WHAT IS LEED?

The LEED Green Building Rating System® for New Commercial and Major Renovation (LEED-NC v2.2) provides a set of performance standards for certifying the design and construction phases of commercial, institutional buildings, and high-rise residential buildings. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The USGBC web site maintains the most current information regarding the LEED-NC v2.2. Successful achievement of a LEED Rating may require additional resources as referenced on the external links page.

HOW DOES EDR LINK TO LEED?

Energy Design Resources contains a vast database of energy efficient design practices that relate directly to meeting the intent of LEED as well as achieving specific credit requirements. These EDR webpages are organized to serve as a roadmap for individuals or design teams interested in learning more about sustainable practices that are consistent with LEED credit categories and credits.

The majority of EDR resources support successful achievement of LEED's Energy and Atmosphere credits through the promotion of energy efficiency. Additional resources assist or supplement other LEED credits through the application of integrated and sustainable design and construction practices. Although not all EDR resources were written or designed with the primary goal of achieving LEED credit, many provide valuable supplementary information and reference material.

WHAT TYPE OF EDR-RELATED TOOLS ARE AVAILABLE?

The goal of these webpages is to provide a portal for accessing EDR resources through the framework of the LEED rating system. EDR-related references such as on-line tools, case studies, design briefs, and design guidelines are provided for the six major LEED categories. Requirements, strategies, and helpful hints for each LEED credit are available.

WHERE CAN I GET ASSISTANCE FOR LEED-RELATED PROJECTS?

Through the Savings By Design program, which is related to Energy Design Resources, five major California utilities offer design assistance and incentives to building owners and design teams that may help buildings qualify under the LEED rating system.

The utilities, PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, So. Cal. Gas, and SMUD, also offer educational activities and tool lending libraries.

ARE THERE OTHER CALIFORNIA PROJECTS THAT HAVE QUALIFIED FOR LEED AND RECEIVED SAVINGS BY DESIGN INCENTIVES.

Yes, various high performance K-12 schools, libraries, office buildings, and college campus buildngs have been completed in California and qualified for both. View representative projects.

I NOTICED THAT SOME OF THE LEED CREDITS DO NOT HAVE EDR-RELATED RESOURCES. WHY IS THIS?

Since 1998, EDR has been developing a palette of tools (software, case studies, design briefs and guidelines, etc.) to assist building owners and design teams with issues related to energy efficiency. In the last couple of years, sustainable design strategies (orientation, water efficiency,shading strategies, cool roofs, etc.) have become more prominient. This trend will continue and more resources pertaining to both energy efficiency and sustainable design will continue to be added to the EDR website.

IF I HAVE COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS, WHO MAY I CONTACT?

Please send an email to admin@energydesignresources.com

OTHER INFO

California LEED Certified Projects

LEED linkages to EDR Handout

Savings By Design Program