LEED certification program pros & cons for green services & consulting firms.

To LEED or not to LEED

One of the biggest debates in the green building movement seems to be whether to pursue LEED certification. LEED certification by the US Green Building Council in theory is a great program, however it does have some shortcomings. A few thoughts on both sides of the debate:

The Pro’s of LEED:

A project that gets the LEED stamp of approval does carry some cache with the general public. Since it is such a rigorous process and begins at the design stage, any project that makes it all the way through and earns a LEED designation, does gain credibility.

The program itself is straightforward (I did not say simple) to follow and has clear goals and objectives to create green structures. The rating system addresses 6 main areas:

1. Sustainable sites

2. Water efficiency

3. Energy and atmosphere

4. Materials and resources

5. Indoor environmental quality

6. Innovation and design process

Proponents of LEED argue that the LEED certification ensures that the final building is more efficient, healthier and was created with less waste. Since the LEED process is very involved it goes without saying that a LEED building does represent a very high level of green building.

The Con’s of LEED:

In some ways the precepts of green building (efficient, cost savings, time savings) directly conflict with the LEED program. LEED costs more, takes longer and is generally a laborious process. With complicated application and inspection milestones, LEED certification can significantly increase the time it takes to complete a project.

The LEED fees are a small part of the overall costs creating a LEED project. There are other soft costs including the labor to manage the LEED certification process, and the increased carrying costs of a slower build out while awaiting LEED certification.

In addition, there is some concern that LEED (in its current form) won’t be utilized long term and thus, will not attain a tipping point in the marketplace. There are other green building certification programs available and new ones launching as we speak.

Future of LEED

Hopefully the USGBC is listening and is moving towards positive changes in the LEED program. The goals of the program are commendable but the execution is lacking. The program needs to be streamlined and made more efficient so that it can be adopted throughout the marketplace.

Personally, I like the LEED program but wouldn’t recommend it unconditionally for two basic reasons:

One, it’s not a simple/easy cost effective process. I believe strongly that being green or creating green environments should be efficient with cost savings inherent. Increased bureaucratic red tape in an industry already overwhelmed with red tape is not congruent with being green or sustainability.

Two, you can create green living environments without attaining LEED certifications. Some of the greenest projects are not LEED certified. Successful green environments are driven by ingenuity, not a certification process.

Thanks…Jim