The U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) is a non profit organization that developed a
rating system for certification as sustainable (green building)
construction and facilities operations. The USGBC is dedicated to
expanding green building practices and education through its LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program that uses
its “Green Building Rating System”.
The Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) uses its Green
Building Rating System that is a consensus-based national rating
system for developing and operating high-performance / low
environmental impact facilities. LEED addresses all building types
and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas:
Sustainable site development; Water savings; Energy efficiency;
Materials and resources selection and; Indoor environmental
quality.