Changes to LEED 2012

In response to concerns raised by members, core LEED users and stakeholders, and in an effort to provide the marketplace a view of the full LEED program experience prior to ballot, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) will delay ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013, or potentially earlier in 2013 if USGBC members and the market indicate readiness for ballot. Because of this date change, LEED 2012 is being renamed LEED v4.

“LEED pushes the envelope to bring transformation to the market - that’s what we do,” says Scot Horst, senior VP, LEED. “We remain committed to that, and to making sure that what we deliver is complete and can be successfully implemented.”

In addition to the ballot date change, other actions include:

• Keeping LEED 2009 open for registration for three years
• Continuing to ask for the market’s assistance in "test driving" LEED v4 to gain important insight during a time when improvements in usability infrastructure can be made
• Committing to a fifth public comment that will open on Oct. 2, 2012, and run through Dec. 10, 2012, to take advantage of Greenbuild, where USGBC will hold public forums and educational sessions on site in San Francisco. This will help stakeholders better understand requirements as well as any final changes that may appear in the new draft. Greenbuild will also serve as a platform to debut new forms, submittal documents and LEED Online enhancements that will help improve and enhance the user experience.

Says USGBC president and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, “This is 100 percent in response to our members’ desire that we give them a bit more time to absorb the changes in this next version of the rating system. We want to do everything we can to ensure that the market can fully embrace LEED v4, because it represents significant progress on carbon reduction and human health. Greenbuild will provide us the perfect venue to experience the look and feel of the new system as an integrated package. Then we can take the first part of 2013 to make sure the consensus body has everything it needs for a successful ballot.”

12K LEED-Certified Green Build Projects on Record

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that the 12,000th commercial project has earned LEED certification. Since its launch in 2000, the LEED green building program has been transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, operated and maintained.

"Twelve years after the first 12 projects earned LEED certification, the green building community has reached a significant milestone," says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "The momentum for green buildings is rippling around the globe, enhancing the built environment for generations to come."

The 12,000th project is the LEED Gold Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Paid for by the Recovery Act and rebuilt after the original facility was destroyed by Hurricane Ike in 2008, the facility will house new wildlife exhibits, an environmental education center, and National Parks employees.

The wildlife refuge joins a community of more than 137,000 LEED registered and certified projects, homes, communities and neighborhoods around the world.

"This milestone is made even more relevant as it is happening as the final comments are being collected on LEED 2012, the next iteration of continuous improvement of the LEED program," Fedrizzi says. "With these next changes, LEED will continue in its role as a catalyst for transformation of the built environment to ever higher standards of sustainable practice. Even in these challenging times, it's clear that green building is a movement whose time is now."

USGBC's Fedrizzi Honored by Landscape Architecture Community

Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for his commitment to environmental leadership and stewardship. The Olmsted Medal honors those with a commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage, embodying ASLA's commitment to stewardship of the land and quality of life.

Fedrizzi has been a vocal supporter of the Sustainable Sites Initiative, a partnership of ASLA, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, and the U.S. Botanic Garden to create the first national rating system for sustainable landscapes.

Fedrizzi, who was USGBC's founding chair, was appointed President and CEO in 2004, following a 25-year career as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his leadership, USGBC has tripled its membership, broadened its influence and cemented its role as a leadership voice in the global sustainability movement through efforts such as its LEED green building program, the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo and the LEED Professional Credential program. He was recently named chair of the World Green Building Council.

The Olmsted Medal honors Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the founder of the American landscape architecture profession and steward of the environment. Honorees are selected by ASLA's Board of Trustees, and were recognized at an awards ceremony at the ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo in San Diego, Calif.

Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against USGBC

The United States District Court in New York City today dismissed in its entirety the lawsuit brought against the U.S. Green Building Council by Henry Gifford and others, holding that none of the plaintiffs in the action had alleged or could allege any legal interest to be protected by their lawsuit.

The Court dismissed the federal false advertising claims "with prejudice," meaning that the Court's dismissal of those claims is final and that plaintiffs are barred from filing a new suit based on those claims. The Court's ruling simultaneously dismissed plaintiffs' state law false advertising claims.

"This successful outcome is a testament to our process and to our commitment to do what is right," says Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. "Thousands of people around the world use LEED because it's a proven tool for achieving our mission of transforming the built environment. We're grateful that the Court found in our favor so we can give our full attention to the important work before us."