Sustainable Design
Information obtained from the U.S. Green Building Council
What are the economic benefits of Green Design?
Green Design employs design and construction practices that significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants. It addresses topics such as sustainable site planning, safeguarding water and water efficiency, energy efficiency, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
What are the economic benefits of Green Design?
- Reduced operating costs and reduced/neutralized start-up costs
- Enhanced asset value and increased profits
- Optimized life cycle economic performance and improved productivity
- Reduced absenteeism and turnover by providing a healthy workplace and improving employee satisfaction
- Reduced liability and improved risk management practices
How is the University planning to incorporate Green Design into its building projects?
Future building projects, beginning with the new Multi-Disciplinary Engineering Building (scheduled to break ground in November 2007) will be constructed using Green Design principles. LEED certification, which must be considered early in the design process, will be sought for new buildings and major renovations, when possible.
What is LEED?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings and interiors.
What is the LEED system?
LEED is a measurement system designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional and residential buildings. It is based on accepted energy and envrionmetnal principles and strikes a balance between known established practices and emerging concepts. The rating system evaluates environmental performance from a whole building perspective over a building’s life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building.
What is the LEED certification process?
- Project Registration: LEED certification must be considered during the design phase of a project
- Integration: Integrate and document green building technologies and strategies in the project design
- Resources: Utilize printed and online resources throughout the project design and construction
- Documentation Submission: Submit project for certification at or near occupancy
- Certification: Preliminary and final review by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
How are buildings LEED certified?
There are four levels of certification and the level of certification is based upon the number of points awarded a project by the USGBC: LEED certified (26-32pts), Silver Level (33-38pts), Gold Level (39-51pts), and Platinum Level (52+pts). There are a total of 69 points on the certification scoreboard.
What are the benefits of certification?
LEED certification provides recognition of quality buildings and environmental stewardship. It is a third party validation of these achievements. Certification often qualifies the project for state and local government incentives, such as tax abatements and approval priorities. The project earns an official certificate and a plaque for the building, indicating it is LEED certified. Marketing exposure is obtained through the USGBC web site, case studies, and media coverage.
