The US Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and improvement of green building techniques and performance. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the USGBC is one of the most widely used systems in the world for assessing a building’s environmental impact as well as its operational performance. There are several different types of LEED programs, but the majority of them focus on the entire scope of a project, from the site selection to the mechanical systems of the building. The Commercial Interiors (CI) program, unlike other LEED programs, is tailored to individual tenants within a space. LEED CI allows tenants to control green building only within their own space, with no requirement that the rest of the building follow the program.
Business owners can have their space certified by the USGBC under LEED CI based on how green or eco-friendly it is. The number of different areas of environmental impact addressed during design and construction earns the project points. A project must receive 40 to 49 points to be certified. The project receives a “Silver” rating if it receives 50 to 59 points, and “Gold” status if it receives 60 to 79 points. A “Platinum” rating is given to projects that earn more than 80 points under the LEED CI program, which is the highest possible certification for a green building.
Building owners can earn points in a variety of ways under LEED CI, and each method is classified into one of six categories. Projects can earn points in the “Sustainable Sites” category by installing bike racks for commuters or encouraging residents to take public transportation instead of driving. Projects that reduce water consumption through low-flow fixtures and graywater recycling systems earn points in the “Water Efficiency” category. Buildings can also earn a lot of points in the “Energy and Atmosphere” category, which is aimed at making power, heating, and cooling systems more efficient.
Projects that use recycled or sustainable materials earn points in the “Materials and Resources” category. Improved ventilation is the focus of the “Indoor Air Quality” category in order to achieve safe indoor air quality levels. To help reduce toxic fumes and gases, projects can earn points in this category by using low-emitting paints, carpets, and adhesives. Finally, some projects receive bonus points in the “Innovation and Design” category. This allows building owners and designers to come up with their own “green” ideas and incorporate them into the project.
To be eligible for the LEED CI program, building owners must register with the USGBC. They must submit records to the USGBC review board as the project progresses to support each possible credit or point. The USGBC will assess each point to determine which certification level, if any, will be granted.
Those in the design and construction trades may be interested in pursuing LEED CI certification. To become accredited, individuals must pass a test administered by the USGBC. Once an individual is accredited, he or she will have all of the necessary skills and training to assist in the certification of a project. While accreditation is optional, many employees will find that it improves their job prospects and can make the difficult certification process go more smoothly.