Understanding the LEED’s Rating System

The Conco Companies offer our concrete services to projects throughout the Western U.S. and many of the prominent buildings we help to construct have received high LEED certifications.  The following is a short description of some of the criteria that is used in the rating system to determine LEED certification for buildings.  

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was started in 1998 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  According to the USGBC, the green building certification program recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practice that have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.   

LEED offers third-party guidelines for the building industry to strive to design, construct, and operate buildings that provide the most optimal environments as possible while at the same time save money and resources.  With a membership of almost 20,000, the USGBC reviews and publically updates the standards every few years.  The key issue they promote is energy efficiency and protecting or using renewable resources. Today LEED certification is sought after and a higher endorsement can increase a building’s market value.

Buildings receive LEED certification based on specific guidelines and the higher the points for achieving those goals, the higher the certification.  Levels of endorsement include Certified, Silver, or Gold – right through to Platinum, the highest award.  The five basic categories of how points are earned are:  Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. 

Energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems increase LEED certification as does using recycled materials.  Extra points can be achieved through special recognition of Innovation in Design and Regional Priorities.  Regional points are earned when a builder has taken care to lessen or eliminate the harmful impacts on a sensitive, local environment.     Endorsements are offered on residential homes, commercial and industrial buildings and entire neighborhood projects.

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. We have four regional offices serving California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.