LEED
LEED is a voluntary program meant to objectively measure how sustainable a building is.
The LEED standards are maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit, non-governmental, membership-based organization. While participation in LEED is voluntary, the program owes some of its growth to municipal and state ordinances that have mandated it for public buildings and have offered incentives for private buildings.
LEED
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building
Feature Article
We’re at a tipping point in insulation, flooring, textiles, and other product categories. Here’s what to spec and what to avoid.
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LEED v4 Tips from Early Adopters: Earn High Ratings Without Added Costs
Feature Article
You can avoid lower LEED v4 scores and keep costs in check. Here’s how—including the pitfalls you need to watch out for.
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New Concepts in LEED v4
Feature Article
Past versions of LEED have helped make FSC and other concepts practically household terms. Where is LEED v4 taking the green building conversation next?
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Energy-Efficient Multifamily Housing
Feature Article
Now you can get LEED, Energy Star, and other labels for designing or retrofitting high-performance multifamily buildings.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Explainer
Even if you buy into a solar farm or host an array, someone else can claim the benefits. Here’s how to get what you expect.
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Owner’s Project Requirements: What It Is, What It Could Be
Explainer
Clients, designers, and commissioning agents don’t always get what they need out of the OPR. Some teams are trying to change that.
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Green Chemistry Meets Green Building
Explainer
What is green chemistry, and how does it fit into LEED? We explain the relationship—and some tensions.
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Post-Occupancy Evaluations: Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Explainer
POEs tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your buildings. Don't be afraid to ask.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Green Seal’s LEED-Compliant GS-11 Paint Standard is Back
News Brief
Green Seal’s GS-11 Paint certification has been updated and can now be used to earn points in LEED v4.1.
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New Leadership, New Strategy for U.S. Green Building Council
News Brief
With the departure of Mahesh Ramanujam, Peter Templeton, a former USGBC and GBCI executive, will steer the organizations through a strategic review as interim CEO and president.
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A Review of Healthy Building Rating Systems
News Analysis
WELL or Fitwel? Or just LEED? Here’s how to decide on a rating system for occupant health.
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The Future of LEED Will Be Positive
News Brief
With LEED Positive, the LEED rating systems will move into the territory of regenerative design.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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LEED Finally Lives Up to Its Promise
Op-Ed
The 4.1 version of LEED’s design and construction rating systems is outstanding. Is it too late?
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The Sustainable Spec Language You Should Be Using
Blog Post
Selecting the greenest products doesn’t do any good unless strong specifications support your choices. Here’s some language you can use.
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An Embarrassment of Riches: Products and Materials at Greenbuild 2017
Blog Post
A new focus on embodied carbon and LEED v4 are driving designers to dive deep into what we choose for our buildings
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FSC, LEED, and the Price of Perfectionism
Op-Ed
A hard line against industry-sponsored alternatives to FSC certification in the past may have unfortunate outcomes for the world’s forests.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Leveraging LEED Design Strategies for WELL
Webcast
Leveraging LEED Design Strategies for WELL on-demand webcast
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LEED 101: A Syllabus Supplement for Green Building Coursework
Syllabus Supplement
This syllabus supplement provides professors and students with content on LEED from BuildingGreen, LEEDuser, and other relevant resources.
