Perspectives On The LEED (Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design) System As A Green Certification Standard

Abstract

As we begin to reach the limits of Earths biosphere, ensuring that sustainable practices are integrating into new buildings and into older buildings are crucial to remove unsustainable strains on the environment. This paper seeks to examine the merits and disadvantages of LEED as a certification system in the context of environmental sustainability. While there does seem to be legitimate criticism of the LEED system, it does serve to bring and legitimize sustainable development to an area that has a profound and continual effect on the environment. The systems should be continuously examined and revamped in the context of improving the integration of environmental sustainability into commercial and residential development. LEED has the opportunity to be revamped, improved, and to become a powerful force in promoting environmental sustainability in construction.