# LEED Zero Program USGBC Creates gets 100 New Buildings

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/leed-zero-program-usgbc-gets-100-new-buildings/
- Published: 2022-06-17T11:49:13-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Milestone reflects growing demand for net-zero buildings

June 14, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. Green Building Council announced
nearly 100 net-zero [certifications earned](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/new-balance-headquarters-is-nations-first-leed-v2009-core-and-shell-platinum-certification-to-earn-all-points-in-indoor-environmental-quality/)
under the LEED Zero program. For the LEED Zero program [represents](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/neep-northeast-schools-can-save-money-and-protect-kids-health-with-proper-buildings-maintenance/)
more than 23 million square feet of [space](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/ottawa-convention-center-achieves-leedr-gold-certification/).
One-fourth of LEED Zero program [projects](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/10/cavallo-point-eco-friendly-spot-leed-gold/)
earned multiple certifications, demonstrating achievement of net-zero goals in several
categories.

⌊LEED zero program ⌉⌊LEED zero program ⌉A [complement](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/potawatomi-hotel-casinos-hotel-attains-leed-gold-certification/)
to LEED [certification](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/11/achieving-leed-certification-philips-arenas-green-revolution/)
LEED Zero provides a clear, data-driven path to recognizing net-zero goals and signals
[market leadership](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/us-green-building-council-launches-new-magazine-for-member-network/)
in the built environment. Moreover, in [2018](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/old-chapel-at-umass-amherst-receives-leed-gold-certification/),
the first year LEED Zero was released, certifications were [earned](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/jacob-burns-film-centers-commitment-to-energy-efficiency/)
in every category, with one project earning [green building strategy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/radisson-blu-mall-of-america-becomes-first-hotel-in-the-twin-cities-to-attain-leed-certification-from-u-s-green-building-council/)
certification in all four categories.

“Operating our buildings at net zero, combined with a solid, is a [cost-effective solution](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/usgbc-leed-a-game-changer-for-global-green-building/)
to tackling the climate crisis,” said Peter Templeton, USGBC’s interim president&
CEO. “[Reducing the carbon emissions of buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/usgbc-leed-a-game-changer-for-global-green-building/)
is a critical part of solving the climate puzzle. We will continue to work together
with building owners and partners from all sectors to ensure that we meet [LEED zero program](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/what-food-labels-really-mean/)
goals.”

![The futuristic eco-city depicted in the image is a marvel of sustainable urban
planning. The skyscrapers, which dominate the skyline, are not just covered in greenery
but are designed with biomimicry principles. Their shapes mimic natural forms, optimizing
energy efficiency and air circulation. The vertical gardens aren't merely decorative;
they serve as natural air purifiers and temperature regulators, reducing the urban
heat island effect. Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the buildings' facades,
capturing sunlight from various angles throughout the day. Some structures also 
feature wind turbines on their roofs, harnessing the power of high-altitude breezes.
Together, these renewable energy sources power much of the city's needs. The streets
below showcase a multi-modal transportation system. Electric buses glide silently
along dedicated lanes, while personal electric vehicles share the road with autonomous
pods. The bike lanes are protected and elevated, encouraging safe cycling. Pedestrian
walkways are wide and tree-lined, promoting walking as a primary mode of transportation.
The central park is more than just green space; it's a biodiversity hotspot. Native
plant species attract local wildlife, creating a thriving ecosystem within the urban
environment. The farmers' market in the park features high-tech hydroponic and aeroponic
growing systems alongside traditional farming methods, showcasing the blend of nature
and technology in food production. Water management is evident throughout the cityscape.
Rooftop gardens and ground-level bioswales capture and filter rainwater, reducing
runoff and providing irrigation for the city's greenery. Some buildings feature 
living walls that act as natural cooling systems and habitats for birds and insects.
The family planting a tree in the foreground represents community engagement in 
urban forestry. They're using advanced soil sensors and a mobile app that guides
them in optimal tree care, demonstrating how technology supports environmental stewardship.
In the background, you can spot a large building with a distinctive domed roof –
this is likely an education center or museum dedicated to sustainability and environmental
science, emphasizing the city's commitment to ongoing learning and innovation in
green technologies. This image not only portrays a vision of sustainable urban living
but also highlights the interconnectedness of various green technologies and practices,
showing how they work together to create a harmonious, efficient, and environmentally
friendly city of the future.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2014/10/IMG_6046.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1)

## LEED Zero Program Energy Certification

LEED Zero energy certification is awarded to net-zero [energy buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/panasonic-energy-net-zero-buildings-plus-green/)
and communities that generate as much energy as they use over the course of the 
year. Therefore, LEED Zero Carbon Program recognizes [net-zero carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/build-green-leed-20000-strong-a-sustainable-future/).
That’s from [energy consumption](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/progress-on-commercial-building-energy-efficiency-has-been-good-but-more-attention-needed-to-decrease-waste-in-several-areas/)
through carbon emissions avoided or offset over one year. LEED Zero Water recognizes
a potable water use balance of zero over one year. LEED Zero Waste [recognizes](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/interactive-design-idea-project-strikes-gold/)
buildings that achieve GBCI’s TRUE [certification](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/01/green-building-arena-ubs-awarded-leed-certification/)
at the Platinum level.

Moreover, recent years have [spotlighted](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/thomas-place-orland-park-achieves-rare-designations/)
the need to reduce carbon emissions and [accelerate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/thomas-place-orland-park-achieves-rare-designations/)
efforts to achieve a low-carbon future. Buildings account for nearly 40% of all 
carbon emissions, and according to a [2020 UN report](https://build.usgbc.org/e/413862/ecord-high-low-carbon-pandemic/yjkfxp/1815056393),
buildings must reduce at least 50% of their carbon emissions by 2030 to achieve 
net-zero by 2050. Organizations, cities, and countries around the globe are now 
monitoring their outputs. They’re committing to[ carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/06/ford-product-review-center-is-leed-building/)
reductions as well as net-zero emissions.

This week is Net LEED Zero Buildings Week, which is an opportunity to highlight 
the importance of green buildings. Moreover, the push to decarbonize our existing
buildings. USGBS is working to bring [more awareness to the building sector’s contribution to carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/07/usgbc-leed-a-game-changer-for-global-green-building/).
Therefore, it’s taking part in [Net Zero Buildings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/09/toyota-takes-the-leed-in-texas/)
Week. It’s joining the New Buildings Institute. Not to mention, other building industry
partners to [highlight](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/fannie-mae-leed-multifamily-lower-interest-rate/)
the benefits of net-zero buildings for a clean energy future. So, join us as we 
virtually spread the word about net-zero [buildings and the people](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/people-and-planet-building-a-sustainable-future/)
behind them. All organizations and firms are welcome to participate by sharing their
resources on social media using the hashtag #NetZeroNow. Also [join USGBC for a net-zero Twitter chat](https://build.usgbc.org/e/413862/le7Ctwcamp5Eserp7Ctwgr5Eauthor/yjkfxs/1815056393)
on Wednesday, June 15 at 1 pm ET.

Source: [USGBC](https://www.usgbc.org/articles/usgbc-announces-more-23-million-square-feet-leed-certified-net-zero-space)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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