We are at the tipping point and need to act together to prevent environmental and social disaster. Fortunately, more and more people from school strikers to politicians are talking about climate and environmental emergencies. We are at a crossroads. We can stop these disasters. The changes we need to do to avoid disaster can also make our lives a lot better. We could have green, dry, warm homes. We could have more green spaces. We can have a car free city centre and a priority for walking, cycling and public transport in every neighbourhood.
We could breathe better air. We could have better health. But we can still prevent disaster And make our lives much better along the way On a global scale, our buildings are responsible for a vast share of our energy, electricity, water and materials consumption.
In truth, ecological construction principles have been around since the very first mud huts built by man, however, as architecture has become significantly more complex, so too have materials and building methods. Although ultimately harmful, concrete is cheap, plentiful and easy to use, and our reliance on this material has hampered eco building innovations, with prohibitive costs and unproven technologies ensuring it has remained a niche industry.
Today, however, a nascent green building movement is gathering momentum, and new standards and regulations are being implemented to encourage architecture that is both better for the environment and healthier for living and working. Here we take a look at the benefits of LEED certification and what it means for the future of green building. Credits are awarded based on a broad range of factors that cover both the construction phase and the energy efficiency of the building when inhabited.
These factors encapsulate the types of materials used, the waste products generated, the types of energy sources used, and much more.
Additionally, LEED accredited buildings are healthier to live in, pollute the local area less, and are attractive to tenants of all types—whether residential or commercial. Currently, LEED is responsible for accrediting some 2. The latest iteration—LEED v4— has improved smart grid compatibility and provides rewards for participation in demand response programs. It has also drilled down into material composition data to provide a clearer picture of how construction materials impact human health.
As the green building movement grows, and the technologies associated with it develop, it is clear that providing education and training on future possibilities is crucial.
So too, the raising awareness of existing technologies and materials that may be overlooked due to misplaced conceptions of cost. Additionally, waste management and recycling, both during and after construction, are integral to the LEED framework, and the logistical management and diversion of these materials are a crucial part of why LEED is an important driver of sustainability.
However, if the clean lines of steel and glass seem a little clinical, then the future suggests that the LEED framework is versatile enough to extend to all types of building. Somewhere between these two flagship buildings lies the truth—that essentially, almost any structure can be built or brought up to LEED standards, and enjoy the benefits of LEED certification, by meeting the required credits where possible.
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