-Simplicity–final results are summarized on a one-page ‘scorecard’, -Not overly prescriptive – room for interpretation, -Potentially significant long-term cost benefits, -Modifiable – can be modified to local conditions & regulations, -Marketable – as it becomes more popular, consumers will begin to recognize the LEEDTM label as a measure of environmental performance.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
Monthly Archives: June 2002
What types of buildings is LEEDTM most applicable to?
LEEDTM is most applicable to existing and new commercial, institutional and high-rise residential buildings. The underlying concepts embodying the LEEDTM process are also very relevant and useful for smaller residential building design.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
Does LEED cost more?
The answer to this will come over time as more case studies are documented. The USGBC took a first stab at the question by issuing a memo in August summarizing a number of case studies. In general, they found initial capital costs to be 1-4% higher than conventional buildings while long-term costs were “significantly lowerâ€.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
Is LEED mandatory?
NO. LEED is a voluntary building assessment tool. Some jurisdictions like the City of Seattle; however, have adopted a minimum LEEDTM standard for all new public buildings as a matter of policy. The City of Vancouver is currently considering the merits of adopting a minimum LEEDTM standard for all new public buildings.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
How is a building certified?
At the moment, official LEED certification is organized through the USGBC. The USGBC LEEDTM website (www.usgbc.org/programs/leed.htm) provides a summary of the three steps to certification.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
How does LEED work?
LEED measures and ranks a building’s environmental performance in terms of 6 general categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Design. Points are awarded for achieving specific goals clearly outlined in each category. The total number of points possible is 69. A score of 26-32 points achieves basic certification; 33-38 achieves Silver; 39 – 51 Gold; and 52+ achieves Platinum certification.
source: FAQ on LEED See also XlnkS4A3
Purpose and methodology
The primary purpose of the LITF was to report to Council on how APEGBC can address the issues relevant to the three motions passed by Council at the 2001 Annual General Meeting. In particular, this report presents the Task Force’s findings along with an Action Plan for APEGBC to implement (pending Council’s approval). The LITF decided to approach this task by first summarizing potential issues that engineers and geoscientists may face when trying to implement the LEED framework in practice. The LITF compiled a list of issues and boiled these down to four major issues. The Task Force then compiled a list of potential solutions, which in turn became Action Items.
source: LEED Implementation Task Force of APEGBC – LITF See also XlnkS4A2
Main Issues
The LITF came up with four major issues or topics that are relevant to both Members and APEGBC. Issue 1: Education and Awareness Most APEGBC Members will likely have little understanding or awareness of building environmental assessment tools like LEED and how these frameworks are applied in practice. Issue 2: Commitments and Leadership APEGBC must actively demonstrate its commitments to promoting the use of building environmental assessment tools like LEED and sustainability issues in general. Issue 3: Costs and Benefits There is some uncertainty as to what the economic implications of implementing a building environmental assessment tool like LEEDä are – namely how it would affect short and long-term project costs, engineering fees, and consulting time. Issue 4: Liabilities and Risks There may be risk and liability implications of designing and constructing a LEEDä building. If there are, what are the potential impacts on engineering fees and liability insurance
source: LEED Implementation Task Force of APEGBC – LITF See also XlnkS4A2
LITF terms of references
NAME LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Implementation Task Force TYPE Task Force reporting to Council. PURPOSE AND ·To take action on the Council resolution taken at the 2001 FUNCTION Annual General Meeting stating that: 1.the LEED™ model be the preferred method for building environmental assessment in British Columbia 2.a proactive role be taken in encouraging the Association’s members to address sustainability issues such as are identified in the LEED™ model 3.the Association seek input from the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia and the Sustainability Committee on implementing its recommendation to adopt the LEED™ model. ·Examine how to implement the LEED™ Green Building Rating System in the practice of professional engineering in British Columbia where the use of LEED™ as a building environmental assessment tool is applicable and provide recommendations and an implementation plan to Council for consideration and action. ·Identify issues related to the implementation of LEED™ and develop recommendations on solutions to address these issues for Council consideration. ·Develop and recommend a communications strategy for Council consideration. ·Develop and recommend a professional development strategy for Council consideration. ·Liaise with groups and organizations involved in the LEED™ development and adoption in British Columbia, Canada and the United States. MEMBERSHIP ·Five to ten members who are representatives from the: ·Sustainability Committee; ·Consulting Practice Committee; ·Building Codes Committee; ·Consulting Engineers of British Columbia (CEBC); and ·other representatives of the building community. METHOD OF ·By Council APPOINTMENT DURATION OF ·The Task Force will continue to exist until the Association’s APPOINTMENT 2002 Annual General Meeting or until its recommendations are accepted by Council. SELECTION OF ·The Chair shall be appointed by a majority vote of the OFFICERS members of the Task Force. QUORUM ·Three members of the Task Force. FREQUENCY· Meetings will be held once a month with exceptions as OF MEETINGS directed by the Chair. MINUTES ·Minutes and other related administrative duties are the responsibility of the Director, Professional Practice and Ethics. APPROVED BY COUNCIL: January 23, 2002 (Minute # CO 02-26)
source: LEED Implementation Task Force of APEGBC – LITF See also XlnkS4A2
Task Force members
Michel de Spot, P.Eng., Chair James Blake, P.Eng. Rob Dies, E.I.T, Sustainability Researcher Phil Johnson, P.Eng. Brian Lee, P.Eng. Carol Lee, Assistant to the Director, Professional Practice and Ethics Geoff McDonell P.Eng. Jamie McKay P.Eng. Leslie Peer, P.Eng. Willie Perez, P.Eng. Ross Rettie, P.Eng., Director, Professional Practice and Ethics Ian Theaker, P.Eng. Rod Yeoh, P.Eng.
source: LEED Implementation Task Force of APEGBC – LITF See also XlnkS4A2