![]() ![]() There are many more ways in which LEED interfaces with the goals and targets set forth in the new SDGs. The list above is illustrative, not exhaustive. Of particular relevance is the credit for Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat, which seeks to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas by promoting the planting of native or adapted vegetation on a significant portion of a given project site. How LEED can help: The Sustainable Sites category prescribes ways to ensure that project sites are safe for human activity and respect the unique conditions of surrounding areas. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. Within this category, the credit for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Materials privileges the use of products extracted, manufactured, and purchased within 100 miles of the project site, thus reducing carbon emissions and supporting local industry. How LEED can help: The Materials and Resources category presents options for the sourcing, storage, and disposal of building materials in ways that limit negative environmental impacts before, during, and after the construction phase. Target 11.c: Support least developed countries, including through financial and technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing local materials. Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. ![]() One such strategy can be found in the credits awarded for Renewable Energy Production, which encourage the purchasing or leasing of renewable energy systems like solar photovoltaic roofs. How LEED can help: Energy and Atmosphere, LEED’s largest category in terms of total credit opportunities, provides numerous ways to reduce energy consumption and the economic and environmental harms associated with fossil fuels. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. ![]() As an example, the Indoor Water Use Reduction prerequisite calls for the installation of water efficient appliances, fittings, and fixtures designed to significantly reduce water use, thus aiding in the effort to combat water scarcity. How LEED can help: The Water Efficiency LEED category offers three prerequisites and four credits specifically geared toward reducing water consumption and increasing water efficiency. Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity. Goal 6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all. In particular, the Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance prerequisite stipulates strict requirements for ventilation and monitoring of air quality according to rigorous international standards. How LEED can help: The LEED category for Indoor Environmental Quality features several credits and prerequisites that serve directly to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals and air pollution. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. So how can LEED help the world achieve the newly minted Global Goals? Here are five ways in which LEED credits and prerequisites relate directly to the SDGs. The multi-faceted approach to sustainable development embodied within the SDGs presents substantial opportunities for green building to demonstrate its value as an important component in sustainable development. The goals cover a wide array of objectives, from ending global poverty to ensuring access to sustainable forms of energy to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. This roadmap for sustainable development identifies 17 goals with 169 specific targets to be achieved by 2030. Also called the Global Goals, the SDGs articulate an ambitious agenda designed to “ shift the world onto a sustainable and resilient path.” The SDGs replace and improve upon the first major UN-led effort to reduce global poverty, known as the Millennium Development Goals. This past Friday, world leaders convened at a United Nations summit meeting in New York to adopt a new platform for international development-the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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