The LEED label

The Swiss Confederation and the Canton of Vaud are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and to achieving “net zero emissions” by 2050. To achieve these ambitious goals, the private and public sectors will need to work closely together.

In this context, the building stock accounts for almost 40% of final energy consumption in Switzerland. It also generates almost a third of the country’s CO² emissions, due to the use of materials, waste production and environmental pollution. (https://www.bfe.admin.ch/bfe/fr/home/efficacite/batiments.html)

The building sector, and the emissions it generates, should therefore be addressed as a matter of priority, given its high impact throughout the entire life cycle – construction, occupation and dismantling. Building and construction labels provide solutions for reducing this impact.

The LEED certification:

Several labels and certifications help to establish a framework or measures for improving the energy performance of buildings (Minergie, SNBS, etc.), but none is more holistic than that developed by LEED in the USA. This integrates all systemic criteria (water, biodiversity, accessibility, local community, etc.) linked to the construction and occupation of a building, as well as its refurbishment, in order to make a project as sustainable as possible.

LEED, or ‘Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design’, is the world’s most widely used green building rating system and an international symbol of excellence, with the first projects certified in 2000.

The label is applicable to all types of project, including new construction, interior fit-out, shell, renovation, operation and maintenance of existing buildings.

The aim of LEED certification is to provide a framework for healthy, highly energy-efficient and economically sober buildings, offering environmental, social and governance benefits. The various categories assessed are as follows:

The benefits of LEED certification:

In addition to contributing to the decarbonization of the sector by reducing the resources needed and relative waste, LEED-labeled buildings enjoy a higher market value (LEED-certified assets sell on average at a price 21,4% higher than non-certified buildings and rent for 11% more on average) and lower operating costs and expenses – an estimate of LEED-certified buildings in the USA between 2015 and 2018 revealed energy savings of $1.2 billion, water savings of $149.5 million, maintenance savings of $715.3 million and waste savings of $54.2 million. 

LEED is also a guarantee of prestige, contributing to the brand image and reputation of building owners. It also helps to delay a building’s obsolescence, ensuring that it remains attractive for longer.

Finally, because of these air quality requirements, occupants of a LEED-labeled building experience fewer asthma and respiratory allergy problems, improving their health, well-being and productivity. Air quality is superior – pollutants such as TVOCs and Radon are prohibited.

Integrating the LEED label into a new real estate project represents an average cost increase of 3%, which is quickly offset over the life cycle of the project and by the many benefits it brings.

Conclusion

LEED certification is a cost-effective way of demonstrating that a project complies with best practices in sustainable construction, including the health and well-being of occupants. 

At Movo, we help you achieve the highest level of certification to meet your decarbonization ambitions and make your buildings exemplary in sustainable construction.

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