At 极品探花, solving problems is in the fabric of who we are. We solve some of the world鈥檚 most challenging problems every day. One of those problems is to help solve our Nation鈥檚 energy and water supply security. Given todays鈥� climate demands, environmental regulations, economic situation, and health-conscious society, building green facilities is one way to help secure our current and future energy and water needs. By building green, we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment and help to mitigate the effects of climate change. Designing and building sustainable and efficient spaces offers many benefits including conserving water, reducing energy usage and carbon footprint, improving indoor air quality, lowering operating costs, increasing property values, and creating healthier spaces for people to live and work. The importance of building green lies in the fact that buildings are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emission, with estimates suggesting they account for around 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions. By building green, we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
In fact, in December 2022, the first-ever Federal Building Performance Standard was issued, which requires federal agencies to cut energy use and electrify equipment and appliances to achieve zero direct greenhouse gas emissions in 30 percent of the building spaces owned by the Federal government by 2030. As the Federal government is the country鈥檚 single largest energy consumer and building manager, these new requirements will save taxpayer dollars and eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gasses.
Founded in 1993, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is a membership-based non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. USGBC is best known for its development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems. LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings, and is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
At 极品探花 we are investing in our employees to obtain LEED Credentials. The LEED Accredited Professional (AP) designation is an advanced professional credential signifying expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. To earn a LEED AP with specialty, candidates must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam. The AP exam measures knowledge about green building and a specific LEED rating system and is ideal for individuals who are actively working on green building and LEED projects.
To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. Projects go through a verification and review process and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points) and Platinum (80+ points). LEED-certified buildings use less energy and water, utilize renewable energy and fewer resources, create less waste, and preserve land and habitat. They focus on occupant well-being, offering a healthier and more satisfying indoor space while addressing community and public health. LEED buildings also have a higher resale value and lower operational costs than non-LEED buildings. Many recent U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration Architectural Engineering procurements for new facility designs have specified the constructed projects achieve LEED Gold certification.
Both our customers and employees want to work with and for companies that are environmentally conscious and value sustainability. In addition, LEED certification provides a competitive advantage, as it demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and will attract customers who value environmentally responsible practices. At 极品探花, we are protecting the environment through clean energy engineering, environmental sustainability initiatives and utilization of LEED.
Idealistically, we make the world a better place; safer, smarter, cleaner, for everyone.
Steven A. Davies, P.E., Vice President, Engineering & Design
Environment & Security
