The U.S. Green Building Council recently published a report containing principles outlining how LEED will evolve.
The chief concern is how to scale up decarbonization in the building industry to have the greatest impact on the climate crisis. Recognizing that the challenge is global, USGBC says: “We will increase the impact of LEED by making compliance simple, intuitive, and barrier-free. We will provide streamlined tools and pathways for more buildings, portfolios, cities, and communities to engage. We will leverage ESG reporting frameworks, performance standards and local regulation to drive, recognize, and reward continuous performance tracking.”
Other guiding principles include:
- Inspire and recognize adaptive and resilient built environments.
- Invest in human health and well-being.
- Create environments in which diversity, equity, and inclusivity thrive.
- Support flourishing ecosystems through regenerative development practices.
- Establish that buildings designed and constructed to LEED standards must also be operated to LEED standards.
Other points of emphasis will be to improve indoor air quality, address foundational mental and physical health needs, support resilient and people-oriented site design, promote use of green building products, focus on the impacts of climate change on health, and address the health risks associated with construction and worker safety.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 23, 2020
COVID-19 epidemic demonstrates value of flexible hospital space
Some rooms being repurposed for ICU care.
Codes and Standards | Apr 15, 2020
Embodied carbon footprint can be reduced by using conventional materials
High-SCM concrete, and cellulose and wood fiber insulation among the greener alternatives.
Coronavirus | Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19 alert: City conducts a 'virtual building inspection' to allow Starbucks and bank to open
Bothell, Wash., issues a certificate of occupancy to developer after inspecting the property online.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
Design competition focuses on reducing urban heat island effect
Cool Abu Dhabi aims to transform urban life in the Middle East.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
What building science says about reducing COVID-19 transmission
Impact of temperature and relative humidity is unclear.
Codes and Standards | Apr 9, 2020
Owners retrofitting properties, monitoring performance during epidemic
Covid-19 outbreak may lead employers to reevaluate office commitments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.