The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) says it will commit to scaling green buildings to more than 5 billion sf over the next five years through the LEED and EDGE green building rating systems. USGBC’s commitment was made at Buildings Day at the United Nations climate negotiations conference known as COP21.
LEED projects are in more than 150 countries and territories worldwide, with more than 1.85 million sf of space being certified every day. Designed for emerging economies, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a green building certification system for new residential and commercial buildings that enables design teams and project owners to assess the most cost effective ways to incorporate energy and water saving options into their buildings.
To play its part in limiting global warming to 2 degrees, the buildings sector must reduce emissions by 84 gigatons by 2050 – the equivalent of not building 22,000 coal powered plants, USGBC says.
Related Stories
Green | Apr 12, 2019
L.A. County’s first sustainability plan tackles carbon, air quality, transportation, resilience
The plan aims for net-zero carbon by 2050.
Sustainable Design and Construction | Apr 9, 2019
One of the largest zero-carbon, net-zero buildings is rising in Spokane
Catalyst will be part of an innovation hub, with Eastern Washington University as its main tenant.
Codes and Standards | Apr 8, 2019
LEED v4.1 now available for cities, communities, residential/homes
The rating system emphasizes performance monitoring, fully integrated design, social equity, and human health.
Green | Apr 8, 2019
New USGBC research explores green building industry’s role in highlighting the importance of buildings as a global solution
First wave of research is part of the Living Standard initiative, which seeks to raise the quality of life for people around the world through research and storytelling.
Green | Jan 28, 2019
This is the country’s greenest academic building
Perkins+Will designed the building.
Green | Nov 15, 2018
USGBC launches LEED Zero, to address net zero carbon operations and resources in LEED green building projects
LEED Zero complements LEED to verify the achievement of net zero goals and signals market leadership in green buildings.
Green | Oct 17, 2018
USGBC survey suggests employees are happier, healthier, and more productive in LEED green buildings
Can healthier, more sustainable buildings give employers a hiring edge to attract best in class talent?
Green | Oct 15, 2018
Green, and then some: Architecture firms are helping cities raise the stakes in green design
Architecture firms are answering the call of local governments and institutional clients for higher standards in green building design.
Green | Sep 11, 2018
Chicago becomes seventh city in the world to achieve LEED for Cities Platinum certification
It is the highest level of certification available from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Green | Aug 28, 2018
Chattanooga’s Miller Park set to open after $10.3 million overhaul
Spackman Mossop Michaels and Eskew Dumez Ripple partnered on the project.
