In this decade, every corporation or construction company must look to the future as part of the present. Sustainability needs are part of the agenda for leaders in all industries. Today, it is possible to change the course of action to achieve sustainability, efficient use of energy and resources, and design projects that meet standards such as LEED certification.

This article not only seeks to give relevance to having LEED Certification but also its application to any construction and the benefits it gives to your construction work. 


Buildings on a new level. LEED v4.1

LEED represents a new generation of standards for the construction, design, operation, and performance of buildings. Applying these standards benefits your construction company’s bottom line and the conditions of the planet and its inhabitants. 

This certification can be given to existing or new buildings, which must carry out a series of renovations and meet the essential requirements for basic LEED certification. According to a study conducted by the Journal of Sustainable Real Estate, the total cost of construction work in the United States can increase by 2%, however, the benefits this can provide to the construction work make it worth it and outweigh such costs.

Approaches to be a leader in green building and management 

  • People: This directly relates to ensuring comfort like the quality of the air that people breathe inside the building as well as a selection of materials suitable for maintaining human health and social equity.
  • Resilience: The design and overall construction should consider resilience to natural or unnatural disturbances. 

Main highlights of getting LEED v4.1 Certification

  • Ensure benefits to all stakeholders, from builders to occupants.
  • Ensure environmental, economic, social, and community benefits.
  • Quality design that optimizes operations and performance through innovation, technology, and materials. 
  • Guarantee low resource consumption, reduced operating costs, and increased real estate value.
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use of toxin-free materials.

Benefits of LEED Certification in the United States for Builders

If we only factor in the cost increase, it would not be attractive to most builders in the United States. It is important to look at the financial benefits as well and how complying with this certification increases the value and appreciation of a building.

1. Economic benefits of LEED certification

According to the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) website, LEED-certified buildings reported improved profitability, saving $1.2 billion in energy, $715.3 million in maintenance, $149.5 million in water, and $54.2 million in waste over a 3-year period. 

2. LEED certification tax incentives

If your construction is in states such as New York, New Mexico, Virginia, Maryland, and others, you will be eligible for LEED building incentive programs. This is a reward for builders and communities for their efforts to green their states. Explore the complete list of tax incentives and eligible states to learn about all the opportunities available for LEED building programs.

3. Competitive advantage in the real estate market

Figures provided by the USGBC report 4% more vacancies when the building does not have this certification. On the other hand, LEED buildings have a commercial advantage since their rental price is 20% higher than the average. 

4. Contributing to sustainability and mitigating climate change

LEED certification reduces energy consumption by 25% with 34% lower CO2 emissions.

5. Meeting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives

Achieving these objectives has a great impact on construction funding and investment, an improvement in the reputation of the construction company, and therefore the business sustainability.


A commitment to sustainability

At DWR Reinforcing, we specialize in reinforcing structures with materials that meet sustainability, energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction, and resource conservation standards. We’re proud to say we are one of the steel producers that generate lower CO2 emissions in the world.

Our sustainability efforts have earned us a LEED certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Our products automatically qualify for LEED credits MR 4.1 and MR 4.2. Get to know more about our products.