USGBC sets out principles for LEED’s future
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The U.S. Green Building Council recently published a report containing principles outlining how LEED will evolve.
The chief concern is how to scale up decarbonization in the building industry to have the greatest impact on the climate crisis. Recognizing that the challenge is global, USGBC says: “We will increase the impact of LEED by making compliance simple, intuitive, and barrier-free. We will provide streamlined tools and pathways for more buildings, portfolios, cities, and communities to engage. We will leverage ESG reporting frameworks, performance standards and local regulation to drive, recognize, and reward continuous performance tracking.”
Other guiding principles include:
- Inspire and recognize adaptive and resilient built environments.
- Invest in human health and well-being.
- Create environments in which diversity, equity, and inclusivity thrive.
- Support flourishing ecosystems through regenerative development practices.
- Establish that buildings designed and constructed to LEED standards must also be operated to LEED standards.
Other points of emphasis will be to improve indoor air quality, address foundational mental and physical health needs, support resilient and people-oriented site design, promote use of green building products, focus on the impacts of climate change on health, and address the health risks associated with construction and worker safety.