ABC - New Version of LEED to Launch April 27

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NEW VERSION OF LEED TO LAUNCH APRIL 27 (03/25/2009)

The new version of the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) green building rating system will be launched April 27.

In addition, March 31 is the last day candidates will be able to register for the current version of LEED for New Construction (NC) and LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI) Accredited Professional (AP) exams. Candidates must test by June 30, 2009. After this date, the LEED NC designation will be replaced with the LEED Building Design and Construction designation and LEED CI will be replaced with LEED Interior Design and Construction.

The updated version of LEED, known as v3, recognizes new technologies and advancements in building science and prioritizes energy efficiency and CO2 emissions reductions. It is comprised of three main components: LEED 2009, the new version of the technical rating system; a more user-friendly, reliable and faster LEED Online; and an expanded building certification infrastructure.

A building becomes LEED certified after it is evaluated using a points-based system with points awarded for specific “green” practices in each of five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. The points are verified by an independent third party and a building is then awarded a silver, gold or platinum ranking based on the number of points earned.

Under the LEED 2009 component of LEED v3, available points will be redistributed so they will more accurately reflect the positive impact being made on the environment by each action. In addition, LEED 2009 will allow for regional bonus credits, or points that can be obtained when a building meets requirements that are specific to the region in which it was built.

Under the current system, LEED certifications are available in eight categories including new construction, existing building, commercial interiors, core and shell, retail, schools, health care and homes. The changes in LEED 2009 will strive to consolidate and simplify these categories and help streamline the certification process.

Once LEED v3 goes into effect, projects registered under the version 2 rating system can be transferred to v3 for free for the first 180 days.

For more information on LEED v3, click here.

For more information on registering for the current version of LEED AP exams, visit www.gbci.org/FAQ.

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