by Brianna Crandall — June 10, 2013—In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), creator of the widely used Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building program, has announced a new campaign offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.
Coined “LEED Earth,” this campaign aims to bring LEED certification and thereby better-performing buildings into new markets. LEED is a global approach to more efficient, environmentally sound buildings, and is universally adaptable to address issues such as energy and potable water use, environmental toxins and human health concerns related to indoor environments, says the USGBC.
All building types are welcome to participate across the suite of LEED rating systems, including: new construction, commercial interiors, existing buildings, core and shell structures, new homes and neighborhood developments. As Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair of USGBC, noted, “Buildings are the single greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of any sector, and the least costly way to alleviate the environmental stresses of our changing planet. LEED is the tool to get the job done.”
The USGBC says that LEED has opened a new chapter in building design, construction, operations and maintenance by challenging businesses to aim higher in the pursuit of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. LEED has reportedly helped transform the green building movement into a $140 billion industry, making sustainability the market standard.
With LEED projects in all 50 states and 147 countries and territories worldwide, 1.5 million square feet of construction space earn LEED certification each day, the equivalent of nearly four Empire State Buildings a week. LEED v4, the next iteration of the LEED green building rating system, will go to a USGBC member vote this June and is set to launch at the end of 2013. The newest version of LEED will have a strong emphasis on building performance.
To participate in the program and register a project, contact the USGBC at LEEDEarth@usgbc.org. For the campaign’s rules and regulations, visit the organization’s Web site.
