posted July 17, 2006
) Photo by Suzanne Walker Architect Heather Johnson of River Street Architecture |
Ms. Johnson said with their “green building rating system,” LEED was created to “define ‘green building’ by establishing a common standard of measurement;” “promote integrated, whole-building design practices;” “recognize environmental leadership in the building industry;” “stimulate green competition;” “raise consumer awareness of green building benefits;” and “transform the building market.”
LEED certification demonstrates that buildings are water efficient, energy efficient, economically beneficially and environmentally friendly.
She said the LEED certification is based on a point system and different levels including certified, silver, gold and platinum, can be obtained.
At a minimum the Two North Shore development will be certified, she said. However, it’s important that engineers, architects, planners, tenants and all who are involved work together to gain certification.
Ms. Johnson said points toward certification are gained in six categories including sustainability of the site, energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovative design process.
She noted that 40 percent of energy for lighting becomes light pollution. River Street is doing a solar analysis to determine how best to make lighting efficient.
Environmentally friendly insulation will also be used to conserve energy, she said. She said the firm will also strive to obtain supplies within 500 miles of the construction site.
Terry Barker of River Street Architecture noted that on average LEED certified developments are 9 percent under “conventional budget.”
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