Following are some highlights regarding the USGBC, as stated on their web site: www.usgbc.org

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally  responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Our more than 11,000 member organizations and our network of 75 regional chapters are united to advance our mission of transforming the building industry to sustainability.

Core Purpose
The U.S. Green Building Council's core purpose is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Guiding Principles
At USGBC, we take how we make our decisions as seriously as the decisions themselves. Our Board of Directors has articulated a set of guiding principles to provide clarity and continuity in our decision making.

Learn More
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of more than 11,000 organizations from every sector of the building  industry united by a common purpose: to transform the building marketplace to sustainability.

USGBC's 75 regional chapters serve as the front door of the Council, providing green building resources, education, and leadership opportunities in their communities.

USGBC's elected Board of Directors guides the Council's strategic direction and focus. The Council's programs and activities are implemented by an energetic, passionate staff of more than 90, headed by a professional management team.

LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. USGBC's members, representing every sector of the building industry, developed and continue to refine LEED.  LEED addresses all building types including new construction, commercial interiors, core & shell, operations & maintenance, homes, neighborhoods, and specific applications such as retail, multiple buildings/campuses, schools, healthcare, laboratories and lodging. 

Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive system offering project certification, professional accreditation, training and practical resources.

Following are some highlights regarding LEED, as stated on their web site: www.leedbuilding.org

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

What is LEED®?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle.

The LEED for Schools Green Building Rating System recognizes the unique nature of the design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on LEED for New Construction, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention, and environmental site assessment.

By addressing the uniqueness of school spaces and children’s health issues, LEED for Schools provides a unique, comprehensive tool for schools that wish to build green, with measurable results. LEED for Schools is the recognized third-party standard for high performance schools that are healthy for students, comfortable for teachers, and cost-effective.

As of April 20, 2007, LEED for Schools is required for use on all new construction and major renovations of K-12 school facilities in which academic activities occur. LEED for New Construction can no longer be used to certify K-12 school building projects. LEED for Schools is recommended - though not required - for higher education facilities.

Following are some highlights regarding the Green Seal, as stated on their web site: www.greenseal.org

What We Do

Setting the standard, raising the bar

Green Seal works with manufacturers, industry sectors, purchasing groups, and governments at all levels to "green" the production and purchasing chain. We utilize a life-cycle approach, which means we evaluate a product or service beginning with material extraction, continuing with manufacturing and use, and ending with recycling and disposal. Products only become Green Seal certified after rigorous testing and evaluation, including on-site plant visits. Green Seal's specific programs include:

Standards and Certification — development of environmental leadership standards for specific product categories and certification of products and services that meet them

Greening Your Government — technical assistance to all levels of government in their purchasing, operations, and facilities management

Choose Green Reports — technical reports on products in a variety of categories giving specific brand recommendations of those that meet screening criteria

Greening the Lodging Industry — long-term project with hotels and motels to green their operations and purchasing, including certification of specific properties