Buildings fundamentally impact people’s lives and the health of the planet. In the United States, buildings use one-third of our total energy, two-thirds of our electricity, one-eighth of our water, and transform land that provides valuable ecological resources. Since the LEED Green Building Rating System for New Construction (LEED for New Construction version 2.0) was first published in 1999, it has been helping professionals across the country to improve the quality of our buildings and their impact on the environment.
As the green building sector grows exponentially, more and more building professionals, owners, and operators are seeing the benefits of green building and LEED certification. Green design not only makes a positive impact on public health and the environment, it also reduces operating costs, enhances building and organizational marketability, potentially increases occupant productivity, and helps create a sustainable community. LEED fits into this market by providing rating systems that are voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven, based on accepted energy and environmental principles, and they strike a balance between established practices and emerging concepts.
The LEED rating systems are developed by USGBC committees, in adherence with USGBC policies and procedures guiding the development and maintenance of rating systems. LEED for New Construction version 2.2 is only possible due to the generous volunteer efforts of many individuals, and has been in development for over 2 years. LEED for New Construction is one of a growing portfolio of rating systems serving specific market sectors.
LEED for Existing Buildings is a voluntary performance standard for sustainable operations and maintenance of buildings and provides guidelines for sustainable upgrade over time.
LEED for Existing Buildings provides an important opportunity for building owners to lead the way in reducing the environmental impact of buildings.
US Green Building Council
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This online PDH course can also be used as a continuing education course for the following.