In this post I will comment on some more aspects highlights of the American LEED certification model , which is currently configured as one of the most important to international level, whose objective is
The characteristics of the certification LEED for sustainable buildings ranges from its design until its demolition, considering the process of its execution as well as any other possible intervention in the same reform or maintenance.
It can be said that, like other models of international building certification ecological such as certification BREEAM, intends to guarantee that certain sustainability policies in the construction of buildings through stamps or certificates. So leed certifications are important!
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This is a type of international certification developed by the US Green Building Council so that the buildings comply with standards of sustainability .
The first LEED-certified building was created in the United States in 1998 and, since then, having been used in several countries expanding borders for its interest.
It is based on implementing in projects aspects to improve energy efficiency and its respect environment , as well as the use of renewable energy, improve the quality of the indoor environment, efficiency in water consumption, sustainable development respecting the nature of free spaces as well as the employment and the selection of materials and natural resources.
It is voluntary and its purpose is to improve the implementation of strategies or actions to reduce the environmental impact of constructions of any type.
There are four types of energy certification different ones that are granted based on the assigned credits or score obtained for each building, which are the following:
Within the read standards , also covers all urban scales competent to the planning, with specific certifications for different types of buildings:
| Certification code | Types of buildings |
| LEED NC | New buildings |
| LEED CS | Free-story buildings, for flexible uses |
| LEED EB BD | Existing buildings (refurbishment) |
| LEED CI | Commercial Interiors |
| LEED H | Houses |
| LEED NB Neighborhoods | Global vision of urban settlements |
The buildings with LEED certificates allow ensure projects meet performance requirements environmental and economic orientation towards the occupants of the building.
As the main advantage, it turns out that they need less amount of energy, have a lower water consumption and In addition, operating costs are significantly reduced and maintenance.
They are healthier and more respectful buildings with the environment . Some of these aspects considered in LEED certification are the following:
Measures the impact that the choice of a place can have concrete on the local environment to reduce the impact on the ecosystems and resources in the area.
This impact can be reduced in various ways such as choice of land with good accessibility, close to services and high-density areas, so that the reduction in travel time reduces CO2 emissions and the impact on the natural environments generated by vehicles with engine.
Another strategy may be to reduce the use of pavements impervious and increase green areas or spaces to reduce the high temperatures of normal pavements and allow to maintain the natural characteristics of said zones.
Integrates those strategies and technologies that allow reduce the amount of water consumed by the building in order to objective of promoting a more intelligent and rational use of this resource.
Many of the so-called water conservation strategies They have zero cost and fast returns. Said measures of efficiency in the management and use of water such as the use of equipment low consumption coupled to sensors and controllers machines can achieve a significant reduction in the consumption.
This parameter evaluates the energy behavior of the building quantifying the amount of energy it needs for its operation and in turn the use of energy renewables to improve their efficiency.
In this way, it is established that the better behavior energy, the lower your operating costs will be. (See also an article on how to save energy at home)
At this point the use of recycled materials is valued promoting the conservation of resources, the reduction of waste generated throughout the process or life cycle of the building and ultimately the primary objective is focused on minimize the impact on the environment caused by the manufacture and transport of new materials.
Those parameters that improve the quality of the interior environment such as the use of light natural environment, thermal and acoustic comfort, ventilation, etc
These objectives allow to increase the market value for some buildings and in parallel the quality of life of the occupants as well as their productivity if we talk about buildings of tertiary or industrial use. (Of interest the system article air conditioning for buildings)
Also, the use of high amounts of outdoor air clean and filtered, increased ventilation, control of polluting agents and humidity, etc. will allow that said indoor air has a higher quality.
Design is valued as well as innovation in all those measures that allow performance above the LEED standards or requirements, or any other innovation not considered within the previous categories.
The system for granting certification LEED is based on performing the analysis and assessment of the aforementioned aspects by an agent or independent certifier accredited by the USGBC (US Green Building Council).
The specialist is in charge of collecting all the information necessary in each project, to carry out the analysis of the same and thus be able to grant the qualification corresponding, it can be said that said valuation work It is divided into the following stages:
Note: PDF Information is very interesting to obtain the LEED_Certification.
There are different systems that allow evaluation in depending on the type of building as well as its complexity. In principle is focused on new construction buildings, but subsequently others have been developed that allow evaluate other types of works such as conditioning interior ( LEED for commercial Interiors ) or for buildings in operation ( LEED Operations and Maintenance ).
They are standards that have varied and been modified over time. time, always without losing sight of the main goal aimed at towards the improvement of sustainability both in the sector industrial as in other types of buildings of any use.
Other points of interest to better understand the LEED architecture and resources:
