What is LEED? The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Who Uses LEED? Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government officials all use LEED to help transform the built environment to sustainability. State and local governments across the country are adopting LEED for public-owned and public-funded buildings; there are LEED initiatives in federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Agriculture, Energy, and State; and LEED projects are in progress in 41 different countries, including Canada, Brazil, Mexico and India. How is LEED Developed? LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. The key elements of USGBC's consensus process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and a fair and open appeals process. LEED for Homes LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. Download the LEED for Homes Pilot Version 1.11a Rating System Visit www.usgbc.org for more information. The above copy is © 2012 U.S. Green Building Council. All Rights Reserved. Green Building and Other Links USGBC National The City of Albuquerque Sustainability Page NM ECMD ABCWUA Water Conservation Rebates New Mexico Recycling Coalition New Mexico Solar Energy Association EPA's TargetFinder Emerging Green Builders Cleanenergynm.org Sustainable Albuquerque Green Build 2007 PNM SkyBlue Program EnergyStar Build Green New Mexico Home Builders' Association of Central New Mexico New Mexico Recycling Coalition PNM's solar credit system New Mexico Coalition for Clean Affordable Energy EEBA-Energy & Environmental Building Association SBIC-Sustainable Buildings Industry Council NAHB-National Association of Home Builders NAHBRC - National Association of Home Builders Research Center AAMA-American Architectural Manufacturers Association ASES-The American Solar Energy Society

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