Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted standard for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. LEED Certification applies only to building projects. It does not apply to materials, products or services.

Why Build Green?

There are environmental, economic and community benefits:

• Environmental benefits include improving air and water quality, reduce solid waste and conserve natural resources
• Economic benefits include a reduction in operating costs, improvement in employee productivity and satisfaction and an enhancement of asset value and profits.
• Health and community benefits include an improvement in air, thermal and accoustic environments, enhancement of occupant comfort and health and a contribution to overall quality of life.

How does a project earn LEED Certification?

Projects earn one or more points toward certification by meeting or exceeding each credit's technical requirements. All prerequisites must be achieved in order to qualify for certification. Points add up to a final score that relates to one of four possible levels of certification:

• Certified: 26 - 32 points
• Silver: 33 - 38 points
• Gold: 39 - 51 points
• Platinum: 52 - 69 points

Project Check List

1. Sustainable Sites:
   14 possible points with 1 required prerequisite
2. Water Efficiency:
   5 possible points
3. Energy & Atmosphere:
   17 possible points with 3 required prerequisites
4. Materials & Resources:
   13 possible points with 1 required prerequisite
5. Indoor Environmental Quality:
   15 possible points with 2 required prerequisites
6. Innovation & Design Process:
   5 possible points

What makes WetSuit® Green?

WetSuit® reduces construction impacts and releases minimal pollutants.

There are 3 catagories under which WetSuit® can earn points for a project:

• Sustainable Sites Credit 7:
  Landscape & Exterior Design to Reduce Heat Islands
• Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite Credit 2:
  Minimum Energy Performance
• Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1:
  Optimize Energy Performance

For more information on Building Green please contact:

US Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org
GreenSpec Directory: www.buildinggreen.com