U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

Definition

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting an environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy built environment by fostering the development of sustainable buildings through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program. USGBC provides resources such as educational webinars, best practices guidelines, and support through a broad network of chapters and affiliates.

Examples

Building Certification: An office building designed with energy-efficient systems, sustainable material sourcing, and waste reduction mechanisms receives a LEED Platinum certification from the USGBC.
Educational Workshops: Architects participate in a green building workshop hosted by a regional USGBC chapter to learn about new sustainable design innovations.
Community Projects: A residential neighborhood integrates green landscaping, water-efficient practices, and community recycling initiatives, achieving LEED for Neighborhood Development certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LEED certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, provided by the USGBC. It certifies buildings and projects that adhere to strict environmental sustainability criteria.

How can a building achieve LEED certification?

A building can achieve LEED certification by meeting prerequisites and earning sufficient credits in areas such as energy efficiency, materials and resources, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development.

What are the benefits of getting a building LEED certified?

Benefits include reduced operational costs, increased asset value, healthier and more productive environments, positive environmental impact, and eligibility for various financial incentives, tax rebates, and zoning allowances.

Is the USGBC only focused on commercial buildings?

No, the USGBC’s LEED certification covers various building types including commercial, residential, industrial, and neighborhood developments.

How do I find a local USGBC chapter?

Visit the USGBC’s official website and use the chapter locator tool to find chapters and affiliates in your region.

Sustainable Design: Architectural and construction practices that significantly lessen adverse human impacts on the environment by utilizing eco-friendly resources and processes.
Energy Efficiency: Optimizing the energy performance of buildings through designs, materials, and systems that minimize energy consumption.
Green Building: A holistic approach to building and construction that aims to reduce the overall impact on human health and the natural environment.

Online Resources

References

U.S. Green Building Council official documentation and brochures.
LEED Certification guides and manuals available on the USGBC website.

Real Estate Basics: U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Fundamentals Quiz

### What core program does the USGBC manage to certify green buildings? - [x] LEED Certification - [ ] EPA Star Rating - [ ] Green Mark - [ ] BREEAM Certification > **Explanation:** The USGBC manages the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program, which assesses the environmental performance of buildings and provides green building standards. ### What types of buildings can achieve LEED certification? - [x] Commercial, residential, industrial, and neighborhood developments - [ ] Only commercial buildings - [ ] Only residential buildings - [ ] Only public buildings > **Explanation:** LEED certification can be awarded to a variety of buildings including commercial, residential, industrial, and neighborhood developments for their sustainability efforts. ### Which of the following is a benefit of LEED certification? - [x] Reduced operational costs - [ ] Required for all new constructions - [ ] Shortened construction timelines - [ ] Unlimited project scope changes > **Explanation:** LEED certification provides several benefits including reduced operational costs, higher building value, and eligibility for various incentives. ### How does the USGBC promote environmental sustainability? - [x] By providing certification systems like LEED - [ ] By constructing buildings - [ ] By funding government projects - [ ] By offering tax incentives directly > **Explanation:** The USGBC promotes environmental sustainability through certification systems like LEED, educational resources, and an active network of chapters and affiliates. ### What does LEED stand for? - [ ] Leadership in Environmental Education and Development - [x] Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - [ ] Leadership in Ecological Engineering Design - [ ] Law of Environmental and Economic Development > **Explanation:** LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is a certification program designed to promote sustainable building and construction practices. ### Who can attend educational workshops provided by the USGBC? - [x] Architects, engineers, builders, designers, and anyone interested in sustainable construction - [ ] Only licensed architects - [ ] Only building owners - [ ] Only government officials > **Explanation:** USGBC’s educational workshops are available to architects, engineers, builders, designers, and anyone interested in learning more about sustainable construction practices. ### What powers the LEED certification process? - [ ] Energy-efficient home appliances - [ ] Government mandates - [x] A points-based system covering various sustainability metrics - [ ] Basic construction materials > **Explanation:** The LEED certification process is powered by a points-based system that considers various sustainability metrics, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. ### How can one find a local USGBC chapter? - [x] Using the chapter locator tool on the USGBC website - [ ] By calling the federal government - [ ] Through university networks - [ ] Via social media channels > **Explanation:** You can find a local USGBC chapter by using the chapter locator tool available on the official USGBC website. ### What kind of documentation is required for LEED certification? - [x] Detailed reports on energy usage, building materials, indoor air quality, and building plans - [ ] Only photos of the construction process - [ ] No documentation is needed - [ ] Just the property's address and owner's name > **Explanation:** Gaining LEED certification requires comprehensive documentation including detailed reports on energy usage, building materials, indoor air quality, and specific building plans. ### When was USGBC founded? - [ ] 1990 - [ ] 1992 - [x] 1993 - [ ] 1995 > **Explanation:** The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was founded in 1993 with the mission of promoting environmentally responsible building practices.