RedVector Green Blog

Do the LEED 2012 Slide

LEED: the green building standard we have all come to know and love. We collect points during the design and build out of the project…the right insulation, the right windows. Then we add up all the values and apply to the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for your building’s certification.

Good system? Bad system? It’s up to you!

The USGBC opened a fifth (!) public comment period from Oct. 2 till Dec. 10 of this year. They want direction, opinions and ideas for the next LEED. During that time you and all your fellow citizens are free to make your voice heard. Chances are they will respond to you personally.

The authors of LEED have always known that it could get better. And with federal government buildings making up a full 7% of LEED certified buildings and 11% of pending approvals, the Feds know LEED pretty well. In fact, government knows LEED pretty well, with local, state and other government buildings making up another 27% of LEED certifications. The GSA likes LEED because it saves on energy costs. The USGBC calls this government leadership at all levels a win for green.

So the LEED 2012 update to the regulations will be super-green, right? Maybe.

While it is great that you have a voice, lobbyists and corporations can also throw their opinions out there. Interested parties currently include – and are not limited to – the American timber producers, PVC pipe makers, plastic insulation makers, vinyl window manufacturers and more. Oh and don’t think those lobbyists haven’t called their representatives in Congress and the House. The great debate has USGBC changing the name from LEED 2012 to LEEDv4, as the original November 2012 go live date has slid back. Perhaps way back.

Have you commented yet? Read up on the areas of change and submit your comments here: https://new.usgbc.org/leed/v4/#comment

Whose voice will be heard? Expect the debate to be loud and long at GreenBuild in San Fran this Fall!

Will you be at GreenBuild? Stop by RedVector’s booth #1733S and pick up your free LEED class! And of course, you know that when the LEED regs do change, RedVector will be the first on the scene with updated classes!

Looking for more details? Stop by the USGBC site or see this site for a great rundown of the LEED Slide.