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Government Incentives or Requirements for Green Building Could Be Coming Your Way!
By Christine A. Sanz
The growing popularity of the LEED rating system was proven on July 29, 2002 in Governor McGreevey's Executive Order 24 relating to the construction of schools pursuant to the Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act. In Executive Order 24, Governor McGreevey ordered that "all new school designs shall incorporate the guidelines developed by the United States Green Building Council known as 'Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design'('LEED'), to achieve maximum energy efficiency and environmental sustainability in the design of schools." The recognition of the LEED program by the Governor of New Jersey is a clear indicator that the program is favored by the government and that we can expect it to become a recommendation or requirement for other public projects in the future.
The LEED rating system was created by the U.S. Green Building Council ("USGBC"), which is a national non-profit organization that was formed in 1993 in response to the enormous impact that buildings have on the lives of Americans. USGBC is a coalition that represents the entire building industry, from owners, to design professionals, to constructors. USGBC "promotes buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work." Toward this goal, USGBC created the LEED , Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, rating system in 1995.
The LEED rating system is designed to assist design professionals and developer/owners in the implementation of green building and design strategies in order to achieve profitable, environmentally responsible and healthy buildings. The LEED system involves an accreditation process, by which building and design professionals are trained in green building and design and take an exam to measure their knowledge. Once the professional is certified, he or she becomes part of a list of LEED accredited professionals. These individuals may then register projects for LEED certification, which are awarded points for the implementation of green building and design techniques. Currently, this system is voluntary, consensus-based and market-driven. The commercial, institutional and high-rise residential building projects that are registered are awarded certification based upon points or credits earned.
The LEED rating system clearly assists design professionals, developers and constructors in the creation of buildings that are energy efficient, provide a safe, healthy and productive environment for workers and implement recycling of building materials. However, in addition to the obvious accomplishment of "green building," which is beneficial to the public and the overall environment, the LEED rating system may also provide an ancillary business benefit. First, such "green" buildings are more profitable over time and have reduced operating costs, and second, there is a growing array of state and local government incentives for LEED certified projects. No specific incentives are in place in New Jersey at this time; however, the USGBC indicates that with the growing popularity of the LEED program, such incentives will soon be forthcoming from local, state and/or federal agencies.
Aside from the profitability of buildings that are compliant with the LEED system, the designation of being LEED certified offers its own benefit. It is an advantageous marketing tool for those involved in the construction industry, particularly for design professionals and project managers particularly because LEED accredited professionals receive recognition on the USGBC website and publications. Accredited professionals also receive one point toward the LEED certification of green building projects if they are a member of the project team.
While the LEED program is still relatively new, its popularity is growing quickly. Green building and design techniques are of assistance not only to the environment, but also to the occupants of the buildings and the building owners. It is, therefore, advantageous for design professionals and builders to offer LEED certification of projects to owners. Finally, the exposure of the accredited professional on USGBC's website and publications may lead to greater business opportunities which may be invaluable.
All of the information provided in this article was provided through the United States Green Building Council. The USGBC provides detailed information regarding the LEED program online at www.usgbc.org.
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