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LEED in China: Significant Growth in More Space Types
Additionally, LEED applies to the entire lifecycle of buildings and cities, including construction, design, and operation. It provides a design and operational framework for creating healthy, cost-effective, and efficient green spaces across nearly all building types, such as residential homes, office buildings, factories, warehouses, data centers, and retail spaces.
In China, we have witnessed rapid development of LEED across multiple space types. For example, there is a growing number of LEED-certified public venues, with over 80 LEED-certified public spaces distributed across 29 cities. These venues cover a wide range of spaces suitable for all ages, from libraries and museums to amusement parks. Notably, the Shanghai Fu Lei Library has achieved LEED Zero Carbon certification, bringing net-zero architecture to the public venue sector.
In recent years, the hospitality industry has also begun contributing to carbon footprint reduction. In 2023, the number of LEED-registered hotel projects in China increased by 100% compared to 2022.
In the retail sector, the number of LEED-registered retail projects in China is now close to that of office projects, accounting for 34.26% of all LEED-registered projects. LEED's development in Chinese retail has taken multiple paths: for instance, the luxury industry has become the "greenest"
retail category; McDonald's China is the largest participant in green retail, with over 2,500 stores officially certified under the LEED Volume batch certification framework; in 2023, we observed more retail brands embracing LEED for the first time, infusing new energy into their flagship stores and operational spaces. Examples include:
- Aveda's first mainland China store in Qiantan Taikoo Li received LEED Platinum certification;
- Retail brand ALDI certified its Shanghai Suhewan MixC store as its first LEED-certified location in China;
- L'Oréal's global first flagship store in Shanghai obtained LEED Gold certification;
- Local sportswear brand ANTA certified its Huaxi LIVE flagship store in Beijing, marking its first LEED-certified location.
Do many people ask about LEED certified products? Today, I will answer for everyone
Building materials products themselves cannot directly obtain LEED certification, but they can contribute points to the application process for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for construction projects. The LEED certification system is a sustainability assessment for the entire building project, including its environmental performance during the design, construction, operation, and maintenance phases.
Building materials products can demonstrate their high environmental friendliness and resource efficiency by obtaining relevant environmental declarations or third-party green certifications such as Cradle to Cradle (C2C), GREENGUARD, FloorScore, etc. These certified building materials products can help construction projects meet the requirements of specific material and resource categories in LEED evaluation standards, thereby contributing to higher LEED ratings and higher levels of certification for the building as a whole. For example, using flooring containing a certain proportion of recycled materials or coatings with low VOC emissions can add points to LEED certification projects.
However, products produced in LEED certified factories can use the LEED manufacturing logo (not the LEED certification logo) to indicate that the product was produced in a LEED certified facility. This logo can be used in websites, product packaging or labeling, advertising, and marketing to promote products produced by LEED certified facilities.
It should be noted that if the project has obtained the LEED manufacturing logo, then when designing this logo on product packaging, USGBC needs to confirm again. USGBC requires sampling review of the use of logos on any product packaging, labels, websites, and advertisements.
What are the LEED certification processes, cycles, and associated costs? LEED certification process and cycle
Registration Phase
To apply for LEED certification, the project team needs to register online with LEED. The project team is prepared to meet the prerequisites specified in the LEED rating standards and develop a certification strategy that is in line with their own project. They can apply for LEED pre certification in conjunction with project marketing support.
Design and construction phase
The project team cooperates with the construction drawing design, conducts architectural, mechanical and electrical, plumbing, and electrical professional drawing reviews, and evaluates solutions that meet LEED requirements. Develop plans for green and civilized construction and waste management during the construction phase, hold regular construction meetings, and provide regular training to civil engineering contractors, mechanical and electrical contractors, and decoration units.
COMMIT PHASE
Based on the actual situation of the project, organize and translate data, simulate calculations, submit to GBCI for review, answer questions and respond to the opinions and questions of the review team, and ultimately obtain certification for the project.
LEED certification is usually obtained within 6-9 days after project delivery.
What are the costs involved in LEED certification?
Taking the application for LEED certification for new buildings as an example, LEED related fees are usually divided into three parts: review fees charged by GBCI, consulting fees charged by consulting firms, and incremental costs that may arise from applying for LEED certification for the project.
Can a completed project be LEED certified? Today, Dr. Tutorial will give you a lecture. Yes, completed projects can achieve LEED certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) system is not only applicable to new buildings, but also includes certification standards for existing buildings:
For newly constructed buildings and large-scale interior decoration projects, LEED BD+C (Building Design and Construction) series standards can be used for certification, such as LEED v4 BD+C: New Construction or Interior Design and Construction.
Existing buildings that are already in operation can be certified through the LEED O+M (Operations and Maintenance) series standards, such as LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance (EBOM)。
Through the LEED O+M certification process, owners are required to submit various data on building operation and management, energy usage, maintenance records, and improvement measures to demonstrate that they meet the sustainability standards specified by LEED in terms of energy conservation, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials and resource management.
How much does it cost to do WELL certification in the office? How much does it cost to do WELL certification in an office? Today, Dr. Tutorial will explain that the cost of obtaining WELL building certification for an office varies depending on factors such as project size, complexity, selected certification level, and whether other certifications (such as LEED) are also required. The cost of WELL certification mainly includes initial registration fees, review and audit fees, on-site evaluation fees, and assistance fees that may need to be paid to third-party consulting firms.
The specific amount cannot be directly obtained from the provided information, but in general, the cost of WELL certification varies depending on the total area of the project, the version of the certification system (such as WELL v1, WELL v2, or IWBI Performance Rating System), and the certification level applied for (such as Silver, Gold, or Platinum). Generally speaking, the certification cost may range from a few dollars to tens of dollars per square meter, and the cost of ongoing maintenance and review also needs to be considered.
To obtain an accurate quotation, it is recommended to directly contact the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) or an authorized WELL Performance Testing Organization (PTO) to provide them with detailed project information and obtain a specific quotation. In addition, you can also look for consulting firms with WELL certification experience to estimate the budget for the entire certification process. Currently, there are companies in the industry such as Junye Jianke that have many years of experience in operation and have many practitioners with WELL ap certificates. You can ask them for more information.
Although WELL Health Certification and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) are conceptually different, there is a close connection and complementary relationship between the two.
The WELL Health Building Standard, founded and managed by IWBI, is a leading building certification system worldwide that focuses on human health and well-being. The certification standards cover building environment features that affect human health and well-being, such as air, water, nutrition, light, health, materials, comfort, and spirituality. By setting scientific, reasonable, and humane standards, the WELL Health Building Standard aims to create healthier, more comfortable, and efficient living and working spaces for people.
The health and well-being of employees are not only related to their personal well-being, but also to the overall health of their families, communities, and society. The concern for the health and well-being of employees is not only a manifestation of the company's responsibility as an employer, but also a commitment to social responsibility. At the same time, human health and well-being are also in line with ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) and sustainable development concepts. The WELL Health Building Standard is closely linked to multiple ESG rating systems, providing companies with a path to improve employee health and well-being, and is also a focus of attention for many ESG rating agencies.
Despite their different focuses, both WELL Health Certification and ESG reflect a company's focus on sustainable development and human centered values. In practical applications, building projects that have obtained WELL certification often enhance a company's ESG image, as they not only reflect the pursuit of environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, but also demonstrate the company's emphasis on employee health and well-being, which are important components within the ESG scope. Meanwhile, in the real estate sector, the combination of the two can help companies achieve more comprehensive and higher-level sustainable development goals.
The certification process of WELL building standards mainly includes the following steps:
Registration project:
Submit basic project information on the "WELL Online" platform operated by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) or its authorized agency, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).
Agree to the relevant certification terms and conditions, and pay the registration fee.
Pre planning and consulting:
Determine the certification level of the project and conduct preliminary design and planning according to the requirements of WELL building standards.
WELL certification consultants may be hired to assist the team in understanding, implementing, and meeting various indicators of WELL standards.
Project implementation:
Select materials and products according to WELL standards during the procurement phase.
Strictly follow the construction and operation management regulations in WELL standards during the construction process.
Record and report on the design, construction, commissioning, and operation and maintenance related to health and well-being throughout the entire construction cycle.
Performance verification:
After the completion of the project, arrange a third-party auditor to conduct on-site evaluation and testing at an appropriate time to verify compliance with all mandatory and optional evaluation indicators.
Submit necessary documentary evidence and test reports.
Review and rating:
The audit results will be submitted to GBCI for official review and scoring.
Ensure that all mandatory requirements are met and the required score level is achieved to obtain the corresponding WELL certification level.
Certification and Review:
If the project passes the audit, it will obtain the WELL certification certificate and be authorized to use the WELL logo.
WELL certification is not completed in one go, and some certifications require regular review to ensure continued compliance with standard requirements.
Promotion and maintenance of achievements:
Certified projects can showcase their achievements to the public and showcase the characteristics and advantages of WELL certification in the relevant materials delivered to customers.
Maintaining certification status requires continuous attention to building performance and taking improvement measures when necessary.
WELL Health Building Certification is an internationally recognized building standard proposed and managed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). This certification system focuses on how architectural design, construction, operation, and space use directly affect the health and well-being of people inside buildings, guiding the design and optimization of building environments through scientific evidence and medical research results.
WELL certification covers seven core systems:
Air: Pay attention to indoor air quality, including pollutant control, ventilation efficiency, etc.
Water: Ensure clean and safe drinking water and water quality.
Nutrition: Advocate for the selection and supply of healthy diets.
Light: Optimize natural and artificial lighting conditions to support biological rhythms and visual comfort.
Fitness: Encourage exercise and physical activity, and design facilities that promote health.
Comfort: Create an environment that is suitable in terms of temperature, humidity, acoustics, and vision.
Spirit: Consider factors that affect psychological state, such as noise levels, community connections, natural landscape views, etc.
Building projects that have obtained WELL certification require strict evaluation and monitoring by third-party organizations to meet a comprehensive and rigorous set of performance indicators. This not only helps improve the quality of life for residents or users, but also reflects the commitment of homeowners and employers to employee welfare and social sustainability, and has the potential to increase property value and attract high-quality tenants.
With the introduction of sustainable development and the "dual carbon" goals, more and more companies are accelerating their low-carbon transformation and implementing ESG strategies. Why do factories need LEED certification? On the one hand, enterprises focus on social responsibility and sustainable development, and turn their factories into green and low-carbon projects. On the other hand, the market demands and values a "green supply chain". As an important part of the supply chain, factories must comply with the requirements of a green supply chain. LEED certification not only helps companies achieve ESG goals and meet the requirements of investors, but also serves as an important label for companies to meet consumer expectations and meet the 2060 carbon neutrality target. Below, the editor will introduce the benefits of LEED certification for factories through the following five points.
Firstly, as the main body of green manufacturing, factories generate a large amount of carbon emissions, which have a significant impact on the environment and resources. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve green and low-carbon in all aspects of the production and manufacturing process. LEED certification is a direct and effective tool.
Secondly, factories that have obtained LEED certification are a concrete manifestation of the company's adherence to the triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and social). Certified venues are healthier, more efficient, and have less pressure on the environment. For example, by reducing energy and resource costs, manufacturing companies can save costs and create healthy business models.
Thirdly, the market has put forward new green requirements for the supply chain. Green supply chain management is an environmental management tool based on market mechanisms aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifecycle. It requires emissions reduction and consumption reduction throughout the entire lifecycle of products, from raw material procurement, processing, packaging, warehousing, transportation, sales, use to disposal. As an important part of the supply chain, factories need to comply with the requirements of green supply chain, and LEED certification is a direct and effective tool. The requirements of brand customers and green supply chains have also driven suppliers and partners in the upstream and downstream of the industry to respond and take action together. As a result, more and more projects are joining the ranks of green factories.
Fourthly, under the dual carbon policy goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality, the transformation of the manufacturing industry is urgent, and the construction of green factories with clear and achievable paths is naturally highlighted.
Finally, low-carbon factories can enhance the international competitiveness of products. When products are sold abroad, in addition to quality and price, the inspection of carbon emissions is also an important criterion.
Therefore, the combination of industrial buildings and LEED is of great significance. Whether it is introducing LEED standards into the design of new factories or transforming existing factories into LEED operational identification projects, high energy consuming, high water consuming, and high polluting industrial buildings can be transformed into green buildings with less environmental impact. Some familiar consumer retail brands, such as Coca Cola, Colgate, Procter&Gamble, Unilever, Nike, and Rothy's, have also obtained LEED certification in some of their factories in China. Chinese local enterprises have also joined the wave of green manufacturing, such as Huaxing Optoelectronics, Haier Group, Li Jinji, etc. From this, it can be seen that LEED certification is currently the most widely recognized and widely used green building certification system in the world. At the same time, it is also one of the most effective tools for promoting sustainable economic development, which is of great significance for expanding the market size of sustainable buildings.
As the most widely used green building and urban certification system globally, LEED has entered 182 countries and regions, becoming the preferred tool for over 110000 projects seeking green upgrades and transformations. Millions of people work and live in LEED certified building spaces.
Behind these recognitions lies the value of LEED. Next, we will take you to understand what benefits LEED certification can bring to businesses?
Economic benefits are often the most concerning topic for project owners. It can save operating costs, create economic benefits, obtain policy, land, tax and other resource advantages. In addition, it can also improve market competitiveness, meet ESG goals, enhance asset value, promote green financing and so on for enterprises.
In the long run, LEED indirectly safeguards human health by mitigating climate change and enhancing the resilience of buildings, communities, and cities.
According to relevant research results, employees working in LEED certified green buildings are happier, healthier, and more productive than those working in traditional buildings. 79% of respondents stated that they would choose jobs in LEED certified buildings rather than non LEED buildings; 81% of people say that working in LEED certified buildings can improve their physical health and comfort with improved air quality. Employers of enterprises have stated that operating in LEED certified buildings results in higher recruitment and retention rates, as well as improved employee productivity.
There are many benefits to practicing green building, but why must it be LEED? When a company's sustainability awareness begins to awaken and they are willing to take on more social responsibility, they may not know where to start. LEED has transformed this responsibility into a third-party certification tool, solving the core problem of "unable to measure, unable to manage, unable to improve" for enterprises.
Since its inception, LEED has represented pioneering leadership in green building, indicating that projects have been designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with green building standards; After more than 20 years of continuous innovation, LEED has become a green building evaluation system recognized and applied by more than 180 countries and regions worldwide - it has become a globally credible practical tool.
In addition to helping companies achieve ESG goals and meet investor demands, LEED is also an important label for companies to meet consumer expectations and meet the 2060 carbon neutrality target.
With the increasing awareness of the importance of ESG and sustainable development among enterprises, as well as new standards for green supply chains, LEED certification has continued to grow in recent years. LEED certification has become an important tool for promoting sustainable development of enterprises, and we believe that more and more enterprises will join the wave of LEED certification!
Nowadays, more and more companies choose LEED certification, and everything they do during the construction project will accumulate into a points system. The more points they earn, the better the sustainability of the building. So, how to earn points and meet the requirements? This is where many businesses feel confused.
To obtain LEED certification points, companies need to select appropriate credit guidelines based on the LEED rating system, and choose according to the type of project. The LEED points library contains detailed conditions and ways to obtain points. Enterprises can choose the certification path that suits them according to their own situation, without having to go through all the standards.
To increase the LEED certification score, the focus should be on these aspects:
Recording the practical experience in these areas is particularly important for achieving high scores. Waste management is a major aspect of LEED certification, which requires demonstrating how waste is generated, processed, and transferred. Find a reliable waste and recycling partner who can help your project achieve higher LEED certification scores.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an international green building certification system, and its certification conditions vary depending on different building types (such as new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors, residential buildings, etc.) and certification levels (certification level, silver level, gold level, platinum level). Here are some common basic conditions and related requirements for LEED certification:
Soil erosion and sediment control: Develop and implement a soil erosion and sediment control plan for the construction site to prevent soil erosion and pollution to the surrounding environment.
Site selection: Priority should be given to developed land or brownfield (i.e. land that has been previously developed and may have certain pollution) to reduce the occupation of undeveloped natural land; Considering the transportation convenience of the construction site, being close to public transportation stations, bike lanes, etc., to encourage the use of low-carbon travel methods.
Open space: Provide a certain proportion of open space, such as green spaces, gardens, or squares, to provide users with opportunities for leisure and contact with nature.
Rainwater management: Design a reasonable rainwater collection and treatment system to reduce the pressure of rainwater runoff on the municipal drainage system, and recycle rainwater as much as possible.
Water saving appliances: Install efficient water-saving sanitary ware, such as low flow faucets, dual flush toilets, water-saving showerheads, etc., to reduce water consumption in buildings.
Water recycling: Consider using rainwater collection systems, reclaimed water reuse systems, etc., to use the recycled water for non potable purposes such as flushing, irrigation, landscape water, etc.
Landscape irrigation: using efficient irrigation techniques and drought resistant plants to reduce the water demand for landscape irrigation; Develop a reasonable irrigation plan based on local climate and plant needs to avoid excessive irrigation.
Energy performance optimization: The energy system of a building should meet certain energy efficiency standards, such as meeting the requirements of ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) standards in the United States; By adopting efficient building envelope structures (such as thermal insulation materials, high-performance windows, etc.), energy-saving equipment (such as air conditioning, lighting equipment, etc.), and energy management systems, energy utilization efficiency can be improved and energy consumption can be reduced; On the premise of meeting energy demand, renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, etc. should be utilized as much as possible.
Greenhouse gas emissions reduction: Calculate and monitor the greenhouse gas emissions of buildings, and take measures to reduce emissions, such as optimizing energy use, improving the cleanliness of energy sources, etc; It may be necessary to establish greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and demonstrate the effectiveness of the project in reducing emissions.
Refrigerant management: If refrigerants are used in buildings, they should be selected as refrigerants that do not damage the ozone layer and have low greenhouse gas effects, and ensure that the use and management of refrigerants comply with relevant environmental requirements.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system covers multiple different building stages and types, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance. In the design phase, LEED certification focuses on ensuring that building projects meet high standards of sustainable development in all aspects. The following are several main operating modes that exist in the design of LEED certified buildings:
1.LEED BD+C (Building Design + Construction)：
Design and construction phases for new buildings.
Including various types of buildings such as commercial indoor spaces, schools, retail, warehouses, and data centers.
Emphasize the implementation of sustainability strategies throughout the entire design and construction process.
2.LEED ID+C (Interior Design + Construction)：
Design and construction of commercial indoor spaces, such as offices, shops, restaurants, etc.
Focusing on sustainable design of indoor spaces, including material selection, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and other aspects.
3.LEED O+M (Operations + Maintenance)：
For the operation and maintenance of existing buildings.
Suitable for all types of existing buildings, helping to improve the sustainability and operational efficiency of buildings.
Including improvements in energy management and utilization, water resource management, indoor environmental quality, and other aspects.
4.LEED ND (Neighborhood Development)：
Focus on sustainable development at the community level, including planning, infrastructure, transportation, open spaces, etc.
Suitable for newly built or rebuilt community projects, ensuring the overall sustainability and livability of the community.
5.LEED Zero：
Certification established to achieve higher-level sustainable development goals, including zero carbon, zero energy consumption, zero water consumption, and zero waste.
These goals need to be achieved within a specific time frame to obtain the corresponding LEED Zero certification.
6.LEED for Cities and Communities：
Providing certification standards for cities and communities, aimed at promoting sustainable development at the city level.
including indicators from multiple aspects such as energy, water, transportation, waste, health, etc.
The application and approval time for He Lirong's LEED certification may vary due to various factors, including the complexity of the project, the completeness of submitted materials, the review cycle, and the possible time required for rectification.
During the design phase, the project team can apply for LEED pre certification, which is typically reviewed by GBCI within one month.
When formally applying and approving, the project team needs to register the project in GBCI's certification system, prepare and upload complete application documents, and pay the corresponding certification fees. GBCI will complete the document review within one week after receiving the application, checking the completeness and compliance of the documents. Once the document review is approved, GBCI will conduct a more detailed technical review to assess whether the project meets the various requirements and scoring points of LEED. If non conformities are found during the review process, the project team will have time to rectify and resubmit, which may take several weeks to months. After all issues are resolved and meet LEED standards, GBCI will proceed with final approval and issue a certificate after public announcement.
The entire LEED certification cycle can range from a few months to a year or longer, depending on the project's readiness, the quality of submitted materials, possible corrective action time, and GBCI review arrangements. It is worth noting that the LEED certification process and timeline may change with updates to USGBC and GBCI policies, so it is recommended that the project team directly contact the certification body to obtain the latest guidelines and timeline.
To make LEED certified buildings more competitive in the market, the following aspects can be achieved:
Efficient Energy Management System: Adopting advanced energy management systems to ensure that building energy consumption is at the lowest level.
Green building materials: Select low-carbon footprint materials, such as recycled materials, locally sourced building materials, etc., to reduce carbon emissions during transportation and production processes.
Intelligent Building Technology: Integrating intelligent building technologies such as automatic dimming systems, intelligent temperature control systems, etc. to further enhance energy efficiency.
High quality indoor air: Ensure fresh indoor air and reduce harmful substances such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Natural lighting and visibility: Maximize the use of natural light while providing a good outdoor landscape to improve the work efficiency and comfort of residents.
Acoustic design: Take measures to reduce noise pollution, such as soundproof windows and walls, to create a quieter working or living environment.
Healthy working environment: Provide health facilities such as gyms, yoga studios, rest areas, etc. to attract tenants who prioritize health.
Psychological health support: Create spaces that help reduce stress and increase happiness, such as green rooftop gardens, outdoor leisure areas, etc.
