Leading Naturally
As part of our intent to live our commitment to social justice
and the web of life, we chose to be certified by LEED (Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design). Recognized as the nationally
accepted benchmark for high performance green building, LEED certification guidelines help ensure that the design, construction, and operation of green buildings benefit both people and nature. Our decision
for LEED certification results in greater health for our congregation,
lower operating costs, and a reduced impact on the environment.
What Is LEED?
LEED is a third party certification program and THE nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
It is a discipline - it forces you to make a LEED compliant choice when you are at a decision point.
- David Weber,
FUS Owners Representative
Measurable and reliable results
- Sheri Gruder, LEED Accredited
Professional, and Sustainable
Design Specialist, UW-Extension
LEED certification process:
- Register eligible building via www.usgbc.org
- Identify and implement operational improvements and equipment upgrades necessary to obtain certification
- Prepare your application by documenting building performance data and operational procedures
- Submit certification application to the USGBC via LEED Online for review and provide any supplemental information deemed necessary by the reviewers
- Receive a final LEED certification review from the USGBC
WHY LEED?
...some things we do are difficult but they are a spiritual practice. Some times it isn’t as simple as putting items in the recycling bin and having the government take it away for you.
- David Weber
Why didn't we just build a green building without getting certified?
Third party certification allows for verification and deters green washing.
LEED is rigorous - you cannot claim a green building because you have some recycled content carpet and have used efficient lighting.
- Sheri Gruder
The cost:
$150,000 just to be registered. Included in the cost is the LEED administration and hiring of someone to monitor our process. LEED standards are fierce. They require contemporaneous monitoring. We had a Madison Environmental consultant who came by once a week to check tubes of caulk and verify the tonnage of what went to the dump and the recycler. LEED does not accept backdated records.
What do we get from LEED certification?
LEED benefits for the earth:
- Promotes Sustainability
- Gives people pride in being certified green
- Enhances and protects ecosystems and biodiversity
- Improve Air and Water Quality
- Reduces Soil Waste
- Conserves Natural Resources
Benefits for our congregation:
- Improves air, thermal and acoustic environments
- Enhances comfort and health
- Minimizes strain on local infrastructure
- Contributes to overall quality of life
- Improves employee productivity and satisfaction
LEED Buildings...
- 37 certified in Wisconsin; more than 100 others registered
- Over 1,500 certified in the US
- Over 100 certified outside the US
Is LEED catching on at a greater rate with the public?
LEED is catching on at an amazing rate. It is responsible for one of largest industry market transformations.
Here are some current statistics:
- Over 3.6 billion square feet of commercial building space is involved with the LEED green building certification system.
- By 2010, approximately 10% of commercial construction starts are expected to be green, according to McGraw Hill Green Building Smart Market Report 2006.
- Every business day, $464 million worth of construction registers with LEED.