1. Introducing Connecticut LEED Program for Green Buildings
Presented by John Guszkowski, AICP, LEED-AP

2. What is the USGBC?
USGBC is an acronym for the United States Green Building Council.
A Non-Profit Coalition started in 1993
Over 18,000 member companies and organizations belong to USGBC
Provides leadership to promote “Green Building” practices
One of many green building standards – has most cache

3. What is “GREEN BUILDING”?
Green Building is the practice of using resources and methods to create sustainable environments.
Some of the elements of Green Building are:
Appropriate Siting and Footprint
Use of Recycled, Natural and/or Local building / landscaping materials
Energy and Water Efficiency
Implementation of Sustainable Practices
Indoor Environmental Quality
Adequate Siting
Use of Recycled, Natural and/or Local building / landscaping materials
Energy and Water Efficiency (smart appliances, systems and fixtures, insulation, natural lighting, etc.)
Implementation of Sustainable Practices (such as composting, “gray”water recycling, use of rainbarrels / rain gardens, clotheslines, native plant landscaping, etc.)

4. What is LEED?
LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is a nationally-recognized rating system that measures energy and performance efficiency, environmental health and sustainability.
It addresses today’s important challenges:
Global Climate Change
Dependence on Non-Sustainable Energy sources
Threats to Human Health

5. Program Components LEED for New Construction, Core, Shell, and Schools
Scoring system
100 Base Points
6 “Innovation in Design”
4 Regional Priority
Levels of Certification
Certified 40-49
Silver 50-59
Gold 60-79
Platinum 80+

6. Key Program Components
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation in Design
Regional Priority

7. SUSTAINABLE SITES Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
Environmental Site Assessment
Site Selection
Development Density and Community Connectivity
Brownfield Redevelopment
Alternative Transportation
Site Development
Stormwater Design
Heat Island Effect
Light Pollution Reduction
Choosing the most appropriate site and positioning of the structure(s) is essential for optimizing success.
Features that can prove advantageous may be:
good solar exposure (southern exposure, free of obstruction)
steady winds (for turbine use)
reliable water resources (for hydro-power, potable drinking/washing)
geologic features (sheltering formations, geothermal attributes)
access to pedestrian / bicycle routes, public transportation, etc.

8. WATER EFFICIENCY Water Use Reduction Water-efficient landscaping
Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Process Water Use Reduction
Reducing water consumption and protecting water quality are important objectives of sustainable building.
Use of some of the following elements can help achieve this:
Ultra-low flush toilets and low-flow shower heads
Rain barrels placed at downspouts (to collect rainwater)
Dual Plumbing Systems (to use recycled water to flush toilets or irrigate gardens/landscaping)

9. ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE
Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
Minimum Energy Performance
Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Optimize Energy Performance
On-Site Renewable Energy
Enhanced Commissioning
Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Measurement and Verification
Green Power
Use of certain materials and design techniques can minimize energy usage, reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
Examples can be:
High-Efficiency Windows and Insulation
Passive Solar Design (window placement / use of awnings / shade trees)
Energy-Efficient Light fixtures and appliances
On-site Energy Generation
Scoring based on computer models for energy usage and projected efficiencies

10. MATERIALS & RESOURCES Storage and Collection of Recyclables
Building Reuse
Construction Waste Management
Materials Reuse
Recycled Content
Regional Materials
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Certified Wood
Careful selection of materials is integral to optimizing the site’s overall efficiency and sustainability, and determines its degree of environmental impact.
Positive choices may include:
Recycled / Recyclable / Renewable materials
Natural, local materials
Environmentally-Friendly materials (such as permeable concrete)

11. INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control
Minimum Acoustical Performance
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Increased Ventilation
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
Low-Emitting Materials
Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control
Controllability of Systems
Thermal Comfort
Daylight and Views
Enhanced Acoustical Performance
Mold Prevention
Purposeful steps taken to minimize exposure to potential health hazards and maintain comfort are an important factor of green building.
Some proactive steps may include:
Use of Zero / No Emission or All-Natural Non-Toxic Finishes
Installation of Air Filtration / Humidifying / Ventilation systems
Adequate use of Eco-friendly Insulation
Operable windows

12. INNOVATION IN DESIGN Innovation in Design LEED Accredited Professional
Creativity, innovation and awareness are essential elements in the development of a successful green building project.
Some objectives of “green design” are:
To maximize site assets
To utilize local material resources
To employ efficient systems that are easy to maintain and operate
To create a healthy living environment

13. REGIONAL PRIORITY
Regional Priority
- 4 points possible
- Regional USGBC determination

14. LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT
Low Impact Development (LID) is a land planning and engineering design approach to managing stormwater runoff using natural on-site features to protect water quality near its source.
These engineered features process stormwater using the following methods:
infiltration
filtration
storage
evaporation
detention

15. SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Implementation of Sustainable Practices may include:
Composting
Use of Rain Barrels for water collection or Rain Gardens for natural run-off control
Open-air laundry drying (clotheslines)
Native Plant Landscaping

16. PREFABRICATED TECHNOLOGIES
Structural Insulated Panels
Precast Concrete
Modular Components
Reduced Construction Times
Quicker Site Stabilization
Smaller Footprint

17. Under what circumstances? What does it actually get you?
QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED
Is LEED Necessary?
Under what circumstances?
What does it actually get you?
What does it cost?
- Project costs
- Opportunity costs
- LEED vs. “Small G green”

18. QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED Are there alternatives?
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “Green Buildings”
Energy Efficient Building Association
State of California
City of Seattle
Energy Star

19. Is LEED Right for Southern New England?
QUESTIONS ABOUT LEED
Is LEED Right for Southern New England?

20. CME Associates, Inc.
Woodstock, CT
East Hartford, CT
Southbridge, MA
Salt Lake City, UT