How Award Winning LEED Plans Worked

LEED is the set of guidelines that are nationally approved on what makes a building green and sustainable as set by the US Green Building Council. Many of the projects are a success no matter what level LEED they are because they combine the talents, cooperation and ingenuity of the great minds that helped produce the building. This article shows how a LEED plan typically works.

First, a site is picked out. Ideally a site is chosen where minimal ground would be disturbed. Location is one of the first things examined. Next, the site is examined as to whether it is sustainable to build there or not when it comes to the native wildlife or other considerations. When the right site is chosen, it is time to decide on the building. LEED is contacted so that a third-party evaluator can monitor the project and assist the client with their LEED application.

From here, the entity for which the building is being built will consult a green building designer such as an architect or engineer to come up with a plan. The client lets the designer know exactly what their goals are in the project. This can include using passive solar lighting, energy efficient fixtures and water conservation fixtures as well as attractive architecture. The designer comes up with several concepts that the client can choose from. Once a plan is chosen, it is time to begin building the home or buildling itself.

The next part of the process is hiring the right help to get the building done sustainably. LEED standards try to eliminate as much waste as possible in the construction process, so finding the right builder is a process that requires careful consideration. Often, builders who are familiar with this kind of a project are certified to be green builders through LEED. Once the builder is selected, communication follows between the client, the builder, and the designer. The client lets the builder know their personal goals for the construction portion of the project. The designer explains to the builder what is needed to make the design a reality. The builder is in charge of not only building the project, but determining if there are alternative green strategies to consider.

There are a few other techniques used to make the building sustainable aside from the structure itself. Appliances that are certified by ENERGY STAR or other entities to be efficient are typically chosen. Paints with low emissions are chosen for the interior, too. This helps the building to maintain its green goal.

The final step is submitting the project to LEED itself and having an expert check to see if the building delivers what was promised in its green goals. If the criteria are met, the building gets awarded a certificate as a LEED building and a rating if special things were done to go even further into sustainability.

LEED is one of the many ways that we are working to make our lives a bit greener. For more information, look them up online at www.usgbc.org/LEED.