What is LEED?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction and operations. LEED is transforming the marketplace by providing a nationally recognized certification system to promote integrated, whole-building design practices in the building industry. (Source: USGBC.org)
Can a building be green without LEED certification?
Yes, green design can be included in any design, whether it is new construction, existing building modification or an interior fit-out without completing all of the LEED requirements. LEED is a standard which allows the owner, operator or inhibitor a measure of the “greenness” of the space. The LEED system provides thresholds (Certified, Gold, Silver and Platinum) which clearly identify achievements by the design team, contractors, and owners in building efficiency and environmental consciousness.
What LEED services does HESM&A offer?
HESM&A has experience in all aspect of the LEED services, including MEP design, both fundamental and enhanced commissioning, and LEED administration. HESM&A is committed to furthering environmental friendly design and testing that design through commissioning. HESM&A also offers Energy Star studies and energy modeling for projects ranging from residential homes to high rise buildings.
What are the benefits of a LEED Building?
The benefits of LEED construction to the environment and occupants are too numerous to list, but some of the areas that HESM&A believes are of most important to owners and operators include: 1. Reduced operating costs, reduction in energy, water consumption. 2. Increased marketability of space, higher asset value and increased occupancy rates. 3. Increased productivity of occupants.
Why is LEED important?
Aside from the benefits that it provides the occupants of the building, according to the US Department of Energy, the 76 million residential and 5 million commercial buildings in the US consume 65% of the electricity and produce 36% of the greenhouse gases emitted in the United States. The Federal Government has recognized the importance of LEED construction and has mandated that all Federal buildings strive for LEED certification.