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Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED)

by NFC Amenity Management

As more companies make a concerted effort to revolutionize their buildings through energy-efficient and environmentally friendly strategies, the U.S. Green Building Council has met the demand for green technology through the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification system. Since 1993, LEED has provided green technology certification to a variety of groups, ranging from nonprofit organizations to government agencies. Architects, engineers, and construction workers also turn to LEED for assistance in creating environmentally safe and energy-efficient buildings.

LEED addresses eight crucial areas in the certification process. In order to determine where a building ranks on the rating scale, LEED considers the location of the site, its capacity for sustainability, its water efficiency, its energy and atmosphere, the materials and resources used for construction and maintenance, its indoor environmental quality, its innovation and design, and its regional priority. A recent analysis of 60 LEED certified buildings showed that in the past 10 years, the average building has become 25 to 30 percent more energy efficient through innovative technologies that lead to better ventilation and temperature control, reduced indoor air pollution, and lighting control.

In addition to certifying buildings as green, LEED also recognizes those who go above and beyond the minimal standards by granting Silver, Gold, and Platinum certifications. Since LEED remains a voluntary program, companies and individuals who want consideration for the certification must register and pay certain fees, which help to ensure that the participants are fully committed to renovating their buildings. Many state and federal governments have taken steps to motivate building owners to pursue LEED certification. Some cities offer property tax exemptions for commercial or residential properties that earn a minimum ranking, while others eliminated taxes on the materials used to create a green building. Other incentives include reduced cost or free technical assistance and construction grants.

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Popular Types of Yoga

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by NFC Amenity Management

NFC Amenity Management can help your facility develop comprehensive health and wellness programs, ranging from the design and staffing of your fitness center to the creation of health, beauty, and wellness programs. NFC Amenity Management can also help you build a yoga program for your patrons. Below are some of the most common types of yoga. Most types of yoga practiced in the United States are based on Hatha yoga, a style that emphasizes slow, gentle movements and breathing. Hatha yoga is a good fit for beginners and for a general yoga program that will appeal to a broad range of people. The high-heat, high-humidity Bikram style can also be appropriate for beginners, as it does not require very challenging positions. The extreme environment can pose some hazards for individuals in poor health, so it is not suitable in all cases. However, Bikram yoga is gaining in popularity, which can make it an attractive option for a fitness center. For physically fit individuals who are looking for a more rigorous workout, Ashtanga yoga improves strength and stamina. Ashtanga yoga also features vigorous jumping and rapid changing of postures. Another active style, Vinyasa yoga, is best suited to individuals that do not like to follow routines. Both of these types can be used to attract more advanced practitioners to your facility. Finally, Iyengar yoga uses props such as blocks or other items to assist in achieving certain positions. The accurate achievement of each pose is the focus in this style of yoga. Less intense than many other styles, Iyengar yoga has proven popular for people who are less fit or who have sustained an injury. There are many other styles of yoga in practice, and each has particular advantages and drawbacks. Contact NFC Amenity Management for advice on building a yoga studio that best suits your patrons' needs.