LEED ZERO
1.1 What is LEED Zero?
With LEED, USGBC has created a universally agreed upon holistic system for reducing environmental
impact and providing a quality indoor environment and always with a goal of reducing carbon
emissions and addressing climate change and risk.
LEED-certified buildings are using less energy and water, avoiding waste, saving on maintenance
costs, improving indoor air quality, offering comfort to their occupants, and creating less
environmental burden on their community.
Today, green building has grown into a trillion-dollar industry. And LEED has become the most widely
used green building program in the world. It’s not on the de facto leadership standard, it’s the living
standard.
With global issues like climate change, resource conservation, healthy living and now the covid19
epidemic a positive feature that embraces net zero and beyond has become more critical than ever.
The primary concern of LEED Zero, a complement to LEED certification, is to maintain a balanced
energy system. It doesn’t only involve mitigating the impact of building on the environment, but it also
focuses on taking it to the next level. This path will help buildings to standout by maintaining a net-
zero impact of carbon and basic resources such as water, waste, and energy.
In general, LEED Zero highlights outstanding projects' achievements in critical areas to ensure a
sustainable environment and a regenerative future. This program aims at complementing other LEED
rating systems for better results overall.
Like other LEED certifications, LEED Zero also focuses on some critical areas that help in achieving
its goals. It is a newly launched program that aims at complementing the existing programs and takes
sustainable goals to the next level. Types of LEED Zero certification include;
LEED Zero Carbon certification recognizes buildings operated with net zero carbon emissions
over the course of a year. It provides accounting of the carbon balance from carbon
emissions generated from energy consumption and occupant transportation and emissions
avoided or offset.
LEED Zero Energy Certification is achieved when a project has a source energy balance of
zero or less The source energy metric enables a more equitable comparison for projects
using different sources of energy and encourages teams to understand the impacts of their
energy use beyond the project boundary.
LEED Zero Water Certification recognizes buildings with the zero potable water use balance
over a period of 12 months. The water balance equals total potable water consumed minus
total alternative water used and water returned to the original source.
LEED Zero Waste Certification recognizes buildings that achieve GBCI’s TRUE (Total
Resource Use and Efficiency) zero waste certification at the platinum level.
1.2 LEED Zero Certification Process
LEED Zero is a certification, versus being a rating system.
It is valid for 3 years.
Projects must also be LEED certified under BD+C or O+M. LEED Zero serves as a
complement to LEED certification and verifies the achievement of net zero goals during
building operation. This is one of the minimum requirements.
Provide 12 months operating data (depending on the certification). This is the other minimum
requirement.
Provide data through LEED Online (calculations in Arc). Or in the case of LEED Zero Waste,
present your TRUE Zero waste certification.
1.3 LEED Zero Benefits
LEED certifications, including the recently launched LEED Zero, are very popular because of the
numerous benefits they offer. Besides the fact that LEED certification improves the reliability, quality,
and value of a building, it also poses some other benefits which are;
LEED-certified buildings reduce environmental stress.
LEED-certified buildings have lower waste generation and energy consumption.
LEED certification enhances the optimal use of water and other resources.
LEED-certified buildings have lower operating costs.
LEED certifications are one of the assurances for quality and reliable buildings and spaces.
LEED Zero focuses on ensuring a balance or a net-zero usage in critical aspects, including carbon
emission, waste, water, and energy. Points are scored for limited carbon emission, renewable energy
use, collection and storage of recyclables, and waste generation mitigation. Overall, the LEED Zero
program will further enhance environmentally sustainable goals.
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