Is LEED the holy grail of sustainable design?
J. F. McLennan and P. Rumsey. Environmental Design & Construction, Vol. 6, No. 5, July-Aug. 2003, pp. 34-35. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system has been perhaps the most significant development in the transition towards more sustainable design. By helping define ‘green’ for a long-confused market, it immediately boosted demand for green buildings. It has grown 100 percent to 200 percent annually and captured 6 percent of the U.S. commercial buildings market within just a few years. Projects compete for higher scores as if it was the Olympics. A growing number of government bodies are mandating or rewarding LEED. Certification simply makes buildings better by fostering highly professional design, construction and commissioning, and increasing operational efficiency. LEED’s palette promotes cost-effectiveness and innovation. back to top • LEED candidate Anonymous Metal Architecture, Vol. 19, No. 9, Sept. 2003, pp. 36-37. With low maintenance, longevity
