Installing LEED Certified HVAC Systems

LEED certification is an official way for your business to go green

Many businesses are going these green these days. Not only does going green cut costs for the company, it can improve worker productivity, help the environment, and also be used as a marketing angle. One of the hottest trends in going green is to have the building that your business is conducted in LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The term was coined by the United States Green Building Council. The USGBC is also who provides LEED certification. Your place of business can be built from the ground up to LEED specifications, or your existing location can be retrofitted to become LEED certified.

LEED certification can be an important marketing tool to show that your company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. This is can be especially important if your company considers environmental responsibility part of its mission.

High efficiency HVAC systems are an important part of LEED certification

One of the best ways to get your building LEED certified is to install an environmentally friendly HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that addresses the heating and cooling needs of your business. Using a high efficiency HVAC system reduces your carbon footprint and improves the indoor air quality. In the long run, a LEED certified HVAC system can save you money as well.

What makes an HVAC system LEED worthy?

There are different levels of LEED certification ranging from bronze to platinum. These levels are achieved through a point system. The different functions that your high efficiency HVAC system addresses can each earn points. Even if your business doesn't have the budget for a state of the art HVAC system, you can get credit for all areas of environmental improvement that your HVAC system does cover. The following are the areas for HVAC systems that if the qualifications are met, then your building may able to be LEED certified. Not every one of these qualifications has to be achieved, but the more that are, the more points your business gets, and the higher the level of LEED certification can be earned.

•  Meets energy consumption restrictions for the building type.  Your HVAC system must not go over the units allotted for the building type, size, and location.
• Keeps humidity under control. This restricts mold growth that could lead to less worker productivity due to illness.
• Uses onsite renewable energy resources. This can be a resource like the energy generated by solar panels.
• Temperature Controls. Workers must be able to adjust the temperature to accommodate their individual preferences.
• Zero use of CFC's. Your system should not utilize chlorofluorocarbons and should restrict the emissions of other ozone toxic chemicals.
• Ventilation. The indoor air quality must meet minimum standards through the use of air filters and the restriction of outdoor air flow.

By improving any or all of these areas in your building's HVAC installation, your business will be on its way to becoming LEED certified.