U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc. recently earned “Accredited Professional” status under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, also known as LEED or “green building” standards.

Larry Hoganson, AIA, an architect with UPEA earned Accredited Professional status after passing an exam given by the U.S. Green Building Council. Hoganson serves clients throughout UPEA’s service area.

The Green Building Council offers accreditation based upon design criteria that encourage sustainable design and construction. “LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the integrated design and LEED certification process,” according to the council. “LEED Accredited Professionals  have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes.”

“UPEA has been designing commercial and residential buildings for years using sustainable design principles that are eligible for certification under the LEED process,” said Ken Dillinger, P.E., president of UPEA. “Having accredited staff is a bonus for those clients who wish to complete the certification process. LEED is an affirmation of what our company has long been a proponent of: buildings should be designed for the northern climate because it saves owners money and resources over the life of the structure, as well as improves comfort and livability.”

The LEED certification process does have some initial cost to an owner, Hoganson said, “but the pay-back over time more than compensates by increasing the value of a building, its marketability, or by instituting design features known to increase employee or customer satisfaction.”

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, a building designed and constructed using the criteria will reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon impacts on the environment, and reduce water usage.

Healthcare, education, and state and federal governmental agencies are moving toward sustainable design and construction practices more so now than ever before. UPEA recently completed an administrative office for the Michigan Department of Transportation in Gaylord , Michigan that was designed and constructed to meet LEED certification criteria.