Innovation & Design Process Backgrounder

The Big Picture

Sustainable design strategies and measures are constantly evolving and improving. New technologies are continually introduced to the marketplace and up-to-date scientific research influences building design strategies. The purpose of this LEED category is to recognize projects for innovative design and building features as well as exemplary performance beyond the requirements of existing LEED credits.

The Context

The building industry is constantly evolving and introducing new sustainable strategies and measures. It is important to stay abreast of current developments in sustainable building and incorporate those strategies and products that optimize built spaces.

Key Players

• Designers and architects recognize a niche in green building and are quickly gaining expertise in the area.
  
• Suppliers of energy-efficient and environmental products are developing and selling products that are easier on the environment than traditional products. This briefing has links to several retailers; architects and builders may have other product source suggestions.
  
• Architects, engineers, consultants, owners, and others who have a strong interest in sustainable building design are all appropriate candidates for LEED accreditation.

The LEED View

There are 5 points available in the Innovation and Design Process category.

Credit 1: Innovation in Design. To provide design teams and projects the opportunity to be awarded up to four points for exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by LEED.

Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional. To support and encourage the design integration required by a LEED Green Building project and to streamline the application and certification process.

The Upside

• Financial savings resulting from energy-efficient and water-saving practices and wiser use of resources.
  
• Tax incentives offered by some cities, counties, and states for innovative green building projects.
  
• Reduced environmental impact from using fewer resources and producing less waste.

Reality Check

With all sustainable design strategies and products, it is important to consider the related impacts to the environment and occupant well-being, and to assure that other building aspects are not adversely impacted. Innovative strategies and measures have variable first costs and operating costs, depending on the degree of complexity, materials incorporated, and the novelty of the technology. Initial costs can range from free to prohibitively expensive.

Action Plan

• Gather a multi-disciplinary project team.
  
• Require that at least one principal participant of the project team has successfully completed the LEED Accredited Professional exam.
  
• Compose a vision statement, focus on goals.
  
• Research applicable government grants and programs that help support innovation in green building design.

Resources

• U.S. Green Building Council
  
  Strives to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards through market-based solutions.

• Green Design Initiative
  
  Promotes environmentally conscious engineering, design, manufacturing, and architecture.

• Green Design/Sustainable Architecture: Information Sources
  
  A visit to this Web site will yield a good green-building reading list.

• Sustainable Design Information Center
  
  Section of the American Society of Interior Designers’ Web site devoted to sustainable design and green building.

• Turning Green: A Guide to Becoming a Green Design Firm
  
  Guide assists interior designers who want to integrate sustainable design principles into their firms’ business practices.

Bottom Line

Expertise in sustainable building is essential to the design and construction process. A properly accredited design professional can help your facility make the most of the latest green building innovations.