Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification used by more than 160 countries around the world. When an architectural project undergoes analysis and obtains the certificate, it means that it meets various requirements related to economic, social and environmental aspects.
Currently, companies that want to enter the market with a more sustainable positioning and protection of the environment must make their projects in accordance with the environmental parameters of the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) and LEED.
Other advantages of LEED are modernization, lower operating costs and reduced regulatory risks. See, in this article, everything you need to know to achieve LEED certification!
COMO FUNCIONA A CERTIFICAÇÃO DO LEED?
The certification works through an evaluation that defines scores for each of the categories analyzed by the responsible entity. If the number of points is reached, the project receives the appropriate certification for the number of points obtained.
In the next topics, we talk more about categories and types of certification.
QUAIS CATEGORIAS SÃO AVALIADAS?
To achieve LEED certification, 9 categories are evaluated:
- Quality of the Internal Environment;
- Sustainable Land;
- Integrated Process;
- Materials and Resources;
- Water Efficiency;
- Location and Transport;
- Innovation;
- Energy and Atmosphere;
- Regional Priority.
QUAIS SÃO OS DIFERENTES TIPOS DE LEED?
Throughout the analysis of the mentioned categories, the project gains points. These points are used to define the type of LEED. The minimum score to obtain certification is 40 points. If the project manages to reach this mark, the project only wins the certificate and the label Certified.
However, if the project achieves more points, the certificate labels become silver (50 points), gold (60 points) and platinum (80 points). The maximum score is 110 points. If the project manages to achieve it, certification is also the platinum.
COMO OBTER A CERTIFICAÇÃO LEED?
To obtain LEED certification, you need to go through a few steps. The first is the choice of project typology. The main options are neighborhood development, interiors, new construction, operations and maintenance.
After that, it is necessary to register the project with the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This can be done through the LEED website. Then it's time to gather and submit the documentation. Documents must contain information on all stages of the project.
Subsequently, a reviewer from Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) reviews project documents. At this stage, you may be asked for more information and clarification.
With everything approved, the number of points and the type of certification is announced! If there is any disagreement on the part of the company, it is possible to appeal the decision.
EXISTEM PRÉ-REQUISITOS PARA SE CERTIFICAR?
Yes. To be certified, it is necessary to fulfill some requirements in the categories of Quality of the Internal Environment, Sustainable Lands, Integrated Process and in the others already mentioned. In addition, you must also obtain a minimum of 40 points on the GBCI assessment.
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Check also: How does a sustainable project work?
