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Understanding LEED v3 and the Pursuit of Points

date added: 15.08.2011

In the 13 years since the US Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the pursuit of LEED points has become an escalating priority for many facilities managers.

Many in the field are already familiar with the program’s basic structure. LEED points are awarded to new and existing buildings that employ design, construction, and operational methods that benefit the environment (through energy savings, water efficiency, resource conservation, etc.). Buildings that earn LEED certification can qualify in many localities for tax incentives, grants, and low-interest loans.

There are nine categories tailored to specific types of projects, such as schools, retail, and healthcare. The points are awarded based on achievement of specific goals for a multitude of environmentally focused measures, ranging from usage of recycled and renewable materials to optimized energy consumption.

While the basic LEED concept is familiar, some may not be familiar with the latest advances in the program. The most recent iteration of the LEED guidelines (commonly called “LEED v3”) brought a number of noteworthy improvements to the system, among them:

- an alignment of the nine rating categories into three main divisions: Green Building Design & Construction, Green Interior Design & Construction, and Green Buildings Operations & Maintenance;

- a re-weighting of certain grading criteria associated with “greenhouse gas emissions”; and

- expedited project tracking and certification processes.

Perhaps one of the most significant developments introduced by LEED v3 was the standardization of a 110-point rating scale across all building categories. Amassing forty points earns basic LEED certification; higher scores bring Silver, Gold, or Platinum recognition.

Some of the measures that contribute to the acquisition of LEED points may entail substantial capital investments, such as state-of-the-art HVAC systems and building automation controls. Accordingly, it’s worth a close look to ensure that less-costly options aren’t overlooked in the quest to earn points.

One such example is a subtle piece of technology that’s relevant to all categories of both new and existing buildings: window film. It can help obtain up to 9 LEED Certification point throughout 6 different areas.

By helping to reduce solar heat while allowing natural light into workspaces, specialized energy-efficient window film can help earn up to 3 LEED points in the all-important area of “EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance” (this criterion is part of the Energy & Atmosphere ratings, which contribute as much as 37points to the overall score). By helping to eliminate the need for blinds and curtains in some environments, those same energy-efficient window films can help earn up to 2 points in Indoor Environmental Quality ratings (this criterion contributes as many as 17 points).

View a Slideshare presentation that explains the ins and outs of LEED Certification and shows how window film can help you jump from Silver to Gold.

Balancing costs and benefits, the LEED program appears to point the way to significant efficiencies for facilities managers. In addition to operating cost savings, LEED Certification often provides additional gains in property values and employee productivity/satisfaction. In some areas, commercial buildings are able to charge a rental premium for the green-building environment, further helping to offset initial investments.

In closing it’s important to keep in mind that LEED is not strictly a new-construction proposition. Many facets of the “LEED-EB (Existing Building)” category fall solidly within the jurisdiction of the facility manager, including site-wide recycling efforts, water usage, IAQ standards, and overall energy efficiency.

Source: http://my.facilitiesnet.com/

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