The U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C., reports that more than 3,000 projects encompassing 390 million square feet have been registered for
The U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C., reports that more than 3,000 projects Û encompassing 390 million square feet Û have been registered for certification according to the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, guidelines. The figures include registration of 400 projects since fall 2005, some likely coinciding with the Council’s Greenbuild Conference and Exposition in Atlanta. The mid-November event drew more than 10,000, representing what the council notes is a 10-fold increase in participation since 2002. Among announcements from Greenbuild 2005 was the debut of an online submittal process for LEED certification and a new option allowing project principals to submit LEED data during design and construction, versus at project completion.
USGBC reports that 359 projects have achieved LEED certification. The number of certified projects is expected to continue to rise steeply as buildings that were registered early-on approach completion. USGBC cites a mission to transform the building marketplace to sustainability by promoting better design and construction methods. LEED buildings save energy, conserve resources, protect occupant health, and improve their owners’ bottom lines, council officials contend. Certification factors sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
Concrete industry groups tracking LEED ratings and certification methods include Portland Cement Association.