LEED for Construction Management

LEED for owners and property managers

LEED buildings help building owners and operators thrive, by giving them the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on the performance of their buildings.

An investment in LEED provides a lifetime of returns. That’s because LEED buildings cost less to operate, reduce energy and water bills by as much as 40 per cent, and increase employee productivity and overall satisfaction.

Businesses and organizations around the world use LEED to increase the efficiency of their buildings and save money, freeing up valuable resources that can be used to create new jobs, attract and retain top talent, expand operations and invest in emerging technologies.

Building projects that participate in the program can be awarded LEED certification on four levels, based on the total points earned:

• LEED Certified buildings earn 40–49 points
• LEED Silver buildings earn 50–59 points
• LEED Gold buildings earn 60–79 points
• LEED Platinum buildings earn 80 or more points

Why do owners and property managers choose LEED?

1. Assurance
2. Performance
3. Unrivaled visibility

Possible LEED Concerns

The LEED program is involved exclusively with the design and construction of buildings. It is not involved in monitoring or assessing the performance of the building after construction, nor does it measure a building’s energy or water use by the building’s occupants. It is certainly possible that a LEED-certified building can end up using more resources than its counterparts simply due to the building occupants’ practices.

Submit your ideas for the future of LEED

the complete suite of LEED v4.1 rating systems emphasizes the human experience and pushes project teams to create spaces that not only reduce carbon emissions, energy, water use and waste, but that also improve the health and well-being of the people who live, work, learn and play in these buildings, cities and communities every day.

LEED v4.1 is bigger, stronger, bolder

• Bigger: LEED v4.1 is for all – it is more inclusive with updated referenced standards and allows projects to earn LEED points through building performance monitoring.
• Stronger: LEED v4.1 continues to drive performance, fully integrating performance outcomes supported by new methodologies and a simple data-driven path to measure performance on an ongoing basis.
• Bolder: Lessons learned from those using LEED have led us to take a deeper look at existing buildings, residential projects and cities to develop solutions that address unique markets.

The Bottom Line

LEED offers a net benefit for construction companies. Demonstrating the ability to design and construct LEED-certified buildings can help any construction company—commercial or residential—attract clients. The principles and practices behind LEED certification not only save buyers money, increase building efficiency, and add credibility for construction companies; they also represent an ethical system for sustainability. In reducing energy use and water waste and improving air quality and livability, LEED strives to make the world a healthier, more sustainable place.

Construction firms interested in LEED certification should invest in green construction management software and LEED certification training and investigate other ways firms can go green.