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LEED Accredidation
Written April 2, 2009 by John Hendricks, AIA Architect • Filed Under Green Options Tom Russell of Hendricks Architecture recently became a LEED AP, or Accredited Professional. LEED Accredited Professionals have, according to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), “demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process.” The USGBC is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating SystemTM.
The LEED certification process has several rating systems that are specific to different building types and project scopes. LEED for Homes is a fairly new product that was launched in January 2008, after a few pilot versions. It promotes the design and construction of high performance green homes. By using a standardized documentation system, LEED for Homes assures owners that their home has meet rigorous criteria for energy efficiency, occupant health, and minimized environmental impact.
The conventional wisdom is that building a green home or doing a green remodel is much more costly. While in many instances this is true, it is not always the case. It is important to consider long term costs when comparing green building to more conventional construction. First costs can often be offset by long term savings in energy use, maintenance, and reduced equipment needs. The USGBC contends that the net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of a conventional home. It is also worthwhile to consider the intangible benefits of a green home, things like improved health, a cleaner environment, and less dependence on conventional energy sources.
For clients interested in achieving LEED certification for their projects, it is important to have a LEED AP involved as part of the design/construction team. They can help guide you through the certification process, which can be complex and time consuming. Having a LEED AP involved also gains your project a point towards certification.
For homeowners interested in a home that is “built green” but not LEED certified, it is always an option to employ green strategies, products and technologies without going through a certification process. While LEED certification offers assurance of a buildings performance, it is possible to have the same level of performance without being certified. For those considering resale value, LEED certification would likely add value to any piece of real estate because it is a verifiable standard that is recognized nationwide.
For any of our clients interested in building a green home or doing a green remodel, we have the knowledge and expertise to assist you. Whether you are going to pursue LEED certification or you simply want a healthy, energy efficient, low impact home, we would love to talk to you about achieving your goals.
Tom Russell, LEED AP
10 Comments
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Hello Tom,
Congratulations on your LEED Accreditation! As a professional member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) we recognize that sustainability should be an essential part of the Interior Designer’s professional responsibilities. At Jane Scott Design, we enjoy being part of collaborative multi-disciplinary teams that endorse environmental stewardship.
Jane Scott, ASID
Hi Jane –
Thanks for noticing. I have been contemplating pursuing LEED Accreditation for quite a while, but didn’t think the rating system really applied to residential projects, which is predominantly what we do. Now that there is a LEED for homes rating system and more people are starting to understand the importance of sustainable living and energy efficiency, we anticipate that some of our clients will be interested in achieving LEED certification for their homes. I have always been an advocate for sustainable lifestyles and green building, and I am pleased to see it becoming a part of the mainstream consciousness. I look forward to working with you on some future green building projects!
Tom Russell, LEED AP
What green elements are you adding into your new construction?
Thanks for the question Lara. This could be a very long answer but I’ll try to keep it as short as possible.
Before getting specific, it all starts with orienting the building on the site. We try to take advantage of natural energy sources. Taking advantage of the sun orientation and angles, building into the topography, sheltering from winds are some of the biggest energy savers. During design, maximizing the sun in winter and minimizing it in summer with bigger overhangs, , trellises, deciduous trees, etc. Maximizing daylighting with light shelves, clerestory windows, skylights and solar tubes all add extra light that will save electricity.
Designing for efficient use of the space so you don’t need as many materials is something we keep in mind. We specify high quality windows with low E glazing. Operable windows reduce the reliance on air conditioning and ventilation. Motion detector lights are great to use to save on electrical, as well as fluorescent, LED, or halogen lamps where they make sense.
Regarding heating, radiant floor heat is something we specify quite a bit as it’s very functional. The heat is close to your body and not up in the ceiling, and you don’t get the drafts. On demand hot water heat and recirculated hot water keep you from wasting gallons of water every time you want hot water.
Insulation a little over the norm will pay for itself within a few years on energy costs, not only in the walls and roofs, but also at the floors and foundation walls. Regarding materials, we try to stay as natural as possible. Cedar is a renewable source, and we use that for siding quite a bit rather than manufactured, which doesn’t look very good to begin with. Other green materials we specify include reclaimed timbers, local stone, cedar shakes, concrete tile, stained concrete floors, tung oil finishes, natural clay, stone counter tops, energy star appliances, and rainwater collection devices, among others.
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