What is LEED?
LEED refers to “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.” A USGBC initiative founded in 1998, it follows the methodology of the World Green Building Council. However, this method is widely used worldwide, mainly in the United States. The environmental benefits of LEED make it popular with government projects there. Over 15 billion square feet of construction are LEED certified in 160 countries and territories.
What makes LEED certifications so valuable?
The aim of all environmental assessments is to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. Starting with the design and planning stages and continuing through the construction and lifespan of the building.
The United Nations has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can be met through this initiative. All UN Member States adopted it in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Buildings are responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, as we are experiencing the most significant wave of urbanization in human history. The building industry must work together to increase the rate of renovations to existing buildings that increase energy efficiency. To reduce emissions by 2030, we must produce and procure renewable energy and design and construct green new build projects.
The LEED certification program makes it possible to design, construct, operate, and maintain green buildings that are high-performing, resource-efficient, cost-effective, and healthy.
What are the different LEED Ratings?
Several critical aspects of green buildings are included in a checklist for scoring green buildings:
- Location and transportation,
- Water efficiency,
- Energy and Atmosphere,
- Materials and resources,
- Integration Process,
- Indoor Environment Quality,
- Innovation and Priority Sites for Sustainable Development.
An overall rating of a building is determined by adding all points together. There are the following levels of LEED certification:
- Certified (40 – 49 points earned)
- Silver (50 – 59 points earned)
- Gold (60 – 79 points earned)
- Platinum (80 + points earned)
- The LEED rankings committee handles this certification.
LEED standards exist for buildings at every phase of development, whether a new construction project or an existing building, and for all building sectors.
Benefits for You
An individual who is certified as a Green Associate or a LEED AP receives the following benefits:
1# Employability
There is a growing demand for sustainable construction practices because of climate change. LEED-certified architects offer a valuable service to their current and future employers.
Furthermore, your green design and sustainability certification brings an additional benefit. In this way, you will be able to stand out from the competition.
2# Higher Salary
Your salary will increase if you possess an in-demand qualification. Your employer can charge more for your services if you demonstrate valuable professional skills as well as show interest in career advancement.
3# Access to International Work
Professionals who have LEED certification have access to employment opportunities worldwide. Whether you are on a short-term or long-term contract, it opens up the world.
4# Self-Promotion
Part of gaining LEED accreditation is the right to use the name and the logo on social media sites. In addition to LinkedIn, these sites allow you to showcase your skills and abilities to your friends and colleagues. Digital badges will enhance your authority and help you get your voice heard. If you are campaigning for an essential issue in the current era of personal branding.
5# Continuing Professional Education
Keeping up with new technological advances and learning new ways of working means staying on top of the latest developments in your field. Learning valuable skills through LEED certification is one of its benefits.
6# Living Your Values
It shows you are willing to work toward preserving scarce resources for the future by achieving and maintaining your LEED certification. Working on projects that make a real impact is possible if you have a suitable skill set and mental attitude.
Benefits for Business
Professionals with LEED certification provide many benefits to organizations:
7# Competitive Advantage
To meet contracts’ bidding criteria, your staff must be LEED certified in order to compete for work in a competitive market. Corporations are closely following suit with this requirement as governments lead the way.
8# Working Internationally
As a global qualification, LEED certification is recognizable and valuable if you want to work around the world. As a symbol of commitment to sustainable building practices, 160 countries currently recognize and value this certification. Professionals with LEED certification on your team can help your company capitalize on developing markets abroad.
9# Better Value for Clients
Clients are looking for LEED certification for their projects because they gain multiple benefits:
- Savings on energy (typically 25 to 30%, but this can be up to 40%).
- Increasing water efficiency (at least 10%).
- Emission reductions.
- Several countries offer tax credits and rebates.
- An increase in resale value.
There are many commercial benefits to building green and sustainable buildings – tax and financial benefits are obvious.
Also, this commercial necessity drives the demand for LEED accreditation for general contractors who can help their clients obtain LEED certification.
10# Staff Development
It is essential to encourage your staff to become LEED certified so they can continue learning and gaining new skills. Investing in this training is a cost-effective way of ensuring your team is knowledgeable about the latest sustainable building practices. Moreover, they impress clients and build a strong reputation for your company in an area of high client demand.
Your staff become familiar with the latest concepts in
- Building systems and materials that are energy-efficient.
- Efficiencies of indoor air.
- Conserving water.
- Reducing light pollution.
- Taking measures to protect the environment.
- Walls and roofs with green features.
Refreshed knowledge and work methods result in a more comprehensive team of employees.
11# Better Marketing
With more LEED-certified staff, you can better market your business to clients who value LEED certification. Furthermore, it helps you recruit new employees and generally raise your profile for marketing purposes, including building your reputation and brand.
12# Prestigious Projects
With LEED certified personnel, the company can work on more prestigious projects with higher profiles. The project, the commissioner, and the participants are gaining a great deal of visibility due to green building projects. Additionally, when presenting your portfolio to new clients, having some award-winning green building projects is a plus.
Is LEED Certification Only for Architects?
Everyone who wishes to can attain the LEED certification so long as they pass the required exam and keep up with required continuing education hours. Sustainable elements are most beneficial when designed by architects at the outset of a project. However, knowing what it means to build sustainably is useful for construction companies, interior designers, engineers, and others involved in a project.
In order to purchase wisely and adequately manage resources, general contractors need LEED certification. The advantages of a LEED-certified home will be better communicated to potential buyers when a LEED-certified expert is on the sales team.
Everyone involved in the construction business gains something from LEED certification since the combined expertise of those involved improves the quality of the finished product.
Summing Up
LEED certification for professionals, architects, and general contractors support people by displaying their talents, expertise, and values. Meanwhile, the advantages of LEED certification for enterprises are fighting for sustainable and green projects with confidence. Begin the journey to achieving a competitive edge by studying the process to become LEED certified.
