WHAT IS LEED?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program initiated by the US Green Building Council which encourages efficient, eco-friendly building designs. LEED awards certification based on several environmental factors, including water conservation, materials, performance, and green energy. LEED-certified buildings operate more efficiently than non-green designs and offer several distinct advantages to companies and our environment. This includes beneifts related to costs, advertising, and environmental health. This short guide will introduce LEED certification and some of its most apparent advantages.

WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING LEED CERTIFIED?

• 1. The process of becoming LEED certified will help companies manage energy and waste more efficiently.

Many implementations that earn LEED credits also help buildings save costs. For instance, water use reduction will not only help a building acquire LEED credits, but will also help save on overall usage costs. Optimizing energy performance, storing and collecting recyclables, and renewable energy production can also help significantly lower costs.

• 2. Businesses can advertise their LEED certification.

Socially-conscious consumers are becoming a larger and larger portion of the buying public. The ability to advertise one’s commitment to environmental awareness is a key way to connect with socially-conscious customers and potential customers. A recent study conducted by Nielsen found that close to 75% of millennials value sustainability highly when making purchasing decisions. This number has also been increasing in general, regardless of generation. A commitment to eco-friendliness can be a powerful shared value between brand and consumer.

LEED certification also offers a trusted 3^rd party validation of a company’s commitment to our environment. This protects buyers against greenwashing, a tactic in which a company’s eco-friendliness is exaggerated.

• 3. Tax credits and financial incentives.

Tax credits are offered by many municipalities. If one is interested in becoming LEED certified, it is a good idea to contact your local municipality for information regarding potential sustainability incentives.

ARE THERE LEVELS TO LEED?

LEED certification currently has 4 categories: certified, silver, gold, and platinum. The certifications are awarded on the basis of a point system.

• LEED Certified™: 40-49 points earned
• LEED Silver®: 50-59 points earned
• LEED Gold®: 60-79 points earned
• LEED Platinum®: 80+ points earned

LEED points can be acquired through several means. These can include solar and wind energy, green vehicles, energy-preserving lighting, green vehicles, water use reduction, and bicycle facilities. The complete list can be found here: http://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction/v4.

DO ZING PRODUCTS SUPPORT LEED?

Zing products support LEED in the following categories:

Existing Building Operations, Maintenance Materials & Resources:1.1-1.3 Sustainable Purchasing: Ongoing Consumables

2.1-2.2 Sustainable Purchasing: Durable Goods

New Construction:

4.1-4.2 Material Resource Credits: Recycled Content

Commercial Interiors:

Materials Resources credits 4.0 Recycled Content and 6.0 Rapidly Renewable Materials