USGBC to offer free LEED certification for new markets

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced it will offer free LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification to the first green building projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.

Coined ‘LEED Earth’, this campaign aims to bring LEED certification and thereby better-performing buildings into new markets. The USGBC says all building types are welcome to participate across the suite of LEED rating systems.

“LEED is a global language and can become a catalyst for incremental change toward a sustainable future,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “USGBC is committed to bringing LEED to every country in the world while continuing to foster innovation and achievement in existing global markets.

“Buildings are the single greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of any sector and the least costly way to alleviate the environmental stresses of our changing planet. LEED is the tool to get the job done.

The campaign’s rules and regulations are available here.