A value creation tool in the sustainable building field: the LEED certification®

Abstract

This paper seeks to outline the key aspects of sustainability in the built environment by focusing attention on the LEED® certification system as a “universal” instrument to support the implementation, management and evaluation of sustainable buildings. The first part of the paper describes the rapid spread of the LEED certification in recent years as a direct consequence of the capacity of this instrument rating to adapt to specific types of buildings as well as to different climatic conditions and morphological features of the sites. The second part presents and analyzes the economic and financial aspects of sustainable buildings. Starting from international experiences in the field of sustainability, the present world then proceeds to describe the current Italian condition, highlighting market perceptions and opportunities for future development.

Keywords

• Sustainable buildings
• energy savings
• environmental sustainability rating systems
• LEED®
• Green Building Council
• rebates and discounts
• incremental costs