Many facilities are working towards becoming LEED-certified. Receiving a LEED certification shows that a company or business is committed to energy efficiency and environmental protection. While there are many factors that can play a role in the energy consumption of a building, LED lights are one aspect that can help buildings and facilities move closer to receiving their LEED certification.
What is LEED certification
LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is an environmental, green building certification system that is recognized internationally. A LEED-certified building has met third-party standards across all the metrics that are important in energy and environmental protection – energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and efficiency and wise use of resources.
LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to provide a specific framework for implementing best practices and measurable solutions in building design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
LEED certification comes in four levels. At a minimum, LEED-certified buildings must have between 40 – 49 credits. To receive a silver certification, buildings need 50-59 credits, gold buildings need to have 60-79 credits, and buildings with 80+ credits receive a platinum certification.
Benefits of having LEED certification
Beyond the public relations benefits, there are tangible incentives for receiving LEED certifications. The US Green Building Council states, “LEED buildings have faster lease-up rates and may qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and zoning allowances. Not to mention they retain higher property values.”
LEED certification and LED lights
Will LED lights help your manufacturing facility receive their LEED-certification? The quick and simple answer is, yes, they will. LEED certification is based on using green technology throughout a building and while installing one technology probably won’t be enough to qualify you for your LEED certification, lighting does account for a large portion of a building’s energy use.
