La sostenibilidad cada vez preocupa a más personas. Por eso, es habitual que a la hora de adquirir su próxima casa, un comprador se informe sobre el consumo de esta. Y una de las mejores formas de convencerle y agradarle es que la vivienda cuente con sus propias certificaciones energéticas, las cuales se encarguen de acreditar su eficiencia y su respeto por el medioambiente.
We are not referring solely to the Energy Performance Certificate, which has been mandatory in Spain since 2013 and includes basic information on the home’s energy efficiency, consumption, and energy characteristics. We also include a range of other certificates issued by official organizations that confirm the home meets the sustainability and efficiency requirements these organizations have previously established.
Among the existing certifications, one of the most prestigious is the LEED certification. So we’re going to tell you about the benefits of living in homes that have this certification, both in terms of sustainability and comfort.
What is LEED Certification?
Among the various mechanisms that exist at the international level for assessing a building’s sustainability is the LEED program. The acronym stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which could be translated as “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”
LEED certification was launched in 1993 in the U.S. by the U.S. Green Building Council, the country’s Green Building Council. Initially, it included several nonprofit organizations and about 60 companies representing the entire value chain of the construction industry. Its goal was to create a common program for green building, even though the concept of sustainability was not yet widely accepted at the time.
This project gave rise to the LEED certification , which brings together a set of standards and requirements necessary for a building to be classified as eco-friendly or sustainable. Over time, it evolved and gained prominence in the U.S., eventually spreading to other countries, such as Spain.
How important is LEED certification?
Unlike the aforementioned Energy Certificate, LEED certification is not mandatory for residential buildings in our country. However, it is true that it is currently one of the most prestigious seals of approval in architecture and urban planning, alongside the international certification offered by its main competitor, the British BREEAM. In fact, the difference between the two is that BREEAM includes local adaptations, while LEED does not.
Having this certification attests that the building or home has been constructed using smart strategies for sustainability. This includes aspects such as its location, efficient use of water and energy, the use of sustainable materials, and optimal environmental quality. Not surprisingly, it is an independent agent or certifier accredited by the USGB who gathers all the necessary information on each project to analyze it and award the corresponding rating.
LEED Certification Evaluation Criteria
Going into more detail, there are several factors that determine the LEED certification level. However, it’s important to note that there are different certification categories depending on the type of project, so the considerations vary depending on whether we’re talking about new buildings, existing buildings, commercial interiors, homes, and so on…
Sustainability of the Site
The location of the construction project is chosen to ensure that it has a minimal impact on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the area.
Innovation in Design
Awards are given to projects that are innovative in promoting the sustainability of the building. This aspect is evaluated from three perspectives: economic, social, and environmental.
Indoor Environmental Quality
By installing modern ventilation and air circulation (that are energy-efficient), indoor air quality can be optimized. This, in turn, improves people’s quality of life.
Materials and Resources Used
It places great importance on the circular economy, so that the building can reuse as many of the materials it uses as possible and facilitate the recycling of its waste and emissions.
Energy and the Atmosphere
It recommends minimizing the use of fossil fuels and proposes replacing them with renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power.
Water Efficiency
He considers it important to use systems that allow for the maximum use of available water, such as those based on rainwater harvesting.
Location and Transportation
The building’s location should facilitate and promote the use of alternative modes of transportation, such as hybrid vehicles, bicycles, and public transportation.
Types of LEED Certifications
For new construction projects (LEED New Construction), the USGB has established a scoring system that evaluates the level of compliance with each criterion. It is calculated based on a 100-point scale; thus, it is up to the project manager to decide how many points to assign to each category.
The total score from all these points will determine the type of LEED certification the project will receive. It could be:
- Certificate (LEED Certificate): This is the basic certification, awarded for a score between 40 and 49 points.
- Silver (LEED Silver): This level applies to buildings that earn between 50 and 59 points.
- Gold (LEED Gold): if the score is between 60 and 79 points.
- Platinum (LEED Platinum): This is the highest rating and is awarded when 80 or more points are earned.
Benefits of Living in LEED-Certified Homes
2022 ended with 176,459 LEED-registered buildings in 184 countries around the world, of which 57% (100,377) had obtained LEED certification. Spain ranks sixth in the world for the number of such buildings, with 1,220 registered in the program and 651 certified. In fact, of the certified buildings, 114 held Platinum certification, 405 Gold, 104 Silver, and 28 Basic Certification.
So living in one of these buildings is a real privilege that offers benefits like the ones we’re telling you about here.
Energy savings
It is estimated that a LEED-certified building can achieve energy savings of between 30% and 50%, making it more cost-effective for its tenants in the medium and long term.
More Efficient Water Use
Water savings are slightly lower than energy savings, but they are also quite significant. Specifically, they are estimated to be approximately 40%.
It’s good for the environment
Living in a LEED-certified home allows us to do our part to create a more sustainable world. This is especially important right now, considering that in 2021, per capita CO2 emissions in Spain were 4.99 metric tons per person.
Higher real estate value
A home with its own LEED certification can increase its property value by up to 7.5% compared to homes that do not have it.
More Comfortable, Healthy, and Safe Homes
LEED-certified homes are greener and more sustainable, as they are designed to take advantage of natural light, facilitate ventilation, and provide adequate acoustic and thermal control. As a result, their residents enjoy a high quality of life.
Less waste generated and, therefore, lower costs for its treatment as well
By making better use of natural resources such as water and sunlight, the building generates less waste. This waste can then be recycled more easily and cost-effectively, because the project also aims to reduce the costs associated with transporting it to landfills, recycling centers, and waste collection points.
Tax Benefits
In some countries and regions , incentives are offered to encourage investment in sustainable projects. More and more governments are seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, so they are implementing policies to promote sustainable lifestyles. Among the most common of these are financial assistance or tax breaks for the purchase of this type of housing.
Find your LEED-certified home on CULMIA
What do you think about the benefits of living in LEED-certified homes? In addition to our sustainability certification (JADE Certification), we’re also committed to sustainability through obtaining other certifications, such as LEED and BREEAM. So we encourage you to contact us to ask any questions you may have and learn more about the features of our developments.
And, of course, we also invite you to download our Guide to Healthy Housing and Sustainable Constructionright here. We’re sure you’ll find it very useful!
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