WHAT IS LEED?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

The LEED Green Building Rating System for New Construction was first created by the U.S. Green Building Council and published in 1999. More and more building professionals, owners and operators are seeing the benefits of green building and LEED certification.

Green design not only makes a positive impact on public health and the environment, it also reduces operating costs, enhances building and organizational marketability, potentially increases occupant productivity and helps create a sustainable community. 

Washington State Approves Green Building Law - April 20, 2005
 

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed the bill into law that requires new public schools and other state buildings to meet green building standards. Under the new law, all major public agency facilities exceeding 5,000 square feet—including school buildings that receive state funding—would be required to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. Among other benefits, the new law is expected to yield a 20 percent savings in annual energy costs in the new buildings. See the governor's press release.