LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The LEED rating system is available for virtually all building types, and provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
There are many benefits to getting a building LEED-certified: from gaining a competitive edge through sustainability with market differentiation, helping investors meet their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) goals, to ensuring the construction is cost effective due to energy, water, maintenance and waste savings. In addition, there are many environmental benefits from building to LEED standards, including reduced energy use and carbon emissions.
By building in accordance with LEED standards – including choosing architectural wood doors that comply – you not only have the opportunity to save money and help the environment, but you have access to a green building project and performance management system that delivers a comprehensive framework for design, construction, operations and performance. When beginning the process to get your building LEED-certified, it is important to be knowledgeable on the design and construction strategies in LEED v4.1, and identify the appropriate rating system for your project. This resource can provide you with background information on LEED v4.1, as well as details on each rating system.
The number of points your project or building earns is based off of the rating system that aligns. It is important to use the project goals to identify the credits and options that should be attempted by the team when developing a LEED scorecard. There are two primary credit categories for LEEDv4.1 pertaining to installing architectural wood doors in their build: Materials and Resource Credits and Indoor Environmental Quality Credits.
Materials and Resource Credit
The credits in the materials and resource category aim to minimize life-cycle impacts of products and the use of harmful substances.
- Environmental Product Declarations (1 Point): to reward project teams for selecting products from manufacturers who have verified improved life-cycle impacts.
- Sourcing of Raw Materials (1 Point): to reward project teams for selecting products verified to have been extracted or sourced in responsible manner.
- Material Ingredients (1 Point): to reward project teams for selecting products for which the chemical ingredients in the product are inventoried using an accepted methodology and for selecting products verified to minimize the use and generation of harmful substances. To reward raw material manufacturers who produce products verified to have improved life cycle impacts.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credits
The credits in the environmental quality category promote healthy air quality and good acoustics for clear communication.
- EQ Credit: Low-Emitting Materials (1 Point): to reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity, and the environment.
- EQ Prerequisite: Minimum Acoustic Performance Required (Schools) (1 Point): to provide classrooms that facilitate teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication through effective acoustic design.
- EQ Credit: Acoustic Performance (1 Point): to provide workspaces and classrooms that promote occupants’ well-being, productivity, and communications through effective acoustic design.
Overall, building to LEED standards can be accomplished at many levels of the design process, including choosing the architectural wood doors to install. We encourage you to learn about the LEED rating system and the version you are working with as a LEED certification not only helps the environment, but can give your project an edge in the market. You can find more resources by visiting www.usgbc.org/leed.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.
Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification
The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.
