Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. LEED is a popular guide for green building in the United States as it is continuously modified by members of the building industry. Since 1998, LEED has participated in over 6,000 projects in 28 countries. LEEDs goals include:

• Define “green building” by establishing a common standard of measurement
• Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
• Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
• Stimulate green competition
• Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
• Transform the building market

LEED continues to evolve, more accurately representing and incorporating emerging green building technologies. LEED’s success is illustrated by its being the basis for other highly regarded sustainability rating systems including the Environmental Protection Agency's Labs21.

The focus of Computrols in the building automation industry has consistently been on saving energy. After all, highly efficient buildings speak volumes for the automation systems running them. We see LEED as a valuable effort and partner in our long-term effort to contribute to the success of the world’s finest structures. The information provided here will give you a brief understanding of how LEED works and how you can become part of the program.

There are six major areas in the LEED Rating System:

1. Sustainable Sites
2. Water Efficiency
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
6. Innovation and Design Process

There are eight project types each with a different Rating System focus:

1. New Construction: New construction and major renovations
2. Existing Buildings: Existing buildings seeking LEED certification
3. Commercial Interiors: Commercial interior fitouts by tenants
4. Core and Shell: Core-and-shell projects
5. Homes: Residences
6. Neighborhood Development: Neighborhood development
7. Schools: Recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools.
8. Retail: Consists of two rating systems: One is based on New Construction and Major Renovations while the other track is based on LEED for Commercial Interiors.

Certification
Different LEED projects have varied scoring in the six major category rating system. Buildings can qualify for four levels of certification: • Certified - 40-50% of non-innovation points • Silver - 50-60% • Gold - 60-80% • Platinum - over 80%

How can I be LEED certified?
It’s easy! Submit an application documenting compliance with the rating system’s requirements. The application process for new construction certification is simple thanks to active PDFs that automate the process.

Become a LEED Accredited Professional
Anyone can become a LEED Accredited Professional by successfully completing an exam administered by the United States Green Building Council. Most accredited professionals are associated with the building industry and include architects, engineers, landscape architects, contractors, and building owners.

What about outside the United States?
The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) has recently created their own version of LEED. A similar organization operates in the United Kingdom under the moniker EcoHomes. Both efforts seek to make buildings function more efficiently.

Computrols encourages you to visit the LEED website for more information and instructions on becoming a LEED Accredited Professional.