| | JUNE 20259CHRONICLESHOMESCertification of Green BuildingAfter constructing a green building abiding by all the required features and facilities, the builder should go ahead to achieve green building certificate from LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internally accepted platform which scrutinizes the building and if it passes through all the stages of required features, they will provide certification.LEED provides a decision-making framework for project teams in various domains. It incentivizes excellent practices and inventive solutions, culminating in distinctive building projects that receive diverse levels of LEED certification.Currently, over 60,000 are commercial projects globally that are participating in LEED, resulting in a daily certification of 1.7 million square feet. The growth of the green building industry is largely attributed to LEED and its projected worth could reach $248 billion within the U.S by 2016.LEED Certified Features of Green BuildingThe objective of green buildings is to employ diverse sustainable methods for minimizing their ecological footprint. Consequently, LEED has demonstrated a combination of sustainable measures to reduce environmental harm and increase comfort for the occupants.Let's check out the features:1. Water Efficiency: The buildings' water usage is reduced through the implementation of techniques such as low-flow toilets, greywater systems, xeriscaping (which involves minimal or no watering for landscaping), and rainwater harvesting.2. Energy Efficiency: To save on energy consumption, construction is tailored to achieve optimum efficiency via super-insulation and effective building enveloping. In addition, clean power sources such as solar PV systems and geothermal are employed.3. Sustainable Materials: Architects are embracing sustainable materials by salvaging, deconstructing, remanufacturing, and refurbishing building supplies. They're also choosing natural elements such as mud, stone, bamboo straw, and wood to reduce waste.4. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Green Builders must construct structures that prioritize both environmental impact and personal health. They should consider low-emission options such as furnishings without formaldehyde and zero-VOC paints, while also prioritizing proper ventilation and moisture control to enhance indoor air quality.5. Region Priority: Green builders must be careful about the region so that the construction process does not disturb the regional ecosystem, flora and fauna. The site of green buildings should be well connected by transport system so that they don't need to rely on personal vehicles. Landscapes are designed effectively to prevent soil erosion or light pollution.
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