The US Green Building Council [USGBC] oversees the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] Green Building Rating System, which is the primary standard for green design in the United States. The assessment focuses on new construction for commercial, government and institutional construction projects. The concept is to maximize economic and environmental performance.

The benefits of building according to LEED standards are:

• Environmental - Enhance and protect natural habitats, improve air and water quality, reduce solid waste, conserve natural resources, decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic – Reduce operating costs, enhance asset value and profits, improve employee productivity and satisfaction, and optimize life-cycle economic performance.
• Health/Community – Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments, enhance occupant comfort and health, and contribute to community health, vitality and aesthetics.

LEED Rating System

In the U.S., LEED is the tool of choice to help design teams and owners determine green building projects, goals, identify green design strategies, measure and monitor progress and document success. 

The LEED rating system is based on continual research studies and scientific standards.  Buildings are registered in advance of construction.  Rating points are allocated to different design categories.   After construction, buildings are rated based on the number of environmental attributes incorporated into their construction.  Buildings are rated as LEED certified or may achieve special designations such as: silver, gold, or platinum based on the number of points earned. 

LEED has expanded its focus with new assessment tools available for existing buildings, commercial interiors, residences, neighborhood developments and other project types.

Florida Green Building Initiatives

Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the USGBC
Sarasota County is a founding member of this chapter of the USGBC, which serves the communities in the Tampa Bay area south to Naples.  This is the first chapter in Florida to receive its official status, September 2004.  Monthly meetings and special education events are regularly held. Other chapters being formed serve the Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville areas. 

Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)
Green building proponents established a state high performance building association in 2000 to focus on the hot and humid climatic zone of Florida. The FGBC focused its initial efforts on developing a Florida Green Home Standard.  The coalition also educates the public about the long-term benefits of green building practices and promotes cost-effective, sustainable improvements in the built environment. 

Other standards which have developed include:

The Florida Green Home Standard focuses on energy (building envelope/systems, appliances, lights and amenities), water, site, health, materials, disaster mitigation, and general practices (renewable power generation, smaller homes or remodeling an existing home).

The Florida Green Development Standard is a certification program for land development that must meet minimum requirements in the following areas: protect ecosystems and conserve natural resources, create a green circulation system, green utilities practices, amenities, covenant and deed restrictions and provide educational information to help achieve and promote green living practices.

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