WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently announced that it has surpassed one billion square feet of LEED commercial green building space recertified under LEED. LEED recertification is an important effort to measure energy, water, waste, and transportation performance, as well as the human experience of LEED projects. Recertification enables owners to protect their sustainability investments over time.
This LEED milestone was celebrated at the annual Greenbuild conference, which was held in San Diego. Over the last year, the green building industry has reached several milestones indicating that green building continues to be an important topic as it provides a foundation that supports people and businesses and helps us adapt during a crisis.
LEED Milestones in 2021
• More than one billion square feet of recertified LEED space
• Nearly 24 billion square feet LEED registered and certified
• 110,000 projects participating in LEED
• More than 610 million square feet of LEED certified residential space
LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world, is available for virtually all building and interior space types. LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
USGBC also recently celebrated the 2021 Class of LEED Fellows and the Kate Hurst USGBC Leadership Award, which has been awarded to Elizabeth Heider. The Kate Hurst Leadership Award recognizes inspirational females. Heider is an outstanding leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and improving the quality of life in her community. An intrepid researcher and tireless advocate, Heider emboldens the design, construction, and business communities to create a more sustainable future. She served for six years on USGBC’s national Board of Directors and is a longtime USGBC partner and advocate who has a passion for helping and inspiring others and creating lasting change.
This year’s Greenbuild conference featured the Women in Green luncheon and USGBC sessions that focused on LEED Zero, LEED v4.1, Arc, LEED for Cities, ESG and decarbonization.
