Green Certificate | Understanding the Concept of Green Building, Green Projects, or LEED Certification
When we talk about a Green Building or Green Factory, we are referring to environmentally friendly structures in brief.
Whether a building, factory, or any other facility is environmentally friendly is determined by the certification it receives. It may be referred to as a Green Certificate.
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Let's discuss this more simply.
Determining whether a facility is environmentally friendly can be done in various ways. There are organizations dedicated to measuring this. These organizations will assess how environmentally friendly a facility is using specific criteria, and if it meets their standards, they will certify it as environmentally friendly.
The most well-known organization in this regard is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and their certification is called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
According to USGBC's standards, a facility's level of environmental friendliness is determined in six areas:
1. Site selection and planning
2. Water usage efficiency
3. Energy efficiency
4. Materials and resources usage efficiency
5. Indoor air quality and occupational health
6. Innovation in design
For each of these areas, a facility is assigned a score, and based on the total score out of 100, it is classified under a specific type of certificate.
There are four types of LEED certificates:
1. Certified (40 to 49 points)
2. Silver (50 to 59 points)
3. Gold (60 to 79 points)
4. Platinum (80 points and above)
In Bangladesh, up to this day, 51 facilities have been certified in these four categories, with a majority being garment factories. Bangladesh holds three of the top ten spots worldwide for the highest number of LEED-certified facilities.
Creating a green facility may involve slightly higher construction costs, but the benefits are substantial. Despite the initial investment, operating costs for a green factory are significantly lower compared to a conventional one. Reduced expenses in electricity, heating, water, and more make it an economically sound choice. Furthermore, a green factory ensures a healthy and improved work environment, resulting in increased productivity.
Most importantly, being a technologically advanced green factory can set you apart as a trusted establishment in the eyes of customers, which is excellent for business.