byAlma Abell

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings are those that work to save money and energy and are safe for the environment and the people who use the building. These buildings are built with sensible and renewable materials, make smart choices regarding the heating, cooling and lighting systems they install and make a commitment to continue to operate the building in way that keeps energy and water consumption low.

There are a lot of benefits to having a LEED building. Not only are they eligible for discounts and tax rebates, they also cheaper overall to operate. Statistics shows that these types of buildings will usually lease faster for a higher cost and often have much higher property values compared to other non-LEED buildings in the same area.

The easiest way to become LEED certified is by making smart decisions during the initial building process, but you can Build your LEED green building rating today for existing structures as well. This is done by changing how all resources in the building are used and proving a consistent system of being energy smart.

A LEED rating is based on a points system. Your rating will grow as your building earns more points. The maximum amount of points is 110, with 40 being the minimum amount to become certified. A company can become certified at a certain level and then build their rating over time by reusing materials during renovation projects, recycling and conserving energy use.

Build your LEED green building rating today by talking to experts in the field who understand how the system works and how it can benefit you. This includes utility companies, recycling businesses and many construction companies. All of these businesses can become valuable sources of information by providing tips on various aspects of your building and its use.

Buildings are not certified automatically. You can begin the process by registering with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). This can be done online, and they offer a variety of rating systems to use. Building owners simply pick the system that relates to their situation the best, register and complete and submit an application online to get started.