The importance of LEED Certification in modern architecture
The importance of LEED Certification in modern architecture
Guide
Environmental, Health and Economic Benefits - What exactly is LEED Certification? Why is it important in modern architecture?
Nowadays, more and more factors in our modern social life endanger the environment. Unsustainable infrastructure systems, plastic waste and increased carbon emissions all play a role. Recently, however, people have recognized the need to protect the environment from harm. As part of this effort, governments are working to reduce carbon emissions from the construction sector. Reducing emissions can be achieved by sourcing sustainable products and implementing sustainable construction methods.
With the growing demand for sustainable buildings, LEED certification brings the building industry one step closer to achieving sustainability.
What is LEED Certification?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building evaluation system. Its mission: to design in a way that effectively reduces negative impacts on the environment and residents. The purpose is to standardize a complete and accurate concept of green building and prevent the excessive greenness of buildings. LEED was established by the US Green Building Council and adopted in 2000. It has been made mandatory in some US states and some countries.
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) develops LEED certification. It created LEED to help create more efficient green buildings. So LEED ensures environmentally friendly buildings. The certification evaluates the design and construction of the building based on a variety of factors.
These include water use, energy efficiency and air quality. LEED also considers the use of building materials, the use of public transportation and responsible land use. The certification is the benchmark for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings.
The USGBC awards four levels of LEED certification to buildings participating in the program. The number of points buildings receive determines their rank. These levels are:
LEED Certified Buildings (40-49 points)
LEED Silver Grade Building (50-59 points)
LEED Gold Grade Building (60-79 points)
LEED Platinum Building (80 points and above)
According to the United States Green Building Council, LEED certification is a globally recognized mark of sustainability achievement.
The value of LEED certification in modern architecture
So what are the benefits of LEED certification? A large portion of the global population lives, works and studies in LEED-certified buildings. Reasons why LEED certification is essential in modern buildings include:
Environmental benefit
In the United States, for example, buildings account for a large percentage of the country's energy, water and electricity use. It also accounts for a large portion (about 40%) of carbon dioxide emissions. But LEED programs help new and existing buildings adopt more sustainable practices. One benefit of green building through LEED is water conservation.
LEED encourages the use of less water and stormwater management. It also encourages the use of alternative water sources. As a result, water conservation in LEED buildings will increase. Buildings produce nearly half of global CO 2 emissions. Carbon sources in buildings include energy used to pump and treat water. Other sources are waste disposal and fossil fuels for heating and cooling.
LEED helps reduce CO 2 emissions by rewarding net-zero projects. It also rewards projects that generate positive energy returns. Leed-certified buildings also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions typically come from water use, solid waste and transportation. Another environmental advantage of LEED certification is that it encourages reduced energy consumption.
The construction industry produces millions of tons of waste every year. LEED encourages waste diversion from landfills. It also rewards sustainable construction waste management and encourages a general circular economy. They earn points when projects recycle, reuse and recycle materials. They also earn points when they use sustainable materials.
Health benefit
Health is the biggest concern for many people. Building green using the LEED rating system helps people live and work in a healthy environment. LEED architecture focuses on human health both indoors and out.
Humans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. However, concentrations of pollutants indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoors. The health effects of the pollutants found in indoor air are troubling. Other effects are fatigue, heart disease and respiratory disease.
LEED improves indoor air quality through its rating system. Leed-certified homes are designed to provide cleaner, better indoor air. LEED also encourages the development of Spaces with access to daylight. The Spaces are also free of harsh chemicals commonly found in paint.
In office buildings, a healthy indoor environment can improve employee engagement. Such an environment has clean air and plenty of daylight. Some of the benefits of LEED certified buildings include higher employment and retention rates. Employees are also more productive in such healthy Spaces.
LEED certified buildings improve outdoor air quality, especially in highly industrialized areas. LEED is therefore critical in limiting smog. It is also vital for making the air healthier for the general population.
Economic benefit
LEED can help save costs. The use of LED lighting can significantly reduce energy costs. So is the use of more energy-efficient heating and cooling methods. LEED encourages the use of these energy and cost saving methods.
LEED buildings are also less expensive to maintain. That is, compared to a normal commercial building. Green buildings also have lower operating costs.
LEED certified buildings also have tax breaks and incentives. Many local governments offer these benefits. These include tax credits, fee waivers and grants. The building is also eligible for expedited building permits and fee waivers.
Some places conduct energy audits. LEED certification can save projects money by exempting buildings from audits. LEED construction also increases property values. Moreover, the buildings attract tenants. Green buildings have lower vacancy rates than non-green buildings.
LEED certification also provides a competitive advantage. Recently, customers have become more environmentally conscious. Most people are willing to pay a premium for goods and services from companies that also care about the environment. More customers mean more revenue.
Summarize
LEED is one of the top international projects for sustainable development in architectural design and construction. LEED certification indicates the use of building methods that promote circular economy and are environmentally friendly. Obtaining certification can improve the reputation of contractors and owners.
With the increasing demand for sustainability, LEED certification has become increasingly important. It benefits the construction industry and opens the way for a moral system of sustainable construction. In general, LEED is committed to ensuring that the world is more sustainable and healthy.
Of course, in addition to LEED, the global green building evaluation system also includes: China's Green Building Evaluation Standard GB50378-2014, the British Green Building Evaluation System (BREE-AM), the Japanese Building Comprehensive Environmental Performance Evaluation System (CASBEE), and the French Green Building Evaluation System (HQE). In addition, there are German ecological building guidelines LN B, Australia's building environment assessment system N ABERS, and Canada's GB Tools assessment system.
Tianjin Yuantai Derun Steel Pipe Manufacturing Group, as one of the few square and rectangular pipe manufacturers in China that obtained LEED certification in the early stage, mainly sells the following products:
