In 2011, the green building industry experienced a fundamental shift. For the first time, LEED-certified retrofits of existing buildings outpaced LEED-certified new projects. While LEED benefits for office buildings have existed for years, the LEED v4 standard that is currently approved and awaiting formal launch, includes customized adaptations for industrial real estate properties including data centers, warehouses and distribution facilities.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the US Green Building Council has become the global standard for certifying a project's environmental bona fides. Meeting its standards can help retrofitters and builders of industrial real estate achieve lower operating costs and get positive ROI. Here are seven solid ideas, taken from the US Green Building Council and LEED-certified projects that can make a difference in your building:
1. Choose a brownfield as a development site
Many brownfield sites are affordable and centrally located. In addition, the availability of generous government grants and low-interest loans make development of industrial real estate on a brownfield an excellent business opportunity.
2. Add Windows
Adding windows to your industrial space doesn't just benefit employee happiness and productivity. It can also reduce your lighting costs for daytime operations and help you earn LEED points. While solar panels are always a popular choice for roof space, light tubes are also an option to increase sunlight into storage areas.
3. Utilize Wind-facing Louvers
Utilize wind-facing louvers for ventilation to provide a natural breeze that cools and ventilates your space without burning energy.
4. Improve Landscaping
Replace existing landscaping with water efficient plants that reduce water expenditure. Adding a storm-water capture system to your building's downspouts mitigates water costs and can help with both irrigation and bathrooms inside the building.
5. Recycle
Reuse construction elements from previous projects or other buildings. It's an excellent way to decrease project costs. For example, simply reusing ceiling tiles in the office space can reduce build out costs by $1 or $2 per square foot. Other reusable elements include racks, doors and fixtures.
6. Replace Lighting Fixtures
Replace existing light fixtures in industrial real estate properties with high-efficiency LED systems equipped with motion sensors. LED lighting has benefits above energy savings including a longer service life and lower heat output. They reduce cooling costs in the summer and are particularly well-suited for cold storage facilities.
7. Reduce Truck Idling
Reduce truck idling by providing electrical connections for trucks that are parked at distribution facilities to reduce fuel costs and earn a LEED v4 credit.
Thanks to the new v4 standard, LEED certification is compatible with existing buildings and industrial real estate. While some building managers perceive LEED compliance to require expensive methods and building materials, properties can be built green at little or no added cost. Over time, they can reap energy and operational savings that generate positive ROI.
