Green Globes v. LEED
The two commercial green building standards have many similarities, but there are some areas that they do not share. Like some other famous products; Coke vs. Pepsi, the competition between the green standards continue to battle it out and see which method becomes the preferred standard.
Both standards cover similar grounds, such as site sustainability, energy efficiency, water efficiency, resource efficiency and indoor environmental quality. They have four possible levels of certification, require third-party certification and require a minimum amount of points for certification. LEED is run by the U.S. Green Building Council and is recognized in 31 states. Green Gloves run by the Green Building Initiative is recognized in 18 states.
There are several differences some of more importance than others. One issue of particular importance to dealers of forestry products is, Green Globes awards points for a variety of certifications systems; LEED ONLY recognizes FSC-certified wood. The USGBC is working to include other certifications.
The big issue that concerns professionals and building owners is the added cost and time of constructing a building to LEED certification. Obtaining a LEED certificate can cost on an average commercial building upwards of $30,000.
In October of this year the U.S. General Services Administration sent to the U.S. Dept. of Energy it’s recommendation for the federal governments use of the green building rating systems. The GSA recommends that a minimum goal of achievement be a LEED Silver OR 2 Green Globes certification levels for all new government buildings.
SUMMATION
LEED is a more rigorous, broad-based credible system that delivers more environmental benefits.
But if an owner doesn’t have the time, money or stomach to purse LEED certification (which is not uncommon) Green Globes can achieve far more environmental gains than doing nothing at all.
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