In addition to our green cleaning program we support the holistic LEED process which ultimately is what earns points towards certification. This can include documentation support, facilitating consultations with LEED professionals and connections to others experienced in pursuing green standards. As a member of the United States Green Building Council, we have access to a wealth of information and resources as well as a growing number of professional alliances.
FAQ’s about LEED
1. What is LEED certification?
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings system. Through this ratings system, points are awarded for various aspects of building design and maintenance related to its level of operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. There are four levels of certification that can be achieved depending on how many total points a building earns throughout the LEED process. They are: LEED certified, silver, gold and platinum.
2. Why would I want my building LEED certified?
Attaining LEED certification means that your building is performing at high standards for efficiency as well as being environmentally responsible. Operational costs have been reduced dramatically for many buildings that have attained these standards. The result is improved overall profitability while maintaining and attracting tenant revenue in a healthy environment. There are also a growing number of incentive programs that recognize and reward LEED certified buildings. Furthermore, new legislature is being introduced regularly throughout the United States that encourages pursuing LEED certifications with programs that can help reimburse project costs.
3. What is a green building?
A green building is one that gives careful consideration to three main elements: healthy indoor environment, maximum energy efficiency and conservative, thoughtful use of natural resources. Basically, a building that consumes the least amount of non-renewable water and energy, utilizes chemicals that are the least toxic, and consumes products that are the most environmentally friendly can be termed a green building. There are varied levels of green standards that can be achieved for most any building.
4. What is green cleaning?
In a nutshell, green cleaning protects health without harming the environment. It involves using environmentally friendly chemicals mixed with appropriate dilution ratios, energy efficient equipment that consumes the least amount of water, and paper products that are at least 40% recycled. Other related elements include recycling, door matting and pest control.
5. What costs are involved in getting certified or going green?
In most cases, our green cleaning program costs are closely matched to those of a standard cleaning program. There is a fee to be paid to the USGBC for pursuing LEED certification. The fee amount varies depending on the size of the building as well as possible costs associated with bringing the building up to a standard that meets the required LEED specifications. These costs vary depending on the relative condition of the building.
6. What can Best Facility Services do to help our building get LEED certified?
In addition to our green cleaning program we support the holistic LEED process which ultimately is what earns points towards certification. This can include documentation support, facilitating consultations with LEED professionals and connections to others experienced in pursuing green standards. As a member of the United States Green Building Council, we have access to a wealth of information and resources as well as a growing number of professional alliances.
7. What do I need to do to get started in pursuing a green standard?
We would like to meet with you and discuss your options. Regardless of which green standard or LEED level you would like to achieve for your building, we have programs that can help you reach those goals and can work within your budget.
