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.
