When it comes to greenhouse gases, they're everywhere...literally - coming from multiple sources! It’s up to each industry to do its part in the global fight against climate change. While sustainability is becoming more prominent across all sectors, any environmentalist will tell you that we still have a long way to go.
According to Our World in Data, global greenhouse gas emissions from energy takes the cake for a staggering 73.2%, with energy use in commercial buildings making up 6.6% as of 2020. While this percentage may seem small, consider how many stores, offices, gyms, and hotels you see each day (if you're not WFH that is) - it adds up. With the energy sector being the largest contributor to global greenhouse gases, there's a way commercial buildings can take it down a notch by LEED.
What is LEED?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a global rating system for green buildings - no matter what stage, whether a building is undergoing some operation and maintenance work, major renovations or new construction, or an interior fit-outs. There are scorecards for each stage which then have different credit categories for type of building (for example, schools, healthcare, retail, hospitality, etc.).
Note: This diagram does not demonstrate all types of projects under LEED but provides examples
The scorecard assigns a variety of points for each category, and once totalled, the building will receive its certification tier:
How do you make a building more sustainable with LEED?
The LEED credit categories vary depending on the type of project, meaning that schools may not have the same scorecard as data centers. LEED has come a long way since its inception with LEED v1.0 in 1998 and continues to adapt to market needs. LEED v4 was implemented, with an updated v4.1 released later, and LEED aims to transition to v5 in 2025. Due to these changes, we won't get into too much detail of each credit category, but we will show some examples of the prerequisites and credits.
Integrative Process, Planning & Assessments (IP)
Climate Resilience Assessment:
This assessment prepares the building for potential future events such as earthquakes, flooding, or winter storms. By enhancing preparedness, the project can reduce the likelihood of extensive reconstruction, which would require more materials and energy.
Social Equity Assessment:
This assessment promotes inclusivity by engaging community feedback to address the needs of all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or income, and/or by sourcing materials from local businesses.
Location and Transportation (LT)
Sensitive Land Protection:
The project team would develop planning methods to minimize site impact. This could be achieved by "preserving and protecting 40% of the greenfield area."
Active Travel Facilities:
Wouldn't it be nice to eliminate gas use, ride your bike to work, and still have a place to shower and change if needed?! A LEED building can earn points under this credit by providing convenient amenities for cyclists, such as showers, bike storage, and bike repair stations.
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Accessible Open Space:
What if you could enjoy your lunch each day in an outdoor green space at work? Your office building could earn points under this credit if the project provided outdoor space that exceeds 30% of the total site area.
Heat Island Reduction:
If you work in a concrete jungle surrounded by asphalt, exiting the building would be scorching on a hot summer day if there was no tree or vegetation canopy. A project that distributes and increases tree or vegetation cover could gain points under this credit.
Water Efficiency (WE)
Water Reuse:
Projects can implement green roofs to recycle greywater for toilets, reducing reliance on fresh water resources.
Water Metering and Reporting:
By monitoring water usage, projects can quickly detect leaks and prevent excessive waste.
Energy & Atmosphere (EA)
Reduce Peak Thermal Loads:
Projects can earn points under this credit by demonstrating that "the building meets maximum air leakage rates and balanced ventilation requirements."
Renewable Energy:
This credit speaks for itself! Projects that implement specific tiers of renewable energy can earn points under this credit.
Material Resources (MR)
Planning for Zero Waste Operations:
Projects must implement strategies during the design phase to ensure waste diversion after occupancy, including material recovery and circular economy practices.
Low Emitting Materials:
Project teams select materials with low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions to protect human health and reduce pollution.
Environmental Quality (EQ)
No Smoking or Vehicle Idling:
Projects can earn this credit by prohibiting smoking within 7.5 meters of entries, windows, and air intakes, as well as idling on site.
Connecting with Nature:
Surrounding yourself with nature does wonders for mental health. Projects can transform buildings into oases with living walls, indoor waterfalls, and green spaces to earn points under this credit.
Project Priorities & Innovation
Project Priorities:
Credits can be earned in various ways when identified by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED Accredited Professional:
This credit can be earned by "having at least one principal participant of the project team who is a LEED AP with a specialty appropriate for the project." Did you know that individuals can also be LEED certified? "AP" stands for "Accredited Professional," indicating that a person has met the credentials for a specific type of LEED project, as shown in the diagram above (note that there are additional project types not included in the diagram). I hold the most basic credential, the LEED Green Associate, so I am not qualified to earn this credit.
LEEDing Buildings
Now that you have some insights into LEED-certified buildings, do you think you’ll start viewing your surroundings through a different lens?! Some notable LEED-certified buildings in Ontario include the CN Tower, the University of Waterloo’s Environment 3 Building, the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Robinson Place in Peterborough, and the Hunt Club Riverside Park Community Centre in Ottawa, among many others!
Great read- I leaned lots of new things!