LEED® Certification and the ILSB

At a time when the cost of energy from conventional sources is extremely high, and future availability and supply of energy from such sources is uncertain, energy efficiency and conservation is truly an imperative for individuals and organizations.

Texas A&M University recognizes the importance of conservation and sustainability for the well-being of the nation and the community. Fortunately, new buildings such as the ILSB can be engineered for optimal energy and resource efficiency.

The ILSB is being designed and constructed to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System®  Silver Certification.

The LEED rating system is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED certification, which is awarded based on a point system, distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution.

Points toward LEED certification are awarded in the categories of sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design process. New buildings meeting LEED Silver Certification standards have earned a combined total of at least 33 points in these categories.

Following are some of the specific areas for which the ILSB is targeting to earn points toward Silver Certification (click here for a chart showing the LEED 2.2. Total Project Score for the ILSB).

Sustainable Sites - Credit for such features as:

• provision for maximal use of alternative transportation methods (access to public transportation, bicycle storage and changing rooms, good parking capacity);
  
• use of cisterns to capture rain water and HVAC condensate for all irrigation needs;
• rain gardens and biofiltration to limit disruption of natural water flows;
• reduction of heat island effects and light pollution with maximized site landscaping, fast-growing shade trees, light colored paved surfaces, high-performance roof, and shielded light fixtures.

Water Efficiency - Credit for:

• selection of native and adapted plants with minimal irrigation requirements;
• water-efficient landscape irrigation system;
• eliminating the use of potable water for irrigation through the use of captured rainwater and condensate;
• water use reduction (use of efficient plumbing fixtures such as sinks, shower heads, metered faucets and flush-valves).

Energy and Atmosphere - Credit for:

• optimizing energy performance through use of energy-conserving lab hoods, ventilation systems, and daylighting strategies;
• building commissioning;
• measurement and verification of energy-conserving efforts.

Materials and Resources - Credit for:

• construction waste management;
• use of recycled content building materials (10 percent and 20 percent) for construction;
• use of locally or regionally acquired materials.

Indoor Environmental Quality - Credit for:

• monitoring of carbon dioxide emissions;
• increased ventilation effectiveness;
• use of low-VOC adhesives/sealants, paints, carpeting and composite wood;
• measures to maximize thermal comfort;
• maximizing amount of daylight (in 75 percent of building spaces) and views (in 90 percent of building spaces).

Innovation in the Design Process - Credit for:

• green housekeeping and operations program;
• green education program;

• LEED-CI for furniture systems;

• wind modeling for community health and safety;

• use of a LEED-accredited professional design firm (Perkins+Will).