Frequently Asked Questions

What is sustainable design?
Sustainable design is a way of creating buildings that minimize their impact on the world's resources and ecosystems. As we look to the new world economies coming on-line, we have to envision significant shocks to the world's resources. 60% of the world's resources are consumed by buildings; not manufacturing, not farming, and not transportation. High Performance or Sustainable design, simply put, is doing more with less. Thru careful planning and integrated design, professionals are able to drastically reduce the energy, water, materials, and associated site impacts from the built environment.

What is the value of a LEED certification?
A LEED certification provides a 3rd party validation of sustainable design. The U.S. Green Building Council and their LEED system have created a standard that is used to define a green building. Adding photo-voltaics, a few recycling bins, or just being energy efficient does not necessarily make a building "green". A certification is the best way to define if a building is truly "green". The USGBC has set specific limits that must be reached for each of its requirements to receive their prestigious LEED certification. This certification allows owners to know their design meets set standards of what constitutes a "green" building.

What is "Greenwashing"?
"Greenwashing" is a term used in the industry to describe overinflated or inaccurate environmental claims. Today's, greenwashing claims are rampant and devalue the entire industry. Certifications are taken seriously by trade organizations as well as educated consumers. Certifications are the easiest way to defend against greenwashing claims. Unfortunately, the certification market is highly fragmented and disjointed. Being able to navigate the market and select the appropriate certifications can be very confusing even to the most savvy industry professionals. Matching the right certification to the right market is more of an art form than a science. Furthermore, building certifications like LEED, Energy Star, Green Globes, Earthcraft, and NAHB Green Guidelines all constantly change their referenced certifications and thresholds. Additionally, they each cater to very different markets.

What does LEED for new construction cost?
Typically studies show that LEED buildings cost 0-2% of construction costs for a NC certification. LEED buildings should be minimally more expensive than other sustainably designed buildings. We tend to hear that "LEED" is expensive but most people compare a traditional building to a sustainably designed structure. You can't compare apples to oranges. Many cite "sustainable elements" they would exclude if they did not LEED certify their building. You can't compare a building that was not energy modeled, commissioned, and has few controls over systems to a building that has those sustainable benefits. And then try to justify that those features just add to the expense and don't add any real value. These, and all sustainable elements of today's structures add value. If you leave sustainable elements out of design and construction you can still have a great building, it may just not be as sustainable as those that meet the standards set forth by the USGBC.

What is LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance?
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (O+M) is designed to address ongoing operations and maintenance of existing buildings. This system does not necessarily focus on construction and design elements of the buildings. They accept where a facility exists and instead focus on best practices regarding energy, water and natural resources; improvements to the indoor environment; and operating efficiencies. In a sense, a LEED O+M building is a study of best practices.

Where is LEED headed?
LEED is a non-profit point based certification for buildings. It originated in the commercial market with the NC certification. Today, it has broadened its scope to include EB, CS, CI, H, & ND. Each of these certifications are extremely different in their application and focus. If you are in the industry you have probably heard many of the issues associated with LEED. The USGBC is actively addressing many of these concerns and piloting new drafts. It is also redesigning many of its core processes so that it can continue to grow and stay the premiere certification in the industry. As you may know, LEED's strategic vision is to be the standard for only the top 25% of the market. LEED is quickly ratcheting up its minimum standards that will deliver significantly more customized and exhaustive rating systems. Many of the changes will render current efforts obsolete. It is important to begin to consider these next steps in today's projects.

Hampton Roads LEED Snapshot as of January 1, 2010

Source: USGBC Projects & Case Studies Directory (USGBC has not included LEED 2009 Certified or Registered projects as of January 1, 2010) The USGBC website is somewhat slow to be updated with new projects as so many are being registered and certified. The total number of Hampton Roads LEED projects registered is more likely just above 200 when you include LEED v3 2009.

LEED Certified Buildings in Hampton Roads - 16

Norfolk - 6
Virginia Beach - 3
Chesapeake - 2
Hampton - 0
Newport News - 1
Suffolk - 1
Portsmouth - 0

Williamsburg - 3
Poquoson - 0

LEED Registered Projects in Hampton Roads - 112

Norfolk - 46
Virginia Beach - 18
Chesapeake - 8
Hampton - 8
Newport News - 8
Suffolk - 8
Portsmouth - 3

Williamsburg - 12
Poquoson - 1

Green Building Impacts & Facts:

- Buildings represent 72% of all electricity consumption in the United States.
- Buildings use 40% of raw materials globally.
- EPA estimates place estimates of municipal solid waste in excess of 209 million tons annually.
- Buildings use 13.6 of all potable water.
- Buildings account for 32% of all CO2 emissions.
- Between 2000-2008 green construction generated $1.3 billion in energy savings.
- Forecasted energy savings between 2009-2013 is expected to reach $6 billion for green construction.

The Sustainability Market:

- The Larger Green market comprises 13.4% of the US GDP.
- The Green Building Market is expected to double by 2013, roughly around $96-$140 billion.
- Green Jobs will soar to 7.9 million and pour $554 billion into the economy by 2013.