LEED
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.
LEED
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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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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Standard 189.1 Inches Toward LEED in New Revision
News Brief
The 2014 version of the Green Building Standard responds to updates in Standard 90.1 and shows glimpses of future harmonization with LEED and IgCC.
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Chemical Industry, USGBC Announce Ceasefire
News Analysis
After years of anti-LEED lobbying, the American Chemistry Council says it wants to work to make LEED better.
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Attacks on LEED Continue in House Spending Bill
News Analysis
Some lawmakers want government agencies to justify green building and change how they use certifications like LEED and Green Globes.
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One Standard to Rule Them All: LEED, IgCC, 189.1 to Be Parts of Single System
News Analysis
Building codes could harmonize seamlessly with LEED certification as USGBC, ASHRAE, and ICC join forces.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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