The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the (USGBC), provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Since its inception in 1998, LEED has grown to encompass more than 14,000 projects in the United States and 30 countries covering 1.062 billion square feet of development area.
LEED certified buildings typically use resources more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings which are simply built to code. LEED certified buildings often provide healthier work and living environments, which contributes to higher productivity and improved employee health and comfort. The USGBC has compiled a long list of benefits of implementing a LEED strategy which ranges from improving air and water quality to reducing solid waste, benefitting owners, occupiers, and society as a whole.
Higher initial costs can be effectively mitigated by the savings incurred over time due to the lower-than-industry-standard operational costs which are typical of a LEED certified building. Additional economic payback may come in the form of employee productivity gains incurred as a result of working in a healthier environment. Studies have suggested that an initial up front investment of 2% extra will yield over ten times the initial investment over the life cycle of the building.
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Economic Benefits
Reduce operating costs
Create, expand & shape markets
for green product and services
Improve occupant productivity
Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social Benefits
Enhance occupant comfort & health
Heighten aesthetic qualities
Minimize strain on local infrastructure
Improve overall quality of life
Increased Resale Ease & Resale Value
Environmental Benefits
Enhance/protect biodiversity & ecosystems
Improve air & water quality
Reduce waste streams
Conserve & restore natural resources
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