One of the biggest movements in building is toward green and energy efficient premises that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) goals. Part of this program, which provides credits and various project certification rating categories, includes lighting and energy efficient building operations.
Does security have a part in this green movement? Â You bet!
If you’re not familiar, the LEED program is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington, D.C., see www.usgbc.org. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ promotes the use and adoption of sustainable green building and development and it’s based on overall building performance. It’s definitely the future.  Overall, LEED buildings lower operating costs and increase value. They also have less impact on the environment and use fewer natural resources, cradle to grave.
Green building is shaping the future of smart and intelligent building and is the place to be, especially for an integrated systems expert.
For example, sensors can control doors and HVAC and cameras and lighting and more and soon will all be tied into earning credits for LEED. LEED is flexible and structured as such that products and services meet various categories of sustainability.
Maybe the security industry should be pursuing green building more and working with USGBC on further recognition of its products. Talk it up to USGBC. For example, wireless doesn’t require trenching so there is less digging and disturbing existing infrastructures. Proximity can be used not only to gain access, but shut down occupancy sensors after a preset time in which it is recognized that the person or occupant is no longer in the building.  Automated controls can open shades and draperies when daylighting is present, putting less strain on electricity and lighting. Did you know that the lion’s share of facilities costs are from lighting, and further, that lighting may even increase the heat in the building, causing further use of air conditioning?
Look at the big picture. Security products and integrated and automated controls have so many fits. Try it on for size and get on board the green building movement. --Deborah L. O'Mara, editor, Security Dealer & Integrator
