This is a summed up version of our first of four LEED Green Associate Training Sessions. The LEED Credentialing Study Sessions are a service that our club, Sustainable Build and Design has offered over the last two years, preparing over 30 LEED APs from BYU, industry, and nearby universities.
This is a summed up version of our first of four LEED Green Associate Training Sessions. The LEED Credentialing Study Sessions are a service that our club, Sustainable Build and Design has offered over the last two years, preparing over 30 LEED APs from BYU, industry, and nearby universities.
Green construction or sustainable building refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.
Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and of reducing impacts on human health and the environment for the entire lifecycle of a building. Green-building concepts extend beyond the walls of buildings and include site planning, community and land-use planning issues as well.
The growth and development of our communities have a large impact on our natural environment. The manufacturing, design, construction, and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources.
IGBC has launched ‘Green Service Buildings rating system’ (Pilot Version) on 23 May 2020.
This rating is designed for buildings (but are not limited to) such as:
o Fuel stations, Police stations, Sub stations, Bus stations, Fire stations which are ≤ 2,500 sq m
o Offices, Banks, Healthcare, Retail, Mixed-use office buildings which are ≤ 1,500 sq m
For more info: https://bit.ly/36uk0CM
#GreenBuildings #Sustainability #Environment #Ecology #Construction #Technology
An Introduction to the LEED Rating SystemsAllison Beer
This presentation is a brief overview of sustainable design and the LEED Rating Systems. It covers the benefits of green buildings as well as the basic concepts and terms of the LEED Rating Systems.
Green construction or sustainable building refers to both a structure and the application of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.
Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and of reducing impacts on human health and the environment for the entire lifecycle of a building. Green-building concepts extend beyond the walls of buildings and include site planning, community and land-use planning issues as well.
The growth and development of our communities have a large impact on our natural environment. The manufacturing, design, construction, and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources.
IGBC has launched ‘Green Service Buildings rating system’ (Pilot Version) on 23 May 2020.
This rating is designed for buildings (but are not limited to) such as:
o Fuel stations, Police stations, Sub stations, Bus stations, Fire stations which are ≤ 2,500 sq m
o Offices, Banks, Healthcare, Retail, Mixed-use office buildings which are ≤ 1,500 sq m
For more info: https://bit.ly/36uk0CM
#GreenBuildings #Sustainability #Environment #Ecology #Construction #Technology
An Introduction to the LEED Rating SystemsAllison Beer
This presentation is a brief overview of sustainable design and the LEED Rating Systems. It covers the benefits of green buildings as well as the basic concepts and terms of the LEED Rating Systems.
n this Hands-On workshop participants will learn how to design high performance homes that operate with minimum energy consumption, operation costs, and generation of green house gases.
Participants will learn how to quickly design and fine-tune homes using the latest version of HEED (Home Energy Efficient Design). If attendees bring their laptop, MAC or PC, they will be able to install this software for a hand’s on learning experience. Users can input their own designs using HEED’s fill-in-the-squares multi-story floor planner and click and drag window placement. The program then generates graphic plots of Annual Energy Consumption (kBTU), Carbon Footprint (CO2), or Annual Cost for Fuel and Electricity, among many other analysis images.
Audience Level: Architects, builders, energy consultants, homeowners, educators, and students with all levels of experience.
The area of solar building in China increases dramatically after the reform and opening-up policy and economic development..It is helpful for the national economy which maintains a sustainable, rapid and healthy development if we seize the opportunity to promoting building energy efficiency. The solar building has a good prospects and brilliant future which can help our country to realize the national development of the second step and the third step in the strategic target, and guide our country construction and architectural technology along with the world’s trend.
Free morning seminar co-hosted by the Irish Green Building Council. Features launch of Home Performance Index (HPI), keynote presentation from Andrea Reimer, former deputy-mayor of Vancouver as well as presentation of Dublin's future plans for its city from Dublin City Council's John O'Hara.
About Godrej Green Building Consultancy Services:
We have a dedicated team of about 70 experienced technocrats to provide green building design consultancy in sync with the client’s project objectives.
More than 200 projects have been Certified / Pre-certified, of which over 75 are Platinum rated projects and 100 are Gold rated projects.
We provide following services to real estate developers, architects, multinational banks, institutions like schools and hospitals, hotels, malls and factories.
• Green Building Design Consultancy
A hand holding exercise, assisting and guiding the project team towards environmentally benign Design for Green Building Certification.
• MEP Design Consultancy
Design services in area of Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electricals, Fire Protection, Plumbing, Building Automation, Other Low voltage Systems like Fire Detection & Alarm, Public Address, Access Control, CCTV monitoring, Data & Voice Evacuation etc.
• Building Information Modeling
Building information modelling (BIM) is the process developing a virtual, three-dimensional, information rich model to design, construct and maintain a building project
• Building Simulations
Building simulation is a software based analysis to optimize energy efficiency and climate responsive building design from design development stage itself. Conduct whole building simulation to assist architects, consultants and project team to decide on design strategies, achieve overall energy efficiency, selection of building materials and reducing the operation cost of a project.
• Building Commissioning Services
A systematic process to verify and document the building energy performance as designed to meet the owner’s requirements.
• Third Party Audits
It is a physical inspection and analysis of energy, water, fire and/ or waste management systems. Such analysis facilitates the end user to improve its operating efficiency and reduces wastage of precious resources.
These slides are for the Irish Green Building Council's Home Performance Index launch as well as Andrea Reimer's presentation on the green city of Vancouver.
Greening your business is pretty but it may be poisonousKevin Connolly
The New York Greater Greener Buildings Program creates new opportunities and responsibilities for realty owners and developers. And risks, too. This is a Kevin Connolly study and that means maintaining awareness of the risks.
GREEN LEASES
Acquisitions of triple net leased buildings have become extremely popular as passive investors
looking for bond‐like returns in commercial real estate continue to enter the market. In a NNN lease, several
of the identifiable benefits of green buildings such as lower utility costs and improved occupant productivity
flow directly to the tenant’s bottom line. Many owners of NNN leased buildings, content with their existing
non‐green investments and unconvinced by other benefits, consequently find little incentive to incur
greening costs from which they do not directly profit. ‘Green leases’ have been suggested as a remedy for
the valid apprehension of owners regarding the disproportionate financial burden in greening their
buildings.
This is a basic overview of the role of assessment or green rating systems in the design of buildings. It looks most closely at the LEED Version 2 system for New Construction and has not yet been updated to address LEED 2009.
What is LEED Certification and Why is it Important?BOSS Controls
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a third-party verification system for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Green Buildings support efforts to address climate risks and impact positively the people who inhabit them. But what’s stopping us from capturing their full potential? Read more in our blog!
Banks have used automation to remove friction points for customers to great success. However, automation cannot replicate human interaction, which is more important when it comes to making big financial decisions. Banks have addressed convenience and are working on trust, building customers’ confidence comes next. This will require highly-skilled humans, with automation supporting them behind the scenes.
In this session, you will learn:
The importance of emotionally connecting with customers
The role the branch can play in creating these connections
The new tools available to respond to the fast pace changes in the marketplace
Advanced self-service capabilities and innovative new business processes are fine and good, but if your employees aren’t buying the concept of tech-driven service delivery, you can be sure they’re not selling it, either. Some never will, but others just need effective tools and training to come up to speed.
In this session, you’ll learn how the most successful branch transformations have turned tentative employees into enthusiastic tech ambassadors.
Join Jean-Pierre Lacroix, President of SLDNXT, for this insightful panel discussion on engaging employees in your branch transformation.
How to write a successful retail rollout design brief
The foundation of any design project is the design brief. The two major facets included in effective design briefs are the landlord/base building requirements and the client requirements. The information below briefly outlines the key elements required to rollout an existing retail design concept into a new or existing space.
What Makes a Successful Retail Rollout Design Brief?
A thorough design brief should provide the design team with all of the information required to execute the task as well as outline the full scope of the project including client expectations. The design brief should be focused on exactly what you want to achieve before any work on the project is started. http://www.sld.com
Find out how your brand can create the right emotional connection for Millennials
Millennials are entering an important life stage for banks, as this segment of the population is starting to build wealth while driving potential sales growth in financial products and services. This segment tends to use more primary banking products than Baby Boomers and carry a higher minimum balance in their checking accounts. An additional reason for the increased focus on this segment is based on the rapid growth in size versus other cohorts such as Baby Boomers. This study will translate the many research documents into an ideal Millennial Experience (MX) for the banking industry through our Omni Experience Model and will help define the role of physical branches versus online. http://www.sld.com
Recently, there have been a number of announcements in the world of food nutrition and product labelling in an attempt to better inform consumers about what they are eating. Updates to the Nutrition Facts U.S. Table. UK Traffic Light Labelling System. Google’s Nutrition Check Feature.
The study brings new insights on the steps that senior financial executives need to take
to enhance their career and how CFOs themselves can bridge their current position with one that reflects their evolving value and clearly features their potential to organizations to finally become trusted strategic advisors. Branding the CFO confirms the findings of the 2011 CFERF study Beyond the Numbers that the value of CFOs in interpreting and anticipating risk, being an objective advocate and understanding the greater business context were seen as critical to ensuring the success of businesses.
Did you know that companies with well-established loyalty programs have a healthier bottom line?
Are you looking for ways to establish or enhance your company’s loyalty program?
Strong loyalty programs move beyond points or rewards. A well-designed loyalty program results in incremental gains, turning a customer who spends $X, into a customer who spends $X plus Y% more.
In this webinar, you will learn:
• The 6 Cs of loyalty,
• The steps required to promote and market a loyalty program,
• How to avoid making the biggest mistakes when introducing a loyalty program,
• How branding can make a loyalty program more successful.
to enhance their career and how CFOs themselves can bridge their current position with one that reflects their evolving value and clearly features their potential to organizations to finally become trusted strategic advisors. Branding the CFO confirms the findings of the 2011 CFERF study Beyond the Numbers that the value of CFOs in interpreting and anticipating risk, being an objective advocate and understanding the greater business context were seen as critical to ensuring the success of businesses.
White wonder, Work developed by Eva TschoppMansi Shah
White Wonder by Eva Tschopp
A tale about our culture around the use of fertilizers and pesticides visiting small farms around Ahmedabad in Matar and Shilaj.
Dive into the innovative world of smart garages with our insightful presentation, "Exploring the Future of Smart Garages." This comprehensive guide covers the latest advancements in garage technology, including automated systems, smart security features, energy efficiency solutions, and seamless integration with smart home ecosystems. Learn how these technologies are transforming traditional garages into high-tech, efficient spaces that enhance convenience, safety, and sustainability.
Ideal for homeowners, tech enthusiasts, and industry professionals, this presentation provides valuable insights into the trends, benefits, and future developments in smart garage technology. Stay ahead of the curve with our expert analysis and practical tips on implementing smart garage solutions.
Book Formatting: Quality Control Checks for DesignersConfidence Ago
This presentation was made to help designers who work in publishing houses or format books for printing ensure quality.
Quality control is vital to every industry. This is why every department in a company need create a method they use in ensuring quality. This, perhaps, will not only improve the quality of products and bring errors to the barest minimum, but take it to a near perfect finish.
It is beyond a moot point that a good book will somewhat be judged by its cover, but the content of the book remains king. No matter how beautiful the cover, if the quality of writing or presentation is off, that will be a reason for readers not to come back to the book or recommend it.
So, this presentation points designers to some important things that may be missed by an editor that they could eventually discover and call the attention of the editor.
You could be a professional graphic designer and still make mistakes. There is always the possibility of human error. On the other hand if you’re not a designer, the chances of making some common graphic design mistakes are even higher. Because you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s where this blog comes in. To make your job easier and help you create better designs, we have put together a list of common graphic design mistakes that you need to avoid.
Can AI do good? at 'offtheCanvas' India HCI preludeAlan Dix
Invited talk at 'offtheCanvas' IndiaHCI prelude, 29th June 2024.
https://www.alandix.com/academic/talks/offtheCanvas-IndiaHCI2024/
The world is being changed fundamentally by AI and we are constantly faced with newspaper headlines about its harmful effects. However, there is also the potential to both ameliorate theses harms and use the new abilities of AI to transform society for the good. Can you make the difference?
Between Filth and Fortune- Urban Cattle Foraging Realities by Devi S Nair, An...Mansi Shah
This study examines cattle rearing in urban and rural settings, focusing on milk production and consumption. By exploring a case in Ahmedabad, it highlights the challenges and processes in dairy farming across different environments, emphasising the need for sustainable practices and the essential role of milk in daily consumption.
Unleash Your Inner Demon with the "Let's Summon Demons" T-Shirt. Calling all fans of dark humor and edgy fashion! The "Let's Summon Demons" t-shirt is a unique way to express yourself and turn heads.
https://dribbble.com/shots/24253051-Let-s-Summon-Demons-Shirt
Transforming Brand Perception and Boosting Profitabilityaaryangarg12
In today's digital era, the dynamics of brand perception, consumer behavior, and profitability have been profoundly reshaped by the synergy of branding, social media, and website design. This research paper investigates the transformative power of these elements in influencing how individuals perceive brands and products and how this transformation can be harnessed to drive sales and profitability for businesses.
Through an exploration of brand psychology and consumer behavior, this study sheds light on the intricate ways in which effective branding strategies, strategic social media engagement, and user-centric website design contribute to altering consumers' perceptions. We delve into the principles that underlie successful brand transformations, examining how visual identity, messaging, and storytelling can captivate and resonate with target audiences.
Methodologically, this research employs a comprehensive approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses. Real-world case studies illustrate the impact of branding, social media campaigns, and website redesigns on consumer perception, sales figures, and profitability. We assess the various metrics, including brand awareness, customer engagement, conversion rates, and revenue growth, to measure the effectiveness of these strategies.
The results underscore the pivotal role of cohesive branding, social media influence, and website usability in shaping positive brand perceptions, influencing consumer decisions, and ultimately bolstering sales and profitability. This paper provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations for businesses seeking to leverage branding, social media, and website design as potent tools to enhance their market position and financial success.
7 Alternatives to Bullet Points in PowerPointAlvis Oh
So you tried all the ways to beautify your bullet points on your pitch deck but it just got way uglier. These points are supposed to be memorable and leave a lasting impression on your audience. With these tips, you'll no longer have to spend so much time thinking how you should present your pointers.
1. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 1
®
Understanding LEED
pioneering environmental stewardship
2. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 2
“Eco‐friendly” is no longer enough
The time for soft statements has passed. An age of action is upon us.
As responsible citizens and collectives we can no longer afford to sit
on the sidelines while ecological decay continues.
One day soon governments in Canada will follow the lead of many
European nations, where green building mandates are already part of
municipal and national building codes and planning. There will come
a time when green design standards will be part of legislatively-
mandated life safety measures. Sustainable building design will no
longer be an option; it will be a directive.
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification
is crucial to achieving genuinely sustainable development goals. For
companies seeking to be among the vanguard of the green
construction investing in LEED is publically demonstrating corporate
environmental vision.
It’s not a question of “is LEED for me?” It is a question of “How do I
make LEED work for me?” And Shikatani Lacroix, with three LEED
Accredited Professionals on staff, is prepared to help answer that
question. SLD is poised to be a strategic partner in the most
important corporate undertaking of our time: pioneering
environmental stewardship.
3. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 3
Reading beyond the rhetoric
As consumers become more invested in the ideals of environmental
sustainability the market races to meet that demand with supply.
Unfortunately, this has given rise to a prolific use of “greenwashing”;
the process of misleading the public with environmental buzzwords
and imagery that have little to no basis in concrete ecological benefit.
Amongst this deluge of information it can be difficult to determine
which products or services are actually quantifiably environmentally
beneficial.
The advantage of LEED is it’s transparency; LEED rating systems are
composed of publically available quantifiable criteria that are created
by independent stakeholders from a broad range of Canadian
industries. LEED certification is awarded after an extensive third-
party review process. Information on the registration and
certification of projects is publicly available. The concept of
accountability is inherent to the very process of LEED certification.
As increasingly eco-savvy customers place more importance on the
concept of corporate ecological responsibility companies are forced to
react accordingly and rethink how their brand is perceived. After all,
establishing trust with the consumer is one of the touchstones of
modern corporate philosophy. By aligning with a widely recognized
eco-standard, organizations can quantifiably prove their commitment
to environmental responsibility.
Within the design and construction industry, and even the discerning
end-user, LEED is an established elite brand representing dedicated
ecological stewardship. To achieve LEED certification is to place
oneself and one’s company at the forefront of the sustainability
movement.
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Green Value
When considering investing in LEED and green building technology
the concept of higher initial investment costs can be daunting. For
many investors this the prohibitive factor in their decision not to
pursue green buildings. However, if one were to examine all costs
(both outlay and income) associated with green buildings, the
findings are surprising. As identified in A Business Case for Green
Buildings (CaGBC, 2005) there are seven factors to consider in terms
of green building economics:
1. Direct capital costs
2. Direct operating costs
3. Lifecycle costing
4. Productivity benefits
5. Property values
6. External economic savings
7. Other intangible benefits
5. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 5
Direct Capital Costs
Going green involves spending green. However, contrary to most
investor’s expectations, and according to industry estimates, the
additional cost of green building design (above conventional
construction costs) is not monumental. There have been many
reports that have found that the cost of a LEED construction project
above a conventional project can be as little as 2%.
Furthermore, some studies have shown that the cost of LEED
construction costs can actually be less than conventional buildings
costs. The below chart, taken from a paper analyzing green
development in New York illustrates the savings. It is important to
note how the median differs from the average in some cases;
according to the study this is due to a few large budget projects that
drove up the average project expenditures. Given this reality the
more accurate indicator of cost is the median.
CONSTRUCTION COST: COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
ALL LEED NON-LEED CERT. SILVER GOLD PLATINUM
AVERAGE $197/ft2 $191/ft2 $204/ft2 N/A $156/ft2 $330/ft2 $100/ft2
MEDIAN $160/ft2 $158/ft2 $163/ft2 N/A $158/ft2 $244/ft2 $100/ft2
Figures courtesy of Cost of Green in NYC
There are three key factors that contribute to the lower cost of LEED
projects.
1. Budget Allocation
According to industry research, design teams focused on attaining
LEED certification are more likely to use money wisely. Their overall
6. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 6
budget may be the same as for regular projects but the funds are
allocated in such a way as to serve LEED directives.
2. Materials Cost
As the demand for sustainable building materials rises the quantity of
available green resources grows. With more options available the
‘green premium’ that was once attached to sustainable materials is
getting lower.
3. Integrated green strategies
LEED-mandated design encourages a holistic approach to design. By
planning ahead and incorporating green systems and technologies
there is a reduction in the need for unnecessary infrastructure or
future (and costly) retro-fits. An example of eliminating unnecessary
infrastructure is the use of waterless urinals. Designing a men’s
washroom with waterless urinals in lieu of conventional flush urinals
reduces the number of plumbing lines required, thereby reducing
construction costs.
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Direct Operating Costs
Operating costs involve everything necessary to maintain a building;
these can include heating, cooling, repairs, retrofits and renovations.
The operational savings in a green building are obvious and simple to
determine since they often involve metering, measuring and other
quantifiable data. The below table outlines the estimated project cost
and annual savings of a typical LEED certified project.
LEED Rating Certified Silver Gold Platinum
LEED Points 26 to 32 33 to 38 39 to 51 52 to 69
Energy Savings 25 to 35% 35 to 50% 50 to 60% >60%
Annual Utility Savings $0.75/ft2 $1.00/ft2 $1.25/ft2 $1.50/ft2
Typical Payback Under 3 yrs 3-5 yrs 5-10 yrs 10+ years
Figures courtesy of Enermodal Engineering
However, there are other and less obvious operational costs that are
affected by green building design such as insurance and churn.
LEED mandated design addresses many risk factors related to typical
building operating systems as covered by insurance. The below table
outlines those aspects of building operations and the effect they can
have on typical insurance liability factors.
Fire&
Wind
Damage
Ice&
Water
Damage
Power
Failures
Professi-
onal
Liability
Health&
Safety
(Lighting
)Health&
Safety
(Indoor)
Building & commissioning
Daylighting
Demand controlled systems
Efficient duct systems
Efficient windows
Energy audits & diagnosis
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Health recovery ventilation
Insulated water pipes
LED exit signs
Natural ventilation
Radiant barriers
Radiant hydronic cooling
Radon resistant designs
Reduced indoor pollutants
Roof attic insullation
Table courtesy of A Business Case for Green Buildings, Table 1: Risk Mitigation of Green Buildings
A BOMA study entitled “What Office Tenants Want” found the
following: building tenants rate comfortable air temperature and
indoor air quality as the most important factors in overall property
quality (read: occupant satisfaction). The study also determined that
the primary reason occupants will leave a building is related to
heating and cooling problems.
Churn (defined as the frequency of relocation of building occupants,
both internally and externally) contributes to annual operating costs
for a property owner. There are two ways that churn is reduced in
green buildings.
1. Higher occupant satisfaction leads to more lease renewals and
reduced empty space
2. Green buildings are often designed with flexibility. Spaces can be
reconfigured to suit existing tenant renovations or internal staff
relocations, thereby reducing the need to seek new facilities
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Lifecycle Costing
It is critical, when looking to invest in green initiatives, to review the
entire lifecycle of a project. Too often investors, or at a smaller scale
consumers, are put off by the initial high investment cost. However,
the real savings are to be found over the entire lifecycle of a project.
If one were to calculate the lifecycle cost (the combination of direct
capital and direct operating costs), the figures would show the
eventual savings can greatly exceed the additional initial investment
cost.
A simple example is a light bulb (lamp). Energy efficient lighting is a
high operational investment with a long payoff. For example, the
below table calculates the projected savings over the lifespan of a
single lamp as compared to a less efficient model.
LAMPS
Standard PAR38 PAR38/CDMi
ANNUAL ENERGY COST
Watts per lamp 90 25
Annual Hours of Operation 5000 5000
Average annual value of 1 watt* $0.50 $0.50
Annual energy cost (watts x average watt value) $45.00 $12.50
Energy cost over 3 years (15,000 hours) $135.00 $37.50
ANNUAL LAMP COST
Listed lamp lifespan (in hours) 2,500 15,000
Cost per lamp $5.00 $70.00
Quantity of lamps to reach 3 years (15,000 hours)** 6 1
Cost of lamps over 3 years (15,000 hours) $30.00 $70.00
TOTAL LAMP & ENERGY COST (OVER 3 YEARS) $165.00 $107.50
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*Value calculated using Toronto Hydro standard rate of $0.10 per KWh
**Fewer lamp replacements also mean additional savings due to reduced maintenance-related costs
Productivity Benefits
Green buildings are usually measured in terms of profit gains as
related to energy and utility savings. This is due in large part to the
fact that those figures are easily measured and simple to calculate.
However, what this approach fails to capture are gains in productivity
and associated value-generating ramifications due to green building
design.
In actual fact, energy costs account for approximately 1% of annual
operating costs. Total annual real estate related costs comprise 9%.
The largest portion, by far, of annual operating costs are staff-related
at up to 88% (refer to adjacent chart taken from A Business Case for
Green Buildings).
Therefore, the most significant return on green building investments
should be measured in terms of increases in occupant productivity.
Studies have shown that an increase of only 1% in productivity can
yield approximately $2/ft2 per year (or $21.50/m2 per year).
Many LEED initiatives aimed at improving occupant well-being, such
as individually controlled heat and lighting systems, have been found
to contribute to overall employee satisfaction, which is a contributing
factor to increased productivity. In fact, studies demonstrated that
improvements to indoor air quality have been shown to increase
worker productivity between 5% and 34%.
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Property Values
The property value of green buildings relative to conventional
buildings is of particular interest to developers, who stand to gain no
direct profit from improved operational efficiency or increased
productivity. There are encouraging figures to underscore the
hypothesis that developers can see profit in developing and selling or
leasing green buildings. According to a recent study by US
commercial real estate information company CoStar Group, LEED
certified buildings were found to yield the following results:
• Units in LEED buildings can ask rent premiums up to $11.33
(USD) per square foot above non-LEED certified units and have a
4.1% higher occupancy rate
• LEED certified institutional-use buildings are selling for an
average of $171 (USD) per square foot more than their non-LEED
counterparts
Following the fundamental economic theory of supply and demand, it
stands to reason that as the green buildings become more in demand
the supply (and therefore the value) of LEED certified projects would
rise.
External economic savings
External economic savings are usually those generated by the
developer, building owner or tenants, which are then passed on to the
public at large. For example, the installation of on-site waste water
management systems means less input into local water treatment
facilities. While this creates no financial profit for the property owner,
there are larger societal benefits.
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Another aspect to external economic ramifications of green buildings
is the availability of incentive programs; developers or consumers are
rewarded for green actions and activities. As an example, installing a
green roof reduces the heat island effect and benefits local wildlife
and ecosystems, but beyond the environmental benefit there is no
way to determine if such an action has any financial benefit. Thusly,
there are cost incentives aimed at rewarding such environmental
efforts.
For example, in January 2010 the City of Toronto instituted a Green
Roof Bylaw requiring all new commercial, institutional and residential
developments with a minimum gross floor area of 2,000m2 to have a
portion of the roof vegetated. As an incentive the city’s Environment
Office offers a funding program to encourage developers to install eco-
roofs that comply with the bylaw. Under the incentive program
eligible projects can receive funding for the installation of green roofs
of $50/m2 up to a maximum of $100,000.
There are many other municipal, provincial, federal or corporate
sponsored incentive programs offering rewards for green initiatives. A
few examples include:
• The Great Exchange, Toronto Hydro
• Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsico
• MicroFIT, Ontario Power Authority
Another external benefit of green buildings is local economic
stimulation. The promotion of locally sourced materials integral to all
LEED rating systems encourages the use of regional labour and
supplies, thereby creating demand for regionally located resources.
Also, green construction tends to be labour-intensive, rather than
reliant on technology or materials, which translates into job creation.
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Other intangible benefits
The achievement of LEED accreditation sends a broad message to the
public. Due to the relatively few number of LEED projects in Canada,
when a building attains certification it is a major public relations
coup. For example, recently the Deutsche Bank in Germany made
international headlines when their head office in Frankfurt became
the world’s first high-rise office project to be awarded platinum LEED
status. That type of exposure can instantly establish a green
corporate image within the public consciousness.
Registration of LEED applications in Canada grows higher and faster
every year. As of May 2010 there were over 2,000 projects applying
for LEED status in Canada. In the US, where LEED rating systems
have been in place much longer, there are over 19,000 currently
registered projects. The difficult and exacting standards embedded in
LEED directives, and indeed in the process of qualification itself,
heightens the environmental achievement that is LEED certification.
To earn LEED accreditation is to lay claim to the most recognizable
and highly respected industry standard for environmental
responsibility.
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There are six different
Canadian LEED rating
systems addressing
various categories of
design & construction
projects:
• New Construction &
Major Renovations
(NC)
• Core and Shell (CS)
• Commercial Interiors
(CI)
• Existing Buildings:
Operations and
Maintenance (EB:
O&M)
• Homes
• Neighbourhood
Development (ND)
What is LEED®?
LEED® was originally created by the US Green Building Council
(USGBC) and later adapted for use in Canada by the Canadian Green
Building Council (CaGBC). It is a point-based rating process that
classifies design and construction projects as environmentally
sustainable; credits are awarded based on compliance with a set of
standardized and measurable criteria. Design teams submit
applications for LEED status and credits are awarded following an
independent third party audit administered by the CaGBC. Based on
the number of credits achieved a project is awarded a LEED rating of
Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
The number of points necessary to achieve a LEED rating varies
according to each rating system. As an example, for LEED® Canada
Commercial Interiors a total of 70 credits are available and certification
levels are as follows:
26-32 credits – Certified
33-38 credits – Silver
39-51 credits – Gold
52 or more credits – Platinum
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Who uses LEED®?
LEED projects vary widely in context. Corporate offices, schools,
government facilities, retail stores, housing developments, industrial
plants and major sports arenas are just a few of the examples of
possible LEED projects. The six LEED rating systems are intended
to provide options to certify a broad range of design and construction
projects.
It is possible for a project to fall under the scope of more than one
rating system. Project teams are encouraged to review potential
credit achievements under each system prior to application to
determine which system best suits their application.
New Construction & Major Renovations
The LEED® Canada-New Construction and Major Renovations (NC)
rating system covers new construction projects and major
renovations. It governs commercial, institutional, retail, mid and
high-rise and multi-use residential, public assembly, manufacturing
plants and many other building forms.
LEED® Canada-NC is intended for projects wherein 50% or more of
the building area will be finished (read: ready to be leased) to NC
requirements prior to application for certification. If a project is not
going to be over 50% fit-up then the project team should apply for
certification under the Core and Shell Rating System.
Core and Shell
The LEED® Canada for Core and Shell (CS) is a derivative of LEED®
Canada NC and is applicable in situations where less than 50% of
the building area will be completed to LEED® Canada NC
requirements prior to certification. Tenants in a building that has
Recent Canadian LEED
projects:
• Spring Creek
Firehall, Whistler,
BC: LEED®-NC,
Silver
• Crowfoot Library,
Calgary, AB: LEED®-
NC, Certified
• Thomas L. Wells
Public School,
Toronto, ON: LEED®-
NC, Silver
• HOK Canada Offices,
Toronto, ON: LEED®-
CI, Gold
• Steelcare Plant 19,
Hamilton, ON:
LEED®-NC, Gold
• Winnipeg Mountain
Equipment Co-op,
Winnipeg, MB:
LEED®-NC, Gold
16. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 16
been certified under CS may apply for LEED® Canada-NC
certification.
It should be noted that the CaGBC is currently working to integrate
the documentation for LEED® Canada-NC with LEED® Canada-CS.
This is due to the recognition that a project may begin as a CS
project but end up as a NC project or vice versa depending on the
successful leasing of tenant spaces. Registration for the newly
combined rating systems is expected to begin in June 2010.
Commercial Interiors
The LEED® Canada for Commercial Interiors (CI) is used for tenant
improvements of new or existing office space. It can be applied to
both tenants and building owners’ improvement work. LEED®
Canada-CI can apply to tenant spaces in government and private
sectors for offices, retail units, restaurants, healthcare facilities,
hotel/resorts and educational buildings.
Despite the title the LEED® Canada-CI rating system does not apply
to interior work alone, it also includes many exterior design
considerations as outlined below in the section on Site Selection
credit requirements.
Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
The LEED® Canada Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
(EB: O&M) rating system assists building owners and operators in
the assessment of building operations, improvements and
maintenance on a quantifiable level. The aim of LEED® Canada-EB:
O&M is to maximize a building’s operational efficiency while
minimizing detrimental environmental effects. LEED® Canada-EB:
O&M focuses on all aspects of the building’s cleaning and
17. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 17
maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs,
exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades.
LEED® Canada EB: O&M is unlike other rating systems in that it
does not rate design or construction activities. Rather it measures
the efficiency of buildings systems over the lifecycle of the building.
To maintain LEED® Canada EB: O&M certification the project must
file for recertification at least every five years. Since the project
must demonstrate compliance with LEED mandated operating
guidelines for the entire period between recertification, LEED®
Canada-EB: O&M represents a substantial and on-going
commitment to environmental standards.
Homes
The LEED® Canada for Homes rating system is intended to promote
the design and construction of green homes. Launched in 2009 by
the CaGBC, LEED® Canada for Homes provides a national standard
for builders and renovators of residential projects. Due to the long-
term nature of occupation in homes, LEED® Canada for Homes
contains extra credit categories not present in other ratings
systems:
• Location and Linkages - to highlight the importance of placing
housing in a larger community context.
• Awareness and Education – teaching home owners and builders
about the green features of LEED certified homes
18. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 18
Neighbourhood Developments
The LEED® for Neighbourhood Developments (ND) rating system is
currently under development by the CaGBC and is intended for
implementation in Canada in 2010. There are a few developments in
Canada taking part in a pilot testing by the USGBC. Results from
those tests will likely inform the content of the LEED® ND rating
system.
19. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 19
How does LEED® work?
Process
Achieving accreditation begins with the registration of the project with
the CaGBC and is complete upon the final review, after which a
rating is awarded. Refer to the adjacent chart to see a typical
breakdown of the entire procedure for an application to LEED-CI
certification.
Participants
Applying for LEED certification is a group effort. Isolation of any one
aspect of project management or execution is not possible due the
holistic methodology of LEED mandated design.
The process begins with the client and project manager determining
which LEED rating system best suits the design project. Once a
direction has been decided upon then a comprehensive design and
construction plan must be created. The following parties should be
included in the creation and/or execution of this plan:
• Client
• LEED AP project manager
• Designers
• Commissioning agents (engineering consultants)
• Consultants (i.e. landscape designers, architects, engineers, etc)
• Contractors and sub trades
• Suppliers
• Landlord
The level of involvement in the LEED process varies among team
members and even fluctuates during the different stages of the
process. Therefore, it is very important to have one overseer on the
20. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 20
project; the LEED project manager. Ideally that person would be a
LEED Accredited Professional (AP) in order to be best suited to
understanding the ecological intentions behind each aspect of the
design and construction.
The CaGBC is currently in the process of establishing three tiers of
LEED AP credentials. The path to securing LEED AP status will be
through exams and ongoing Credential Maintenance Programs
(CMPs) to ensure the knowledge of a LEED AP remains current and
relevant to current green building design and practices. The three
types of AP credentials will be as follows:
• LEED Green Associate (demonstrating basic knowledge of green
design, construction and operation)
• LEED AP with specialty:
• LEED AP Building Design & Construction (BD&C)
• LEED AP Homes
• LEED AP Interior Design & Construction (ID&C)
• LEED AP Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
• LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND)
• LEED Fellow (signifying an extraordinary level of professional
knowledge and contribution to the green building field)
Points
Within each rating system there are six categories in which a project
can earn points:
• Site Selection
• Water Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• Material Selection
• Indoor Environmental Quality
21. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 21
• Innovation in Design
For the purposes of this paper most of the below examples regarding
credit achievement have been taken from LEED® Canada-Commercial
Interiors.
Site Selection
This section focuses on minimizing the impact of buildings and
construction on the surrounding ecosystems. This includes
addressing such site design issues as stormwater management, heat
island and light pollution reduction, efficient water systems
management and, on-site renewable energy production. Credits are
also awarded for project site selection that takes into account the
following; local development density, community connectivity and
alternative transportation availability. Examples of earning credits
under this category would include:
• Installing vegetated roofing systems
• Installing irrigation systems that utilize stormwater in lieu of
potable water
• Reducing potable water consumption by a fixed percentage with
the installation of high efficiency plumbing fixtures.
• Selecting to locate the project on a brownfield redevelopment site
• Providing bicycle storage and change room facilities for occupants
• Locating projects close to alternative means of transportation or
in a densely developed neighbourhoods
• Limiting parking availability to minimum amounts as required by
local zoning by-laws
22. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 22
Water Efficiency
The aim of this section is to reduce the water usage of a given project.
Water conservation benefits local ecosystems by reducing the demand
on regional water bodies. In addition there is lower input into local
waste water treatment facilities. To achieve points in this category a
project must demonstrate water savings by comparing a projected
savings case study against a baseline water use case study. Methods
for achieving water conservation include:
• Installing high efficiency plumbing fixtures and equipment
• Collecting grey water for reuse in on-site building operations
• Installing occupancy sensors on applicable fixtures (i.e. faucets)
Energy Efficiency
Commercial and institutional buildings are responsible for
approximately 37% of Canada’s energy use. This section is aimed at
reducing energy consumption levels, thereby lowering the demand on
local energy generation facilities and associatively reducing
operational costs. In this category credits can be earned by:
Toilets account for the largest portion of water
consumption in residential and commercial buildings -
approximately 4.8 billion litres per day. Older toilets
use 15-30 litres of water per flush. New high-efficiency
toilets use a maximum of 6 litres per flush.
23. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 23
• Conducting commissioning tests to ensure building systems are
installed, calibrated and operating at optimal levels
• Engage in a contract committed to obtaining at least a portion of
the project’s energy supply from renewable energy providers (i.e.
Bullfrog Power®)
• Optimizing energy performance of HVAC systems
• Installing Energy Star® appliances that would account for a
percentage of the overall energy costs
• Installing lighting controls (i.e. daylight responsive fixtures or
individually operated light fixtures)
Material Selection
The ecological footprint of materials in a project reaches beyond their
immediate environmental influences on an interior space. Design
teams are encouraged to consider the full lifecycle of a material, from
manufacturing, transportation and installation, to the on-site
performance and eventual disposal of an item. Credits can be
awarded for material selections that take into account the above
factors in the following ways:
• Employing conscientious waste management practices to divert
unnecessary waste from landfills
• Reusing existing base building elements (doors, windows, walls,
etc.)
• Sourcing products created with a percentage of recycled content
• Sourcing products manufactured locally
• Sourcing products with a component of rapidly renewing
materials or FSC®-certified wood
• Engaging in a contract committing to remain in place for a
number of years, thereby reducing the need for new materials in
the immediate future
“As a commercial
customer of
Bullfrog Power,
can I use the
bullfrog powered
logo on my
organization's
website?
Yes…becoming a
bullfrog powered
organization is a
great way to
build your brand
and reach key
audiences such as
customers and
employees with a
positive message
about your
environmental
good citizenship
and green power
purchase.”
- Bullfrog Power website,
FAQ section
24. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 24
Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor air quality affects occupant’s health and well-being. Off-
gassing from materials and finishes can have significant impact on
air quality. Initiatives aimed at improving air quality could include:
• Specifying low-emitting materials, coatings, paints, carpets,
adhesives and sealants
• Conducting indoor air quality testing to ensure optimal system
performance
• Installing individually controlled temperature, lighting and
ventilation systems
• Developing and utilizing an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management
Plan designed to minimize impact of construction or renovation
activities on air quality both during and after the construction
phase
25. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 25
Innovation in Design
Credits earned under this category recognize achievement in design
or construction that went beyond the requirements of LEED rating
systems. Or conversely, to award points for the creation and
implementation of environmental strategies not specifically addressed
in other sections. Methods for achieving credits in this category are
wide-ranging and can be qualitative in nature. Examples include:
• Substantially exceeding the energy or water use reduction
requirements of the Water Efficiency or Energy Efficiency
sections, or any other percentage-based credit requirement
• Conducting on-going education programs for building occupants
on environmental issues
• Contributing to community development sustainability
• Including a LEED® Accredited Professional (AP) on the project
management team
26. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 26
How to realize your LEED potential
SLD currently has three LEED certified Accredited Professionals (APs)
on staff. Under LEED guidelines and with our own qualifications as
designers we can manage the following aspects of a LEED project.
• Project management
• Interior design services including;
Creation of demolition, construction, lighting, equipment,
electrical and plumbing plans
Furniture, finishes and fixture selection
• Alterative transportation assessment
• Water use calculations
• Signage and wayfinding
Some credits require the participation of engineering consultants.
For example, earning credits in the Energy & Atmosphere section
requires proof of compliance with energy standards as demonstrated
by an engineer’s calculations. For that and other credit-related
reasons an engineer can be employed on the project to provide the
following services:
• Creating energy modeling and daylight simulations for the
proposed design
• Reviewing and testing existing building systems
• Designing mechanical and electrical systems
• Conducting building commissioning to monitor and optimize
performance
27. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 27
Being a LEED Leader
Environmental stewardship is the ethical framework in which
communities and organizations combine efforts to prevent and repair
ecological damage. It is a fine ideal but in a sea of companies
scrambling to position themselves as eco-conscious it can be difficult
to prove that actual environmental restitution is being achieved.
LEED is a rare example of an internationally recognized quantifiable
environmental standard. To a public body eager to hear news of
genuine green initiatives, LEED certification is a concrete statement
of ecological accountability.
For more information regarding LEED and to set up a consultation,
contact:
Jean‐Pierre Lacroix, President
Shikatani Lacroix
387 Richmond Street East
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1P6
Telephone: 416‐367‐1999
Email: jplacroix@sld.com
28. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 28
Shikatani Lacroix is a leading branding and design firm located in
Toronto, Canada. Partnering with companies from around the world
SL commissions assignments across CPG, retail and service
industries; helping clients achieve success within their operating
markets. SL offers a wide variety of core services including corporate
identity and communication, brand experience design, packaging,
naming and product design; all with the aim of enabling clients’
brands to better connect with targeted consumers.
About the Author
Rebecca Caven, Designer, LEED AP, B.E.S.
Rebecca Caven is a designer in the Environmental Design
Department at SL. She began her career as an urban planner after
completing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies at the
University of Waterloo. Rebecca went on to further her education
and graduated from the International Academy of Design and
Technology with a diploma in Interior Design.
Rebecca has been with SL as an environmental designer for over
three years, serving a wide range of clients including Second Cup,
Blue Jays Care Foundation and Petro Canada. She also managed
the award-winning Grand & Toy retail store redesign.
Becoming a certified LEED® Accredited Professional in 2008,
Rebecca seeks to infuse interior design projects with ecologically-
focused construction standards.
Picture to come
30. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 30
Hume: Green and iconic, German bank towers soar
By Christopher Hume, The Toronto Star, (May 7, 2009)
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/805450--hume-
green-and-iconic-german-bank-towers-soar
Commercial Solutions
Green power informational pamphlet published by Bullfrog Power Inc.
https://www.bullfrogpower.com/
A Business Case for Green Buildings
Lead author: Mark Lucuik, Contributing authors: Wayne Trusty, Nils
Larsson and Robert Charette, Morrison Hershfield (March, 2005)
http://www.cagbc.org/uploads/A%20Business%20Case%20for%20G
reen%20Bldgs%20in%20Canada_sept_12.pdf
Green Value: Green buildings, growing assets
By Chris Corps, The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (2005)
http://www.bluewildernessgroup.com/index.php?action=display&cat
=43&doc=greenvaluesreport_1.pdf
Marketing Green Buildings to Tenants of Leased Properties
By Sonja Persram, Mark Lucuik and, Nils Larsson, Morrison
Hershfield (August 23, 2007)
http://www.cagbc.org/database/rte/Marketing%20Green%20Buildin
gs%20to%20Tenants.pdf
What Office Tenants Want: 1999 BOMA/ULI Office Tenant Survey Report
Referenced in: A Business Case for Green Buildings (see above)
31. white paper | July 2010 | Understanding LEED® | 31
Toronto Eco‐Roof Incentive Program
http://www.toronto.ca/livegreen/greenbusiness_greenroofs_eco-
roof.htm
Toronto Green Roof Bylaw
http://www.toronto.ca/greenroofs/overview.htm