LEED-Certified Green Building Projects Hit 12,000 Mark
Major milestone achieved for the global green building market
Washington, DC - (Mar. 27, 2012) - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that the 12,000th commercial project has earned LEED certification. Since its launch in 2000, the LEED green building program has been transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, operated and maintained.
"Twelve years after the first 12 projects earned LEED certification, the green building community has reached a significant milestone," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. "The momentum for green buildings is rippling around the globe, enhancing the built environment for generations to come."
The 12,000th project is the LEED Gold Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Paid for by the Recovery Act and rebuilt after the original facility was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the facility will house new wildlife exhibits, an environmental education center, and National Parks employees.
The wildlife refuge joins a community of more than 137,000 LEED registered and certified projects, homes, communities and neighborhoods around the world.
"This milestone is made even more relevant as it is happening as the final comments are being collected on LEED 2012, the next iteration of continuous improvement of the LEED program," continued Fedrizzi. "With these next changes, LEED will continue in its role as a catalyst for transformation of the built environment to ever higher standards of sustainable practice. Even in these challenging times, it's clear that green building is a movement whose time is now."
The LEED 2012 third public comment period will close today (Mar. 27) at 5:00 p.m. EST. To learn more about LEED 2012, visit usgbc.org/LEED2012.
About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building certification program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org, on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn.
About LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. More than 45,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising 8.4 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 120 countries. In addition, over 19,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with over 76,500 more homes registered.
By using less energy, less water and fewer resources, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at usgbc.org
I could see a lot of value in retrofitting homes to be more environmentally efficient, especially since there are so many financial incentives
ReplyDelete