LEED Certification LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a guideline and rating system for developing high performance sustainable “green” buildings. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization with more than 7,500 member organizations across the country, dedicated to the goal of transforming the building marketplace to sustainability. The USGBC was founded in 1993 to address the growing need to create buildings that are environmentally responsible and profitable, as well as healthy places to live and work. LEED is the gold standard rating system in the building industry. Certification is based on a system of points. The building project must earn sufficient points covering aspects from material selection to indoor air quality to energy efficiency. This is where Geoexchange systems are an ideal fit. Geoexchange technology provides up to 20 points towards LEED certification. This is a significant percentage of the amount of points needed to achieve project totals. LEED is also a comprehensive system offering professional accreditation and training. GBL Geothermal offers full LEED certification services and has a LEED Accredited Professional on staff. Both the DOE & EPA have endorsed Geoexchange technology.
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In addition to the environmental benefits of LEED certification, tax advantages and major industry recognition, Electric Utility companies around the United States are also offering incentive programs and discounted rates for green technology that can make geoexchange systems an affordable choice Energy & Atmosphere: 17 Possible Points Prereq 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems – Required Prereq 2: Minimum Energy Performance - Required Prereq 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management - Required Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance 1-10 points Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy 1-3 points Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning 1 point Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 point Credit 5: Measurement & Verification 1 point Credit 6: Green Power 1 point Indoor Environmental Quality: 3 possible points related to Geothermal Heating & Cooling SystemsCredit 6.2 Controllability of Systems – Thermal Comfort 1 point Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort – Design 1 point Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort – Verification 1 point
20 Possible LEED points from Geothermal Heating & Cooling Systems Project totals:Certified 26-32* Silver 33-38* Gold 39-51*Platinum 52-69
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