DNRP > SWD > Green Building > About the LEED™ Supplement

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LEED™ was created to:

• Define green building by establishing a common standard of measurement
• Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
• Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
• Stimulate green competition
• Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits to transform the building market

The LEED™ Green Building Rating SystemT is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (external) offers this rating system, which certifies projects as LEED™ Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on the number of points achieved. The points are available in five different areas. Visit the LEED™ Supplement for King County to learn how LEED™ applies to local projects.

Become a Member of the U.S. Green Building Council

To become a member of USGBC, visit the USGBC Web site (external) or contact them at 202-82-USGBC.

For information on Seattle-area meetings and seminars sponsored by the Cascadia Chapter of the USGBC, contact Carmen Britz or Nathan Miller at seattle@cascadiagbc.org. For information on membership visit the Cascadia Chapter Web site (external).

Applying LEED™ in King County

King County adopted the LEED™ rating system as a standard for all buildings that the county constructs, remodels or renovates. The LEED™ Supplement for King County outlines the LEED™ Green Building rating system within the context of current King County building codes and is designed to help owners, architects, designers, contractors and project managers develop green buildings in King County. Certification is currently available for new commercial projects.

Getting Certified in King County

LEED™ certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. The first step to achieving this recognition is to register your project with USGBC. Registration is an important step that establishes contact with USGBC and provides access to essential information and software tools. Registering during the early phases of project design will ensure the maximum potential for achieving certification.

Upon registration, project representatives receive an orientation letter and access to resources that explain and facilitate the formal LEED™ application process. To register your project with USGBC or obtain additional information on the LEED™ certification process (external link), visit the USGBC web site (external). There you will find detailed guidance, from project registration through the entire LEED™ certification process.

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