[ECO]Blueprint for Green Success: Navigating the Path to LEED Certification

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Blueprint for Green Success: Navigating the Path to LEED Certification

Demonstrating sustainability to clients and investors is vital in today’s business environment. One way you can improve your practices is by getting a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. How can you attain this accreditation? Here’s your blueprint to green success.

How Can Business Owners Get LEED Certification?

Getting LEED certification means going through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) commercial process. The organization also has an examination for individuals who want accreditation. Here are four steps businesses must know for their certification.

1. Registration

The first step is to register your building for the certification process. The USGBC still uses its 2009 standards to validate your structure, so note what qualifications you must meet. For instance, your building must

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, environmental laws and site boundaries. Additionally, it has to use a reasonable site boundary and share resource usage data.

Next, you must decide the roles for registration. If you own the property, the USGBC considers you the owner who accepts the certification agreement. If your building has multiple owners, select one person to lead this administrative process. You also need an agent and project administration to oversee registration and conduct quality control.

2. Application

After registration, it’s time for the application section. In this phase, your team fills out the appropriate documents and prepares them for the USGBC’s consideration. Mathematical and measuring skills are necessary because you must calculate, analyze and file your findings. The organization encourages you to demonstrate achievements with green building.

When organizing your application, it’s essential to review the quality before sending it. The project administrator should lead the quality control process and ensure accurate information. The USGBC says the person who registers your building is automatically the project administrator. However, you can delegate this responsibility to somebody else.

3. Review

Upon sending your application, the USGBC will consider your building for LEED certification. An expert from the organization reviews your forms to ensure compliance and see whether your structure qualifies. Be patient, as this process requires 20 to 25 business days. During this time, the USGBC determines which prerequisites and credits receive an award and which are pending.

After the waiting window, you’ll receive preliminary results. If you receive the desired certification, you can accept the results and celebrate with your team. However, the organization may ask for revised documentation or more information for specific aspects. You can submit more paperwork within 25 business days and receive another verdict from the USGBC.

4. Certification

After the review process, your team will receive certification if the results comply with USGBC standards. If you still aren’t satisfied, you can make one last appeal for the accreditation. Wisely select whether you accept the results because you won’t be able to appeal or question the review decisions afterward. This last step also tells you how sustainable your building is.

Receiving LEED certification means you fit into one of the USGBC’s four categories. The first tier is LEED Certified and includes a score between 40 and 49 points. How high can you get? The top tier is LEED Platinum, surging above 80 points and demonstrating excellent sustainability. Only a handful of buildings nationwide have received this acclaim.

What Should You Focus on for a LEED-worthy Building?

Attaining LEED certification requires a holistic approach toward sustainability. What should you focus on in your building? Here are four vital aspects to consider.

1. Carbon Emissions

Your first focus should be carbon dioxide emissions, as this problem is worldwide. Buildings contribute to these toxic gasses by consuming electricity and burning fossil fuels. Your office may use more power than you think, considering the HVAC, lighting and other equipment you need. If you have an older building, it’s likely less efficient than ones with modern systems.

The solution to reducing emissions is making your structure more efficient. Experts say energy-efficient buildings

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. Additionally, this sustainable construction diverts 540 million tons of waste from landfills and mitigates air pollution to combat climate change. Upgrading your energy systems is an excellent start for LEED certification.

2. Natural Light

How can you increase energy efficiency in your building? A terrific place to start is the natural light coming through the windows. The USGBC says this element is critical because it connects people to the outdoors and supports your body’s circadian rhythms. Seeing the sunlight throughout the day makes it easier to sleep at night and feel more productive while working.

Natural light is vital for reducing your reliance on indoor power systems. For instance, taking advantage of large glass windows means you don’t have to use the light fixtures as much. This strategy is also effective if your building is in a cool-weather climate. Inviting natural light warms your facility and decreases reliance on the HVAC, thus limiting your carbon emissions in the winter.

3. Water Usage

Another critical aspect to review in your building is water usage. Humans require a lot of water for drinking, hygiene, cooking and other daily tasks, so consumption can increase quickly. Your usage could skyrocket if you own a restaurant, a hotel with a pool or another water-intensive business. Demonstrating responsible consumption can earn points for your LEED score.

Installing low-flow fixtures is one of the best ways to reduce your water usage. These mechanisms

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in sinks and 1.28 gallons per ******* flush. Another way to upgrade your water systems is by harvesting rainwater. Doing so decreases the amount you need from municipal supplies and increases overall efficiency.

4. Air Quality

While energy and water are significant focus areas, don’t forget about air quality. All occupants should be able to breathe easily and not worry about inhaling toxic fumes. Your building must also have high-quality ventilation to remove ****** air and maintain a comfortable interior. Achieving points for this LEED standard means using eco-friendly building materials and paints.

How can you help your building’s air quality? Start with the paint on your walls. If it contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), your office could use a new paint job. These chemicals are common in paints and are dangerous to human health. The ********* Lung Association says VOCs

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and cause *******, so find low-VOC paint.

Achieving LEED Certification for Your Business

Sustainability has evolved from optional features to necessities in the modern business landscape. Demonstrating eco-friendly practices shows employees, partners and investors you’re serious about environmental care.

Going the extra mile also matters when applying for LEED certification. This accreditation is among the most valuable in modern real estate, as it provides evidence of environmentally conscious systems. Efficient water, electricity and air quality systems mean your business looks to the future and cares about the community.

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