What is LEED®
Certification?
Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized rating system for green buildings. It encompasses all phases of construction from the design and
construction to the operation of the building. The reputation of LEED certification
has continued to grow and it is now commonly regarded as the international mark
of green and
sustainable
building excellence. The LEED standard is responsible for transforming the
way many buildings and communities are designed, built and maintained.
LEED Canada is a specific set of
LEED certification criteria that is adapted for the unique characteristics of
Canada. This includes the different climates and building
practices (including domestic building regulations and codes).
The
Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is an organization
that advocates green building and sustainability program practices in Canada.
This organization is dedicated to being an invaluable resource for
education and training for all of
its members across Canada. The CaGBC is the sole license holder of LEED in
Canada, and is recognized for continuously adapting and improving the
ratings system to specific Canadian standards using feedback from its members,
stakeholders as well as industry experts.
A Holistic Approach to
Green Building
In order to receive the best
possible LEED rating, a holistic approach to sustainability must be used. This means planning for a building by viewing the entire structure and all its facets, and how all
of these different aspects work together. High performance buildings designed
using this holistic approach will incorporate eco-friendly, energy efficient
and sustainable materials and systems wherever possible. These aspects will
work together to promote a higher overall performance for the building.
The holistic LEED approach pays special attention to each of these characteristics of the building:
- The overall sustainability of
the site development.
- Water and energy efficiency.
- The materials chosen for
construction.
- Indoor air quality.
It is important to notice that
LEED incorporates both human and environmental factors. This means that the
green building is both environmentally friendly and healthy for the people who
use it. Green buildings built to LEED certification specifics have been proven
to have the following benefits:
- Higher market value.
- Increased occupancy and occupant
satisfaction.
- Decreased operation and
maintenance costs.
Green Building on a
Budget
Green projects are typically
slightly higher when comparing initial project costs.
The
LEED approach ensures that these extra initial costs are recovered by the
long-term energy savings and increased occupancy rates.
Buildings can be considered
green without receiving LEED certification, but the certification absolutely increases
the building's public profile and provides a valuable benchmark when comparing
to other similar buildings across Canada.
Becoming a member of the CaGBC provides valuable benefits. One of the major benefits includes discounts in the
fees associated with gaining LEED certification. Projects registered with the
CaGBC also received increased recognition by being listed in their national
database. Members have access to a valuable educational resources and a wide
network of professionals knowledgeable of the latest cost-effective green
building practices. The newest member benefit is a free company listing in the
new online directory, Canada Builds Green which provides organizations with
exposure to potential customers, clients, partners, and distributors around the
world.
Find out what green construction
is and how it can benefit your building and its tenants.
Contact the CaGBC to
discover the benefits of pursuing LEED certification today.