One of the biggest contributors to global pollution is the construction sector. It is becoming increasingly important to lower the adverse effects of construction and shift towards sustainable building practices due to the onset of climate change and global warming. By offering incentives for people to build their homes ethically and spearheading a change in the building industry, organisations such as LEED promote the green building concept in India through their certifications. Read on to learn all about what LEED is, LEED certification and LEED rating systems for building green homes in India.
What is LEED?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an organisation supported by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) that operates worldwide. Formed by architects, real estate developers, scientists, engineers and other construction professionals, LEED is one of the most highly reputed organisations for providing green building certifications in the world. Apart from providing certifications, the organisation also acknowledges professionals who demonstrate enhanced knowledge of sustainability with certifications like LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and LEED Green Associate (LEED GA).
What is LEED Certification?
Residential, industrial and commercial building projects, as well as neighbourhoods and cities, can receive certificates from LEED in a number of categories. These certifications attest to the use of sustainable construction methods throughout the project, including design, building, and operation. Before a project seeks certification, it must fulfil a number of prerequisite requirements stipulated by LEED. Compliance with these LEED design requirements guarantees responsible construction projects that prioritise eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
Why Get LEED Certification?
The following are some of the most significant advantages of aiming for a green construction certification:
- Sustainability: A green home saves a significant amount of money on energy and water use, typically between 20 and 50 percent. One of the main factors supporting the worldwide cause of sustainability is the decreased carbon footprints caused by the construction and maintenance of a LEED green building.
- Property Value: In India, green buildings are typically more valuable. This is because such a facility has lower operating expenses and more effective planning. LEED certified buildings are also considered to be prestigious, adding to their value.
- Occupant Wellbeing: Homes that are well-ventilated, well-lit, and energy-efficient improve the physical and emotional health of their residents. Among other advantages, improved indoor air quality promotes regulated sleep cycles, lowers airborne disease transmission, and increases general productivity.
- Financial and Government Incentives: Many municipal authorities and state and central governments offer a range of incentives to buildings that have earned or intend to earn a green building certification from LEED. These include granting more FAR, tax rebates and investment reimbursements and expediting environmental clearances.
LEED Rating System for Residential Construction
LEED Categories for Residences:
Residential construction under the following categories are eligible for LEED Certification:
- Single Family Homes: This category applies to homes that may be attached to or detached from other structures, but are meant for a single family to live in.
- Multifamily Homes: Newly constructed or renovated buildings with two or more dwelling units on any number of floors come under this category.
- Multifamily Homes Core and Shell: In this category, homes that are not completely finished with an interior fit-out, but only consist of the exterior shell and core (along with services like plumbing and electrical lines) can apply for certification.
LEED Rating Parameters
A LEED rating is provided by analysing the following factors at different stages in a residential project:
- Site Selection: Ecologically sensitive areas like farmlands and floodplains must be avoided. Sites must maintain their natural land levels and have good vehicular and pedestrian path connectivity. Sustainable measures like planting trees and rainwater management must be adopted.
- Energy and Atmosphere: Energy-efficient systems with renewable energy sources must be adopted to enhance the project’s operational efficiency.
- Water Efficiency: Water meters must be installed to record and minimise the use of water for both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Materials and Resources: Locally available and eco-friendly materials—such as fly ash concrete and reclaimed or recycled wood—must be used and construction waste must be minimised.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Indoor pollutants must be minimised and focus must be given to enhance the occupants’ thermal comfort.
- Innovation: Optimal solutions for cost-effective sustainable building must be adopted.
- Regional Priority: Priority must be given to address any local problems like social inequity and public health needs.
LEED Certification Levels
Upon evaluation of the above factors, the LEED green building rating system scores projects out of a total of 100 points and certifies them at four levels:
- LEED Certified: A scoring of 40-49 points is required to get this certificate, which signifies that a project has met the basic LEED certification requirements to be termed as sustainable.
- LEED Silver Certification: With 50-59 points achieved, this certification signals that a project surpasses basic requirements.
- LEED Gold Certification: 60-79 points must be achieved to get this certification, which indicates that the project has adopted the best sustainable methods.
- LEED Platinum Certification: Requires more than 80 points to be scored by a project and is the highest level of certification, denoting that the project sets new standards for sustainability.
How to Get LEED Certification
To apply for LEED certification for green homes, the below steps can be followed:
- Select the Appropriate Category: Single family, multifamily or multifamily core and shell.
- Team Building and Design: Hire a LEED accredited professional to guide you on LEED certification requirements and employ an architect and builders team to create the optimised designs and carry out construction.
- Registration and Fees: Register for LEED online, pay the relevant fees and submit all the building documents to be eligible for project review.
- Project Reviews: LEED will conduct reviews at several stages (pre-certification, pre-construction, during construction and post construction) through the Green Business Certification Inc.
- Rating and Certification: A final rating and certification (if any) will be provided after analysing the review results and summing up the points attained at every stage. This may take several months or even years after project completion, since the project’s long-term operational efficiency must also be recorded.
Any interested stakeholders in a building project can voluntarily opt to apply for LEED certification by adhering to the above steps.
Promoting the Green Building Concept in India
With a solid reputation across the globe, LEED is the leading organisation across the world for green building certification. LEED green buildings advance the larger goal of sustainable development while offering building owners and occupants numerous advantages and incentives. Pursuing a LEED certification will significantly improve global construction methods and increase much-needed awareness. As a result, institutions like LEED are crucial for the development and advancement of the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry.
Hemali Patel