Surname 2
generation needs does not ability to meet the needs of the future generations. To attain
sustainability, international organizations dealing with environmental sustainability should
cooperate with member state authorities in enforcing laws and regulations regarding
conservation of the environment. These organizations should also aim to create awareness on the
importance of constructing green buildings.
The solar greenhouse project was designed with the aim of attaining the LEED
certification. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a set
of rating systems for the design, construction, operation and the maintenance of green buildings,
homes and neighborhoods. LEED is an internationally recognized green building program which
was developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The program is meant to
ensure environmental responsibility and efficient use of resources by. The main function of the
USGBC is to regulate and oversee the LEED certification process.
Over the years, LEED has evolved to incorporate new green building technologies.
LEED rating systems are available for all kinds of activities including; new construction,
healthcare, retail, homes, core & shell, neighborhoods, schools, existing buildings and
commercial interiors To participate in LEED, a building must comply with the environmental
rules and regulations, building permanence and pre-rating completion, site boundaries, the
scenarios of occupancy and the area to site ratios. Data on the energy and water consumption for
five years after occupancy in the case of new construction or certification date for existing
buildings should be provided by the owners.
The Green Building Certification Institute is a third party that verifies compliance of the
project to LEED requirements. It offers LEED certification, which is a standard recognized for
measuring the sustainability of a building. There are four levels of certification that buildings
can qualify for; the highest is platinum, followed by gold, then silver and the lowest level of
certification is certified. Buildings acquire these levels of certification depending on the number
of credits accrued from the green design categories. The main credit categories are; sustainable
sites, energy and atmosphere, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and
resources, innovation in operation and regional priority. The solar greenhouse building has
managed to attain most of these credit categories due to its features and the compliance to the
American Disabilities Act. Thus, it is rated at the platinum level, which is the highest level of
certification. The rating was done in 2012 by the U.S. Green Building Council under the LEED
for homes program.
In conclusion, the solar house project is a good example showing the environmental
benefits that can be obtained through green construction. In order to sustain the natural
environment, both locally and globally, more campaigns should be done to create awareness on
the importance of constructing buildings that are environmentally friendly. Some of the factors to
consider while constructing green buildings include construction materials, use of renewable
sources of energy and recycled materials and implementing designs with minimal negative
impacts on the environment. All these factors contribute to the conservation of the natural
environment and, therefore, curbing the ever growing global environmental problems.
