This special section contains just about everything beginners and novices need to know about LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, as well as its related programs, projects, professionals and processes. On the following pages, ED+C’s LEED Guide offers articles and updates from USGBC staff, LEED case studies and project profiles (see page s6 for the full TOC plus page s16 for even more articles available only online at www.EDCmag.com).

The LEED rating system started the discussion about sustainable buildings on an international level across all disciplines more than a decade ago. Today, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the new Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) and LEED programs continue to thrive and significantly transform the built environment in more ways than we could have ever imagined. According to USGBC, founder of LEED, 35,000 projects are currently participating in the LEED system, comprising more than 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries. The USGBC has more than 20,000 member companies and organizations. There are now more than 100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) to date.

LEED buildings have the potential to create a healthier environment, save money and even generate green jobs; LEED is demonstrating that it is not only possible but also probable to grow by implementing green principles into buildings and business practices.

And though many LEED project teams are simply seeking certification, many others are achieving Platinum, the highest level of certification, or finding new ways to earn innovation points (LEED Innovation in Design Credit Catalog, www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3569 ). And now, even the LEED AP credential offers multiple levels of excellence.

Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chairman of the USGBC offers an enlightening reminder (page s8): “We recognize that how we measure and rate building performance is fundamental to finding solutions to climate change and energy dependence, water conservation and quality, and waste management.”

We hope you enjoy the 2009 LEED Guide and find it to be a valuable tool in your quest to achieve LEED buildings and a sustainable environment.


From the Editors of ED+C

Michelle Hucal, LEED AP, senior editor, hucalm@bnpmedia

Derrick Teal, managing editor, teald@bnpmedia

Wendy Lyons, associate editor, lyonsw@bnpmedia