Chapter 2 - Basic LEED™ Concepts

Abstract

The chapter provides an overview of the basic LEED™ concepts. LEED™ certification of a project provides recognition of its quality and environmental stewardship. This green-building rating system is widely accepted by public and private owners. As the LEED™ rating system makes inroads into the mainstream design and construction industry, contractors and property developers are realizing that they can contribute towards a project's success in achieving green objectives by understanding the LEED™ process and their specific role in achieving LEED™ credits. The LEED™ 2009 Green Building Rating System consists of a set of performance standards used in the certification of commercial, institutional, and other building types in both the public and private sectors with the intention of promoting healthy, durable, and environmentally sound practices. The chapter gives the minimum requirements for a construction system to meet in order to pass the rating system. This system is based on awarding points relative to performance including sustainable site development, energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, regional priority, and innovation in design. Green Globes™ is an environmental-assessment, education, and rating system that is promoted in the United States, this system offers an alternative to LEED™. It is designed to be cost-effective as it has a value-added online system and a comprehensive yet streamlined in-person third-party review process.