The Greenbuild International Conference and Expo by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) concluded recently in Chicago, where thousands of members of the global green building community gathered.
The theme for this year’s Greenbuild was Human X Nature, representing how the green building movement embraces all of humanity by making sustainable buildings and environments accessible to everyone. USGBC’s President and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam also gave powerful remarks highlighting plans for the future and USGBC’s role in creating a new living standard for all people. “In the past, we have delivered on our promises of certifications, signifying high quality spaces in which we can live and work,” said Ramanujam. “Now, by harnessing the power of our partnerships with companies and organisations the world over, we will explore creating a new campaign – a living standard that indicates that an environment is healthy and safe for all who inhabit it – from buildings, to communities, to cities, to entire nations. Because a higher living standard is what every person on the planet deserves.”
Several programmatic updates to the LEED green building rating system were announced throughout the week including:
LEED Transit Rating System: USGBC released LEED green building certification standards for new transit stations, which were also announced during Greenbuild India. LEED Transit was developed with valuable input from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in India (DMRC), Shanghai Shentong Metro Group for China (Shentong), and Shanghai Green City Architectural Technology. With LEED Transit, transit owners can reduce their environmental footprint, while also engaging riders on the importance of sustainability and the opportunity the public transportation sector has in minimising greenhouse gas emissions.
LEED Zero Certification: USGBC officially introduced a new LEED Zero certification offering. The new program recognises buildings or spaces operating with net zero carbon emissions from energy consumption and occupant transportation to carbon emissions avoided or offset over a period of 12 months. LEED projects can achieve LEED Zero certification when they demonstrate any or one of the net zero carbon emissions, net zero energy use, net zero water use or net zero waste.
Integration of STAR and LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities: It was announced that the STAR Community Rating System, which offers certification for sustainable communities, has been fully integrated into USGBC’s LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities programs to help advance sustainable cities and communities worldwide. There are currently 75 cities and communities that have achieved STAR certification and 20 additional cities and communities that are seeking STAR certification.
LEED Recertification: USGBC announced that it will begin offering LEED recertification. All LEED projects – past, present and future – are now eligible for recertification by providing 12 months of data, powered by Arc that shows consistent or improved performance, using the most recent version of the LEED rating system. This recertification will be valid for three years and is an important step in ensuring that a green building is operating the way it was intended.
