Nowadays, the global economy is rapidly developing, and the building industry has achieved outstanding results. Civil engineering is becoming more prevalent in cities and plays an important role in encouraging urban development. During the construction and structural phases, civil engineering is critical for selecting appropriate materials for the project.
Civil Engineering and Sustainability
The intention to conduct such activities with minimum depletion of natural resources is referred to as sustainability. Using a sustainable construction method will lessen the environmental impact of the construction.
LEED Certification and Civil Engineering
LEED certification is the most famous green building certification globally, designed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It involves verification from a third party if the specific building is design according to the following parameters:
- Minimized greenhouse emissions
- Healthy indoor air quality
- Utilizes sensitivity of resources to their impacts
- Minimizes operation and maintenance cost
- Efficient water usage
- Promoting the use of recycled materials
- Efficient in power consumption
Any professional who wants to have LEED certification, especially civil engineers, will undergo an accreditation process and must pass all the criteria before having a LEED Accredited Professional AP or Green Associate Credential before the project becomes LEED accredited.
Further, LEED credential is categories in the following:
- LEED AP Building Design + construction: This certification includes guidelines for old and new buildings having significant renovations.
- LEED AP Interior Design + Construction: This certification is for tenants leasing a vast building.
- LEED AP Operations + Maintenance: This category allows operators and property owners to measure maintenance and operations and make minor improvements.
- LEED AP Homes: This rating is for residential structures from three stories or less.
- LEED AP Neighborhood Development: This category integrates urbanism, green building, and smart growth to the neighborhood in national programs.
With all of these categories, LEED AP Building Design + Construction is ideal for professionals who have expertise in constructing green building design in residential commercial, health care sectors, and education. And for civil engineers, the LEED BD+C credential is ideal.
The Importance of LEED Certification for a Civil Engineer
As a structural engineer or civil engineer working on a green building project concept, you must work on sustainable construction and building strategies. Therefore, you should focus on them during the construction, such as installing LEED access doors and panels. A LEED certification will help you make a platform to perform your project accordingly and help you to understand all about these strategies ahead before the project kicks off.
Typically, engineers will apply for LEED certification processes early in the design phase to have enough time for collaboration with the architect and develop an efficient structural system. Having a LEED credential cannot necessarily make you a better structural or civil engineer. Still, it will show that you are committed to the field and give you a leg up over the other structural engineers. Because of the growing popularity of the LEED, many experts believe that this system is here to stay.
Overall, achieving a LEED certification will add value to your CV as an engineer and also make you think of more sustainable practices even in your daily work.
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