One of the largest human contributions to environmental impact originates from buildings. It is imperative that we, as developers and designers, work in harmony to ensure the sustainability of the facilities where we live, work and play. This design is commonly referred to as a “green”

building. Green buildings require less energy to operate, generate fewer harmful byproducts and pollutants, minimize water consumption and produce less waste. By reducing energy consumption, waste generation and pollution to levels that can be accommodated by nature’s ecological systems, we will allow future generations the opportunity to enjoy the wonder that is our planet. In registering a project through either the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) or the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Certification, the process towards environmental sustainability has been initiated.

The CaGBC’s mission states, “Achieve the social, environmental and economic goals implicit in the vision by engaging a national coalition of industry leaders who create buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live, work and play. Promote and accelerate the mainstream adoption of green building awareness, principles, education, policies, practices, standards and tools.”

Throughout the lifecycle of a green building, occupants can enjoy a higher level of comfort and indoor air quality. Harmful chemicals and indoor pollutants are minimized, thereby reducing the occurrence of biological contaminants and sick building syndrome. Owners benefit from reduced maintenance and operating costs.

LEED® criteria are divided into six categories – Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environment Quality and Innovation and Design Process. Each category, with the exception of the Innovation and Design Process, has prerequisites. All prerequisites must be achieved.

The Sustainable Sites category focuses on the site selection, personal vehicle and urban sprawl reduction, major ecological feature identification, prior history and site integration benefiting the surrounding developments for the lifecycle of the building.

The Water Efficiency category encourages the implementation of strategies to reduce potable water consumption with respect to landscape and building operations.

The Energy and Atmosphere category’s intent is to reduce the depletion of non-renewable energy resources and thereby minimize the resultant air pollutants; while promoting renewable energies.

The Materials and Resources category requires inclusion of rapidly renewable materials, reuse of existing materials, construction waste reduction, recycling and waste diversion from landfills, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.

The Indoor Environmental Quality category focuses on the improvement of wellness within a building. Consideration must be given to air quality, for example CO2 levels, and comfort. Most credits within this section address the improvement of comfort issues ranging from daylighting and outdoor views, to temperature and ventilation.

New technologies and design strategies are recognized in the Innovation and Design Process category. Credit can also be achieved by promoting green building awareness to the public through interactive educational activities.

The premise of LEED® is the integrated design process (design, construction and operation teams). By applying the guidelines throughout a project’s lifecycle, the value of a green building and sustainable design can truly be realized. Project registration and certification ensures that all of the efforts are publicly recognized. While the final acceptance of any credit is subject to the CaGBC review committee, the utilization of qualified consultants and personnel all but guarantee a positive outcome. Please contact us should you have any questions or are interested in pursuing building accreditation through either the USBGC or CaGBC.