US Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. It is best known for the creation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which certifies green buildings around the world.
Founded in 1993
Created LEED building rating system in 2000
Expanded globally with chapters in over 70 countries
Launched LEED v4 in 2013
Green Building Initiative is a non-profit organization that provides resources and tools to help businesses achieve sustainable building design and construction. It offers the Green Globes building certification program as an alternative to LEED.
Living Future Institute is a non-profit organization that promotes regenerative design and sustainable living. It offers the Living Building Challenge certification program as an alternative to LEED.
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that certifies energy-efficient products and buildings. While not specifically focused on sustainability, its building certification program offers an alternative to LEED for those primarily interested in energy efficiency.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building practices and strategies. It provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.
The LEED Professional Credentials program offers professional accreditation for individuals with expertise in green building design, construction, and operation. This includes the LEED Green Associate and various LEED Accredited Professional designations.
The Greenbuild Conference and Expo is an annual event hosted by USGBC, bringing together sustainability experts, building professionals, and industry leaders to discuss the latest in green building practices and technology.
LEED certification is a rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of a building, based on metrics like energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials. There are different levels of certification, ranging from Certified to Platinum.
To get a building LEED certified, a project team must register with USGBC, submit documentation demonstrating compliance with LEED rating system requirements, and undergo a review process by USGBC. To become a LEED Accredited Professional, individuals must pass an exam demonstrating their knowledge of green building principles and practices.
LEED and Green Globes are both rating systems for green buildings, but they have different evaluation criteria and certification processes. LEED is considered the more stringent and widely recognized standard, while Green Globes is less prescriptive and can be less expensive to achieve.
The Living Building Challenge is a certification program that encourages the creation of regenerative and self-sufficient buildings, with criteria that go beyond conventional green building standards. It emphasizes factors like biophilic design, social equity, and beauty, in addition to energy efficiency and resource conservation.
Green building can provide a wide range of benefits, including cost savings from reduced energy and water use, improved occupant health and productivity, and reduced environmental impact. It can also enhance a company's reputation and brand value by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability.