Renewable Choices: LEED v4

What is the connection between renewable energy, green buildings and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification? Well, glad you asked. Because that’s the focus of the third installment of “Renewable Choices”, a guide for turning clean energy into business advantages. 

Also, check out previous posts in the series for a primer on PPAs and EACs, and an update on international markets for renewables and cleantech. 

What is LEED® v4?

LEED, or Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000. It is the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings with more than 15 billion square feet of certified building space worldwide. The latest version of the rating system is LEED v4. Starting in late 2016, all new projects must register under LEED v4.

Who develops LEED-certified green buildings?

LEED professionals work collaboratively with architects, project managers, and other building stakeholders to develop certified green buildings. The projects they develop encompass all building types at all phases of development. Projects earn points across several sustainability categories, and the number of total points earned correlates to either a renowned Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum project rating.

What renewable technologies earn LEED v4 points?

LEED points, via the Green Power Credit, can easily be achieved with affordable renewable energy credits (RECs) and carbon offsets. These two technologies address carbon emissions associated with existing and new construction, and they advance projects towards certification in the Energy & Atmosphere category.

How can Schneider Electric and Renewable Choice support LEED projects?

Renewable Choice, part of Schneider Electric, has a 100 percent success rate for LEED credit approval and has worked with more than 7,000 global green building projects to advance clients toward certification. The company’s team members all have LEED Green Associate or Accredited Professional recognition, and they continually provide highly-credible Green-e® Energy- and Green-e Climate-certified products to diverse global projects.

For more information on how LEED certification can enhance sustainability efforts, reach out to the Renewable Choice green building team. 

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