Replies

1. 
   renosteinke | Apr 15, 2009 09:56pm | #1

   Well, if they only printed it on softer paper ....

   LEED advocates assert that their certifications result in massive savings on energy costs, greatly increased worker productivity, and boost the marketability of the property (for perspective tenants or future buyers).

   Spoiler #1: Promises are easy; results are harder to document.

   Spoiler #2: You get to fork over more money every few years to renew the certification. Extensive record keeping is needed by you in the meantime.

   Spoiler #3: LEED standards are 'evolving,' so your building might not qualify when renewal comes due.

   Which, of course, brings us to the "LEED AP," or the certification of the "LEED professionals" associated with a job. It almost looks as if the real reason for the USGBC is to collect fees from aspiring professionals, who will generate further fees when they submit  reams of documentation to the sponsors. It's almost like asking the salesmen to pay the employer a commission!

   Having a person - on even a small job - dedicated to preparing LEED paperwork is almost an essential. This is no 'in and out' tradesperson; the LEED folks want their fingers in the pie from the first planning meeting to ultimate use and demolition of the place. Having one of 'their' certified people - the LEED AP - associated with the job is worth a scoring point all by itself.

   Personally, I consider it all a scam. I will not fatten their coffers, or further their agenda. If you think the USGBC really wants to "save the world," I have some local seashore to sell you.

   Don't take my word for it; read their book. The more you delve into their scoring, and their fee structure, the more apparent is their evil. Compared to the USGBC, John Rockefeller was a philanthropist.

1. 
   runnerguy | Apr 15, 2009 10:39pm | #2

   "Personally, I consider it a scam".

   I agree totally here. As an architect many of my peers have gotten LEED certified and the opinion is almost universal in that it's a cash cow for the USGBC. Many have simply gone ahead and done it because apparently the test taking costs are set to go way up this summer. Even the cost of the manuals (which USGBC only provides) are through the roof.

   I don't know why the whole thing can't be state monitored just like it is now for the licensing of architects, contractors and what not.

   It is a scam.

   Runnerguy

1. 
   dominick | Apr 16, 2009 01:15am | #3

   Thanks for the candid response. Seems like scams are built into all bureauacracies.I was just reading that LEED AP home/building inspectors were in hot demand, and have to be scheduled months in advance. But perhaps this is part of the hype.best,
   D

1. 
   runnerguy | Apr 16, 2009 01:40am | #4

   Maybe it will shake out, given time.

   15 years ago the AIA advocated the need for continueing education in order for architects to maintain a license. Most state boards, not being really geared up then to look at the matter just santioned the AIA sponsered courses.

   But GUESS WHAT?? The AIA, realizing they had a monopoly, started charging around $60 a credit (and in Maryland we needed an average of 12 a year).

   But now there are several online resources and all the courses are free.

   Hopefully, the USGBC monopoly will go the same way as the AIA monopoly. But right now there's NO other show in town.

   Runnerguy

1. 
   renosteinke | Apr 16, 2009 03:50am | #5

   There's the rub.

   State boards are ... well, state boards, part of the governemnt. The "Green Building Council" is the creation of one man, accountable to none, who pull their doctrine from every trend-of-the-moment feel-good cause. They are accountable to none .... and more akin to a religious cult than a governing body. Their entire approach is certainly contrary to every form we'ver embraced over the past two centuries.

   It's like putting our food regulations under the control of the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. (Indeed, religious separation might be where we need to approach this hydra).

   Only game in town? How about NO game? We seem to have done just fine that way.

2. 
   BarryE | Apr 17, 2009 01:04am | #6

   Looks like LEED is listening to some?http://residentialarchitect.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=275&articleID=941114

   Barry E-Remodeler