What is LEED™ Certification?

"Green" has become synonymous with sustainable development and environmental responsibility. In the real estate industry, the U.S. Green Building Counsel's Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) certification process is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of green buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.  
 
LEED™ is a third-party certification program which promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing and measuring performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:
 
• sustainable site development;
• water savings;
• energy efficiency;
• materials selection; and
• indoor environmental quality.
 
Projects earn points for satisfying criteria in the above categories in addition to receiving "bonus points" for addressing regional environmental conditions. The number of points earned determines a project's level of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

LEED™ Accredited Professionals

LEED™ Accredited Professionals have undergone extensive technical study and passed a national proficiency exam.  As a result, they are authorized to participate in the project certification process as the Accredited Professional on an owner's team.

Why "Green" Is Good for You

Not only are Green buildings good for the environment and healthy places to live and work, a 2008 study by the CoStar Group confirmed that Green buildings outperform other buildings in occupancy, sales price and rental rates.
 
For more information on the LEED™ Green Building Rating System, contact Ms. Lindner at info@lindnerlaw.com or visit http://www.usgbc.org/.