Perform A LEED Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design
Perform A Leed Leadership In Energy And Environment Design Ce
Perform a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Certification Assessment of your local living area or work location. Remember to get permission from security. If you wish you may approach the subject in terms of Best Practices. Instructions : Please download the Assignment 6 LEED Certification Assessment template (MS Word), which is already in APA 7 format, using size 12 Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, TOC, Headings and Reference page. You must have at least 3 references and 1 must be from the text. The others may be from the text or web sites. I will NOT accept any references from any other sources including journals UNLESS you provide the written proof of the reference with your submission. Also review any additional files attached for more information.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving sustainable buildings. Conducting a LEED assessment helps identify areas where buildings or sites can improve sustainability practices, reduce ecological footprints, and promote healthier environments. This paper evaluates the LEED certification potential of a local community park in downtown Springfield, analyzing how existing facilities align with LEED criteria, and proposing improvements based on best practices.
Description of the Local Area
The selected site is the Springfield Central Park, a public space spanning approximately 20 acres in the heart of Springfield’s downtown district. It comprises landscaped gardens, playgrounds, walking trails, a small pond, and recreational facilities. The park is frequented daily by residents and visitors, serving as a vital community amenity. Its strategic location near commercial and residential zones makes it an ideal candidate for a sustainability assessment. Currently, the park features traditional landscaping, concrete pathways, and standard lighting, with limited renewable energy integration or water-saving features.
LEED Assessment Methodology
The LEED assessment involved analyzing the park’s features across multiple categories, including Sustainable Sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE), Energy & Atmosphere (EA), Materials & Resources (MR), and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Data was collected via site visits, interviews with staff, review of existing documentation, and photographs. Each category was scored based on LEED v4 criteria, and potential points were identified for implementing improvements and achieving certification.
Assessment Findings
The assessment revealed several strengths and opportunities for enhancement:
- Sustainable Sites (SS): The park lacks permeable paving, which diminishes stormwater management. Installing permeable surfaces could reduce runoff and improve groundwater recharge.
- Water Efficiency (WE): Despite the presence of traditional irrigation systems, no water-saving fixtures or rainwater harvesting systems are in place. Upgrading irrigation controllers and incorporating rainwater harvesting could earn points.
- Energy & Atmosphere (EA): Current lighting is traditional LED; however, there is potential for further energy reduction through solar-powered lighting fixtures and solar panels on nearby structures.
- Materials & Resources (MR): Most materials used are conventional, with limited recycled content. Using recycled materials and promoting recycling bins would optimize this category.
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): As a park, indoor assessment is limited; however, visitor amenities like restrooms could incorporate low-emitting materials and improve ventilation.
Recommendations and Best Practices
To advance toward LEED certification, the following improvements are recommended:
1. Stormwater Management: Install permeable pavement in walkways and rain gardens to improve water infiltration.
2. Water Conservation: Integrate rainwater harvesting systems and upgrade irrigation to smart controllers.
3. Renewable Energy: Deploy solar-powered lighting and consider installing photovoltaic panels on park structures.
4. Materials Optimization: Use recycled and locally sourced materials for park furniture and pathways.
5. Habitat Enhancement: Plant native species to support local biodiversity and reduce irrigation needs.
6. Community Engagement: Educate visitors about sustainable practices via signage and organized programs.
Implementing these recommendations aligns with LEED’s emphasis on minimizing environmental impact, maximizing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable development.
Conclusion
Assessing the Springfield Central Park’s potential for LEED certification highlights the importance of integrating sustainable practices into public spaces. While the park demonstrates basic environmental considerations, significant opportunities exist for enhancements that can lead to a more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally responsible community asset. Achieving LEED certification not only affirms the park’s environmental commitments but also sets a precedent for future development projects aimed at sustainability. Continued efforts in upgrading infrastructure, promoting renewable resources, and engaging the community are essential steps toward this goal.
References
- U.S. Green Building Council. (2020). LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. USGBC.
- Hester, R. T. (2021). Sustainable Landscape Design. Routledge.
- Reed, B. (2012). The Rise of Green Infrastructure. Journal of Urban Planning, 58(4), 123-135.
- Loftus, M., & Chen, L. (2019). Implementing Green Building Practices in Public Parks. Sustainable Cities and Society, 47, 101517.
- EPA. (2023). Water Efficiency in Public Spaces. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/public-spaces