LEED certification is a type of certification that a builders can get if they op to use environmentally friendly building practices. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a certification that was developed by the US Green Building Council as a way to recognize those who use green methods to build their homes. The purpose was to encourage environmental awareness.
The certification has four different levels and is determined by a points system. The four levels are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Before obtaining the certification an application must be submitted showing that you are indeed in compliance.
What are LEED platinum buildings?
Platinum is the highest LEED certification available. Buildings and homes that have this certification are some of the greenest in the world. It is not easy to obtain this certification. If a company has, you know they are serious about protecting the environment.
What are requirements of a LEED certified building?
In order for a building to be LEED certified there are two main requirements. It first must meed the MPR or minimum program requirements which include complying with environmental laws, must share all energy and data use with USGBC and must comply with the minimum building area to site area ratio.
Secondly the building must satisfy all prerequisites. Some of the prerequisites include Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, Water Use Reduction, Minimum Energy Performance and Fundamental Refrigerant Management just to name a few.
Overall there has to be a combination of credits that work together to help a building achieve LEED certification. It take 40-49 points to reach the Certified level, 50-59 points to reach the Silver level, 60-79 points to reach the Gold level and 80 points or more to reach the Platinum level.
A building can use a variety of different design strategies and products to help them reach the level of certification they desire.
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