Summer Semester 2011
May 27,2011
According to a “go green” blog named 2B Green World Website-LEED Consultants, “buildings represent over 50% of US wealth; $800 billion is the amount of renovation and new construction in the United States, buildings account for 1/6 of the worlds freshwater withdrawals, ¼ of its wood harvest and 2/5 of its material and energy flow” (Go Green Facts 1).These figures represent the disadvantages of a world without green building. Throughout this report the focus is on LEED certification and accreditation, and the impact LEED has on several different service firms. The report begins with background information about the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED, and LEED certification and rating systems. Following this, will be several different articles regarding the impact that LEED has on the building owner and the building industry as a whole. How LEED also impacts new construction projects, while at the same time targeting local and state governments and assisting them through grants. As well as, the real estate industry and the impact it has in the long-run through higher rents and lower operating costs.
Background
The idea of sustainable building came to light during the energy crisis and the growing concerns over environmental pollution and human health in the early 90’s. However, back then people did not have the information, technology or funds that we have today to make an impact. There are a number of motives to building LEED Certified including, saving energy, using less water, better indoor air quality, and recycling. Not only are the advantages to the environment but they are also reflected in the bottom line, which unfortunately is what everyone really wants to achieve. In 1993 the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was co-founded by Mike Italiano, David Gottfried and Rick Fedrizzi. The USGBC is a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are
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