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By Danielle Stewart
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is informally referred to as LEED. A program sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is designed around the concept of sustainability. Buildings can achieve LEED certification in five primary areas:
Benefits of certification
LEED certification can provide a number of benefits for building owners. Along with the obvious environmental advantages, LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate and are more desirable for commercial and residential occupants. They also may qualify for significant financial benefits through tax rebates and incentives, making these green-friendly buildings an even better investment. Buildings that incorporate energy efficient lighting systems and low-flow bathroom fixtures can provide lower utility bills for tenants while ensuring a healthier environment for residents and occupants.
Certification for commercial buildings
In order to achieve LEED certification, commercial buildings must meet stringent standards as determined by the Green Building Certification Institute. This independent organization conducts third-party inspections of commercial buildings in accordance with ISO international certification standards. Building owners can achieve a number of different levels of LEED certification depending on the degree to which the building complies with environmental standards.
The best way to achieve LEED certification is to incorporate environmentally friendly construction methods, sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems into the overall building plans.
Here are some helpful links that further illustrate some of the points discussed in this article:
U.S. Green Buildings Council Rating Systems Programs & Guides Commercial Real Estate
Danielle Stewart is a lighting design consultant and blogger for P-2, a commercial lighting manufacturer based in Yorba Linda, CA. Her articles focus on increasing awareness of the benefits of energy efficient lighting and lighting retrofits in commercial and industrial spaces.
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