Karla's Bonanza

It’s been a little quiet around the Bonanza lately…. sorry ’bout that, I’ve been up to my ears in studying for my LEED exam. For those of you who don’t know, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental design. It’s an internationally recognized certification system for green building. Buildings become LEED certified (or earn silver, gold, platinum ranking), and people get accredited.

I decided to pursue accreditation because I work in real estate, and because I’m interested in the impact that careful design can have on environmental outcomes.

Anyhow, yesterday I took (and passed) the 2 hour test. I studied my butt off! I was incredibly nervous because I heard that the pass rate was really low… But I did it, and am SO relieved that it’s over.

Interestingly, my sister and husband both work in LEED buildings (the photo is of my sister in her LEED platinum office building in Victoria B.C.). So I’ll wrap this post up with some highlights of their observations about living la vida LEED:

• The temperature is always perfect, windows can be opened for fresh air
• No more drooling over an office: offices are clustered around the core of the building, and cubicles are set around the perimeter to maximize daylighting (and sick views!)
• Energy is harvested from solar panels and a wind turbine
• Extensive recycling/composting
• Cool touches like counters made from wood salvaged from the ocean floor

And probably my favorite feature:

• Signs advise that the toilet water isn’t suitable for drinking

* ALSO: Please remember to enter to win a free pashmina scarf: all you have to do is tell me something that you’ve acquired second hand!