The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced a new campaign called "LEED Earth," which offers free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in countries where LEED has not yet launched. Currently, there are 114 countries that do not have LEED certified buildings, including Afghanistan, Iceland, Nigeria, Venezuela, and Jamaica. The USGBC hopes to bring LEED to new markets by providing an incentive for builders and designers to create more efficient, environmentally-friendly buildings.
LEED strives to address issues of water and energy use, waste disposal, and environmental health concerns on an individual and community level. LEED buildings use less energy, waste less money, and reduce carbon emissions and USGBC believes that this important step for LEED will allow for better innovation, a healthier community, and a sustainable future. Any type of building can become LEED certified, including new construction, existing buildings, homes, and neighborhoods.
To participate in the program and register a project, contact LEEDEarth@usgbc.org. For the campaign’s rules and regulations, visit http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-earth-rules-and-regulations.