USGBC announces new LEED programs
USGBC_leedstuffSM.jpg
CHICAGO –

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the launch of LEED for Retail, its newest green building rating system, and the LEED Volume Program, a program designed to meet the certification needs of high-volume property developers. The programs were unveiled at the USGBC’s Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Chicago, IL.

The LEED for Retail rating system recognizes the unique design and construction needs of this market sector. Nearly 100 national and independent retailers and franchisees, including Bank of America, Best Buy, Chipotle, Wells Fargo, Citigroup, Kohl’s, LL Bean, McDonald’s, Pizza Fusion, Starbucks and Target, have participated in the pilot program since its launch in 2007.

“In today’s market, savvy retailers see the value in building, designing and constructing environments that enhance the customer experience, nurture a more productive employee base, while saving precious resources,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED, USGBC. “LEED for Retail builds on the strengths of other commercial LEED rating systems while taking special care to address the distinct needs of retail spaces, from occupancy demands to waste streams, energy and water use.”

Also launched at Greenbuild was the LEED Volume Program, created to streamline and make the LEED certification process faster and more manageable for high-volume property developers such as national retailers, hospitality providers and local, state and federal governments. “With a more cost-effective, streamlined process, the largest users of LEED are now able to make a larger impact on their building portfolio without compromising the technical rigor LEED has come to stand for,” said Horst. “This program enables us to move further faster to our goals of green buildings for all within a generation.”

Read more on the new LEED programs

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.