Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), is a building certification process that redefines the way we think about the places we live, work, and learn. As an internationally recognized mark of excellence, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework to identify and implement practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. LEED Certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building, home, or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Each category in a LEED rating system consists of prerequisites and credits. Prerequisites are required elements, or green building strategies that must be included in any LEED certified project. Credits are optional elements, or strategies that projects can elect to pursue to gain points toward LEED certification. LEED prerequisites and credits work together to provide a common foundation of performance and a flexible set of tools and strategies to accommodate the circumstances of individual projects. The hallmark of LEED and its ability to affect market transformation is its continuous improvement cycle that enables the rating system to increase in scope and stringency as market readiness increases and new technologies become widely available.
We strive to use the LEED framework and process to make your building sustainable, efficient, and comfortable in a way that goes far beyond a checklist. Our team’s green building expertise extends back to the very beginning of the LEED program, as Jordan Institute/RBG’s High Performance Buildings Program Manager, managed the design and construction of the first LEED-certified building in New England. That building, the Society for the Protection of NH Forests—French Wing, remains a prime example of green building principles. Since then we have certified more than 50 buildings in the Northeast.
We are the only LEED for Homes Provider in New Hampshire with two Green Raters and LEED Accredited Professionals. We have worked on LEED projects in NH, MA, ME, NY, and RI.
Some of our clients seek to follow the LEED path but not pursue certification. We have developed project specific goals such as Net Zero Buildings, and work with teams to achieve goals without otherwise recognized industry-standard certification programs.
In addition to providing consulting services for LEED Certified projects, RBG also provides consultation for LEED Certifiable projects. Oftentimes the LEED Certifiable requirement is necessary for projects to meet the local Green Building Codes. RBG prides itself on providing these clients with clear guidance on how to achieve the LEED Certifiable designation and meet the applicable Green Building Codes.