LEED Certification

The US Greem Building Council developed the LEED certification program which offered its first certifications in 2000. Since its initial offering, more than 14,000 buildings have been certified.

LEED offers a comprehensive approach to design and construction that addresses land use, transportation, landscaping, water conservation, energy efficiency, atmospheric emissions, recycling, construction waste and the comfort of building occupants. Critics of LEED certification claim the process is too expensive and contains unnecessary architects, consultants, and quality control people who offset all the future gains.

Higher construction costs may be offset by reduced change orders, smaller HVAC systems, a more efficient building process with fewer delays, reduced utilities, lower tennant turn-over, longer life of building, tax incentives, low interest loans, and higher resale values.

While certification programs like LEED and ASHRAE are important first steps, some say their 15- 30% goals don't go far enough. Others assert that commissioning charges, certification, and recertification fees are far too expensive.

Sun Power Systems gives you the basic savings, without all the bureaucratic red tape. Our goal is to give you a positive return on every dollar invested.

New Standard Practices and Commissioning Buildings

LEED certification is a rating system that awards a numerical score based on 7 prerequsites and 69 electives, grouped in 6 categories.

Commissioned projects save money by making buildings more efficient, offsetting increased construction, design, and administration costs.

4 levels of certification:

Certified, Silver, Gold, & Platinum ratings are granted after review of a complicated point system. LEED specifies certification requirements separately for 12 building types, with a different point structure for each type of building, use and interior.

Average % for new construction:

Certified: from 1%-3% higher costs

Silver: from 2% to 6% higher costs

Gold: from 5% to 10% higher costs

Platinum: from 7% to 12% and up

Many credits can be achieved with little or no expense, such as using low-VOC paints, non-formaldehyde products, recycling construction and demolition debris, exceeding local energy codes, developing information displays, orienting the structure properly on the lot, and building near mass transit lines or bike paths. Other credits specify efficient mechanical systems and lighting, low water faucets, and natural landscaping.

LEED corporate membership dues range from $500-$5,000, depending on income. Building registration fees are $450 for members and $600 for non-members. Certification fees can range up to $50,000 and buildings must apply every year, or 5 years, for recertification or will lose their rating.