United States. The U.S. Sustainable Building Council (USGBC) announced that it has launched LEED Zero, a new program that will address operations and net resources in buildings.
"Zero network is a powerful goal that will move the entire industry forward," said Melissa Baker, senior vice president of core technical at USGBC. "For years, LEED projects around the world have aspired to reach zero milestones. We are recognizing the leadership of these projects and formalizing our commitment to focus on carbon and net zero across the LEED community. "These new certification programs will foster a holistic approach for buildings and venues to contribute to a regenerative future and improve the health and well-being of not only building occupants, but of all of humanity."
LEED Zero was informally launched by USGBC in September at the Global Climate Action Summit. LEED Zero is open to all LEED projects certified under the BD+C, ID+C or O+M rating systems, or projects registered to obtain LEED O+M certification. LEED projects can achieve LEED Zero certification when they demonstrate any or one of the following: net zero carbon emissions, net zero energy use, net zero water use, or net zero waste.
"For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for high-performance buildings and spaces and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through strategies that affect soil, energy, transportation, water, waste and materials." Baker added. "Building on that work, LEED Zero is a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net-zero goals and signals market leadership in green building."
LEED certification recognizes that a project has implemented a number of sustainability strategies, reflecting reduced contributions to climate change, as well as beneficial impacts on water resources, biodiversity, human health and well-being, regenerative materials resource cycles, social equity, and quality of life.
