Unlike the traditional, compartmentalized construction process, sustainable construction is a team effort. Professionals from each area involved in the project must come together before the design begins to develop the best possible design, execute the construction correctly and monitor and study the building’s performance when it is in operation. The design and sustainable construction of a building for the local environment requires knowledge that goes beyond the work of each professional. Exchange of ideas, knowledge, and study on available materials, techniques, and technologies are very important to achieve the highest possible operational potential for the building. The Green Exam deals with these important questions and more.
Commissioning
One of the most important, and least known, areas for sustainable construction is the role of commissioning. This technician measures the operational commitment of the building which includes HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), the entire automation, lighting, electrical, hydraulic, renewable energy system and possibly other systems such as security and fire. Great financial, environmental, and greater comfort and productivity returns can be achieved with a building operating as efficiently as possible. The participation of a commissioning professional from the beginning of the design phase can significantly improve the quality of the final project and the systems chosen. We strongly recommend hiring this professional.
LEED AP
LEED AP (Accredited Professional) does the project coordination work for LEED certification. Construction and sustainable design requires differentiated team work, and LEED AP offers this consultancy to the Owner and the various professionals involved in the project. From the design phase, to the execution of the work, and commissioning, the LEED AP brings great knowledge and serves as a team leader for sustainability issues and strategies to earn credits in the LEED scoring and certification system. Normally the LEED AP is directly contracted by the Project Owner but the consultancy can be useful for architects, engineers, construction companies, public agencies, or any entity involved in the sector. Learn about all of it at the Green Associate Exam now.
- LEED is the most used performance certification in the world. In determining the requirements for a “green building”, certification promotes a positive change in mentality for society.
- In addition to the environmental issue, LEED can enable positive social and economic impacts. Thus, more sustainable construction becomes a possibility and with an optimized cost-benefit!
What is LEED certification, anyway?
- LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an international building certification system, developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), in 1993.
- From the beginning, the purpose of LEED certification was to promote practices to be adopted by those who want to make construction more sustainable. To this end, a series of environmental parameters are presented that companies must follow to create the famous “green buildings”.
- Like any initiative that aims to transform mentalities in the market, LEED has already been the target of questions and doubts about its benefits.
- Engineers and investors did not know whether the cost-benefit would be advantageous, especially in the short and medium term.
It was only over time that LEED parameters were no longer seen as unnecessary, even though they were considered interesting. The process for consolidating the certification required, among other issues, the evolution of materials and logistics in the construction industry to meet the certification requirements.
