Bridging the Gap Towards LEED

By now, most have been personally effected by the cost of energy and to date, there is no clear end in sight. We have all been charged to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, minimize our consumption of natural resources and to construct and live in buildings that are as energy-efficient as possible. 

Ambitious, visionary architects, developers, building managers and project team leaders hold to the dream of one day incorporating universal building systems which allow for affordable buildings with net zero energy use and environmental impact.  In fact, considerable research and efforts now focus on actually creating spaces which produce a net positive effect on the productivity, health and well being of the people within these built environments.  

One proactive, effective method developed to work towards these objectives is the institution of green building rating systems. Managed by the United States Green Building Council or (USGBC) the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system has 35,000 current projects comprising over 4.5 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 91 countries. Similarly the Australian Green Building Council has implemented 'The Green Star'  system and the UK's 'Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method' (BREEAM) system has inspired the birth of yet other such programs throughout the world.