All About LEED Accreditation and Certification

These days, many companies are looking to construct buildings that are energy-efficient and green. If you are looking to hire a construction company for your project, and you want a building that is energy-efficient, sustainable and considered green, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, accreditation, and certification are terms that you should familiarize yourself with. Here is a bit more information on these terms and why they are important to you when you want to go green with your construction project.

What is LEED Accreditation?

LEED accreditation is an accreditation for individuals who work in the construction industry. This accreditation is given to those individuals who have shown that they are knowledgeable in the material that the U.S. Green Building Council has put out in regards to sustainability, green building and construction materials and energy efficiency in a building that is being constructed.

How is LEED Accreditation Obtained?

In order to obtain LEED accreditation, an individual must take and pass a two-hour long exam in regards to going green in the construction industry. It is recommended that the individual participates in courses put on by the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, in order to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, the individual is awarded the title of a LEED-accredited green associate. The individual must then take 15 hours of continuing education courses every two years to maintain their accreditation. This helps to ensure they are up-to-date with new trends, products, and codes.

What is the Importance of Using a LEED Accredited Company?

When you use a company that states they are LEED accredited, this means that they have hired employees who actually hold the accreditation. This is the best way to ensure that the building you are constructing is considered green and energy efficient. Without this accreditation, your building may not meet the standards that are needed to obtain LEED certification.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED certification is a classification that is given to buildings that meet the rating system set forth by the USGBC in green building. Buildings that meet the rating system can be awarded different LEED certifications. This includes a certified LEED building, a silver LEED certification building, a gold LEED certification rating and a platinum LEED certification rating. While there is no financial incentive to obtain these ratings, you can advertise that your building has this rating to help increase the value of the building or to draw in tenants. A LEED accredited individual can help to ensure your building meets the classifications set forth by the rating system so your building can obtain this prestigious certification.

How is LEED Certification Obtained?

There are many factors that are looked at when determining if your building meets LEED certifications and these certifications can vary based on the type of building. For example, the rating system varies if you have a hospital versus a school. A LEED accredited individual can pull up the rating system for the type of building that you need constructed and help you achieve that goal. Energy efficiency, sustainability, using environmentally friendly building materials, and making your building as pedestrian and bike-friendly as possible are just a few of the factors that help you get the points needed for your building to obtain this certification.

Are you looking to complete a construction project with a company that has LEED accreditations? MH Williams Construction Group is the right company for your needs. Our team provides technical expertise, project management, project supervision, design and administrative services for many different types of construction projects. Our team is made up of engineers, general contractors, and construction manager, guaranteeing we have the professional expertise you need to complete your construction project. When you need a construction company that has a team that holds LEED accreditations, we are ready to help you! Call us now and let’s get started discussing your construction project.