Comment Period Opens on New LEED Energy Requirement

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened a public comment period on language requiring all projects using the LEED^® Rating System to obtain a minimum of two points in its energy optimization section. Announced in November 2006, the proposal is part of USGBC’s focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from buildings (see

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Vol. 15, No. 12). The change would take effect immediately after it is ratified; if adopted, it will apply to all projects that register after that date for any of the four currently balloted LEED rating systems. The comment period runs through March 23, 2007. If the proposal is revised, a second comment period will occur; either way, USGBC membership will ultimately vote on the change. A related and more complex proposal, also announced in November, to require LEED buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, is still being drafted. Comments can be submitted through USGBC’s website, www.usgbc.org.