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Chapter 11 Designing for Sustainability
entirely on energy effi ciency. Both LEED and
the National Green Building Certifi cation use a
more comprehensive approach.
Certifi cation programs are also available at
the state level. State certifi cation guidelines can
help you tailor your sustainability efforts to suit
the environment and ecosystems found in your
state. To fi nd programs available in your state,
you can search online for “green building certi-
fi cation programs.”
LEED for Homes Program
In 2000, the US Green Building Council
(USGBC) developed a green building certifi -
cation program called the LEED Green Build-
ing Rating System. Within this program, there
are several systems of ratings suited specifi -
cally for different applications, such as new
and existing residential, commercial, hospi-
tal, and school structures. LEED for Homes
is the rating system that applies to residen-
tial homes. LEED certifi cation verifi es that
the home has been designed and constructed
according to the organization’s specifi c guide-
lines. See Figure 11-18.
LEED for Homes rates buildings on several
different factors to achieve a “whole-building
approach” to sustainability. The categories
addressed for LEED certifi cation include:
• Innovation and design (additional points
for projects that use innovative methods)
• Locations and linkages (placement within
the community)
• Sustainable sites
• Water effi ciency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Awareness and education (of the homeowner)
LEED also offers several levels of profes-
sional credentials to architects and building
designers who are interested in sustainable
design. Applicants must pass an exam adminis-
tered by the Green Building Certifi cation Insti-
tute in order to become certifi ed. The USGBC
offers handbooks for each level of credential to
help people prepare to take the exam.
Dress Codes
As an employee, you are a representative of
your company. Therefore, your employer expects
you to be neat and clean on the job. Taking care
of yourself gives the impression that you want
people to view you as a professional.
Your daily grooming habits should consist
of bathing or showering, using an antiperspirant,
and putting on clean clothes. Regularly brushing
your teeth and using mouthwash will promote
healthy teeth and fresh breath. Keep your
hair clean and styled in a way that will not be
distracting.
Employers also expect their employees
to dress appropriately. Many companies have
a dress code. If your workplace does not, use
common sense and avoid extremes. Refrain
from wearing garments that are revealing or
have inappropriate pictures or sayings. Some
employers have rules requiring that tattoos
or piercings other than pierced ears remain
covered. Good appearance is especially
important for employees who have frequent
face-to-face contact with customers.
Activity
Contact an architectural fi rm in your area
and ask about the dress code used in the offi ce.
Does the dress code change if an architect needs
to visit a client or a construction site? Use the
information you learn to propose a general dress
code for an architect in the offi ce and in the fi eld.
Employability Employa a