LEED Certification

We provide clients with analytical capabilities necessary to measure how efficient a building is across areas such as: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality. Many buildings want to realize energy efficient benefits, increase tenant satisfaction, and add environmental value. We perform planning, energy modeling, consulting, and documentation tasks to support project teams aiming to comply with LEED standards and certification with a Three Stage Process:

STAGE 1: Feasibility
The goal is to create an overview of where your building ranks in terms of the LEED system and when it would be practical to submit an application to the USGBC for certification. This is assessed with the R3 Benchmarking Process: R3 utilizes the EPA Portfolio Manager tool to produce a benchmarking report that incorporates a full year of data of your building’s total energy use. With the report produced, R3 will gauge if your building will qualify for the pre-requisite Energy Benchmark score for LEED: 69 (out of a possible 1-100).

STAGE 2: Building Audit and LEED Compliance
The goal is to conduct a full-scale audit of the building’s operations and systems to ensure compliance and target specific improvements that are necessary for LEED certification. The audit will result in a scope of work for the necessary building improvements. This stage also includes calculations and analyses necessary for all chosen LEED credits, researching federal and state grants and incentives, policy development for all relevant LEED credits, and training for building staff and tenants.

STAGE 3 LEED Documentation/Certification
The goal is LEED certification. This is accomplished through communication with the USGBC and the final submission of all necessary paperwork for LEED certification.

What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In 2000, USGBC established the LEED rating system as a way to define and measure “green buildings.” LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that measures how well a building or community performs across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Points are awarded to meet LEED certified criteria: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

LEED for New Construction, Existing Buildings: Operations & Management and LEED for Schools have been of high focus in the NY, NJ, CT region.

LEED for New Construction
The LEED for New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance
The LEED EB: OM rating system is a tool that promotes increased overall performance in buildings while cutting operating costs and improves working conditions for all tenants and building staff while becoming nationally recognized for demonstrating a commitment to the environment.

LEED for Schools
This is directed at schools with both new facilities and major renovations. It provides a unique, comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green with measurable results. The rating system addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, daylight and views, mold prevention, and environmental site assessment.

Many schools embrace forward thinking on the environment and recognize energy-related projects can have a huge impact. Sustainable strategies enhance a school’s reputation, improve teacher retention, and provide financial savings. It is also an incredible opportunity to give students hands on learning about sustainability while providing a healthy learning environment.

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