Vol. III, No. 2, February 2004
Green Architecture
This article is a continuation of the discussion on green architecture in child care building design. The following paragraphs describe a voluntary standard that designers can achieve if they want to create a building that is more ecologically friendly.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED standards are currently available for:
- New construction and major renovation projects (LEED-NC)
- Existing building operations (LEED-EB, Pilot version)
- Commercial interiors projects (LEED-CI, Pilot version)
- Core and shell projects (LEED-CS, Pilot version)
LEED was created to:
- Define "green building" by establishing a common standard of measurement
- Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
- Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
- Stimulate green competition
- Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
- Transform the building market
LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and
meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards,
LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development,
water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental
quality. LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building
through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional
accreditation, training and practical resources.