LEED-CI IS GREAT TO PURSUE
According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification system is the preeminent program for rating the design, construction and operation of green buildings. LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) is the green benchmark for the tenant improvement market. It is the recognized system for certifying high-performance green interiors that are healthy, productive places to work; are less costly to operate and maintain; and have a reduced environmental footprint.
LEED-CI—recently upgraded as part of LEED version 3—offers tenants the ability to make sustainable choices that improve the quality of a new or existing building. This is beneficial because tenants rarely have control over whole building operations or new construction decisions.
LEED New Construction (LEED-NC) and LEED-CI share many of the same criteria for estab-lishing points, but as its name implies, LEED-CI focuses on the internal facets of a building, and LEED-NC is targeted toward new buildings and major renovations. Opportunities for LEED-CI points include water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environ-mental quality, and innovation in design. Complete details of the LEED-CI rating system are available here.
There are 57 possible LEED-CI points available, and foodservice operations are certified on the following scale: Certified (21-26 points), Silver (27-31 points), Gold (32-40 points) and Platinum (42-57 points).
The benefits to LEED-CI certification are numerous. Foodservice operations that achieve LEED-CI (or any other LEED) certification demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues, which is appealing to the community and potential customers. They can also qualify for an array of state and local government initiatives, including tax incentives, and receive marketing exposure through USGBC’s Web site, Greenbuild conference, case studies and media relations efforts.
Chances are, several clients have already implemented some sustainability initiatives, whether it’s through energy-efficient foodservice equipment, sustainable food practices, composting or recycling. They might not be aware of it, but they’ve probably already racked up several LEED-CI points. Point values and categories are available here.
Whether clients are looking to be the next LEED superstar, or they just want to reduce water and energy use or improve their working environment, LEED-CI is a great place to start.
For more information on LEED-CI, how to make sustainable design or equipment decisions or how to apply for certification, contact Hobart’s LEED-accredited staff members.
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