States' Green-Building Laws 'Lead by Example'

In 2000, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to award to buildings that meet USGBC standards for energy and water conservation, indoor-air quality and selection of preferred materials, among other things. LEED standards have been developed for a range of projects, including homes, schools, commercial structures and renovations of existing buildings. There are also different levels of LEED acceptance — certified, silver, gold and platinum — which are awarded based on the aggressiveness of the measures taken. Although LEED is not the only green-construction benchmark, it is one of the most widely accepted. More than 1,000 buildings nationwide are LEED-certified, including 109 government projects. Many states have enacted legislation that encourages developers to meet LEED or other standards designed to be more energy efficient and less harmful to the environment. Many states, including Florida, also are requiring that government building meets LEED standards.

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