Leopardo Construction is proud to support The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the nation’s leading nonprofit coalition for advancing buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Leopardo is a participant in the major program supporting the USGBC’s mission - the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating Systems™ for New Construction, Existing Buildings, Commercial Interiors and Homes.
Leopardo’s USGBC-Chicago Chapter Contractor Training Program certified general superintendent George Tuhowski encourages any business considering new construction, additions or renovations to “ThinkGreen.” Within the LEED rating system, points are given in the following categories:
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
The benefits for owners and managers of a LEED certified green building may include:
- Improved building performance (easy to maintain and improve over time)
- Reduced cost streams associated with building operations
- Reduced environmental impacts
- Healthier and more productive employee workspaces
- Public recognition for leadership in sustainability
According to the April 2000 Environment and Public Works Committee of the U.S. Senate, as published in Making The Business Case For High Performance Green Buildings, a number of key points were discussed:
- Many green buildings cost no more to build – or even less than the alternatives – because resource-efficient strategies often allow downsizing of more costly mechanical, electrical and structural systems
- Savings in energy costs of 20 to 50% are common through integrated planning, site orientation, energy-saving technologies, on-site renewable energy-producing technologies, light-reflective materials, natural daylight and ventilation, and downsizing HVAC and other equipment
- A modest investment in soft features, such as access to pleasant views, increased daylight, fresh air and personal environment controls, can quickly translate into significant bottom-line savings for an employer due to a resulting boost in labor productivity
- Businesses are beginning to use high performance buildings as a potent tool for recruiting and retaining the best employees
- Clean and healthy buildings can reduce legal claims and liabilities for the owner
- High performance features translate into high value for tenants – which help attract tenants to the property and increase the likelihood of continued occupancy
- With the increase in private and public benefits stemming from high performance green buildings, developers are eligible for even greater financial and regulatory incentives
- One of the proven advantages of building green is market differentiation
- Green building design and construction emphasizes “best of class” practices that reduce project uncertainty and risk, and enhance the final product for the customer