Smart Buildings Systems for Architects, Owners and Builders

n Minimum energy performance

n Fundamental refrigerant management

n Storage and collection of recyclables

n Minimum level of indoor air quality

n Environmental tobacco smoke control

The four levels of LEED certification are based on points. All LEED rating
systems have 100 base points; Innovation in Design (or Operations) and
Regional Priority credits provide opportunities for up to 10 bonus points
(Table 17.1).

International Initiatives

Although it originated in the United States, many countries have expressed
interest in the LEED program, including China and India. The World Bank
estimates that by 2015 roughly half of the world’s new building construction
will take place in China and the majority of these projects are large, commer-
cial office buildings of between 1 and 1.5 million square feet. In the past 20
years the Chinese government’s top priority has been economic development
so the construction industry has been constructing buildings as quickly and
profitably as possible, taking little notice of environmental concerns. But that
mentality is beginning to change.
A few progressive Chinese real estate developers are designing and building
China’s best green building projects without compromising economic growth.
In 2003, the Century Prosper Center, a 1.6-million-square-foot twin office
tower in Beijing’s central business district, became the first large commercial
project in China to be LEED certified. In 2005, USGBC President Rick
Fedrizzi presented leadership awards to 10 Chinese real estate developers
and government leaders for being the first in China to pursue LEED

Table 17.1 USGBC Ratings

Level Points

Certified 40–49

Silver 50–59

Gold 60–69

Platinum  80

192 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders