As architects and commercial designers, your work has the potential to influence the built environment significantly. Incorporating sustainable practices through LEED certification makes a powerful statement about your dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Deciding to embark on the LEED certification journey may depend on a number of factors, such as client requirements, project type, and budget. However, the value of LEED certification is not just a badge of honor – it’s a commitment to a sustainable future. Here are a few key instances where LEED certification is likely to be especially beneficial:
Long-term Investment: If you are planning to hold the property for a long time, the initial investment in LEED certification can pay off in operational savings over time.
New Construction: If you’re starting from scratch with a new construction project, pursuing LEED certification from the outset can be easier and more cost-effective than retrofitting an existing building to meet LEED standards.
Incentives: There are various incentives provided by local, state, and federal governments, such as tax credits, grants, and expedited permitting processes for LEED-certified buildings.
Resale Value: LEED-certified buildings can have a higher resale value compared to similar non-certified buildings. The certification signifies that the building is well-constructed and will be more efficient to operate, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Remember, however, that every project is unique, and the value of LEED certification will depend on the specific circumstances of the project and its stakeholders.
For in-depth information about the LEED certification process, you can also visit the official U.S. Green Building Council .
The journey towards a sustainable future begins with a single step. And that step might just be your decision to become LEED certified. Embrace the challenge.
LEED Certification Might Not Be the Most Beneficial or Practical Choice
There can indeed be scenarios where pursuing LEED certification might not be the most beneficial or practical choice. Here are a few situations when LEED certification may not be worth it:
- Lack of Expertise or Resources: If the project team does not have the necessary expertise or resources to navigate the LEED certification process, it might be more challenging and costly. In that situation, if you can’t hire a LEED AP, it may be more beneficial to simply incorporate as many sustainable practices as possible without formally seeking certification.
- Budget Constraints: Achieving LEED certification can involve additional costs, both for the application and certification process itself, and for the changes required to meet LEED standards. These might include costs for sustainable materials, energy-efficient equipment, professional fees, and more. If a project has a very tight budget with no room for these additional expenses, LEED certification may not be feasible.
- Short-term Ownership: If the building owner plans to sell the property shortly after construction or renovation, they might not benefit from the long-term operational savings that LEED certification can provide. However, it’s worth noting that LEED certification can increase property value and marketability, so it might still be beneficial in some cases.
- Small or Minor Projects: If the project involves minor renovations or a small structure, it might not be worth pursuing LEED certification. The cost and complexity of the process may outweigh the benefits, especially if the potential for energy and water savings is limited due to the small scale of the project.
- Low Market Demand: In markets where tenants, buyers, or users do not value or recognize LEED certification, the investment might not provide a significant return. For example, if local customers or clients do not prioritize sustainability, they may not be willing to pay higher lease rates or purchase prices for LEED-certified buildings.
- Alternative Certifications: In some cases, a different green building certification might be more applicable or beneficial, depending on the specifics of the project and the region. For instance, certifications like BREEAM, Green Star, or local green building certifications might provide more value.
These are general considerations, and the decision will depend on the specific circumstances of each project. Even if pursuing LEED certification isn’t practical, it’s still beneficial to incorporate as many sustainable practices as possible into any building project.
When Is It A Good Idea To Get LEED Certified?
Choosing to pursue LEED certification is often a strategic decision that depends on a variety of factors, including the specific project, budget, market conditions, and long-term goals. When you’re building it’s a great opportunity to incorporate sustainable design elements from the beginning, making it easier and often more cost-effective to meet LEED standards. If you’re looking for ways to attract new tenants getting LEED certified can be a significant differentiator for those who value sustainability.
If you are looking for operational savings, LEED-certified buildings are designed to be more energy and water-efficient, leading to lower operating costs over the long term. Additionally, if environmental responsibility is a core value for your business or organization, pursuing LEED certification can be an important part of your commitment to sustainability.
Some LEED credits relate to climate resilience, which can make your building better prepared for the impacts of climate change. This can be especially relevant if your building is located in an area prone to issues like heatwaves, floods, or storms.
As previously mentioned, some government entities either encourage or require LEED certification for their own buildings and for certain types of public projects. Some jurisdictions offer financial incentives, like tax credits or expedited permitting, for projects that achieve LEED certification. If this is the case for your project, you will need LEED certification.
While LEED certification can offer significant benefits, it’s also important to remember that achieving certification involves an upfront investment in terms of time and money. The costs and benefits should be carefully weighed for each project.
Below Are Some Additional Resources For Further Reading and Exploration:
Debunking Fears and Doubts: The Importance and Benefits of LEED Certification: This blog explains common hesitations around becoming LEED Certified as well as what the benefits are and why it could be important for your business.
Understanding the LEED Certification Process: The LEED certification process is a rigorous, multi-step procedure designed to validate the sustainability and environmental performance of a building project.
Three Routes to LEED Certification: There are essentially three ways you can become LEED certified. Read our blog for more information.
Navigating the Different Levels of LEED Certification: LEED certification is based on a points system, where a project earns points for meeting specific green building criteria. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification.
5 Sustainability Practices to Include in Your Next Commercial Construction Project: This article explores five key points to consider when it comes to sustainable design and how a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineering Designer can support your sustainable construction goals.
LEED Online: Official portal where you can register and manage your LEED projects.
LEED Credit Library: A complete list of all the credits that can be earned in various rating systems.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): USGBC is the organization that developed the LEED rating system. The website provides comprehensive details about the LEED certification process, rating systems, benefits of LEED certification, and more.
Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI): GBCI is the organization responsible for independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally, which includes administering the LEED certification process.
Taking the first step towards LEED certification might seem daunting, but armed with the right resources and support, it becomes an achievable and rewarding process. Your dedication to sustainability reflects your commitment to a greener, more sustainable future—a goal we share at Pro Engineering. If you’re still on the fence about whether LEED certification is right for your next project, we are just a phone call away.
About Pro Engineering
Pro Engineering has provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design services since 1995. Our MEP engineering design team can help you prepare the required construction documents for city or state permitting. Even after plans are finalized, we continue to make adjustments and revisions per owner request, city plan check requirements, or to meet engineering goals. We have worked on many clients’ LEED projects, designing to LEED standards. We design to energy code requirements and provide the most efficient systems in all of our designs. Projects can move fast, and so can .
For more information on how we can assist you with your next commercial construction project, contact us today.