LEED certified building designs should be well balanced between efficiency and how they are used

There has always been tremendous discussion relating to green building and energy efficiency. Reduction of energy usage is an important economic consideration and critically important to both our natural environment and our national security. One of the greatest contributors to the discussion and work associated with buildings becoming more energy efficient may come from those seeking LEED certification. With the energy credits accounting for about a third of the total points available it is understandable, but clearly not the entire picture. While some may be tremendous works of art and architecture, buildings are not constructed to be monuments to simply be gazed upon. Buildings house people, and it is vital that those people are free to do their minds work in an environment that respects their health and well being and contributes rather than detracts from their ability to do so. I was most recently reminded of this when on October 6th USGBC-LI together with the Long Island Chapter of IFMA toured some of Brookhaven National Laboratory campus' LEED registered and certified buildings. When asked for his opinion regarding any noticeable benefits seen from the LEED certified buildings, Lanny Bates, assistant laboratory director - facilities and operations, responded immediately with one word-comfort. This was quite a surprising answer coming from a director of the Department of Energy's world renowned research center. Bates also continued to explain how the scientist who traditionally worked in small individual enclosed spaces were a bit hesitant working in the more open, light filled spaces characteristic of a LEED building, but that once accustomed productivity actually improved. There are many parts that make up a LEED certified building. All are important because there is nothing more important than the people that work, live, or play in them. Vince Capogna, LEED AP+, is the executive director of US Green Building Council - Long Island and principal of Synergy Green Building Group, Inc., New Hyde Park, N.Y.