Question

Select one of the rating systems appropriate for commercial buildings, and provide a one paragraph description of the rating system, as well as why a builder may choose this system over other rating systems for commercial buildings.

Many options:

LEED

BREEAM

Green Globes / BOMA

BESt

WELL Building Standard

One Planet Living

Living Building Challenge

NZEB

Energy Guide

Energy Star

R-2000

Passivhaus/ Passive House

BuiltGreen

CHBA Net Zero / Net Zero Ready

Answer 1

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) -

LEED was basically designed by U.S. Green Building Council in 1998 and is used as a green building rating system worldwide. LEED looks after the sustainability in the buildings i.e. how its been built, designed and operated. It gives the framework for healthy, highly efficient green building designs, operation and maintenance solutions. It helps in making low cost green buildings and also focuses on the entire life-cycle of the building. It aims on helping buildings owners, executers to follow a resource-efficient and environmental friendly driven process.

LEED rates new construction and also the existing buildings. It includes all types of structures colleges, hospitals , residential and commercial buildings, houses, etc. LEED basically rates on the two parameter of building - environmental impacts and human benefits.

LEED Certification ( rating ) based on points scored-

1. Basic certification- 40-49 points
2. Silver certification- 50-59 points
3. Gold certification- 60-79 points
4. Platinum certification- 80-110 points.

• Builder can choose this system over other rating systems for commercial buildings cause-

1. LEED offers a free-flowing and performance-based experience for the built, design and operation of the building.
2. It helps owners for many economic benefits as use of resources are done more efficiently compared to conventional buildings, which ultimately helps in attracting tenants, buyers for the commercial spaces.
3. It creates healthier environment with clean air, natural light, untoxic paints and finishes, etc which keeps the employees happy and increases employees productivity. Thus making the employer happier.
4. It promotes use of electric traveling commodities, bicycle, etc thus helping in reducing pollution and improving indoor environmental qualities.
5. It focuses on preserving the biodiversity on site thus making a efficient use of it thus implementing various sustainable strategies.
6. It reduces waste.
7. LEED helps in saving water by using strategies such as rain water harvesting on commercial building.

Reports states that LEED building saves 6-10% of water of all non-residential use.

Summary- LEED rates new construction and also the existing buildings. It includes all types of structures colleges, hospitals , residential and commercial buildings, houses, etc. LEED basically rates on the two parameter of building - environmental impacts and human benefits.