USGBC Preps for 2012 LEED Update

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WASHINGTON, DC-The third draft of the US Green Building Council’s proposed 2012 update to its LEED green building program will be open to public comments starting Mar. 1, and ending 20 days later. With so many multiple rounds, USGBC is quick to remind that LEED's strength comes from its continuous evolution.

“This continuous improvement is the outcome of thousands of technical volunteers working to develop the program and the adaptability of the program to technological and market changes,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED at USGBC, in a prepared statement. “LEED sits at the core of the green building movement, and is critical in realizing our collective mission,” he added.

Market data, stakeholder-generated ideas and advances in technology have shaped the technical changes in this third draft of LEED. There are also performance-based management features and tools that will allow project managers to better measure and manage energy and water usage, site and building material selection and indoor environmental quality.

There is also a global orientation with these draft standards aimed at projects outside of the US. Modified language, new requirements and options that increase flexibility are expected to make it easier for the international community to engage.

With this new round of public comments, members of the public can comment on any substantive changes made since the second public comment period, which ran from Aug. 1 through Sept. 14, 2011.

Once the comment period process is over, LEED 2012 will be balloted in June and launched in November. To vote in the ballot, USGBC members must opt in to the Consensus Body beginning Apr. 2.