LEED Has Buildings Going Green

As global population continues to rise, efforts to lessen the impact we have on the Earth’s environment are growing. Strategies that aim to achieve sustainable use of natural resources are a hopeful effort to foster environmental health.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry, has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to cultivate sustainable site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability and quality of life. The LEED program provides the building industry with consistent, credible standards for what constitutes a green building. The architecture, construction, infrastructure and the internal and external environments created by new buildings are assessed to determine a level of LEED certification; basic, silver gold or platinum.

Several research studies provide evidence that LEED-certified buildings have reduced operating costs, provides healthier and more productive occupants, and conserve natural resources. A growing number of states offer tax credits or abatements for developing LEED buildings while many more now require that state and municipal buildings be constructed using LEED standards. Likewise numerous federal agencies now mandate LEED standards be used in agency construction and renovation projects. Many public state universities have committed to using LEED standards for new construction as have a host of national and multi-national businesses.

LEED provides tools for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward sustainable design and the LEED certification process. USGBC offers several education options
and awards accreditation upon successful completion. Accreditation strengthens competitiveness when responding to RFPs requiring
LEED standards.

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