LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. Every five years, the LEED program is reevaluated and updated by the US Green Building Council, the non-profit organization that manages the LEED certification program.
These updates, crucial to staying abreast of the latest environmental trends and regulations, are typically driven by changes in our environment and culture, and a growing need to conserve natural resources, particularly water.
They set a higher standard for facilities seeking LEED certification, encouraging organizations to take more significant steps towards sustainability and resource protection.
The latest LEED version, "v5," will be introduced in 2025. Because of this, many companies, building owners, developers, and managers are expected to give the latest version a close look. This is especially true of organizations planning construction projects, renovating existing buildings in 2025, or believing the time has come to become LEED-certified.
But what are the compelling reasons for an organization to pursue LEED certification? The benefits are numerous and significant. Among them are the following:
1. Government incentives. Some cities and states offer rebates and tax benefits to LEED-certified facilities, especially if steps have been taken to reduce water consumption.
2. Lower interest rates on construction loans. Banks may offer lower interest rates on construction and renovation loans for properties seeking LEED certification. Banks view these as safer investments.
3. Address new rules and regulations. Both in the U.S. and especially in Western Europe, new rules and regulations are being put into place that put greater emphasis on sustainability, water efficiency, and environmental concerns. LEED-certified facilities typically can meet these new regulations and are often one step ahead of them.
4. Culture of sustainability. Numerous organizations are adopting a "culture of sustainability." This is when all aspects of their business operations - from the vendors they work with to the products or services they offer – are taking steps to reduce consumption and protect natural resources.
5. Happier employees. LEED-certified buildings have improved indoor air quality, typically because of the way they are cleaned and maintained. Further, there is much more emphasis on natural light and more open spaces. This contributes to happier employees and happier employees tend to be more productive and loyal to their employers.
6. Long-term savings. While there was once a belief that LEED-certified buildings would be more expensive to build and operate, the reality is quite the opposite. These more efficient buildings typically have lower operating costs and energy and water bills, providing a sound financial investment overall.
7. Real estate profitability. It is no secret that office buildings are struggling to attract tenants. However, LEED-certified facilities still maintain an edge over non-certified buildings. Potential tenants remain convinced that a LEED-certified facility tends to be better and more efficiently operated.
8. Resilience. Compared to past versions, LEED v5 places much more emphasis on facility resilience. This is because changes in our climate are having a more significant impact on existing buildings. The two hurricanes in Florida are often used as an example. LEED v5 buildings are built to be more resilient and protective environments for building users.
Throughout, we’ve mentioned concerns about water and protecting this natural resource. This is because water scarcity is a growing global crisis. Further, droughts are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting communities globally.
However, for businesses, the truth is inescapable: water is their lifeblood.
If taps run dry, production lines freeze, employees go home, and revenue evaporates. While companies acknowledge mounting water crises, they're not just embracing water efficiency as a noble goal, they're recognizing it as the very oxygen they need for survival.
-Klaus
