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The U.S. Green Building Council began a program focused on designing and developing environmentally responsible buildings in terms of energy usage. LEED-rated commercial faucets are fixtures that meet the council's criteria for certification.
However, LEED standards do not simply focus on energy usage. It encompasses components centered on sustainability, including the building's impact on the neighborhood and surrounding area.
A building must meet these standards in its design, construction, and operations based on a 100-point system. To be considered a LEED-rated building, you must have no less than 40 points.
Do you need LEED-rate commercial faucets in your buildings? Before answering that, let's look at what LEED stands for, what it means to be LEED-rated, and its benefits.
Key Takeaways:
- The faucets themselves aren't LEED-certified. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program that recognizes sustainable and environmentally friendly fixtures as LEED-rated commercial faucets.
- There are six areas where your building can earn points towards its LEED certification. These include sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, and air quality, to name a few.
- You can earn additional points (up to 10) for environmentally responsible design innovations to operations. Every LEED accredited professional on staff also awards you extra points.
- Installing LEED-rated commercial faucets benefits the environment. It also has several money-saving benefits with operational costs.
What Is a LEED-Rated Commercial Faucet?
The faucets themselves aren't LEED-certified. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program that recognizes sustainable and environmentally friendly fixtures as LEED-rated commercial faucets.
LEED certification pertains to building design. It specifically focuses on site design, energy use, atmosphere, and air quality, to name a few. Building owners looking to obtain LEED certification can do so for the following building projects:
- New construction
- Existing structures
- Commercial interior, operations, and maintenance
- Core and shell
- Schools
- Homes
- Neighborhood development
- Healthcare
- Retail
If you are working to obtain your certification, LEED-rated commercial faucets will help you earn points to attain this achievement. So, yes, you do need LEED-rated fixtures for your commercial buildings.
LEED Certification Points
Each area of LEED certification (and recertification) has a set value of points your building can earn. The 40-point minimum awards the lowest level of certification. Here is the breakdown of each level:
- Certification: Points are between 40-49, and you earn a green badge.
- Silver: Points are between 50-59, and you earn a blue badge.
- Gold: Points are between 60-79, and you earn a gold badge.
- Platinum: Points are between 80-110, and you earn a gray badge.
You can earn points in six different areas, and each section has its own value. Let's take a moment to break each of these down into their respective areas and discuss the point values you can earn for each section.
1. Sustainable Sites – 26 Points
Location for new construction is the first step in developing a sustainable site. You should focus on places around the building where sustainability upgrades are greater than 60% of the building for existing structures.
A sustainable site will consist of a comprehensive design and construction strategy that ensures the building's resilience to natural and unnatural disturbances.
2. Water Efficiency – 10 Points
Over the next ten years, 80% of the states in America will experience a water shortage. Even though the earth consists of mostly water, only about 3% is usable, and even less is considered "freshwater."
Installing energy-efficient water-conserving faucets reduces the environmental impact of water waste. It can earn you 10 points towards your LEED certification.
3. Energy and Atmosphere – 35 Points
More than a third of the points you earn for LEED certification get awarded from this category. The reason is that improving energy efficiency is the most effective way to become more sustainable and save money.
Yet, it doesn't end with energy efficiency. The category also includes the building's atmosphere. Focus on social equity and accessibility and prioritize inclusiveness for anyone who may use your building. Also, consider:
- Surrounding natural vegetation
- Accommodations for wildlife
- Parking and commuting needs
- Methods of producing natural energy (i.e., solar panels)
- Impact on groundwater
4. Material and Resources – 14 Points
A project looking to earn LEED certification must maintain efforts to be environmentally responsible by purchasing recycled materials and resources during and after construction. That includes:
- Building supplies
- Metals
- Plastics
- Cardboard
- Light bulbs
- Paper products
5. Indoor Environmental Quality – 15 Points
The building must be comfortable for anyone working in, residing, or patronizing the establishment. The HVAC and ventilation systems must ensure the structure meets all air quality standards.
The structure must also allow for natural lighting sources, open spaces, and décor that is aesthetically pleasing but must also be environmentally responsible.
LED lights are the best source of artificial light, and energy-efficient motion sensors should control lights and temperature that automatically adjust settings as people move around the building.
6. Innovations in Operations and Maintenance – Up to 10 Additional Points
You can earn extra points through innovations in operations and maintenance by installing systems that make it easier, safer, and cleaner to live in, work, or visit one of your buildings. That encompasses everything from sanitation protocols to installing touchless fixtures for improved hygiene.
Benefits of LEED-Rated Commercial Faucets
The focus of the USGBC is to reduce the adverse effects climate change takes on the environment. Although, being eco-conscious is only one benefit of switching your fixtures to LEED-rated faucets. Other advantages include:
When shopping for a LEED-rated commercial faucet, don't only look at how using the fixture impacts the environment. Consider how the manufacturing process affects the climate.
Find a manufacturer that focuses on reducing landfill waste each year. You can find companies that recycle nearly all (98%) of their scrap brass. Details like this ultimately limit environmental impacts leading to greener and more sustainable buildings.
Chicago Faucets Has Partnered with the USGBC for a Greener Future
Conservation and sustainability are part of our social and corporate responsibilities at Chicago Faucets. We believe that our products should offer a great value to our customers while remaining environmentally friendly.
Our commitment to water conservation and sustainability drives our decisions and is the reason we partner with the EPA with their WaterSense program and are proud members of the USGBC. We want to help promote water and energy efficiency whenever possible.
If you are looking for ways to improve the environmental impact of your buildings, speak to one of our associates to learn more about how we can help with your LEED certification.
