Leed Term Paper

Neil Patel

Professor Alfred Scalza

CON 350 – Intro to Construction Engineer

10 December 2012

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

The contemporary field of construction is becoming more and more reliant on “Green” technologies and buildings. The process of planning, documenting and designing is called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This certification process helps lead to the creation of these “green buildings”. According to Sam Kubba “green buildings are a core message to improve current design and construction practices and standards so that the buildings we build today will last longer, be more efficient, cost less to operate, and contribute to healthier living and working environments for occupants, thereby helping to increase productivity”(Kubba, page 22). LEED is a system for evaluating a structure’s performance and sustainability. LEED rating systems are currently offered for new constructions, current buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell, schools, businesses and homes; classification systems are in pilot or under development for neighborhood developments and health care. The certification process is a voluntary, market-driven program establishing leadership, innovation, environmental management and social responsibility. LEED offers property owners and operators the tools they need to directly affect their building’s performance and bottom line, while providing healthier indoor spaces for a building’s occupants. (“Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”)

In 1993, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization, was created. The purpose of this group is to endorse buildings that are naturally responsible and highly productive, as well as places in which it is healthy to live and work. The USGBC also promotes guidelines for building design, construction and operation. Soon after the USGBC was created, the association concluded that a desire existed for a system of measurement...