Healthy, high-performing buildings continue to crop up in every corner of the world
Washington, DC – July 26, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that the total footprint of commercial projects certified under its LEED green building program surpassed two billion square feet. An additional seven billion square feet is currently in the pipeline across the globe as registered projects.
“In communities around the globe, leaders from every sector of the building industry are reinventing their local landscapes with buildings that enliven and bolster the health of our environment, communities and local economies,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “The journey to this milestone has energized our economy–funneling $554 billion annually into the U.S. economy alone–and has helped support 7.9 million jobs across the U.S.”
As the most widely recognized and used green building program, LEED is certifying two million square feet of commercial building space each day in more than 130 countries. Today, nearly 50,000 commercial projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising nine billion square feet of construction space. Additionally, nearly 23,000 homes across the U.S. have earned certification through the LEED for Homes program, with nearly 86,000 additional units in the pipeline. That’s more than 159,000 registered and certified projects in LEED.
Since the beginning of July, over 300 projects have earned LEED certification in more than 20 countries worldwide. Notable projects include a LEED Platinum commercial interior for Google in Mumbai; the Vestas Technology Center in Lem, Denmark; Ernst and Young Plaza in Los Angeles, Calif., which earned LEED Platinum for the operations and maintenance of an existing building; and Warrensburg Elementary, a LEED Gold school in Warrensburg, Mo.!
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED green building system is the foremost program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of green buildings. Nearly50,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising nine billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 130 countries. In addition, nearly 23,000 residential units have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 86,000 more homes registered.
By using less energy, LEED-certified spaces save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce carbon emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Learn more at usgbc.org
Contact:
Ashley Katz
Media Manager, USGBC
202.742.3738
