LEED, an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification system developed by the Washington-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It is a recent innovation to design and construct buildings, neighborhoods or communities by using eco friendly materials and resources aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing energy saving, improving water-use efficiency and indoor environment quality. LEED standards cover both new construction projects, and major renovation projects on existing buildings. This rating system is designed to promote and improve the profitability and productivity of construction practices, and to diminish the negative impacts on our environment, thereby improving the health of the occupants. And here are the 7 best LEED certified green buildings.
1. Helios House Gas Station
Located in Los Angeles, California, this beautiful gas station was designed by Office dA with Johnston Marklee. It is the only gas station in the U.S. to meet the LEED standards. This building has been made from heat-reflecting steel and recycled glass and has a futuristic look. The gas station is topped by light-reflecting solar paneling capable of eliminating about 15 to 23 tons of CO2 every year. It even has a rain water harvesting system. BP, the oil giant, owns the gas station. And being in the oil business, which is the deadliest enemy of the environment, the company is proud to have undertaken such a step towards mitigating its own impact on nature.
2. USGBC Headquarters
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed the LEED system and it would be a bitter-sweet irony if its headquarters were not eco friendly. The building was constructed by James G. Davis Construction Corporation with the help of engineering firm GHT Limited Consulting Engineers, and it was designed by the architecture firm Envision Design. Some of the noteworthy green components are the use of 500-year old gumwood paneled walls and glass windows for natural lighting, which in turn reduce the use of electricity.
3. The Genzyme Center
The Genzyme Center located in Cambridge, MA, was designed by Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner and has a LEED Platinum ranking. It has solar panel arrays on its roof and is equipped with a daylight dimming system enabling the structure to reduce the overall energy usage by nearly 50%. Water usage in the building is 32% more efficient than a typical office block. In addition to a host of cutting-edge technologies employed to make it eco friendly and energy efficient, the building is an architectural marvel.
4. Living Homes Z6 House
This million-dollar home located in the residential city of Santa Monica was designed by an architect named Ray Kappe. The building features a solar water-heating system, and photovoltaic roof tiling. By generating 22,000 pounds less waste than a traditional home, it is considered to be the most environment friendly home. It also has a roof top garden which adds to its beauty.
5. Clinton Presidential Library
This metal and glass building, standing amid a cultivated green surrounding, is a sensational landmark of Little Rock, Arkansas. It was designed by James Polshek and Richard Olcott of Polshek Partnership Architect and has a LEED Platinum Rating. The library is equipped with technologies to reduce and recycle waste. It also features a rain-collecting green roof.
6. The Verdesian
The Verdesian was designed by a development team comprising of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, Design Architect; SLCE Architects, Architect, and several other firms. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, this high-rise residential building has a Platinum LEED rating and is designed to be 40% more energy efficient. With Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) system installed on its roof, the building reflects a blend of traditional and ultra-modern design.
7. Daybreak Corporate Center
Kennecott Land’s Daybreak Corporate Center was designed and developed by FFKR Architects and Sahara, Inc and was awarded LEED Platinum Certification. Spanning 175,000 sq ft. and with a staggering $40 million construction cost, the building consumes 22% less energy compared to standard office buildings, which is a marvelous achievement. 22% of the construction materials were from recycled sources, and the building even has waterless urinals.
