THE PATH TO PLATINUM: LEED CERTIFICATION FOR A STUDENT DESIGNED SOLAR HOUSE

摘要

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the global benchmark for measuring building sustainability. LEED certification is a rigorous process that provides proof that a structure was built to high industry standards in the five areas of (a) building site, (b) water efficiency, (c) energy efficiency, (d) materials and resources, and (e) indoor environmental quality. This descriptive study details the work of Engineering Management students as they designed the University of the Incarnate Word Solar House to qualify for the highest level of LEED certification from the USGBC (US Green Building Council). This project provided students with real world experience and hands on applications. The Solar House was successfully built and certified as LEED Platinum. The building is used for engineering labs and is open to the public. The designs that were developed during this project will be used as templates for future sustainable projects on the UIW campus.