SCORE ONE FOR LEED

摘要

When you get right down to it, the LEED rating system— V v short for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design"— is really a beauty pageant for buildings. But instead of contestants being awarded points for singing, evening wear and interview skills, buildings competing for LEED certification receive credits for items such as recycling, light pollution reduction, day-lighting and renewable energy. If these buildings earn enough points (at least 26 of a possible 69, plus seven prerequisites), they wear the crown of certification. Administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The system was created in 2000 to promote integrated, whole-building design practices; recognize environmental leadership in the building industry; stimulate green competition; and raise consumer awareness of green building benefits.