This an extension of the recent article, Energy Ratings Explained. If you’d like to review that information, go here.
Sustainable Sites (14 possible points total): Erosion and Sedimentation Control (required point); Site Selection (1 point); Urban Redevelopment (1 point); etc.- Water Efficiency (5 possible points total): Water Efficient Landscaping, Reduce by 50% (1 point); Innovative Wastewater Technologies (1 point); Water Use Reduction, 20% Reduction (1 point); etc.
- Energy and Atmosphere (17 possible points total): Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning (required point); Minimum Energy Performance (required point); CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment (required point); Renewable Energy, 20% (1 point); etc.
- Materials and Resources (13 possible points total): Storage and Collection of Recyclables (required point); Building Reuse, Maintain 75% of Existing Shell (1 point); Construction Waste Management, Divert 50% (1 point); etc.
- Indoor Environmental Quality (15 possible points total): Minimum IAQ Performance (required point); Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control (required point); Ventilation Effectiveness (1 point); Low-Emitting Materials, Adhesives & Sealants (1 point); etc.
- Innovation and Design Process (5 possible points total): Innovations in Design, Provide Specifics (1 to 4 points) and LEED™ Accredited Professional (1 point).
ENERGY STAR: Earning the ENERGY STAR means products meet strict eco friendly energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
* ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning units have a higher seasonal eco friendly efficiency rating (SEER) than standard models, which makes them about 14% more eco friendly and efficient than standard models.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing eco friendly ENERGY STAR and taking steps to optimize the performance of your heating and cooling equipment, you are helping to prevent global warming and promoting cleaner air while enhancing the comfort of your home.
ACEEE: The nonprofit American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recommends central air conditioning units that represent manufactures’ most eco friendly models. For maximum energy savings, ACEEE recommends purchasing eco friendly units with a SEER of at least 14.5.
Who Rates these systems and what qualifications do they have?
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers – Founded in 1894, is an international organization of 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating and cooling , ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote an eco friendly, sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education. Contact your local Las Vegas Chapter for more info.†
USGBC: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization devoted to shifting the building industry towards eco friendly sustainability, targeting how buildings are designed, built and operated. The USGBC is best known for the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and Greenbuild, a green building conference. Contact your local Las Vegas Chapter for more info.
USGBC has more than 10,000 member organizations from every sector of the building industry and is considered the foremost eco friendly green building organization in the United States. It works to promote buildings that are eco friendly, environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work. To achieve this it has developed a variety of programs and services, and forged strategic alliances with key industry and research organizations and federal, state, and local government agencies. Council programs are committee-based, member-driven and consensus-focused. Contact your local Las Vegas Chapter for more info.
