LEED rating systems certify environmentally sustainable design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings. Developed by the US Green Building Council, they provide a framework for environmentally responsible building practices and offer four levels of certification. LEED-certified buildings can reduce operating costs, increase asset value, and qualify for government incentives. They also demonstrate environmental conscientiousness and social responsibility.
LEED rating systems are international certification standards that recognize the environmentally sustainable design, construction, operation and maintenance of residential and commercial buildings. Powered by third-party verification, LEED standards are observed to provide governments and private organizations with a clear framework in implementing environmentally responsible building practices. These include but are not limited to energy savings and efficiency; reduction of emissions; safety and environmental quality; and the conscientious management of natural resources. These processes are intended to improve the quality and profitability of buildings while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human performance.
LEED rating systems were developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit coalition of building industry leaders originally from Washington, DC. These ratings are administered by volunteer committees made up of various specialists and experts from a cross section of the building and construction industry. Technical consultancies help ensure scientific rigor and consistency; voluntary LEED committees practice consensus which includes member votes and transparent appeals processes. LEED provides a standard benchmark for sustainable building practices.
Local and national governments use LEED rating systems for publicly owned or funded buildings; these include initiatives to implement LEED in various agencies beyond those related to energy or natural resources. LEED projects have spread around the world in developed and developing countries. The committees are made up of various industry specialists which include engineers, lenders and government officials, among others. Buildings subject to LEED certification include offices, retail stores, institutions and schools, hotels, and some types of residential buildings. The push towards green building practices and green manufacturing helps ensure sustainable and healthy environmental interaction and stewardship.
LEED rating systems provide four levels of certification for the environmental sustainability of the sites they measure: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These cover assessments of buildings in five categories: materials and resources, energy and atmosphere, sustainability, water efficiency and indoor environmental quality. The LEED website provides more information.
LEED rating systems allow buildings to reduce operating costs while potentially increasing asset value. They help reduce waste and increase energy and water savings. These sites can provide healthier and safer interaction with their human occupants and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. LEED certified buildings can qualify organizations for government incentives such as tax refunds and zoning allowances. They also help demonstrate the owner’s environmental conscientiousness, natural resource stewardship, and social responsibility.
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