One of the biggest challenges in turning green is being able to know exactly what ‘green’ is. This is why the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED® was developed in order to define efficiency standards for green buildings.

Adopted in 1998, the LEED® standard is a consensus based rating system reflecting input from the USGBC’s diverse membership, which includes architects, universities, manufacturers and all those in between. It is an extensive look at how new and existing commercial, institutional and residential buildings can be efficient for the 21st century and beyond.

LEED® already accounts for 5% of all new US commercial construction. By 2010 this number is expected to rise to 10% (McGraw-Hill Smart Market Report 2006). Existing construction is embracing these eco:vative ideas as well. Since buildings that follow these green standards on average bring in 3% higher rent and a 7.5% increase in value, developers and property managers are starting to increase the number of green buildings in there portfolios.