Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1998, is a set of green housing rating systems that determine how well building owners use eco-friendly construction. Builders hope to be LEED certified by scoring well in six areas; site sustainability, water efficiency, optimum use of energy and a cleaner, healthier atmosphere, eco-friendly materials and resources, quality of indoor environment, and design innovation. Since 1998, about 7000 building projects have employed LEED standards. Benefits include savings on energy, maintenance, and building costs, growth in resale and rental values, tax breaks, reduced fees, and free technical assistance and grants, not to mention healthier homes and occupational environments.
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