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[\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What is LEED?”]LEED\u00ae\u00a0is the most widely used green building certification system in the world. LEED\u00ae stands for Leadership\u00a0in\u00a0Energy\u00a0and\u00a0Environmental\u00a0Design. The first version of LEED system was launched by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) and managed by the GBCI (Green Business\u00a0Certification\u00a0Inc.) in 1998.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n See this video What\u00a0Is\u00a0LEED? (Spanish)<\/em><\/a>\u00a0with Spanish subtitles and published by the USGBC for more information.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a> GBCI M\u00e9xico: https:\/\/www.gbci.org\/es\/mexico<\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How does a project get LEED\u00ae certified?”]To earn LEED\u00ae certification, a project must demonstrate compliance with mandatory prerequisites and a number of optional credits.\u00a0Prerequisites set the minimum requirements that all buildings need to meet, and do not award points. Credits are optional, the team is free to choose any applicable credit for a project and the earned credits determine the number of points that the project gets. Credits differentiate each building from the rest.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC. LEED credits, prerequisites, and points:<\/em> How are they different? https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/whats-difference-between-leed-credit-leed-prerequisite-and-leed-point<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the levels of LEED\u00ae certification?”]Depending on the number of points earned, the project receives the level of LEED\u00ae certification. There are 4 levels and 110 available points[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n [i]<\/a> USGBC. LEED credits, prerequisites, and points:<\/em> How are they different? https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/whats-difference-between-leed-credit-leed-prerequisite-and-leed-point<\/a><\/u><\/em>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which is the general process to obtain LEED\u00ae certification?”]First, the project rating system must be selected, and the payments submitted to register the project. Later, the project\u2019s team undertakes the calculations and analysis to meet all the prerequisites and credits chosen. When compliance is achieved, the corresponding payments and documentation are submitted through preliminary and final reviews. The preliminary review provides technical advice for credits that require additional work for compliance, and the final review reports the final score of the project and the level of certification achieved. The project\u2019s team accepts the results if they and the customer are satisfied.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a> USGBC. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial.<\/em> https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/tools\/leed-certification\/commercial<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the LEED\u00ae categories?”]The following categories are assessed in LEED\u00ae certification[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n See this video What Is Green Building? (Spanish)<\/em><\/a>\u00a0<\/a>with Spanish subtitles and published by the USGBC for more information.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0LEED Credit Library.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the benefits of green buildings?”]In general, green buildings generate the following benefits[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n See this video LEED : Better buildings are our legacy (Spanish)<\/em><\/a>\u00a0with Spanish subtitles and published by the USGBC for more information.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0WGBC.\u00a0The Business Case for Green Building.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.worldgbc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/Business_Case_For_Green_Building_Report_WEB_2013-04-11-2.pdf<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”I am intending to certify a new building. Which certification does it qualify for?”]LEED\u00ae for Building Design and Construction (LEED: BD+C) is available for all kind of projects, such as new constructions and major renovations, core and shell developments, data centers, healthcare, hospitality, retail, schools, and warehouses and distribution centers.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0LEED for Building Design and Construction<\/em>.\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/leed\/rating-systems\/new-buildings<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”I am intending to certify a new interior space. Which certification does it qualify for?”]<\/p>\n With LEED\u00ae certification for Interior Design and Construction (LEED: ID + C), interior spaces for commercial, retail and hospitality purposes can be certified.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”I am intending to certify an existing building. Which certification does it qualify for?”]With the LEED\u00ae certification for the Operation and Maintenance of existing buildings (LEED O + M: Existing Buildings) [i]<\/a> educational centers, commercial areas, hotels, data processing centers, as well as warehouses and logistics centers can be certified.[ii]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/leed\/rating-systems\/existing-buildings<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>[ii]<\/a>\u00a0UGBC.\u00a0LEED.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/leed<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”I am intending to certify an existing interior space. Which certification does it qualify for?”]With the LEED\u00ae certification for the Operation and Maintenance of existing interiors (LEED O + M: Interiors), interior spaces for commercial, retail and hospitality purposes can be certified.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE. Getting started guide for beta participants.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/resources\/leed-v41-om-beta-guide<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How much does a LEED\u00ae certified building saves in operations and maintenance?”]LEED\u00ae certified buildings have reported almost 20 percent lower maintenance costs, as compared to typical buildings. Also, green building retrofits usually decrease operation costs by almost 10 percent in just one year. [i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0Benefits of green building.\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/press\/benefits-of-green-building<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What is Arc platform and how does fit within LEED\u00ae?”]In December 2016, USGBC introduced a new tool called Arc<\/strong><\/em><\/a>, <\/strong><\/em>which is a digital platform which measures and tracks building performance. Arc platform allows buildings and spaces from across the globe to compare performance metrics and connect with green building strategies. LEED\u00ae certified projects can use Arc to verify performance and keep their certification up to date. Projects which are not yet certified can use Arc to make sustainability improvements and later, achieve LEED\u00ae certification.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n See this video\u00a0 Introducing Arc: A platform to connect actions that improve quality of life<\/a> published by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) for more information.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0LEED Link: How does Arc fit in with LEED?\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/leed-link-how-does-arc-fit-leed<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Is the Arc platform related to other rating systems?”]Arc provides an entry point for buildings seeking GBCI rating systems such as\u00a0\u00a0GRESB<\/a>,\u00a0WELL<\/a>,\u00a0PEER<\/a>,\u00a0SITES<\/a>,\u00a0Parksmart<\/a>, etc. Arc\u2019s introduction contributes to make the certification process efficient for the end user.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0USGBC.\u00a0All about Arc: A performance platform like no other.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/all-about-arc-performance-platform-no-other<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How is environmental performance rated with Arc?”]Arc tracks data in five environmental categories: energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience to generate a score. The overall score is on a scale of 0-100 and higher scores indicate better performance.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0Arc Skoru.\u00a0Quick answers to common questions.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/arcskoru.com\/qa<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”How does each category contribute to the overall score?”]Each category must be completed to generate an overall score. The maximum score for each category is distributed as follows:[i]<\/a><\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0Arc Skoru.\u00a0Quick answers to common questions.<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/arcskoru.com\/qa<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Which building types can achieve EDGE certification? “]EDGE certification can be achieved for new and existing buildings such as homes, hospitals, offices, hospitality, retail, education, warehouses, and light industry[i]<\/a>.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0IFC.\u00a0EDGE Buildings.\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/www.edgebuildings.com\/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk_KK0rCb6gIVo45bCh29pQnREAAYASAAEgLVAPD_BwE<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the EDGE categories?”]The following categories are assessed in EDGE certification[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>IFC. (2019) EDGE\u00a0User Guide.<\/em>\u00a0Version 2.1[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the levels of EDGE certification? “]EDGE has three levels of certification[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0IFC.\u00a0Why certify with EDGE?<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/www.edgebuildings.com\/certify\/<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”Which building types can achieve WELL certification? “]WELL certification can be achieved for new and existing entire buildings, new and existing interiors, core and shell and communities.[i]<\/a>.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0IWBI.\u00a0Project types.\u00a0<\/em>https:\/\/standard.wellcertified.com\/project-types<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the WELL concepts?”]The following concepts are assessed in WELL 2.0[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0IWBI.\u00a0WELL v2\u2122 pilot<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/v2.wellcertified.com\/v\/en\/overview<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”Which are the levels of WELL certification? “]WELL has fourth levels of certification[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n [i]<\/a>\u00a0IWBI.\u00a0WELL v2\u2122 pilot<\/em>\u00a0https:\/\/v2.wellcertified.com\/v\/en\/overview<\/a>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What does the service \u201cNatural ventilation calculations and simulation\u201d consists of? “]During the design phase, we support the architectural design team to integrate prescriptive criteria and provide an adequate natural ventilation. In projects with complex volume and geometry, we can perform natural ventilation simulations using DesignBuilder <\/em>and Energy Plus <\/em>software.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What does the service \u201cDaylight, sunlight, and overshadowing assessments\u201d consists of?”]Since the earliest phases of the project, we can have an important influence on energy efficiency, and for that, reducing the envelope\u2019s thermal load is the first step. Overshadowing assessments consists in trying different orientations and configurations at conceptual level to determine which of them provides optimal conditions of solar incidence on the envelope. Later, in the design process we can engineer the facades\u2019 design to protect them from solar radiation.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What does the service \u201cIndoor Air Quality Assessment\u201d consists of?”]The \u201cIndoor Air Quality Assessment\u201d service applies to buildings that are already in operation. We have portable direct measuring instruments to analyze levels of CO, CO2<\/sub>, Formaldehyde, Particulate Matter (PM2.5<\/sub>\u00a0and PM10<\/sub>), VOCs, SO2<\/sub>, NO2<\/sub>, Ozone and Temperature and Relative Humidity. Additionally, we can apply a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) consisting in an analysis that combines several study methods such as satisfaction surveys, measurement and monitoring of indoor pollutants, and tours of the building to identify critical points. It can be extended to include lighting, noise, ergonomics, among other aspects that affect occupants\u2019 productivity. With this evaluation, sources of dissatisfaction are identified, and solutions are proposed.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=”What does the service \u201cThermal comfort assessment\u201d consists of? “]The \u201cThermal Comfort Assessment\u201d service applies to new and existing buildings. In new buildings, the analysis consists in determining the temperatures that the building interior will reach under different circumstances, and subsequently, propose control measures. In existing buildings, we do a walk-through and diagnosis of the conditions and we apply a survey to occupants to propose solutions.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”64px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”130px”][vc_column_text] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] LEED [\/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”What…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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WELL<\/h3>\n
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Indoor Environmental Quality<\/h3>\n