Introduction
What is LEED certification and why do we as engineers pursue it? As seen in Figure 1, LEED-certified buildings are constructed to be energy efficient, sustainable designs with lower operating costs and waste. The LEED system provides you with a framework to achieve an overall healthy design that benefits people and the environment.
Figure 1
LEED Certification
To achieve LEED certification, you must register and apply with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The Green Business Certification (GBCI) then reviews your submission and assigns a certain number of points to the project based off the prerequisites and credits achieved. The USGBC then assigns your project a level of certification in relation to the points it received. You can find these rankings listed below.
LEED Certified: 40-49 points
LEED Silver: 50-59 points
LEED Gold: 60-79 points
LEED Platinum: 80+ points
It is important to note that once you achieve LEED certification, you must track and report energy and water data to the USGBC for a five-year period to maintain your certification.
PNC Bank Project
Along with a team of LEED- accredited engineers, Proficient has completed several of these LEED-certified projects, each with differing design requirements depending on the level of certification pursued. As an example of what the MEP engineering could look like for one of these buildings, we will delve into the design process for one of our most recent LEED-certified projects pictured in Figure 2 below. Located at 1075 Peachtree Street in Atlanta, our PNC bank project was recently elected LEED Silver certified by GBCI. PNC Bank offers retail, corporate, and institutional banking, and asset management services. We partnered with GSB Architects & Interiors to complete a fit out of the 27,000-square-foot office tower floor from an empty shell condition. The fit out included individual offices, open office space, conference rooms, a café, secure storage, a reception area, and an elevator lobby. In addition, there were specialty spaces such as an IDF room, mother’s room, and project meeting rooms.
Figure 2
Electrical LEED Credits
To achieve the requirements necessary for the electrical LEED Silver certification, we used highly efficient LED lighting throughout the project. The lighting controls included both daylights harvesting from the use of photocells at windows, as well as occupancy sensors and timeclocks. A split receptacle design was also included to allow for the securing of 50% of the convenience receptacles after working hours to reduce power consumption when spaces are not occupied.
HVAC LEED Credits
For the LEED indoor environmental air quality credits, we pursued using adhesive and sealant specifications for low VOC materials, indoor air quality assessment guidelines, and high efficiency filters on the central air handling unit. Our calculations were performed for the space based on the occupant count, floor area, and space type. In pursuit of additional LEED credits, thermal comfort condition charts were developed in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2017. These charts were developed for each temperature control zone to ensure consistent conditions throughout the space. In addition, guidelines were developed for a construction indoor air quality management plan.
Closing
In short, achieving LEED certification can be a lengthy process that differs with each project, but is important to consider when designing a building. Sustainable designs help conserve our natural resources, reduce waste and operating costs, and improve indoor air and water quality. Overall, eco-friendly buildings enhance our natural environment and everyday health, and as engineers, this is something we must consider every time we pursue a LEED-certified design.
Check out this link to UGBC’s website to learn more about the LEED certification process for your next project.
