Beginning this week all construction projects pursuing LEED certification will be subject to new, stricter standards.  The biggeset change is how energy usage is reported.  Building owners must now report their total annual energy and water consumption or be recertified every two years.  The idea is more reporting will lead to energy consumption reduction as owners will have better information to plan for the future.  The end result will be better “performing”  buildings, operating with optimum efficiency.

USGBC’S LEED program has often been criticized for its shortcomings and inaccuracies.  While the program is far from perfect, the good news is that the USGBC is constantly improving upon the original idea.  This should also improve the future of companies who provide services and technological solutions for maintaining green buildings.  The new standards do not remedy every flaw in the LEED certification process, but do improve the future of sustainable building.

To read more about the new LEED standards click here.