With the launch of LEED v3, LEED has taken a giant step forward as a tool to inform the vast shift of our marketplace to the design, construction and operations of green buildings. The technical changes to the rating system delivers against key environmental and human health impacts, and puts in place a transparent framework for weighting credits accordingly, based on the best available science. And we’ve put in place minimum performance requirements to give clear guidance for projects seeking the validation a LEED certification signals.

But what is even more exciting to me is that we’ve also drawn a bright line that marks a fundamental shift in our thinking, moving us from buildings that do less harm to buildings that do more good. In LEED 2009, 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, and that each part is inextricably intertwined with human health and our ability to sustain and restore our environment.

When we started this evolution about three years ago we knew that something had to be done about the fact that buildings are the largest source of CO2 emissions and the impact of that fact on climate change. It was clear that incremental change to how LEED functions wasn’t enough. Instead, we needed to reframe our focus from measuring outputs to driving significantly improved outcomes in total building performance. And the way to do that was to give people a tool that would help them build better buildings. And with LEED 2009, we’ve done that.

But simply putting a better tool on the shelf was only the first step. We’ve also made it easier to use with the upgrades to LEED Online, and we’ve dramatically expanded our educational support — not just for LEED as a tool — but for green building and sustainable practice as an integral part of our thinking and behavior across industry, geography and culture.

I think we have succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations. And that success rests squarely on the shoulders of the thousands of volunteers who have given so generously of their time and expertise to continue to advance LEED’s influence. Combined with the diligence of a tireless staff of committed professionals, we’ve collectively reset the bar for green building leadership.