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Show Notes

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 5/18/2009 12:51 AM UTC

  CasaVerde: an Integrative Lifestyle Design radio show...LEED design
  

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  Hello everyone!
  
  LOTS of info today...it's almost good news our guest wasn't on today...maybe another time.  There was so much to go over today, I apologize for being rushed.  THE best site for LEED information is the USGBC site (www.usbgc.org).
  
  LEED is an ecology-oriented building certification program run under the USGBC.  LEED Concentrates its efforts on improving performance across 5 key areas of environmental and human health: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development and water savings.  LEED is defined as "a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings and provides building owners and operators with the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their building's performance."
  
  OK-what does LEED mean?  Leadership Energy and Environmental Design.  LEED is more concerned with the design of the building, rather than the occupants, and seeks to modify the occupant’s behavior (i.e. use less water, turn off lights/electronics when not in use...).  There are over 14,000 projects in the US and 30 other countries encompassed by LEED currently.  LEED is an open and transparent process where the technical criteria are publically reviewed for approval through the USGBC (US Green Building Council).  Any individual, who has passed the accreditation exam by the Green Building Certification Institute, can use the LEED AP acronym after their name.  (Look for this if you need any help or have any questions).

   

  ***The LEED green building rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being. ***
  
  What we had to rush through on today's episode were the 5 criteria that make up LEED rating system (certified, silver, gold and platinum): Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality.  LEED standards cover new commercial construction and major renovation projects, interior projects and existing building operations.  Currently NOT covered commercial “core and shell” construction, new home construction and neighborhood developments.

   

  Sustainable Sites:

  Sites should be selected based on site selection, developmental density and alternative transportation.  You want to have public transportation available (bike, walk, carpool, mass transit) to discourage driving.  You also want to look at/for sites that reduce manage rainwater efficiently and minimize water pollution.  Roof gardens and permeable pavement (gravel/brick are good, concrete/asphalt are bad) are BIG pluses to look for or to incorporate.  Buildings that have streets, sidewalks, parking lots and other buildings are also preferable to rural locations (again, think of accessibility).  Shade, vegetation and light colored, reflective surfaces surrounding buildings and on roofs all help to keep the space cool-look for this as well as it will help reduce energy costs.  Lighting s/b designed to eliminate glare, discomfort and annoyance for neighbors, avoid disruption of nocturnal habitats and preserve visual access to the night-sky.  (this is called “Light Pollution Reduction”).  Lastly, as clean drinking water is an issue, limit the use of potable water.  Utilize rainwater and/or recycled site water, highly efficient fixture, dual or low flow toilets, urinals, showerheads and faucets with sensors.

   

  Water Efficiency:

  Conserving water is important-LEED emphasizes the importance of water efficiency AND will give extra points for this in high-drought areas.  Use dual-flush or low-flow toilets, low-flow or waterless urinals, faucets that work on sensors, low-flow showerheads and front-loading washers.  Reuse waste water from sinks for flushing toilets and garden irrigation. 

   

  ***LEED emphasizes modifying occupant behavior and how buildings work.  They emphasize shorter showers, not letting water run while brushing teeth or washing dishes and waiting until there’s a full load before running dishwasher or washing machine.***

   

  Energy and Atmosphere:

  This is the area that gets the most attention since it directly relates to saving energy and reduces emissions of CO2 and CFCs.  Lighting design is key in this area.  Choice and placement of fixtures, control systems and use of natural daylight all play a role.  Use energy efficient electronics and appliances.  Look for those Energy Star rated (there’s also a tax break!). 
  
  

  ***Make sure to turn off all electronics/appliance when not in use.  Utilize power strips to plug items into, as even if an item is turned OFF but plugged in, it is still utilizing power.  At night you can just turn off the power strip!***

   

  Material and Resources:

  Remember that less is more!  Utilize the 4 Rs in this area: Recycle, Reuse, Regional and Renewable.  Use local vendors, supplies and manufacturers whenever possible to cut down on transportation costs.  Try to utilize GREEN de-construction principles.  If an item can be salvaged, donate to a consignment or Habitat for Humanity shop so someone else can use.  Look for and use eco-friendly, closed-loop and/or sustainable products in your project. 

   

  Indoor Environmental Quality:

  Americans spend an average of 80-90% of their time INDOORS where pollution exceeds levels found outdoors.  Doesn’t it behoove us to reduce this and create as healthy an indoor air quality as possible?  (We will look at this issue-BauBiology- on the May 30^th episode!).  For a building to get LEED certification it must be “non smoking” inside and out.  There must be increased ventilation to promote FREASH air flow throughout the space with Outdoor Air-Delivery Monitoring.  Look at HEPA HVAC systems.  Monitor any mold/mildew build-up and if it occurs-clean it up ASAP.  Use NO or LOW VOC paints, adhesives, sealants, carpet systems, composite wood and laminate adhesives (i.e. NO MDF) and furniture systems.

   

  LEED encourages isolating sources of potentially hazardous materials (this includes: copiers, printer, computers, TV, housekeeping and laundry rooms).  Use only green, eco-friendly cleaning products.  LEED also encourages that users can control the amount and position of any lighting-make sure this is included in your lighting design.

   

  ***People feel more comfortable when they have a connection to Mother Nature.  LEED encourages designs that utilize as much natural light as possible and access to outside views.***

   

  Innovation and Design Process:

  This area encourages innovation by giving credit for exceptional performance above the requirements for existing LEED categories and/or for innovations in sustainable performance not specifically address by LEED. 

   

  Wheww….I encourage all of you to peruse the USGBC site for more info.  You can also do a Google search of LEED projects going on in your area to do more investigation.

   

  Until next time…Happy Designing…

  • Tags:
  • deanna radaj
  • bante design. LEED
  • interior design
  • eco-friendly
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