Week 2: LEED and LEED Green Associate

 


LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a system that supports sustainable design, construction, and building operations. LEED helps reduce environmental impact and encourages healthier and more efficient buildings. LEED certifications are used by professionals who want to show their knowledge of green building practices.

LEED offers professional credentials for people at different experience levels. The two main credentials are the LEED Green Associate and the LEED AP with specialty. These credentials show that a person understands sustainability and green building standards. They also help professionals stand out in the green building field.

The LEED Green Associate is a basic credential for individuals who are new to green building. There are no prerequisites to take the exam, but some exposure to green building concepts is recommended. The exam focuses on general knowledge of sustainability and LEED practices. The exam costs $250, with lower prices for USGBC members and students. To keep the credential, a LEED Green Associate must complete 15 continuing education hours every two years, with three hours related to LEED.

The LEED AP with specialty is an advanced credential. To qualify, a person must already have a LEED Green Associate credential and be at least 18 years old. Experience working on LEED projects is strongly recommended. There are several specialty areas, including Building Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance, Interior Design + Construction, Neighborhood Development, and Homes. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online. LEED APs must complete 30 continuing education hours every two years, with six hours related to LEED.

One LEED initiative is Operations + Maintenance (O+M). This focuses on improving existing buildings by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Another initiative is Interior Design + Construction (ID+C). This initiative supports healthy, sustainable, and productive interior spaces in commercial buildings.

LEED credentials show knowledge and credibility in sustainability. Green jobs are growing, and LEED credentials help professionals stand out. Studying for LEED exams increases knowledge of energy, water use, air quality, and sustainable practices. LEED professionals also join a global network of people committed to better building design and operations.

To keep a LEED credential, professionals must earn continuing education hours every two years. These hours can be earned through courses, working on LEED projects, volunteering, or other sustainability-related activities. This helps ensure professionals stay current with green building practices.

LEED certifications play an important role in promoting sustainability in the built environment. The LEED Green Associate and LEED AP with specialty credentials help professionals show their commitment to green building and sustainable design.


One Step Further: 

One World Trade Center in New York City has earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and was completed in 2014. It is the tallest building in New York City and the Western Hemisphere. The building received LEED Gold Core and Shell certification for using sustainable design, construction, and building systems that reduce energy use, water use, and environmental impact.

The building includes many sustainable features that helped it achieve LEED Gold. Natural light reaches over 90 percent of the office spaces, which lowers the need for artificial lighting and cooling. The glass exterior reduces heat gain and helps save energy. The building uses low-energy equipment, a building management system to control energy and air quality, and elevators that can produce energy. It also captures all stormwater on site and uses a grey water system for cooling and irrigation, using 41 percent less water than the LEED baseline. Many construction materials were recycled or locally sourced, and most construction waste was kept out of landfills.



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