Environmental Aspects of LEED for Existing Buildings

The construction industry is one of the major contributors to the rising levels of greenhouse gases. Nearly 23% of air pollution, 40% of drinking water pollution, and 50% of landfill waste come to from the construction industry. Hence it is important to find a new way to construct buildings. The LEEDs certification is specifically created for this purpose. In this blog, we’ll explore what LEEDs is, their types and their environmental impact.

What is LEED?

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. At its simplest LEEDs is a rating system. It provides a framework to build or improve factors in buildings such as,

LEED for Existing Buildings

LEED for Existing Buildings is a certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED for Existing Buildings encourages green building practices that aim to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve the quality of living.

LEED for Existing Buildings is a comprehensive approach to sustainability that includes using green building materials, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and other sustainable building practices. 

Benefits of LEED for Existing Buildings

Improved Energy Efficiency

LEED for existing buildings encourages civil engineers to upgrade their building’s energy efficiency to help reduce energy costs and improve its overall energy performance. By implementing energy-saving measures such as,

• Improved insulation
• Energy-efficient lighting
• High-efficiency HVAC systems

Reduced Environmental Impact

It encourages building engineers to reduce their environmental impact by reducing water usage, minimising waste, and using materials sourced from sustainable sources.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

It encourages engineers to improve their indoor air quality by,

• Using low-emitting materials
• Controlling indoor air pollutants
• Improving ventilation

Increased Property Value

LEED for existing buildings can help increase their value by making them more attractive to potential buyers and tenants. 

Increased Tenant Satisfaction

It can help improve tenant satisfaction by providing a healthier and more comfortable living environment. 

Challenges of Converting to a LEED-Certified Building 

Cost

The cost of LEED-EB certification can be prohibitive for some existing buildings. The cost of certification can include the cost of an energy audit, the cost of implementing recommended energy efficiency upgrades, and the cost of the certification itself. 

Time

LEED-EB certification takes time. The certification process includes an extensive energy audit, implementing recommended energy efficiency upgrades, and submitting documentation to the US Green Building Council. This process can take several months to complete from start to finish. 

Documentation

LEED-EB certification requires extensive documentation. This includes documentation of,

• Energy efficiency upgrades
• Energy use
• Green building practices

Maintenance

LEED-EB certification requires ongoing maintenance of green building practices. This includes,

• Monitoring energy use
• Maintaining energy efficiency upgrades
• Implementing new green building practices

Verification

LEED-EB certification requires third-party verification. This involves an independent third-party verifying that the building meets the requirements of the LEED-EB certification program.

Environmental Impact of LEEDs

Energy and Atmosphere

Energy and Atmosphere are among the most important aspects of LEED for existing buildings. This section focuses on three main factors.

1. Improving the energy efficiency of the building
2. Reducing the building's greenhouse gas emissions
3. Improving indoor air quality.

LEED for existing buildings encourages using renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures. This includes the installation of systems such as,

• Energy-efficient lighting
• HVAC 
• Water heating 

LEED for existing buildings encourages using green power sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal. This helps to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and contributes to a healthier environment.

It also requires that the building be tested for indoor air quality. This includes testing for 

• Carbon dioxide
• Volatile organic compounds
• Other pollutants

LEED for existing buildings requires that the building be evaluated for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the evaluation of factors such as,

• Building’s energy efficiency
• Usage of renewable energy sources
• Usage of green building materials

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

IEQ measures the air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting levels within a building. Improving IEQ can help improve occupant health, comfort, and productivity. 

The building must have a system to monitor and maintain air quality, such as an air filtration system. This can be achieved by installing energy-efficient HVAC systems and using natural ventilation when possible. This ensures adequate ventilation and meets ASHRAE standards for air exchange rates.

LEED requires buildings to provide adequate lighting levels. This can be achieved by installing energy-efficient lighting systems and using natural light when possible. 

Materials and Resources 

This category focuses on the use of environmentally friendly materials. LEED encourages the use of recycled, reused, and renewable materials. This includes the use of recycled content in building materials, such as recycled steel and recycled concrete.

LEED encourages using materials that are locally sourced and harvested sustainably, such as wood from a certified sustainable forest. Regarding resources, LEED encourages the efficient use of energy and water. This includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient fixtures, and the use of renewable energy sources. LEED encourages using materials and resources that are not hazardous to the environment. This includes using materials free of hazardous chemicals and materials that are non-toxic. 

Location and Transportation

The location of a building is a critical factor when it comes to its environmental impact. The LEED rating system takes into account the proximity of the building to public transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian paths. It also considers the availability of transportation options such as carpooling, public transportation, and bike sharing

The system also considers the availability of parking spaces, the number of parking spaces per occupant, and the availability of alternative transportation options. This helps reduce the number of cars on the road, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. 

The availability of green transportation options, such as electric vehicles and public transportation, is also considered. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. 

Conclusion

The LEED certification program is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of existing buildings. LEED-certified buildings can save money on energy and water bills and improve occupants' overall health and well-being. 

To learn more about such topics in civil engineering, check the courses offered by Skill-Lync, like Civil Engineering Fundamentals Module and Post Graduate Program in Construction Project Management. Skill-lync has various courses in all major domains of engineering.