LEED 2009: A quantum leap in inclusiveness

The new handbook is bigger, better organized and chock full of real-life case study examples complemented with many new, easy-to-comprehend illustrations. In fact, it’s now all inclusive. For example, many of the questions concerning earlier Credit Interpretations Requests have been integrated into the handbook. And the new system recognizes built environment professions such as engineers and landscape architects offering them simplified sign-off procedures on credits. There’s something for everyone (meaning schools, neighborhoods and community planning) in the new text. Also introduced on usgbc.org is “LEED User,”  a third-party reference guide. LEEDuser has well designed charts and graphs will help all parties understand the LEED process. We’re teaching with the new LEED 2009 Reference Guide covering commercial New Construction, Core & Shell and Schools. Next class starts in January.

We only wish the books were broken up into five sections corresponding with LEED’s five major credit areas  — sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. On our wish list for the next edition is more illustrations and actual examples from the local region — much like the presentations we use in our LEED AP and Green Associate exam study classes.

The next LEED AP and Green Associate exam study program starts mid-January.  It’s a 5-week, 10-class course that meets at different local Green buildings — all within the Cincinnati city limits. In addition to reading assignments, your homework will include completing documentation for your own project.

If you didn’t catch the Cincinnati Preservation Association’s Fall Forum that took place October 15, Green Cincinnati was there. We were intrigued and inspired by the remarks of Dean Michael Lykoudis, who heads Notre Dame’s School of Architecture and is a greenie in his own right. Using examples from nature and antiquities, Dean Lykoudis made the point that the greenest structures are the ones we already have. Citing adaptive reuse of structures from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, Lykoudis also touched on master plans for the city of South Bend, Ind., as well as student work addressing projects for regionally sensitive residential design for Champion — better known for manufactured homes. In the following question/answer period, he fielded questions about the lack of low-cost labor and the role of skilled craftsmen in today’s built environment. Learn more about CPA here.

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