OVERVIEW
The LEED Rating Systems make up a voluntary program meant to objectively measure how sustainable a building is in several key areas:
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impact on site and location
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water efficiency
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energy efficiency
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material selection
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indoor environmental quality
The system also encourages innovation.
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.
IN-DEPTH
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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
September 6, 2017Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Protect Your Spec: 14 Strategies
July 6, 2016Feature Article
You’ve selected the ideal materials for your project: now get them into the building.
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The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building
June 6, 2016Feature 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
January 4, 2016Feature 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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Finding Products for LEED v4-A Guide
September 3, 2013Feature Article
That complicated new Materials and Resources section of LEED v4 that we debated for years? It's here. Are you ready?
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BuildingGreen’s Guide to Products for LEED Projects
June 20, 2016Product Guide
The products in the collections listed here contribute to the requirements of key LEED credits.
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New Concepts in LEED v4
October 2, 2012Feature 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
June 29, 2011Feature Article
Now you can get LEED, Energy Star, and other labels for designing or retrofitting high-performance multifamily buildings.
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Measuring Energy Use in Buildings: Do Our Metrics Really Add Up?
April 29, 2011Feature Article
How much energy our buildings use matters a great deal, but figuring out how to measure that use and compare it from building to building is tricky. Here's a guide to key metrics and how to use them.
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Your Guide to the New Draft of LEED
November 8, 2010Feature Article
USGBC is accepting comments on what will become LEED in 2012-EBN walks you through key changes as they appear in the current draft.
