Green Building and Real Estate Blog

Green Building Summit two weeks ago gathered over 400 professionals. Engineers, Realtors, builders, subcontractors, architects, consultants, investors and developers came to learn about green building trends, share experience and set new trends.

Two main green building standards are emerging in the US.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a standard developed by US Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC was formed in mid 1990's and is focused on comprehensive approach to green building and sustainable development. Various standards were developed to meet diverse needs of real estate industry: LEED NC - new construction and major renovation; LEED ND - neighborhood development; LEED O&M - operations and management for existing buildings; etc.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently came up with its own standard for homes. Many builders claim that NAHB standard is easier to achieve. Many builders are looking to work with NAHB standard for that very reason.

At the first glance, LEED is a more comprehensive and scientifically researched and developed standard. It is few steps further than NAHB standard. I maybe mistaken in my view.

However, any improvement is welcomed. I am afraid that between now and the time all buildings will be built properly, we will have a great number of homes that will be demolished in 20-30 years.

Ancient civilations and empires from Middle Ages left great buildings behind for us to marvel and remember. What will be left from our times would be styrofoam cups and plastic trash. Truly sad memory to leave behind.