[GBlist] LEED 2.1 Update released by USGBC

["Bion D. Howard" <bdhoward@ix.netcom.com>]

Distribution:

Please refer to the attached.  I worked on the energy & atmosphere section, but also reviewed the whole document and believe there are significant improvements.  The reason for doing a V2.1 update is to resolve some important issues that the Council believes could not be delayed until the full V3.0 rewrite in the future.  Questions should be directed to LEED staff at: <mailto:info@leedbuilding.org>

- Bion Howard, Member US GBC

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USGBC

Dear Council Members:


It is our great pleasure to announce the release of the LEED" Rating System Version 2.1 rating criteria. Consistent with USGBC policy for the continuous improvement of LEED, Version 2.1 is an administrative update of the LEED 2.0 Rating System for new commercial construction, major renovations and high-rise residential buildings.


LEED Version 2.1 is intended to address concerns raised by USGBC members and other LEED users by providing technical clarifications and streamlining the documentation requirements for LEED certification. Dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly to meet these market demands, while striving to retain the stringency and integrity of the LEED standard. We are grateful for their participation and support. The resulting improvements are expected to simplify the documentation process for project teams and to reduce the costs of documenting LEED credits significantly.


We strongly encourage all USGBC members and building industry stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new documentation requirements and clarifications to the rating criteria. As always, we welcome and deeply appreciate your comments. We have provided a convenient Web-based comment form on the website. Over the next 60-90 days, we will be hard at work developing and testing the streamlining tools, updating the Reference Guide and Web site, and considering your suggestions for how we can better administer the leading green building rating system in the nation - and possibly the world. 


The support of USGBC members has helped LEED make remarkable progress toward transforming the marketplace. In just over two years, nearly 500 projects representing approximately 75 million square feet have registered their intent to seek LEED certification. Your input on the LEED Version 2.1 draft will help this momentum continue to grow. Please visit the U.S. Green Building Council Web site's "Version 2.1 page" [<http://www.leedbuilding.org>] to access the Version 2.1 Rating System draft, answers to frequently asked questions, and the public commentary form. We look forward to greatly increasing marketplace acceptance of LEED through Version 2.1 and furthering the design and construction of buildings that are better for people, the planet and the bottom line.


Sincere regards,


Rob Watson
Co-chair, LEED Steering Committee
Director, International Energy Program, Natural Resources Defense Council


Paul von Paumgartten
Co-chair, LEED Steering Committee
Director, Energy and Environmental Affairs, Johnson Controls, Inc.



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