Sustainability & LEED 

Written By: Siraj Khan, MSME, PE, CEM, LEED AP 

A.      The United Nations defines sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” However, there is no one definition of sustainability. In general, sustainability is the term for all things that decrease our dependence on non-renewable energy and increases the idea of living within the means of our current environment without damaging it for the future generation.  In short, sustainability promotes sustaining human life on earth. Any sustainable endeavor should address the issues of ecological robustness, social equity and economic viability and I am glad to say that these issues have been addressed in the design and construction of HHB building.

 B.       As you might heard the term LEED, which is an abbreviation of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most recognized rating system in the nation for design and construction of the sustainable and green buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council, known as USGBC developed this rating system in the year 2000, it provides a framework for constructing built environments with an approach to sustainability.

 C.      LEED rating system uses five major categories to produce an overall rating of the buildings. Those categories are:  Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality, supplementary category is Innovation and Design process. The highest rating possible is called Platinum level. USGBC has certified HHB for a “Platinum Level” building. A hallmark for Oakland University for its commitment to sustainability.