects can be at any stage of the development process, from conceptual planning to construction. Includes Plan and Built Project.
- LEED Homes for single family homes, low-rise multi-family (one to three stories) or mid-rise multi-family (four or more). Includes Homes, Multifamily Low-rise, Multifamily Midrise.
- LEED Cities for entire cities and sub-sections of a city. LEED for Cities projects can measure and manage their city’s water consumption, energy use, waste, transportation and human experience.
Detailed Explanation
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) offers different types of certifications based on the phase and type of building project. The major categories include Building Design and Construction for new buildings, Interior Design and Construction for interior spaces, and Operations and Maintenance for existing structures. There are also specific certifications for neighborhoods, homes, and entire cities, which recognize sustainable practices in various settings.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine LEED certifications like different game levels in a video game. Just as each level presents unique challenges and goals, each LEED category caters to different types of construction projects—with specialized requirements—and achieving each level indicates a significant achievement in sustainability.
LEED Certification Process
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Chapter Content
To obtain LEED certification, a project accumulates points by adhering to prerequisites and fulfilling criteria related to carbon emissions, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, transportation, materials usage, and indoor environmental quality. The certification process involves a thorough examination and assessment by GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.), which assigns points based on the project's adherence to LEED standards. The total number of points determines the level of LEED certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), or Platinum (80+ points).
Detailed Explanation
To achieve LEED certification, projects need to earn points by meeting specific criteria in various sustainability categories such as energy efficiency and waste management. The points are calculated during a detailed review process by a certifying body, and based on the total points accumulated, projects receive a certification level ranging from Certified to Platinum, reflecting their sustainability achievements.
Examples & Analogies
Think of gaining LEED certification as earning grades in school. Just like a student earns grades based on their performance in different subjects, a building earns points in various sustainability areas. The better the performance in these areas, the higher the grade—akin to the certification level it receives.
LEED Credits and Categories
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Chapter Content
The major categories and their respective credits are;
- Energy and Atmosphere (33 credits)
- Fundamental Commissioning and Verification [prerequisite]
- Minimum Energy Performance [prerequisite]
- Building-Level Energy Metering [prerequisite]
- Fundamental Refrigerant Management [prerequisite]
- Optimize Energy Performance [18]
- Enhanced Commissioning [6]
- Advanced Energy Metering [1]
- Renewable Energy [5]
- Enhanced Refrigerant Management [1]
- Grid Harmonization [2]
- Location and Transportation (16 credits)
- Sensitive Land Protection [1]
- High Priority Site and Equitable Development [2]
- Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses [5]
- Access to Quality Transit [5]
- Bicycle Facilities [1]
- Reduced Parking Footprint [1]
- Electric Vehicles [1]
- Materials and Resources (13 credits)
- Storage and Collection of Recyclables [prerequisite]
- Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction [5]
- Environmental Product Declarations [2]
- Sourcing of Raw Materials [2]
- Material Ingredients [2]
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management [2]
- Sustainable Sites (10 credits)
- Construction activity pollution prevention [1]
- Site Assessment [1]
- Protect or Restore Habitat [2]
- Open Spaces [1]
- Rainwater Management [3]
- Heat Island Reduction [2]
- Light Pollution Reduction [1]
- Water Efficiency (10 credits)
- Outdoor Water Use Reduction [prerequisite]
- Indoor Water Use Reduction [prerequisite]
- Building-Level Water Metering [prerequisite]
- Outdoor Water Use Reduction [2]
- Indoor Water Use Reduction [6]
- Optimize Process Water Use [2]
- Water Metering [1]
- Innovation (6 credits)
- Innovation in design [5]
- LEED Accredited Professional [1]
- Regional Priority Credits (4 credits)
- Integrative Process (1 credit)
Detailed Explanation
LEED certification includes a variety of categories each with specific credits available. Categories range from Energy and Atmosphere, which focuses on energy use and management, to Materials and Resources that prioritize sustainable material selection. Each category comes with its own set of prerequisites and credits, contributing to the total points needed for certification.
Examples & Analogies
Consider LEED categories like different sports in the Olympics. Just as athletes compete in various sports to earn medals, projects accumulate credits in areas such as energy efficiency and sustainable materials. The successful performance across these categories determines their overall success in achieving LEED certification.
Impact Areas of LEED Credits
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Chapter Content
Notably, climate change accounts for 35% relate to climate change, 20% directly impact human health, 15% impact water resources, 10% affect biodiversity, 10% relate to the green economy, and 5% impact community and natural resources.
Detailed Explanation
The impact of LEED credits is assessed across several areas, showing how projects can contribute not just to energy efficiency but also overall human health, water conservation, biodiversity, and community betterment. For instance, credits are allocated to address significant issues like climate change and resource management to support broader environmental sustainability goals.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the different impacts LEED addresses like the ingredients in a healthy recipe. Just as each ingredient contributes to the dish's health benefits (like vitamins and minerals), each area of impact represents a crucial aspect of a building’s environmental footprint. Focusing on these areas ensures a holistic approach to sustainability.
Key Concepts
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Certification Types: Various LEED certifications exist based on project type and phase, including BD+C, ID+C, O+M, and ND.
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Credit Scoring: A point-based system used to score projects on sustainability criteria, impacting the certification level obtained.
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Sustainability Goals: LEED supports global sustainable development goals through its strict environmental standards.
Examples & Applications
A new skyscraper achieving LEED Gold status by implementing advanced energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources.
An existing commercial building undergoing LEED O+M certification to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
LEED is a way to lead, where green practices take the lead!
Stories
Once there was a building in a bustling city that wanted to be green. It followed the LEED guidelines and soon became a Platinum-certified symbol of sustainability.
Memory Tools
LEED = Lively Environmentally Efficient Development.
Acronyms
LEED = Leadership, Energy, Efficiency, Design.
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Glossary
- LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.
- Credit Score
A point-based system used in LEED to assess the environmental impact and sustainability performance of building projects.
- Sustainable Development Goals
A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015 for a better and more sustainable future.
- Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
A LEED certification type focused on new construction and major renovations.
- Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
A LEED certification for existing buildings focusing on operational improvements.
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