GREEN MAP
Culture and Design: Green Building
- Introduction
Prepared by: Reuben Koole, April 2007
WELCOME
USGBC
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) first developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in 1998. Specifically, the first focus of LEED was for new construction. Since then, it has become a “nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings” (USGBC, 2007). It provides the tools for building owners and operators to have an immediate impact on a particular building’s performance.
LEED focuses on holistic sustainable development, is refined through an open and transparent process and targets many different types of construction. The holistic approach to sustainable development include 5 topics; sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality (for more details, go to the next page).
The ongoing modification and refinement of LEED requirements occurs through an open process based on consensus and involves the following key elements (USGBC):
- A balanced and transparent committee structure
- Technical Advisory Groups that ensure scientific rigor and consistency
- Stakeholder comments and reviews
- Member ballots on rating system changes – both new and existing guidelines
- A fair and open appeals process
The USGBC has adapted LEED guidelines to accommodate many different types of buildings, including specific recommendations for the following types:
- New commercial and major renovation
- Existing building operations and maintenance
- Commercial interiors
- Core and shell development
- Homes
- Neighbourhood development
- Schools
- Multiple buildings and campuses
- Retail for new construction (in development)
LEED silver high school. Source: USGBC