It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (
LEED) Green Building Rating System™, and is a program of the
U.S. Green Building Council.
According to their website, LEED-certified buildings:
- have lower operating costs
- are healthy and comfortable for their occupants
- reduce waste sent to landfills
- conserve energy and water
- reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
- demonstrate an owner's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility
"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."
The new Marshalltown Public Library building will be LEED-certified, which means meeting certain basic requirements as well as fulfilling criteria within each of those 5 key areas. Things like renewable energy sources, use of local materials, and efficient use of water could contribute to the certification. This will be something we all can be proud of!
Decisions about which criteria the library will meet will be made in mid-November.
Visit the LEED Web site.
