Recently in LEED Category

Even though we spend as much as 95% of our time indoors... humans still respond positively to daylight.  We awake in the morning light and we get sleepy in the dark.  That genetic reality can be used effectively at work and at home by maximizing the use of natural light.

When used in conjunction with photosensor or light-dimming controls, skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can provide significant energy savings by reducing the use of artificial lighting, minimizing peak electrical loads and reducing overall operating costs. Because of its eco-friendly characteristics, natural light skylights such as Carlisle's DryLight can significantly contribute toward LEED® credit requirements in three categories.

Studies have shown that daylighting increases productivity in the workplace, improves learning in schools and increases purchasing by 5-8% in retail stores.

Carlisle SynTec
http://carlisle-syntec.com

True smart water management technology is the most effective way to achieve LEED certification (by USGBC)  for outdoor water conservation.

Although a wide range of irrigation technologies are marketed as being smart, genuine smart water management systems are differentiated by:

• No people involvement, because all irrigation activity is determined and executed by the system
• Low maintenance costs, unlike systems based on sensors and temperature gauges
• Ideal for both new construction and retrofitting, since they don't require the implantation of sensors, gauges or other in-ground equipment.

Beyond providing a straightforward path to LEED certification for outdoor areas, smart water management technology delivers a full complement of business and environmental benefits.

• Water savings for cost reduction
• Water savings for environmental impact
• Reduced risk by not damaging or creating slippery surfaces on hardscapes.
• Healthier landscape plants with scientifically scheduled watering to protect living assets

According to WeatherTRAK, landscape irrigation systems based on this technology are 30 percent more efficient than traditional low-tech watering systems, speeding payback and eliminating infrastructure investments.

In California, AB 2717 and AB 1881 mandate that new construction include a weather based smart controller by 2012 and that cities/municipalities adopt smart irrigation by 2010.  Other Southeastern states heavily impacted by recent droughts and water shortages are following California's legislative approach.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCIA)

Life cycle assessment (LCIA)  is an internationally standardized (ISO 14044) environmental accounting tool designed to accurately measure the benefits and tradeoffs of each choice.

Developed by leading scientists from 22 countries to provide a scientific bases for environmental claims and green design, Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) sets the new standard for environmental metrics.

Environmental Performance Declarations by SCS

Declarations are based on life cycle assessment (LCIA),  and the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) "Decalaration" results are not boiled down to a summary score as in some systems. Each indicator is charted on the declaration so that areas for improvement stand out.

Results are not boiled down to a summary score as in some systems. Each indicator is charted on the declaration so that areas for improvement stand out.

Environmental Performance Declarations provide designers, architects, facility managers and product manufacturers with a new precise method of determining the environmental performance of building designs, office equipment and systems, building operations, and transportation including air travel and work commutes.

SCS Declarations are available for building design and construction, electric power systems, building materials, building products, and workforce and building operations.

Environmental Performance Building Declarations

Building Declarations provide designers and architects a new precise method of determining the environmental performance of building designs.

Declarations are based on life cycle assessment (LCIA), an internationally standardized (ISO 14044) environmental accounting tool which quantifies environmental performance based on measurable biophysical impacts.  According to SCS, "LEED-Rated buildings make improvements in some areas, but leave others unexamined. While the building on the right has a higher LEED rating, its total environmental impacts are much greater that those of the lower-rated building on the left. Only a life cycle perspective shows total impacts."

Examples of SCS Environmental Performance Declaration of LEED Rated buildings.

CONTACT:
Scientific Certification Systems
2200 Powell Street, Suite 725
Emeryville, California 94608
Phone: 510-452-8000
http://www.scscertified.com