LEED

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, energy and environmentally conscious buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and continue to contribute to its evolution. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The program recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources.

LEED certified buildings have lower operating costs, and happier and healthier occupants than conventionally constructed structures. Certification under LEED validates to the market that a building is green, as well as setting standards and measures for the building's performance. There are four progressive levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. To get certified, projects must be registered and submit completed project documentation for review.

The LEED rating system was first released for new construction in 2000.  There are currently 1,936 LEED registered projects globally (most of which are in the United States) representing 229 million square feet of construction.  216 of these projects have become certified to date.  There are now LEED projects in 50 states and 12 countries.