LEED Design

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED evaluates energy use, water efficiency, indoor air quality, and materials to minimize environmental impact. Buildings and homes that have this certification feature energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and healthier indoor environments. They reduce utility costs, lower carbon footprints, and promote smart growth.

LEED-certified materials include rapidly renewable resources like bamboo, plant-based alternatives such as hempcrete, and innovative recycled materials.
Bamboo is a popular choice for flooring, siding, and cladding. It grows quickly without harmful chemicals and has a lower environmental impact than traditional hardwoods.
Hempcrete, a mix of hemp fibers and lime, provides excellent thermal insulation and moisture control, making it ideal for humid climates. While not load-bearing, it contributes to energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
LEED also recognizes recycled plastics, polycarbonate, and biodegradable plastics for their sustainability benefits. By incorporating these materials, LEED-certified buildings reduce environmental impact while enhancing performance, durability, and occupant well-being.

The Empire State Building, one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, is also a leader in sustainability. In 2011, it achieved Gold certification for its energy-efficient retrofit, making it one of the largest buildings to earn this prestigious recognition.
Through a $550 million renovation, the building underwent significant upgrades, including installing energy-efficient windows, advanced insulation, and an improved HVAC system, reducing energy consumption by nearly 40%.
These efforts lowered operational costs set a new standard for sustainable retrofitting in historic buildings. The Empire State Building’s LEED certification highlights how even the most historic landmarks can embrace modern sustainability without compromising their architectural legacy.

Set along Lake Tahoe’s stunning shores, The Lodge at Edgewood blends luxury with sustainability. A Silver-certified Lodge that opened in 2017 features eco-friendly innovations like a lake-sourced cooling system, locally sourced materials and significant efficiencies through engineering and landscape design to reduce water usage.

The principal idea that surrounds these initiatives is to be stewards of the land, guardians of the Lake and solid corporate citizens of the community. According to Edgewood Tahoe, “With every move we make, our number one focus is always on minimizing our environmental footprint and keeping this pristine area just as pristine for those who come after us, as it was for those who came before us.”

Heritage Estate Distillery in Minden is the first estate distillery in the U.S. to achieve a Gold certification. Housed in restored century-old buildings, including a historic flour mill and creamery, the distillery embraces old and new techniques for producing vodka, gin, whiskey, and liqueurs.

The complex was completely renovated using the original materials. While simple sounding, the project took five years to renovate and meant that some structural pieces of the building had to be removed or rebuilt to fully update mechanical, electrical, support, and plumbing systems. The original roof had to be removed and then put back on, piece by piece. Other original materials that were preserved or reused included bricks, timber, railroad ties, rail line, steel elements of the silos, and roof trusses.​ In addition to being LEED-certified, the project was awarded the American Institute of Architects Honor (AIA) in 2019. Both the Mill and Creamery sit on the National Register of Historic Places.

Whether the Empire State Building’s energy-efficient retrofit, Edgewood Tahoe’s eco-conscious luxury, or Bently Heritage Distillery’s preservation of historic structures, each proves that green building practices can enhance both function and beauty. These spaces set a high standard for environmentally responsible development, inspiring a future where innovation and conservation go hand in hand.