Today we want to tell you about a sustainability certification that you can obtain for your building: LEED Certification.
LEED is the green building rating system available for virtually all types of building, community and residential projects. This certification is framed to «create healthy, highly efficient and economical green buildings».
The LEED standard is a certification granted by the USGBC (U.S. (U.S. Green Building Council) and is voluntary worldwide.
Why is it important to have this type of sustainability certification?
In the world in which we live, it is essential to bet on certificates that guarantee the wellbeing of structures and people, as a method to intervene positively in the environment.
According to the RAE, the word well-being refers to «the state of a person in which he/she is sensitive to the good functioning of his/her somatic and psychic activity«.
The main objective of LEED is to minimize the consumption of energy and materials, guiding the construction processes, maximizing comfort and habitability, meeting each and every one of the needs of those who inhabit a given space.
Green building and the use of alternative energies have become more important, being in some cases a priority, due to the environmental impact generated by the constructions.
What aspects are taken into account for LEED Certification?
This certificate is awarded to construction projects based on a scoring system in which different criteria are evaluated, such as those listed below:
1) Use and Saving of Water.
With rainwater collectors, flooding and energy costs are considerably reduced, shortages are reduced and at the same time aquifers and rivers are recovered.
2) Energy Efficiency.
A good proposal to obtain certification is the installation of Photovoltaic Panels, which take advantage of solar energy to generate electricity, producing significant economic savings.
3) Indoor Environmental Quality.
We can make use of natural green walls, which provide numerous benefits, both environmental and for the health and durability of the building.
4) Application of Clean and Renewable energies.
Solar Water Heaters are a good option, they use solar energy which is renewable, reducing the use of gas and at the same time reducing costs.
5) Sustainable Development.
The installation of vertical gardens regulates the indoor climate of a building, purifies the air and reduces polluting gases in the environment. In such a way that it ensures the needs of the present and continues to benefit future generations.
The LEED® certification system is therefore an internationally recognized mark of excellence for communities, buildings and professionals who are transforming the building industry towards greater energy efficiency, protecting natural resources and creating a healthy space to live and work in.
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(Image: iagua.es)