“The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.”
- Provided by the U.S. Green Buildings Council
What is LEED?
LEED Certification validates the “greenness” of buildings design and construction practices, protects the environment and the health of the building occupants. Other benefits to becoming LEED Certified are the various tax credits an organization may qualify for in addition to other local and state tax incentives.
While upfront costs of LEED Certification typically are higher than conventional projects, there are proven financial benefits such as cost savings through energy and water conservation, lower energy bills and lower operating costs improved worker productivity and health, insurance and risk management benefits, higher lease rates, and enhanced resale values.
