2. What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the
world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-
saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and
leadership.
LEED is for all building types and all building phases including new construction, interior fit outs, operations and
maintenance and core and shell.
3. In Mexico, LEED certifications are becoming increasingly commonplace. There are over 15.9 million gross square
meters of LEED space. LEED can be found in hundreds of buildings, including corporate offices, retail, schools,
hospitals, factories, restaurants, and hotels including Universidad del Arte, Bioconstruccion 347, and Torre
Vistral.
And in Latin America, Mexico is the leader in sustainable building practices. The country is the seventh largest
market for LEED certified buildings in the world and has 14.5 million square meters of LEED-certified space. It’s all
part of efforts by the Mexican government and private sector to change the state of the country through
sustainable building. Once the most polluted city in the world, Mexico City now has the highest concentration of
LEED certified buildings in Mexico.
4. LEED certified buildings CHARACTERISTICS:
• use less energy and resources
• cost less to operate
• demand higher rent and occupancy
• contribute to stopping climate change
Mexico is also focusing on how the built environment affects human wellness and many projects are pursuing
WELL certification, a building rating system that focuses on human health and well being.
LEED
5. RATING SYSTEMS:
Green Building Design & Construction
• LEED for New Construction
• LEED for Core & Shell
• LEED for Schools
• LEED for Retail: New Construction and Major Renovations
• LEED for Healthcare
Green Interior Design & Construction
• LEED for Commercial Interiors
• LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors
Green Building Operations & Maintenance
• LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
Green Neighborhood Development
• LEED for Neighborhood Development
6. FEW OF MEXICO’S MOST IMPRESSIVE PROJECTS:
1. HSBCTower, Mexico City, Mexico, LEED Gold
HSBCTower, designed by Bioconstruccion y Energia Alternativa (BEA), obtained the first LEED Gold certification
for New Construction and became the second certified project in the country.With 34 levels, a heliport, 12
parking garages, and 2 basements, HSBCTower is a massive steel structure located in the heart of Mexico City.
HSBCTower unleashed the LEED certified buildings trend in the city's Economic District. Its innovative measures
resulted in a reduction of water use by 76% and energy consumption by 25%.With 3,000 people using the
building full-time, the tower provides occupants with 144 bike stations, 18 showers and dressing rooms, and a
green roof space to relax.
7. FEW OF MEXICO’S MOST IMPRESSIVE PROJECTS:
2.Bioconstruccion 347, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, LEED Platinum
As the headquarters for the LEED-pioneer consulting firm, Bioconstruccion y EnergiaAlternativa (BEA),
Bioconstruccion347 promotes the company's green building services and commitment to abetter-built
environment by being the first LEED for New Construction Platinum certified office space in Latin America. BEA
reused 75% of the building'swalls, floors and roof, and 50% of interior nonstructural elements.Thebuilding also
operates on energy powered by solar panels and a wind turbine.These innovative green technologies draw
people in on a regular basis for guided open tours of the facility. BEA has more than 15 years of experience
designing greener buildings.
8. FEW OF MEXICO’S MOST IMPRESSIVE PROJECTS:
3.Universidad Del Arte, Puebla, Mexico, LEED Platinum
UNARTE was designed by AKF Group with its campus' commitments to education and art in mind. Located in a
pre-existing campus parking lot, the building took on a stack architectural approach in order to restore the area's
original topography. By including native vegetation and a rainwater infiltration system, UNARTE harvests,
reuses and treats 100% of its rainwater. Its natural aesthetic is due to its 'origami' layout where the structure
folds and unfolds into different rooms and edifices. Inside, UNARTE's design promotes natural lighting and
ventilation in order to create an atmosphere necessary for a productive workspace.
9. COMPARISION BETWEEN GREHA AND LEED
GRIHA is an easy, yet comprehensive rating system designed for India whereasThe LEED India rating is primarily based on per capita energy consumption in
developed nations like the US which does not work in India since India’s per capita energy consumption is very low compared to developed nations.
The International codes usually take a hypothetical case while GRIHA works with an absolute number, which is easily understood.
The objective of both organizations is to encourage environment-friendly buildings. But since the two systems are based on different parameters, there is a
possibility of the two systems rating the same buildings differently.
GRIHA
• One star : 50–60
• Two stars : 61–70
• Three stars : 71–80
• Four stars : 81–90
• Five stars : 91 points and above
LEED
• Certified: 40-49 points
• Silver: 50-59 points
• Gold: 60-79 points
• Platinum: 80 points and above
CERTIFICATION LEVEL: