Describe a LEED-certified building. What criteria are used to evaluate a building for LEED certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program. Buildings are awarded points based on specific categories to qualify for certification. The points awarded determine the certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The more points earned, the higher the certification level.

LEED uses a point-based system to evaluate buildings across different categories: 1. Sustainable Sites (SS) 2. Water Efficiency (WE) 3. Energy and Atmosphere (EA) 4. Materials and Resources (MR) 5. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) 6. Innovation in Design (ID) 7. Regional Priority (RP) Each category has specific criteria that buildings must meet to earn points.

A LEED-certified building is designed and constructed to meet high standards in environmental performance and resource efficiency. The building must fulfill the following minimum requirements: 1. SS: Minimize the building's impact on ecosystems and promote biodiversity. 2. WE: Achieve significant water savings through efficient plumbing fixtures and water management systems. 3. EA: Optimize energy efficiency, incorporate renewable energy sources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 4. MR: Reduce waste and promote recycling through efficient material selection, reuse, and waste management strategies. 5. IEQ: Create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment by controlling factors such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting. 6. ID: Achieve outstanding performance in innovative and sustainable design not covered by other categories. 7. RP: Address specific regional environmental issues and priorities.

An example of a LEED-certified building is the \(n\)Power Green Data Center in San Jose, California. It has received LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient and sustainable design. Some of its key features include: 1. A high-efficiency cooling system that reduces water and energy consumption 2. Solar panels on the roof to generate renewable electricity 3. Green roof to reduce heat island effect and stormwater runoff 4. Efficient lighting and building automation systems 5. Use of recycled and regionally sourced building materials 6. Enhanced indoor air quality through low-emission materials and increased ventilation 7. A comprehensive waste management plan during construction, including recycling and diverting waste from landfills. In conclusion, LEED certification evaluates a building's environmental performance and resource efficiency using specific criteria across different categories. A LEED-certified building is designed and constructed to meet these high standards, resulting in a healthier and more sustainable built environment.