USGBC Offers Free LEED Platinum Certification

Platinum LEED Certification Plaque
Recently, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced they will offer free LEED certification for the first Platinum projects that achieve certification using the newest version of its green building rating system, LEED v4.

LEED v4 is currently available in its Beta version, and over a hundred projects around the world are currently pursuing certification under this new version. These projects seek to implement, test, and improve the new LEED rating system before its launch later this year, which was just approved by an overwhelming majority of USGBC members. LEED v4 and builds upon earlier LEED rating systems but with more emphasis on building performance.

"LEED v4 continues the mission of USGBC to transform the industry," stated LEED Fellow, Theresa Lehman, "and I commend USGBC and the technical volunteers for taking the leap and putting a lot of thought and effort into the program.”

USGBC has added this campaign to promote LEED v4 as part of the LEED Earth campaign. Currently, 9 countries are participating in LEED Earth--the USGBC's campaign to promote LEED in countries where it currently doesn't exist. "We are committed to meeting market demand for LEED and the upcoming version will continue to raise the industry bar," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC.

They plan to fine-tune the new rating system through this campaign and will reward its participants with free certification. The USGBC strives to ensure flexibility in the system so that different markets, climates, and regions can still develop green buildings and obtain certification.

To participate in the program and register a project email LEEDEarth@usgbc.org.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is an organization representing over 13,000 members from the built environment. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.