Washington, D.C.- LEED 2009 is now open for second public comment. LEED 2009 is a new version of the rating system that 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.

This product of thousands of hours of volunteer time and deep expertise generously given by representatives from every corner of the building industry resets the bar for green building leadership; the urgency of our mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further than ever before.

The first public comment period for LEED 2009 ran May 19 - June 22, 2008, and received a record 5,800 comments. The second public comment period opens today, August 19 and will be open through 5 pm PT September 2. The shorter time frame reflects the fact that only changes made in response to the first public comment period are now up for comment.

Visit www.usgbc.org/LEED/LEEDDrafts/RatingSystemVersions.aspx?CMSPageID=1458 to submit a comment.