Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, better known as its acronym LEED, impacts how construction industry leaders plan a building or community throughout all phases of development.  The US Green Building Council (USGBC) says LEED “is changing the way we think about how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated.” Almost two million square feet of buildings earn green certification through LEED each day, making it the most used third-party verification of green buildings worldwide.
The green trend is here and according to the USGBC it is here to stay. “Green construction is quickly outpacing conventional construction in the U.S.,” says Rick Fedrizzi CEO and founding chair of USGBC.

LEED Ensures Green Standards Hold True

Modular construction adapts easily to the green label, thanks to lower costs, almost no wasted materials in the construction facility and the quicker timeline of the final assembly. Whether Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operation and Maintenance, Neighborhood Development or Homes, a LEED option is available. The LEED certification ensures the entire building lifecycle stays true to best-in-class green building strategies through the USGBC. Canada has a similar organization, the Canada Green Building Council confirming quality green buildings too.
Whether looking to build green to potentially save money or it sounds like the environmentally friendly thing to do, organizations such as USGBC, and Modular Building Institute are among the many encouraging companies to look to green and ensure they are LEED certified, affirming the standards consumers are seeking:

          USGBC says LEED certifications “means healthier, more productive places,
          reduced stress on the environment by encouraging energy and resource-efficient
          buildings and savings from increased building value, higher lease rates and
          decreased utility costs.”

Those looking to ensure their building can earn the LEED certification, at different levels, based on a point system. The four levels available are: Certified (40-49 pts.), Silver (50-59 pts.), Gold (60-79 pts.), and Platinum (80+ pts.).

 The LEED rating system also addresses multiple types and scopes of projects, including:

• New Construction and Major Renovations
• Commercial Interiors
• Existing Buildings
• Core and Shell
• Schools
• Homes
• LEED for Neighborhood Development
• Market Sector Rating Systems

Numerically Speaking

The green building industry continues growing. Just a year and a half ago, more than two million people had jobs, thanks to this industry. And, now, the USGBC reports in another year and half, LEED is forecasted to directly account for more than $26 billion in wages nationwide.
As far as those “LEED”ing the way on earning certification, according to USGBC, Illinois continues as the frontrunner for the third consecutive year.  And, now the LEED momentum has made its way West, adding Utah to the top ten and welcoming back Washington, Nevada and Texas after a three-year hiatus.

                                                                                                          Source: USGBC

Looking into the Future

Not only is the workforce benefiting, but those working in, living in and frequenting the buildings that are LEED certified are breathing fresher air, saving on energy costs and reducing stress on the environment. Students and teachers are benefiting from classrooms that qualify for LEED certification: