LEED^TM

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a program developed by the US Green Buildings Council to promote efficient and environmentally friendly design in building construction and renovation. The LEED addresses:

Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Materials & Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality

Points are awarded for each of these main categories; certification means achieving a passing score.

The unique aspect of the LEED criteria is the life cycle cost analysis test. In other words, if a design technique does not make economic sense then it should not be implemented. Each of the sustainable design credits is meant to reduce the impact on the environment, conserve resources and improve the quality of the internal environment for the end-users. Test data has already shown improved production and reduced sick time for occupants of buildings built using LEED techniques.

At Design Resources Group, we advocate the implementation of LEED design techniques on every project, as the LEED philosophy of holistic design makes sense for all architectural design projects.

As a part of that process, Design Resources Group advocates the use of LEED Charettes. DRG schedules three LEED Charette sessions which include board members, interested faculty, facility managers/maintenance personnel, and any other individuals designated by the owner. Participants will receive an informational packet prepared by the Project Team prior to the first charette, and will be encouraged to attend the charettes with their own ideas for LEED design features.