What is Sustainable Design?

•Southern Connecticut State University Residence Hall

Designed for LEED Certification

• The goal of green or sustainable building design is to meet today’s consumption needs without borrowing resources from future generations.

• Green buildings are designed to provide a high level of comfort and service, while using less energy with a lower environmental impact.

Environmental Impact of Buildings

•Pratt & Whitney Customer Training Facility

• 36% of total energy use

• 65% of electricity consumption

• 30% of greenhouse gas emissions

• 30% of raw materials use

• 30% of waste output/136 million tons annually

• 12% of potable water consumption

Source: United States Green Building Council

U.S. Green Building Council

• Promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.

• Leading a national consensus for producing a new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside and out.

• Developed the LEED Certification System

•Eastern Connecticut State University Residential Village

Designed for LEED Certification

Source: United States Green Building Council

LEED Certification

•The Mark Twain House & Museum Center

First LEED Certified Building in Connecticut

• Whole-building approach

• Optimizes environmental and economic factors

• Four levels of LEED-NC certification:

Certified Level 26-32 points

Silver Level 33-38 points

Gold Level 39-51 points

Platinum Level 52+ ponts (69 possible)

Source: United States Green Building Council

Environmental Benefits

• Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity

• Improve air and water quality

• Reduce solid waste

• Conserve natural resources

•Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters Building

LEED Platinum Commercial Building

Source: United States Green Building Council

Economic Benefits

• Reduce operating costs

• Enhance asset value and profits

• Improve employee productivity and satisfaction

• Optimize life-cycle economic performance

•Herman Miller Office Building

LEED Gold Certification

Source: United States Green Building Council

Studies indicate that poor indoor air quality in the U.S. has resulted in an annual loss of $15 billion in worker productivity.

Health & Community Benefits

• Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments

• Enhance occupant comfort and health

• Minimize strain on local infrastructure

• Contribute to overall quality of life

Source: United States Green Building Council

•Caribou, Maine Weather Forecast Office

LEED Silver Certification