Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) helps owners implement construction practices to prioritize building efficiency, decrease operational costs, increase property value, and ensure productivity, comfort, health and wellbeing for all tenants and visitors.
LEED can be implemented for all types of buildings and construction projects including new construction, renovations, interior fit outs, maintenance and core and shell.
Based on the types of materials and techniques used, there are 4 levels of LEED certification:
- Certified
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
LEED techniques and materials for site work
Some contractors will use what they call “Regional Materials” which is sourcing materials nearby to cut down on fuel used to get to and from the jobsite and to reduce lead times.
It is also encouraged to increase recycled content included in pipe, concrete and asphalt. This means less need for manufacturing of new products and reduces waste.
It is commonplace to use recycled content from milling for subbase. In addition, repurposing concrete by crushing and using it for fill materials cuts down on waste.
Repurpose gray water. That is the process of taking storm water and used wash water to irrigate plants. Instead of wasting water, this gives the landscaping and gardens new life.
What are some “Greener” modifications that can be made to my facility?
Green Roofs
Some common modifications that are typically added to a facility include green roofs and living walls. Green roofs provide a beautiful and green alternative to a regular roof system. They provide a pleasing aesthetic and, in some cases, produce crops. In addition, having vegetation on a rooftop can provide shade and reduce the temperatures on the roof surface, resulting in a cooler building.
Lighting
Replacing old lighting and fixtures with LED lights and occupancy sensors will help cut down on energy usage. Occupancy sensors will turn on the lights when you walk into a room or space and turn them off after a period of time where motion has not been detected.
Plumbing
Using “Low- Flow” Toilets and Sinks will greatly reduce the amount of water used.
Smart Building Technology
By utilizing wireless thermostats and their accompanying software, the building temperature can be remotely managed and automated from any location. This technology ensures that your facility (or multiple buildings) is kept at a comfortable temperature and building occupants will not have to manually adjust the thermostat. In addition, your HVAC equipment will not be overused when it’s not needed, therefore you will not be overspending on energy usage.
Financial Return
Built to be energy-efficient, ensuring that the facility can be comfortably heated and cooled with minimal energy usage. The facility is designed to minimize indoor and outdoor energy usage.
Potential reductions include:
- Up to 30% (for LEED Certified)
- Approximately 30% (for LEED Silver)
- Approximately 48% (for LEED Gold)
- 50-60% (for LEED Platinum)
LEED Projects Almasi has Completed:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New Jersey Institute for Technology
Bijou Properties, Hoboken, NJ
