GREEN DESIGN

OLOR
O N S U L T A N T

QC DESIGN SCHOOL
 GREEN DESIGN

© 7904215 Canada Inc.

All rights reserved.

No parts of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from 7904215 Canada Inc.

QC Quality of Course Inc. has used its best efforts in collecting and preparing material for inclusion in this book. It does not

assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss or damages caused by errors or omissions in the book,

whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

II
table of contents
1. Green Design

2. The Basics of Green Design

13. Indoor Air Quality

19. The Green Home

25. LEED Certification

26. Closing Thoughts

Green Design
The trend towards “green design” has been steadily transforming the interior design and decorating industry.

Green design uses earth-friendly materials to create beautiful and environmentally friendly interiors that provide

safe, healthy environments for their occupants. Although green design sometimes requires a high upfront

investment, it often pays off in the long run with lower utility costs.

In this book you will learn how to select design materials with low health risks and minimal environmental impacts.

You will also learn about other elements of green design including effective disposal of used materials and

products, incorporating used materials in your designs and pursuing environmental certification.

GREEN DESIGN 1
 The Basics of
Green Design
Environmental concerns have become a major part of the design and decorating

industries over the past few decades. Concerns about human impacts on climate

change, pollution, deforestation, habitat loss, endangered species and other

environmental issues have been growing rapidly. Many political bodies have made

commitments to reducing waste and to finding alternatives to environmentally

harmful practices. These commitments include everything from municipals bylaws

to international treaties. At a personal level, individuals are re-evaluating their

lifestyles to find ways to cut down on their environmental footprints.

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Evaluating Our Environmental Impact
The home is a major focus of environmental concern for many people. Modern homes require materials for

construction and repair. Households can consume huge amounts of water and electricity through tasks such as

bathing, cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. These practices place stress on resources and sometimes produce

pollutants as by-products. Excessive water and electricity consumption also lead to big bills for homeowners.

Finding Sustainable Materials

Let’s start by considering building and design materials. “Green” materials are materials collected using

sustainable practices and refined using processes that don’t use or produce toxins or pollutants. You can

incorporate green materials in your design plans in furniture, paint, wallpaper, textiles, decor and more.

Some companies advertise their products using terms such as “natural,” “green” or “eco-friendly.” These terms

are unregulated. This means that a “green” product does not have to meet any specific criteria or pass any

certification to be marketed as “green.” Some companies target eco-conscious customers by advertising their

products as “green” even if they are not made by using sustainable materials or practices.

GREEN DESIGN 3
 Instead of relying on these generic and unregulated terms, you should look for products with environmental

certifications, stamps of approval and designations. Most these labels can only be used if manufacturers achieve

the environmental standards set by a third-party regulatory body. The standards often encompass health concerns,

sustainable energy use, sustainable resource practices and lifecycle considerations. Some of the certifications

that may be relevant to you as an interior decorator include:

• ENERGY STAR: Designates energy-efficient appliances such as fridges, stoves, washing machines and dryers.

These appliances cut down on your clients’ energy consumption and result in lower utility bills.

• FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (FSC) CERTIFIED LUMBER: Designates wood and wood-based products

(including paper) from sustainable forestry practices and recycled sources.

• PROCESSED CHLORINE FREE (PCF): Designates paper products that do not use pulp from old-growth

forests or chlorine in processing. PFC products also require a minimum level of recycled material.

• GREEN SEAL: Designates a wide range of products, including cleaning products and paints, that are

biodegradable and do not contain harmful ingredients such as phthalates.

• GREENGUARD: Designates building materials and furniture that promote good indoor air quality and do

not leak harmful chemicals into indoor environments.

• ECOLOGO: Designates a wide range of materials and products that meet set standards for a reduced

environmental impact.

• CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE (CRI) GREEN LABEL PLUS: Designates carpeting and rugs that met set

standards for promoting good indoor air quality.

• CRADLE TO CRADLE: Designates products that have been tested to meet set standards for health and

sustainable environmental practices.

• GREEN SQUARED: Designates tiles and tile installation products that met set standards for environmentally

sustainable materials and production.

These are just a few of the many environmental certifications available to companies that sell building materials

or produce finished products. You can find many more certifications that are product- or region-specific. All

certifications should have a website that tells you who manages the certification program, what standards it

enforces and how products and companies can become certified.

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Lifecycle Analysis
Many of the certifications listed above evaluate the sustainability of a product’s “lifecycle.” This analysis

is sometimes also referred to as a “cradle-to-grave” analysis because it evaluates every stage of a product’s

creation. At the “cradle” stage, this type of analysis considers a product’s raw materials, including how they

were gathered, processed, assembled and transported. At the “grave” stage it considers what will happen to

this product when it has reached the end of its useful life. Will it sit in a landfill? Is it composed of biodegradable

materials or materials that can be effectively reused?

The most environmentally friendly products have a “cradle-to-cradle” lifecycle. This means that once a product

has reached the end of its useful life it will either decompose or be reused and recycled.

GREEN DESIGN 5
 Materials to Avoid
Historically, testing processes for the health, safety and environmental impacts of building materials have not

always been sound. Over time scientific knowledge about the impact of harmful materials has grown. For

example, asbestos used to have many applications as a building material but is now known to be carcinogenic

under certain circumstances and is no longer used. Some of these materials are still used in products today, so

you should try to avoid them when possible.

Volatile Organic Compounds

A number of different materials emit gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases have

impacts on indoor air quality, human health and the environment. Minor VOC-related health problems include

nausea, dizziness, eye irritation and respiratory problems. However, research has also linked VOCs to heart,

lung and kidney damage. Some of the compounds contained in VOCs are also classified as carcinogens. At the

environmental level, VOCs contribute to smog and add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

In the home, the most common sources of VOCs are paints, solvents, glues, cements, cleaners, upholstery,

carpets and some wood products. Some of the environmental certifications listed earlier designate low-VOC-

emission products, such as the CRI Green Label Plus for carpets and rugs.

In the interest of maintaining good air quality and reducing health risks, you should limit the use of products

containing VOCs in your client’s home. A low “background level” of VOC emission is unavoidable, but reduced

VOC emissions are always in your client’s best interests. General concern over VOCs has led to products with

lowered VOC emissions in addition to environmentally friendly products that avoid VOCs altogether.

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Hazardous Paints
Paint is a staple for every interior decorator—but opening a new can of paint releases hazardous chemicals into

the air, including VOCs. As paint dries it continues to release these chemicals. Many popular paint suppliers such

as Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore now produce low emission paints or even paints that are VOC-free.

These paints are equal in quality, strength and durability to older paints but have a reduced impact on indoor air

quality, occupant health and the environment.

However, be sure to read the fine print on paints that claim to be low- or no-VOC. Some paint companies claim

that their paints are low- or no-VOC but fail to mention that this is only true before the colorant is added. This

means that the paint is only low VOC if you are painting everything white. One of the best eco-friendly paints is

Benjamin Moore’s Natura line. Even its colored paints are genuinely VOC free. Other paint retailers offering low-

or no-emission paints include Home Depot’s Behr Premium Plus and Sherwin-Williams’ Harmony line.

Regardless of the type of paint you are using and its VOC level, rooms should always be well-ventilated during

painting. Open the windows, use screen doors, turn on the furnace fan and do anything else you can to keep fresh

air flowing through the home. You should also minimize the amount of soft materials present nearby during and

shortly after painting. Upholstered couches and chairs, cushions, pillows, blankets, rugs and other soft materials

can absorb VOCs during the painting process and gradually release them into the air.

VOCs are harmful to outdoor environments as well as indoor air quality, so you should always use safe methods

to dispose of excess paint. Firstly, minimize excess paint. Leftover cans could be used to paint furniture and

decor elsewhere in the home. Leftover paint can also be donated to a charity such as Habitat for Humanity. Most

communities now have paint recycling programs or offer dates when paint and other hazardous materials can

be dropped off for safe disposal. Additionally, many retailers now offer store take-back policies for excess paint.

If you have to store paint until disposal, ensure all containers are tightly sealed. Store them in a cool, dry place

with good ventilation.

GREEN DESIGN 7
 Hazardous Carpeting
The backings and adhesives used in carpeting can also emit VOCs. These materials tend to release VOCs slowly,

sometimes taking up to a full year to emit pollutants. Additionally, carpets are often composed of synthetic materials

that are not biodegradable or reusable. When old carpeting is torn up it is left to sit in landfills, which poses an

environmental hazard. Carpeting is also known to harbor hazardous bacteria. Carpets trap dirt, dust and pollen that

are tracked into the home. Stepping on the carpet releases trapped allergens and dust into the air.

Carpeting made from natural fibers is much less likely to emit high levels of VOCs than synthetic carpeting, in

addition to which it is composed of renewable resources. Wool, cotton and seagrass are all natural fibers that may

be used in carpeting. Carpeting with the CRI Green Label Plus discussed earlier also has low VOC emission levels.

In general, carpet installation is less common than it was in recent decades. Many clients consider carpeting dated,

dirty or high maintenance. Other flooring options are often cleaner, more modern and more environmentally friendly.

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Designing with Wood
Wood and paper are two of the easiest and most efficient renewable materials to use in interior decorating.

These materials have long been selected for their usefulness, easy availability and aesthetic appeal. Wood and

paper products commonly appear in flooring, cabinetry, furniture, decor, walls and countertops.

Designers and decorators invested in green design principles have a responsibility to ensure that all the wood

and paper products used in their work come from responsibly managed forests that use sustainable forestry

practices. To ensure you are purchasing wood and wood-based products from an environmentally responsible

supplier look for FSC Certified Lumber.

GREEN DESIGN 9
 Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood has also become increasingly popular in the design world. Reclaimed wood is lumber that has

been repurposed from a prior use. For instance, many modern design and decorating pieces make use of wood

taken from sources such as old barns, warehouses, ships and wine casks. In addition to being an environmentally

friendly alternative to new wood, reclaimed wood also has a uniquely aged character and appearance that many

people find appealing. Reclaimed wood is sometimes the only way to access the lumber of old-growth trees that

now have restrictions on their harvesting. High-quality suppliers will kiln-dry reclaimed wood before selling it.

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Treated and Processed Wood
Some environmentally conscious clients prefer wood over plastics and synthetic materials simply because it is

a “natural” product. However, some wood products can actually contribute to poor air quality, health hazards

and environmental damage. Plain, solid wood without a varnish obviously contains no artificial pollutants or

hazardous chemicals. However, other woods and wood products are treated or processed in ways that can have

an environmental impact and can present potential health hazards.

For instance, medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a common wood product chosen for its low price point and

high availability. MDF is made from wood fibers that are fused together with heat, pressure and resins. Some of

the resins used in the process contained formaldehyde, a toxin linked to both minor and major health issues.

The process of cutting MDF releases some of the formaldehyde into the air. This introduces toxins into the

environment and reduces air quality. Existing MDF in a client’s home is not a major concern, as most of the

chemic off-gassing occurs during the cutting process.

GREEN DESIGN 11
 Reusing and Recycling Old Materials
Everyone knows the old adage “reduce, reuse, recycle,” but not everyone considers it in relation to their

home decor. An effective design professional is able to work with products and pieces already in the home by

repurposing them or using them in new ways. This creates less waste and saves money for your clients.

When you’re evaluating a client’s home, look for opportunities to reuse or repurpose existing furniture and decor.

Look for:

• Old wood pieces that can be painted, stained or varnished

• Old glass or porcelain that can be broken up for mosaics or tiling

• Old furniture that can be reupholstered

• Old textiles that can be repurposed as blankets, pillows or other decor pieces

• Vintage pieces that can be updated or repurposed

Your client doesn’t have to repurpose or reuse old materials herself. If she is ready to pass on old furniture, decor,

textiles or materials, encourage her to consider selling or donating these items. Pieces can easily be donated to

charities, non-profit organizations, schools and other groups. Garage sales and online classified sites allow your

client to earn back some money for her used goods.

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Indoor Air
Quality
Most people spend much of their time indoors, which

makes good indoor air quality essential for creating

a healthy indoor environment. However, many

household products, substances and materials emit

chemicals and compounds that pollute indoor air.

These include:

• Pressed wood products such as MDF

• Damp carpets

• New carpeting

• Pesticides

• Household cleaners

• Air fresheners

• Paints

• Mold

• Smoke

GREEN DESIGN 13
 Sick Building Syndrome
The toxins released by common household products and substances can contribute to what is known as “sick

building syndrome” (SBS). SBS involves the appearances of illness-like symptoms and acute health problems

that are linked to the time a person spends in a particular building. Occupants may experience symptoms such

as headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, cold-like symptoms and dizziness, or they may just feel generally

unwell. Often, these symptoms will lessen or disappear when the person spends time away from the building.

Poor air quality is a major factor in SBS.

Some factors relating to poor air quality and SBS are structural in nature. For instance, mold is a major health

hazard that usually develops in areas with leaks, poor drainage or poor ventilation. However, other factors are

easy to remedy in your role as a decorator.

Designing with Plants

Potted indoor plants have long been popular decor pieces. They add color and a touch of the outdoors to

any room in the home. Many people also incorporate plants into their homes because they believe plants can

improve indoor air quality by filtering pollutants from the air. This belief is largely based on a study conducted by

NASA in the 1980s that tested which plants acted as the best and most efficient air purifiers. However, the plants

used in the study were potted in activated carbon, which filters and reduces pollutants itself. In general, the air

filtration properties of a few houseplants potted in regular soil are too minimal to make a difference to indoor air

quality. Houseplants should be used for their decorative appeal above all else.

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Living Walls
A “living wall” is a vertical plant arrangement that covers an entire wall or a section of a wall with greenery. Living

walls come in tray or panel systems that are installed directly into walls, in addition to freestanding systems that

sit up against walls or stand as room dividers. Hydroponic irrigation systems keep them alive and growing.

Living walls have become popular features in many contemporary-style homes. They can be designed to create

custom patterns or they can be grown from scratch. You can easily find kits to start a living wall from scratch

without too much expense or difficulty. These lush features provide beauty, insulation and may have sufficient

biomass to provide some air filtration.

GREEN DESIGN 15
 Household Cleaning Agents
Many of our everyday cleaning agents contain chemicals that are bad for the environment and for our health.

Household cleaning product ingredients with potential health hazards may include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, ingredients in many soap products such as shampoo and

dish soap. These ingredients can be harsh enough to irritate skin. The “laureth” version can be contaminated

with 1,4-dioxane, a suspected carcinogen, if it is poorly manufactured.

• Sodium xylenesulfonate, an ingredient in household cleaners that can cause irritation to the lungs, skin and

eyes. If ingested it can also be toxic to the liver.

• Sodium carbonate, an ingredient in cleaners that is linked to respiratory irritation and respiratory problems.

It can also cause blisters on the skin and is corrosive to the eyes.

• Sodium hydroxide, an ingredient in drain openers and heavy-duty cleaners that can cause skin and respiratory

irritation. Direct skin contact can cause severe chemical burns.

• Sodium hypochlorite, an ingredient in household bleach that is damaging to skin and eyes. It produces

chlorine gas if mixed with acid and chloramine gas if mixed with ammonia, both of which are toxic. Never

mix cleaning products!

• Butane, an ingredient in many aerosol products that can cause a rapid displacement of oxygen if inhaled

directly.

• Phthalates, ingredients in scented products including dish soap, air fresheners and scented cleaners. Some

studies link phthalates to hormone disruption.

• Perchloroethylene, an ingredient in some carpet and upholstery cleaners that is suspected to be a possible

carcinogen.

• Triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds, ingredients in antibacterial soaps and cleaners.

Antibacterial products have no proven health benefits but may be linked to the development of microbes

resistant to cleaners and antibiotics. Triclosan is also toxic to algae, making it an environmental hazard.

• 2-butoxyethanol, an ingredient in window cleaners and multipurpose cleaners that can be an irritant to skin

and lungs.

• Ammonia, an ingredient in some surface and glass cleaners that can cause respiratory irritation.

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Note that research surrounding the health effects of many of these ingredients is inconclusive. Most of these

products don’t pose severe health hazards unless they are directly inhaled or ingested. However, the long-term

effects of many of these ingredients are still being studied. Additionally, many of these ingredients are washed

down drains and can have severe environmental impacts on lakes, rivers and soil. Avoiding these ingredients may

help clients who are trying to improve indoor air quality. It will certainly create a safer environment for clients with

curious young children or pets.

GREEN DESIGN 17
 Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products
General concern over harsh chemical cleaners has created a growing market for natural and environmentally

friendly products. Again, be wary of products that are advertised as “green” or “eco-friendly.” Look for

certifications and read ingredient lists to confirm these claims. Some popular brands of environmentally friendly

household cleaners include Ecos, Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers and Biokleen. These brands offer a wide

range of products, including personal care products and baby products.

Many cleaning solutions can be quickly made up out of common household products. These solutions are cost-

effective, simple and environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial cleaners. A basic cleaning solution

composed of vinegar, lemon juice and water is often effective for cleaning surfaces and deodorizing, while

baking soda also has a number of uses around the home as a cleaner.

Homeowners who rely on septic tanks and tile beds for sewage disposal need to be particularly careful with

cleaning products since a healthy bacterial culture must be maintained in the tank for these systems to work

properly. People living near lakes or rivers need to use detergents that are low in phosphates, which are harmful

to lake and river ecosystems if flushed. In addition, all home owners need to consider carefully the negative

impacts of water softening systems, which raise chloride levels in sewers and ultimately in rivers. In short, being

environmentally conscious is good for both homeowners and for the community at large.

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The Green
Home
Every room in the house poses unique design and

decorating challenges. This goes for green design

as well. In addition to looking for energy-efficient

appliances and sustainably sourced and processed

materials, you should also consider the distance a

product has to travel to reach you. Local products

cut down on the energy required for transportation,

making them a greener option than imported goods.

GREEN DESIGN 19
 Bedrooms
Many bedding materials are made from synthetic fabrics that usually come from non-renewable resources.

Alternative bedding options are better for the environment, and some can be better for your client’s health as well.

For instance, duvets made of down, feather, camel hair, organic wool or organic cotton rarely go through chemical

processes. These materials are also excellent insulators, allowing your clients to lower the temperature in their

homes at night. Similarly, look for linens and bedding that have been certified by the Global Organic Textile

Standard (GOTS).

You should also consider material when your client purchases a new bedframe or other furniture for the bedroom.

Bamboo is an excellent hardwood material for bedframes and bedroom furniture because it is a natural renewable

resource. It has become a particularly popular material in green design because it grows so fast, unlike other

woods that take many years to grow to maturity.

For many clients, creating green nurseries and children’s rooms is a top priority. Parents worry about exposing

their newborns to harsh chemicals. Plus, infants and toddlers have a tendency to put anything within reach into

their mouths. Remember that very old painted furniture pieces may be coated with lead-based paints which

are toxic if ingested. In addition to environmentally friendly and non-hazardous furniture, textiles and paint,

evaluate the materials used in any toys or decor you add to a nursery or child’s room. If you are responsible for

recommending a crib, be sure that it meets up-to-date certification by health authorities. Standards for cribs are

being upgraded fairly steadily, so you may not be able to simply reuse an old crib.

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Bathrooms
Bathrooms are usually the worst rooms in the home for wasteful use of water. Showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets

are all necessary features, but you can help your client cut down on the water and energy these fixtures consume.

Faucet aerators are an easy and inexpensive way to reduce the amount of wasted water from your client’s faucets.

They reduce the flow of water. This cuts down on water consumption but it also reduces the amount of water

that needs to be heated, cutting down on energy consumption as well. Turning down the thermostat on your

client’s hot water tank will also cut down on energy consumption. 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius)

is usually an appropriate temperature. In most home approximately fifteen percent of the household energy bill

goes towards heating water, so these are good ways to help your client cut her energy costs.

Other fixtures are available with water-saving features as well. For instance you can purchase a number of different

high-efficiency showerheads that cut down on the amount of water used during a shower. Some models can save

up to fifteen to twenty gallons of water per shower. Toilets with flush options that vary water usage are also popular

and inexpensive fixtures. Many municipalities encourage “low flush” toilets and may even subsidize them.

Bathroom drains can be another environmental problem. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners and surface cleaners all

flow down the drain and can pollute rivers, lakes and groundwater. Additionally, many people use harsh chemical

solvents to unclog plugged drains. A grated drain cover can help prevent blockages. Drain “snakes” can remove

debris from clogged drains, while a home solution of baking soda and vinegar followed by boiling water is often

an effective remedy for blocked pipes.

Natural fabric shower curtains or glass shower doors are also good bathroom additions. They can easily be

washed and cleaned to remove mildew and soap scum. Vinyl shower curtains are made from non-renewable

resources and are often difficult to clean effectively. Towels and other bathroom linens are also environmental

considerations. As in the bedroom you can look for towels made from natural organic fibers such as cotton,

bamboo and hemp.

GREEN DESIGN 21
 Kitchens
Faucet aerators and water-efficient taps are also options for kitchen sinks. If your client is purchasing new

appliances you should look for energy-efficient models. Even if the upfront investment is high, lowered energy

costs will allow your client to save money down the road. This is especially important for clients who want

commercial-style ranges or fridges in their homes. The size and power of these appliances means they use more

energy than standard models to begin with.

Fridges with the freezer on the bottom can use fifteen percent less energy than fridges with the freezer on

the top. Similarly, choosing a model without a built-in icemaker can reduce a fridge’s energy use by fifteen to

twenty percent. Setting the fridge to 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit (around 3-4 degrees Celsius) reduces the energy

required to run it while still keeping food cold. Adding a small toaster oven to your client’s kitchen can also save

energy. It can easily cook basic one-person meals or reheat leftovers and uses less energy than a full-size oven.

You also have an increasing range of environmentally friendly materials to use for kitchen surfaces and cabinetry.

Recycled glass is a popular countertop material in homes in contemporary-style kitchens. Recycled paper

countertops are another option. These countertops are bound together with resin that has a low VOC emission

rate. They are hard, durable, heat-resistant and easy to clean. Wood butcher block and stone countertops are

other options, but they will need to be sealed. Look for sealants with low VOC emissions and minimal odor.

As for cabinetry, bamboo and recycled or reclaimed wood are both environmentally friendly materials that are

easily customized. Alternatively, you can easily refinish old cabinetry to create a new look. Cabinetry is expensive,

so this is a good cost-effective option. If your client is putting in new cabinets, make sure the old cabinetry is

donated to a charity or environmental organization.

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Laundry Rooms
Laundry consumes a lot of energy and water. Harmful ingredients found in many laundry detergents, fabric

softeners and dryer sheets also contribute to the laundry room’s poor environmental footprint.

As with the kitchen, look for high-efficiency washers and dryers that will reduce energy and water consumption.

Front-loading washers use less water and energy than old top-loading models. Your client can also use cold-

wash settings to reduce the washer’s energy usage. Dryers use large amounts of energy, so clotheslines and

freestanding dryer racks are also good options for reducing energy usage and electricity costs.

You can also consider installing a gray water system. These systems recover water from fixtures such as the bath,

shower and washing machine. They reuse this water for other purposes including lawn care, toilets or exterior

hoses. This recovers some of the water and cuts down on bills. However, installing a gray water system is a major

renovation project.

GREEN DESIGN 23
 Flooring
Aside from carpet, common home flooring materials include ceramic tiles, stone tiles, vinyl flooring and

hardwood. Vinyl and ceramic or stone tiles are popular options for kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl is easy to

maintain, but it is also one of the least environmentally friendly options available. Installing vinyl flooring uses

a number of adhesives that can affect indoor air quality. It is also a plastic, meaning it is composed of non-

renewable resources. Ceramic tiles tend to be naturally derived, but their production usually involves fire-baking

in a kiln that uses a significant amount of energy.

Bamboo flooring has become an increasingly popular environmental choice. It is highly sustainable, easy to

install and easy to maintain. Cork flooring is another environmentally friendly option. It has some resistance to

mold and mildew, which can help maintain good air quality in your client’s home. It is also comfortable to stand

on for long periods while cooking or washing dishes.

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LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) is a third-party certification. LEED

recognizes sustainable practices in water and energy consumption. It encourages

the selection of eco-friendly materials and the promotion of good indoor air quality.

LEED certifies commercial buildings, residential buildings and individual designers

through a system of credits achieved in the categories mentioned above.

You may wish to consider taking the exam to become a LEED Green Associate.

This is the first tier of LEED certification. It is targeted to non-technical design

professionals including interior decorators. It is also required for pursuing higher

levels of LEED certification. For more information on LEED and its requirements,

qualifications, benefits, programs and workshops, visit the website for the Green

Building Council. Be sure to visit your own national website. Canada and the United

States have different LEED requirements and processes.

• CANADA: WWW.CAGBC.CA

• UNITED STATES: WWW.USGBC.ORG

All design professionals are eligible to obtain LEED certification. No previous

green and sustainable design experience is required. However, you should have

an understanding of the green design industry and of how LEED and its processes

function. You can easily find information online regarding available workshops,

reference and resource guides and the process for joining your local Green Building

Council chapter.

GREEN DESIGN 25
 Closing
Thoughts
Green design is an exciting and rewarding concept you can introduce to your

clients. An increasing number of homeowners are interested in pursuing green

design to cut down on their environmental footprints, improve their health and

wellbeing and reduce utility costs. Your knowledge of green design principles will

allow you to help your clients achieve green homes and to select environmentally

responsible products and materials in all your projects.

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DESIGN
SCHOOL