| One of the biggest buzzwords of 2008 and most | | | | Green Building Rating System. This system evaluates |
| likely continuing in 2009 is Sustainability. The Going | | | | both homes and businesses to certify a structure |
| Green movement is underway and has been branded | | | | meets national accepted benchmarks for green |
| as a means of protecting the environment and saving | | | | design. |
| households money. From changing your light bulbs and | | | | LEED Rating Systems |
| taking your own bags to the supermarket to | | | | Adapting can not only move your business in a more |
| recycling and driving more efficient vehicles, the | | | | eco-conscience direction, "greening" can also save |
| eco-friendly movement has taken the media by | | | | money in the long haul. Determining the proper LEED |
| storm. You have changed your home to reflect a | | | | certification for your building is the first step. There |
| more conscious living environment, but have you | | | | are different LEED Rating Systems for various |
| adapted your business? | | | | building projects - New Construction, Existing Buildings: |
| The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a | | | | Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, |
| non-profit organization committed to sustainable | | | | Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Homes, |
| building practices. This organization works to increase | | | | and Neighborhood Developments. Each rating system |
| the number of structures that "are environmentally | | | | focuses on core design concepts: finding sustainable |
| responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and | | | | sites to build, water efficiency, optimize energy |
| work," according to the USGBC website. This | | | | performance and atmosphere, locating proper |
| organization is the primary leader behind the | | | | materials and resources, and creating efficient indoor |
| Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) | | | | environment quality. |