By Mike Ratliff | MHN Online
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system is not without its share of criticism. While the program has yielded the largest push towards the sustainable design, construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment, many feel the program does not do enough. Others feel it has gone too far. A panel of experts with direct experience developing LEED sat down at Greenbuild in Philadelphia yesterday and addressed some of the biggest concerns.
First, it is important to note that LEED critics are committed to the mission of creating a more sustainable space, according to Tristan Roberts, editorial director of BuildingGreen Inc. Roberts, who is best known for launching and managing the LEEDuser tool, says that the major meta criticisms of LEED fall into three categories: the LEED process is broken; LEED is not rigorous enough; or LEED is too complex and expensive.
Statement by Rose Law Group Senior Planner, Nick Labadie:
“Like so many things, finding success with the LEED system is a matter of having the right team, clear goals, and great planning. If you go into the process just for the plaque and marketing, you’re going to feel like every little step is another hurdle with loads of paperwork and you won’t get to smile until the space starts filling or you’re cashing a check. There are probably easier ways to get the same marketing effect. If you have goals of actually creating a truly “green” building, the process feels more full of opportunities and loads of paperwork. Either way, the process is certainly less than streamlined, which is legitimate criticism. Whether it is not comprehensive enough or stacked with unnecessary burden depends on who you ask.”
