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CANADIAN INDUSTRY ONLINE - JULY 2013
LEED
Since 2002, LEED Canada has
been redefining the way we think
about the places where we live, work
and learn. Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) is a
third-party certification program and
an internationally accepted benchmark
for the design, construction and opera-
tion of high performance green build-
ings. As an internationally recognized
mark of excellence, LEED provides
building owners and operators the
tools they need to have an immediate
and measurable impact on their build-
ings’ performance. Through certifying
hundreds of projects over the past de-
cade, LEED Canada has transformed
the way built environments are de-
signed, constructed, and operated ---
from individual buildings and homes,
to entire neighborhoods and communi-
ties.
The Canadian rating systems are
an adaptation of the US Green Build-
ing Council’s (USGBC) LEED Green
Building Rating System, tailored spe-
cifically for Canadian climates, con-
struction practices and regulations.
The rating systems are adapted to the
Canadian market through an inclusive
process that engages CaGBC members,
stakeholders and experts representing
the various sectors of the Canadian
industry.
Holistic Approach
LEED promotes a holistic ap-
proach to sustainability by recognizing
performance in five key areas of hu-
man and environmental health, which
include sustainable site development ,
water efficiency, energy efficiency, ma-
terials selection, indoor environmental
quality. Credits and Prerequisites are
organized into these five categories.
LEED Certification is based on the
total point score achieved in these
five areas, following an independent
review. With four possible levels of
certification (certified, silver, gold and
platinum), LEED is flexible enough to
accommodate a wide range of green
building strategies that best fit the con-
straints and goals of particular proj-
ects.
Why certify?
As a building tenant you will:
•
Create a healthier, cleaner environ-
ment which in turn means more
satisfied occupants and employees.
•
Enhance your profile as a company
that cares about the environment
and our future.
•
Lower your operating costs.
•
Experience immediate and measur-
able results by saving energy, water
and other resources ultimately re-
ducing your carbon footprint.
As a building owner or operator you will:
•
Get the tools you need to have an immediate and measurable
impact on your buildings’ performance.
•
Gain the advantage of third party verification. This stamp of
approval can set you apart from the rest.
•
Earn a competitive advantage - green buildings have great ap-
peal to a growing number of corporate, public and individual
buyers.
•
Attract savvy tenants looking to benefit from all that green
buildings offer.
•
Reap financial benefits from your investment in green build-
ing design.
