Is LEED Accreditation worth it?
As we grow in the profession of architecture, it is important for upcoming buildings to have a positive or net-zero impact on the planet. Green Certifications for are trending and is a mandate/close to becoming a mandate in near future. We have seen, that in the past few years, due to the need for more sustainable infrastructure and spatial design, different organizations have developed certifications, specializing in various categories. This encourages designers for the right way of space designing, use of optimum materials, etc.
But is it a good idea to opt for one?
Looking on the bright side:
- It would give projects credibility of having green designs, of having a better response to having a sustainable design solution.
- It encourages designers to incorporate strategies and thinking outside the box, in terms of having sustainable solutions, rather than purely about design.
- It also helps in thinking about long term sustainable solutions for the life cycle of the building rather than using materials and technologies that could only last for the short term.
- It legitimized green building design as a future business investment and helps in having long term benefits.
But, on the other side:
- At times, the architects just want to earn points, to increase the rating standard, without considering if it's appropriate or not.
- LEED does not consider context and surroundings of the building.
- It considers the building in isolation and the performance is also not considered.
- LEED is not an efficient green rating system for all building types, like for small residences and small non-commercial projects.
- It is a time consuming task to apply for LEED certification. At times, there is a back and forth of information sharing, to receive the accreditation.
I think this certification is most suitable for the projects of educational/institutional level, commercial buildings, or public scale projects. LEED certification becomes an incentive to gain more students, more employees or increase more public footfall in projects. Sometimes, people use this for marketing for a sustainable outlook. Other times, clients may also have specific need due to a mandate in the area/ state of the upcoming building.
Overall, it is a need of the hour to have a sustainable design solution regardless of the certification that one chooses to pursue. Given the global temperature rise, and the increasing responsibility of us, we the designers/ architects should achieve a net-zero or a net-positive change on the environment.