The U.S. Green Building Council is making it easier for builders to measure eco-friendliness.
LEED is an internationally recognized rating system which allows contractors and designers to earn credit for building green.
The paint on the walls, flooring, and lighting in the Diani Building Corporation's new Santa Maria Facility helped to earn it "LEED Silver" certification.
Juliet Silver, the LEED AP at Diani Building Corps. Says, "'LEED' stands for leadership in energy and environmental design. Basically its a point system and it gives you credit for different green building strategies in terms of the construction and the design." There are four levels of certification: "certified, silver, gold, or platinum" which can apply to all building types, from commercial to residential. A total of 110 points are possible...and each depends on its potential environmental impact.
For example low flow plumbing, indoor environmental quality, and use of sustainable building materials rank high on the list..among other things.
"There were certain benefits in terms of work environment and long term energy savings that were important to us," says Silver.
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, a LEED Certified building will average savings of 20 percent in long term construction costs. AndM sale prices for energy efficient buildings can reach up to 10 percent higher per square foot than their conventional counterparts.
The Diani's also believe the title gives them an edge on the competition.
"Because of our experience with this, we're more prepared to delve into projects of that nature."
