How do you take LEED and your high performing building to the next level to mitigate the impacts of climate change? This session provides an introduction to LEED Zero, USGBC’s net zero certification program, and discusses how it supports the goals of LEED and expands the verification life-cycle of high performing buildings. LEED Zero provides a framework for building projects to transition from leadership in design to leadership in performance.

LEED v4.1 is already driving the built environment to higher levels of holistic sustainability performance; LEED v4.1 BD+C certification recognizes buildings designed for leadership; LEED v4.1 O+M certification rewards projects maintaining that leadership during operations. LEED Zero takes this one step further to certify net zero performance levels. This session focuses on opportunities for residential projects to pursue LEED Zero Energy and/or LEED Zero Water, breaking down the definitions, key concepts, equations and process to achieve the certifications. Attendees will be able to describe program requirements, discuss the value of third-party verification of operational performance goals, and identify the process for residential projects to pursue certification.

Learning Objectives
1. Discuss the program goals and value proposition for USGBC’s LEED Zero program which benefits from the LEED BD+C V4 Homes Annual Energy credit
2. Identify the process, requirements and timeline for pursuing LEED Zero along with how LEED BD+C V4 Homes Annual Energy Use ties into acheiving it
3. Describe LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Water criteria and requirements.
4. Articulate how LEED BD+C and LEED O+M v4 Optimize Energy Performance credit requirements provide a foundation for teams to pursue net zero goals during building operations.

Continuing Education Units (CEUS)
1 hour in LEED Accrediated Professional HOMES , O +M and BD+C
Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
American Institute of Architects – AIA (HSW) (PENDING)
Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
AIBD State Architect / Builder License may be applicable

Speaker
Emma Hughes, LEED AP BD+C and TRUE Advisor, is a Project Manager in the LEED Department at the U.S. Green Building Council and a proponent of integrated, holistic approaches to sustainable design and development. At USGBC, she collaborates with industry stakeholders and networks of diverse volunteer experts, including those serving on LEED technical committees, to evolve and refine the LEED green building rating system. Emma supports the technical development and maintenance of LEED Water Efficiency and Energy and Atmosphere credits, guidance, and associated tools, and serves as staff liaison for the LEED Steering Committee, Water Efficiency Technical Advisory Group, and Energy and Atmosphere Technical Advisory Group. She earned her B.S. in International Relations from Boston University.

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