Is LEED certification worth it?

[SkywlkrSnd]

The design and construction of energy-conserving and sustainable buildings is becoming more and more the norm. But often times Owners are hard-pressed to justify the almost-certain additional upfront expense it takes to achieve levels of LEED certification for their building.

Using "green" design principals is good trend to have catch on. But is going for the USGBC's LEED stamp of approval worth the extra cost and effort it (more often than not) takes to achieve?

[SkywlkrSnd]

As a LEED AP, I am a little biased....but I do think the long-term benefits and savings of proper sustainable design definitely outweigh their initial costs. LEED certification provides a means of standards and safeguards to ensure that an Owner who thinks they're getting (and paying for) a "green" building is actually getting a "green" building that performs properly.

For us home theater geeks....I kinda think of it like THX certification. It's not a technology itself, but rather a series of checks and standard reference for proper implementation of said technology.

[maxkone]

I say go for LEED. With all the crap with false advertising and exagerrated infomercial-type claims in our society...I feel comforted with an impartial governing body verifying what is a truly enviornmentally-friendly structure.

[ribonzz]

LEED is kinda sacrifice to do. But i think it's worhted, cause it's the best choice than the other crappy choices..