To LEED or not to LEED

[Bert]

Originally Posted by _J_

For large clients, LEED certification runs 5-10% of the overall budget; for smaller developments, it can approach 50%.

50%? Would that be for a single family home? What's your definition of large & small?

[Smoker]

Originally Posted by malec

Could someone tell me what exactly does it mean (some numbers, etc) for a building to have a LEED silver or gold rating?

It might have to do with how much energy you're saving. We have a place here in Pittsburgh that's LEED certified silver. The 40% energy savings is 22% above the requirement to meet silver so gold must be pretty high.
Edited to add:

From Wikipedia about the convention center here:

"In 2003, the building was awarded a Gold LEED (standing for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it not only the first ever "green" convention center, but also the largest "green" building in the world."

From convention center site, "the Center capitalized on its environmentally smart structure by utilizing natural daylight and natural ventilation to light and heat the building, and incorporating a water reclamation system which reduces potable water use." It's 1.5 million sq. ft.







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