U.S. Green Building Council Launches LEED v4

This past week, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED v4, the newest version of the LEED green building program.  This enhanced program offers flexibility for all green projects, with new market sectors and global best practices built-in.

Since its release in 1998, LEED has revolutionized the marketplace as the world's premier benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high -performance green buildings. Staying true to its original goals,  LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of previous versions while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level.

New Features of LEED v4

• New market sectors including data centers, mi-rise residential projects, hospitality, existing schools, warehouses and distribution centers. 
• A more user friendly LEED credit submittal process, with step-by-step reference guide materials with videos and tutorials and a more intuitive technology platform.  
• Focus on outcomes--building owners can understand how to manage their buildings to meet full performance potential. 
• New impact categories such as climate change, human health, water resources, biodiversity, green economy, community and natural resources. 

Several facilities have already achieved LEED v4 qualifications. The Haworth Beijing Organic Showroom in Beijing, China achieved LEED v4 Gold, while a building in Washington, DC achieved LEED v4 Silver. 

Understanding Green Certification Programs

As the Green Building movement expands, so do the resources available to design professionals and business owners.  Knowing your your project's objectives and goals can help you determine what

certification program is best for you.

Here are a few organizations that offer Green Building Certification program:

1. The Global Building Initiative (GBI)  

The Green Building Initiative is a web based green building program. This LEED alternative is, aims to reduce a facility's overall environmental impact, while improving sustainability.

The program is geared toward new construction and big renovation projects, but offers guidance and a cost effective green building rating system.

The GBI can help reduce operational costs, qualify for tax incentives, meet federal mandates or increase the marketability of your buildings.

2.  GBC Florida Green Commercial Building Certification Program.     

This nonprofit corporation is committed to spread the green building initiative in the state of Florida.  They provide a variety of resources and sponsor a variety of education programs for design professionals, consumers and government entities.

3. USGBC's  LEED Program 

LEED or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, offers flexible and comprehensive certification programs that address the entire building's lifecycle. 

With LEED, building owners and operators have a practical means for measuring and implementing green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. 

LEED uses third-party verification to determine that a facility or community was built with environmental and sustainability in mind.