FAQ BEA
What is LEED®?
LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was created by the US Green Building Council as a voluntary system, based on quantifiable metrics of the highest standards in the world for Sustainable building. LEED® has become the most popular and recognized standard system for sustainable building. When someone tells you that a project is LEED® certified, you know that a lot of sustainable practices were applied to the process, design and construction. If a person is accredited LEED®, it shows that he / she is an expert in one or more of the different sustainable building systems.
What does LEED® mean?
Means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What is LEED® AP?
It means LEED® Accredited Professional (acronym AP). Passing a series of complex exams, a LEED® AP has demonstrated that he or she understands the principles and concepts of the LEED® building. By becoming a LEED® AP, the person is able to manage a LEED® project from start to finish and you can also get extra points, automatically by any LEED® project, just by being part of the team.
I want to certify LEED® – Can you tell me how to get LEED® certification?
Only buildings can be certified LEED®. Professionals are LEED® accredited at two possible levels: Green Associate (GA) and Accredited Professional (AP). To become a LEED® AP, you must pass both the Green Associate (LEED®) and Accredited Professional LEED® exams are administered through your local Prometric Testing Center and the application process is handled by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Prometric is a global assessment organization that offers computer testing at thousands of locations.
I would like to certify my LEED® building – Can you tell me how to get LEED® certification?
Only buildings can be certified LEED® and materials can meet certain characteristics that make them environmentally preferable. If you are interested in learning more about this, we can put you in touch with our team of experts in the field.
How does LEED® certification work?
LEED® certification distinguishes construction projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, by meeting the highest performance standards.
LEED® is a third-party submission and review process. Projects can apply for LEED® certification under a particular classification system (LEED® for the Construction of New Buildings, Core and Envelope, Homes, etc.).
Points are awarded based on several satisfactory requirements in 5 key areas:
- Sustainable Site Development
- Water Efficiency
- Power Efficiency
- Selection of Materials
- Indoor Environmental Quality
If a project earns enough points, a ranking is made (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum) and becomes a LEED® certified project.
I would like to certify my LEED® product – Can you tell me how to obtain LEED® certification?
You can reach 4 levels, according to the sum of credit points in the 7 available families.
Certified
40-49 points
Silver
50-59 points
Gold
60-79 points
Platinum
80 + points
Why should I do my project a LEED® certified?
LEED® is changing the way you think about the built environment.
In addition to its environmental credentials, LEED® is becoming a standard in the design and construction industry. With the new laws passed and global awareness of pollution and increasing climate change, LEED® is more popular than ever.
The green building market is expected to grow at $ 30- $ 40 billion a year for next year. By then, about 10% of new commercial buildings will be green.
What are the benefits of certified LEED buildings?
As a building or operator owner, LEED® certification can provide many benefits, including:
- Have an immediate and measurable impact on the performance of your buildings.
- Gain Competitive Advantage – green buildings attract a growing number of corporate, public, and individual buyers.
- Helps to attract experienced tenants who want to benefit from everything green buildings offer.
Potential tenants look for LEED® buildings for many reasons, including:
- Cleaner and healthier environments.
- The opportunity to improve your profile as a company that cares about the environment and the future.
- Lower operating costs and greater fiscal benefits and incentives.
- Immediate and measurable savings in energy, water and other resources.
How much does a LEED® building save on resources?
On average, and compared to the United States standard, green buildings can save up to:
- 24%* – 50%** in Energy
- 40%** in Water
- 70%** in Solid Waste
- 33%*** – 39%** in Carbon Emissions
*Turner, C. & Frankel, M. (2008) Energy performanced od LEED® for New Construction Buildings: Final report.
** Kats, G. (2003). The costs and Financial Benefits of Green Building: A report to California´s Sustainable Building Task Fotce.
***GSA Public Buildings Service (2008). Assessing Green building performance: A post occupancy evaluation of 12 GSA buildings.
Is there a LEED® certified building in Mexico?
LEED® certification has more than 10 years in the Mexican market, with more than 182 certified projects and another 574 in process.
Are there other certifications besides LEED?
Yes, LEED is the certification with worldwide popularity but, in addition to this there are other evaluations with an environmentally positive purpose. These include: Net Zero Energy, certification that proposes the generation of the same amount of energy as the one consumed; EDGE, an evaluation that proposes a saving of 20% in materials, energy and water under a local comparison; WELL, certification focused on the health and well-being of the occupant, among other certifications; EarthCheck, which recognizes sustainable practices of tourism industry organizations; Living Building Challenge, which promotes a regenerative system, contributing to the world more than it takes.