Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide First Edition

will wobble and be unable to perfonn its function. Projects cerrified under the LEED rating systems
demonstrate, through compliance with a range of requirements, that thcy have addressed elements
that balance and enhance all three areas oftbe triple bottom line, all thrcc dimensions of sustainability.
GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE
In 2007, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCll was established
as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building
Counci I. GBCI administers credentialing programs related to green building practice. US­
CBC handles the development of the LEED raling systems and offers LEED-based education and research
programs; GBCI administers the LEED Professional Accreditation program independently,
to allow for balanced, objective management of the credentiaL
GSCI manages all aspects of the LEED Professional Accreditation program, including exam development,
registration, and delivery. Accreditation is available at three levels:
• LEED Green Associate
• LEED Accredited Professional
• LEED Fellow
CSCI also oversees the development and implementation of a credential maintenance program for
LEED Accredited Professionals. Establishingcontinuing education requirements for LEED Accredited
Professionals ensures that the credential continues to distinguish those building professionals
who have a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices plus the skills to
steward the LEED certification process.
CBCI administers all LEE D projectcenification through third-partycenit1cation bodies accredited
by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
LEED RATING SYSTEMS
The LEED rating systems are tools for encouraging, evaluating, and recognizing
green buildings and neighborhoods, with the ultimate goal of market
transformation. Comprehensive and flexible, LEED is relevant to buildings in any stage in their
]jfc cycles. Newconstruction, the ongoing operations and maintenance of an existing building, and a
significant tenant retrOfit toa commercial building are all addressed by LEED rating systems. The rating
systems and their companion reference guides help teams make the right green building decisions for
their projects through an integrated process, ensuring that building systems work together effectively.
Updated regularly, the rating systems respond to new technologies and policies and to changes in the
built environment through an ongoing, consensus-based refinement process.
u.s. Green Building Council and its Programs 17