Learn More About LEED®
In 2007, Iowa State University will apply for a United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The process of getting LEED certified involves close examination of the project in the following areas:
- Sustainability of the building site
- Water efficiency
- Energy and atmosphere
- Materials and resources used
- Indoor environmental quality
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a community of leaders working to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated. They envision an environmentally responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. USGBC's members, representing every sector of the building industry, developed and continue to refine LEED®.
LEED® was created to:
- Establishing a common standard of measurement
- Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
- Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
- Stimulate green competition
- Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
- Transform the building market
LEED® provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED® emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
LEED® recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources.
