LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to promote more sustainable building. The aim of LEED is to promote energy savings, improve indoor air quality, reduce carbon emissions, improve water efficiency, reduce waste sent to landfills, protect natural resources, and develop environmentally and socially-responsible sites for new buildings.
There are LEED certification programs for public and commercial buildings as well as residential buildings (called LEED for Homes).
The Four LEED Certification Levels
Getting certified requires earning a certain number of points in different areas; among them: indoor environmental quality, water efficiency, and sustainable building materials. There are four certification levels: platinum, gold, silver, and, simply, “certified.” The more points amassed the higher the building’s certification level.
One of the main advantages of LEED certification is that it accommodates buildings wherever they are in their life cycle, including those that are still in the design phase, older structures, and historic buildings.
Is LEED certification worth it? It depends on several factors, including the cost-to-benefit ratio of making upgrades to existing structures. For many commercial building owners and homeowners, it’s definitely worthwhile. Here are some of the advantages:
Oh, and did we mention bragging rights with your eco-conscious friends?
Ortal Fireplaces: The Ideal Choice for LEED Buildings
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED-certifiable fireplaces must “provide doors that close or a solid glass enclosure” to minimize leakage of combustion gases into the occupied space of the building.
Ortal direct-vent fireplaces feature advanced ventilation systems and glass paneling reinforced with nearly-transparent mesh screens that provide an uninterrupted view into the fireplace. Combustion gases are expelled to the outside of the building, eliminating the air-quality problems and carbon monoxide dangers of wood-burning and ventless gas fireplaces. Ortal’s advanced technology heats spaces efficiently, with little heat lost to the outside.
The ideal choice for LEED-certified buildings, Ortal direct-vent gas fireplaces help residential and commercial building owners meet LEED indoor air quality and energy efficiency requirements. Learn more about Ortal’s advanced fireplace technology and view our gallery for design ideas.