L.E.E.D stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a program developed by the United States Green Building Council. LEED is a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
LEED certification covers six categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Affects upon the adjacent area including neighborhood, environment and the building site.
- Bio-Swales will divert storm water runoff above ground rather than below ground in pipes.
- Water Efficiency
- Looks at the water usage of the building and the landscaping.
- For Salem, Defender Pool Filters will be used that substantially decrease water usage.
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Energy performance of the building. Systems used to heat and cool the building along with alternative sources to provide energy.
- Materials and Resources
- Reuse and recycling of materials during the construction process including any existing. buildings, actual construction and recycling during the lifetime of the building. Also addresses the materials used in construction.
- Salem is going to have recycled carpet tiles and recycling receptacles throughout the building.
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Ventilation of the spaces and potential off gassing of any materials used during construction(paints, adhesives, etc.) as well as the general environment indoors.
- Paints, Sealers and Adhesives for Salem all have low VOC levels. VOC's are essentially any toxic fumes that are generated by the particular product.
- Windows will be prevalent throughout the building to provide ample daylight to the occupants.
- Innovation and Design Process
- Gives credit to ideas that extend above and beyond the previous criteria.
A minimum number of credits are required to be certified and there are higher levels for each additional credit that is attained. The lowest is Certified followed by Silver then Gold and Platinum is the highest rating.
LEED Certification is a way of standardizing sustainable and responsible building practices. It constitutes proven methods of building structures that are not only healthy environmentally and socially but also provide healthy environments to their occupants. Being recognized as a LEED Certified building garners respect in the building community and your local community.
