What does it take to get LEED certified?

Question

K W · Answer

There are many ways to earn LEED points, from solar heat to indoor air quality improvements. One company I have dealt with is Steril-Aire. They manufacture UVC lights that are installed in the air handling system.

These lights clean the coils of mold and bacteria, making them run as new which saves on electricity. Also, because the coils stay clean, there is no need for chemical cleaning, which is better for the environment.

Originally developed to improve indoor air quality (which they do!), these added benefits of energy management and in some cases, water reclamation, makes them an important part of any LEED certified building.

Many products are on the market now that can help you earn points; Steril-Aire is just one example.

Adam Anderson · Answer

Just a small correction that might clear up some confusion. Individuals become LEED accredited. Buildings, developments, and homes become LEED certified. An accredited professional is the one that dose the necessary paperwork so that the building can be certified. This would be an accreditation that an architect or a construction management professional would receive. The organization that oversees the certification of buildings and accreditation of individuals in the U.S. Green Building Council

To be certified a building receives points for different design or construction criteria. For example on the construction side you can get 1 to 2 points for Construction Waste Management. You receive 1 point if %50 of construction debris is recycled and 2 points if %70 of construction debris is recycled. Part of receiving the points is doing the paperwork to prove that you meet the criteria. On the design side you can get 6 points for Public Transportation Access if the building is within Â½ mile walking distance to a subway, or Â¼ mile from a bus stop.  Depending on the # of points a building is certified Platinum, Gold, Silver, or simply Certified.

As far as benefits to certification, it can be used as a marketing tool. The construction cost of a LEED building is more, but over the life of the building those costs are offset by decreased utility and management costs. I believe that the breakeven point is about 7 years.

There are many municipalities that are requiring buildings to meet a certain LEED standard, and many government building are required to meet certain LEED certifications, so it is something you should at least be aware of. This applies only to commercial buildings as I have not here of any requirements from a government on residential homes.

Emilio Ramirez · Answer

So we're talking apples to apples here, when a person passes the test they are a "LEED Accredited Professional" also desifnated LEED AP. When a building goes through the bureaucratic process with the USGBC and reaches a certain point thresehold it is LEED Certified. That was actually a question on the test whe I took it.

The LEED certification process alone will add significant costs, rarely adds value and we don't recommend it. If the owner wants to pursue green strategies, the LEED checklist is a great place to look for ideas. There are several items on the checklist that I would consider low hanging fruit and many more that would have first cost increases, but life cycle benefits.

As noted above all Federal Projects require LEED Certification. I am not aware of any program that provides funds for procuring a Certification.

And yes there are credits for water use reduction. This can be acheived through the use of low flow fixtures.

Account Closed · Answer

So with everything being stated as to what and how the cert can be attained...what are the benefits or the certification?

Are there "real world" benefits of becoming certified that will help in the field or in gaining gov't monies? I hope someone can answer from a point of experience and not a point of theory.

Mike Hollinger · Answer

I 
had a hard time finding the time to dedicated to studying but having passed the test and knowing
 how difficult it was I'm glad to help others.. Glad to see I'm not alone! I fortunately had the 
help of Clean Edison..took one of their two day intensive courses which I was able to get at a 
discount..they really are awesome at what they do and deserve an award for helping ME pass.â€

There are 4 levels of cert. The level  depends on the points the development is awarded. . Here's the breakdown of the certification:

Certified - 26-32 points 
Silver - 33-38 points 
Gold - 39-51 points 
Platinum - 52-69 points

Mike Hollinger · Answer

LEED Certification Exam Prep Materials - http://www.cleanedison.com    .
 They also have great resources and study material and practice exams as well 
as private tutoring available.  They also have option where if you FAIL the 
first time you can retake for FREE the 2nd exam.

Christian Robertson · Answer

Another popular program is the NAHB National Green Building Program.  My family's company built the first show home built to the new standards.  Here is an article on the home.

The New American HomeÂ® (TNAH) will be celebrating its 25th anniversary when it opens its doors to attendees at the International Buildersâ€™ Show in Orlando next month, once again displaying innovative building materials, cutting-edge design and the latest construction techniques to provide home builders with inspiration for energy-efficient, durable and stylish homes.

And as the association prepares to launch the NAHB National Green Building Program, The New American Home will also hold the distinction of being the first show home built and certified to the programâ€™s scoring tool. The house achieved a gold certification level.

Since its inception in 1984, The New American Home has showcased the products provided by the National Council of the Housing Industry (NCHI) â€” The Leading Suppliers of NAHB. Itâ€™s both a show home and a for-sale product, balancing architectural freedom with the bottom line. Mostly, The New American Home is a collection of ideas that the industry can take away â€” in large pieces, or bit by bit â€” and apply to millions of homes across the country each year.

This yearâ€™s project is a collaborative effort involving builder Robertson Homes, home designer The Sater Group, interior designer Robb & Stucky and landscaper Outside Productions; all contributed unique and innovative green features to the homeâ€™s design and construction.

Co-sponsored by NCHI and Builder magazine, The New American Home is a 6,725-square foot, plantation-style house located in the prestigious Waters Edge subdivision, a gated, 11-lot development adjacent to a private golf and country club community along the banks of Orlandoâ€™s Lake Nona.

The two-story home is near a lakefront park and boat dock and features luxuries inside and out, with a family suite on the first level to accommodate an elderly parent or long-term guest, a first-floor master suite, an open kitchen and leisure room combination and an upstairs club room complete with theater-quality entertainment.

The homeâ€™s 2,950 square feet of covered outdoor space includes a kitchen and salon with a fireplace featuring arched openings to the lake view and a landscaped pool and spa.

To ensure the homeâ€™s energy efficiency and innovation, two U.S. Department of Energy Building America teams have worked closely with NCHI. IBACOS, Inc. provided design and engineering support, and the Industrialized Housing Partnership provided performance testing.

Jon Slack · Answer

I assume your talking about getting a new construction home or building LEED certified?  Leed has documents on their website  that you must fill out to determine whether you qualify. Each category has a point system, your score determines whether you meet, fail to meet or exceed LEED qualifications.

We build with ICF for example. Our ICF material is LEED certified but many other factors come into play in new home construction such as roofing material, paint, windows, appliances and much much more.

Oliver Trojahn · Answer

Your question is open ended.  A person can be LEED certified by reading a book and taking a test.  If you pass that test you are considered LEED AP(you are certified to work on a LEED project.)  If you are LEED AP working on a project that project gets points towards LEED because you are a LEED professional.

As for a building, there are so many things you can do for LEED points you would have to look it up.  GOOGLE it you will find everything.

Christopher Morales · Answer

Jon, does water have any effect on the LEED certification? Like if they reduce the normal consumption?