August 2010

LEED for Healthcare: Public Comment and Consensus Body Opt-in

The LEED for Healthcare green building rating system was developed to meet the unique needs of the healthcare market. It is imperative that the spaces used to both provide preventative care to maintain health and provide treatment to those who are sick are facilities that support the health and well-being of staff and patients.

As with all LEED rating systems, LEED for Healthcare's success is driven by the USGBC member community and the input of stakeholders from throughout the industry.

The healthcare market has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by designing, constructing and operating facilities that have less of an environmental impact and the best indoor environmental quality possible. The need for quality healthcare spaces will only increase with an aging population as evidenced by the increase in not just healthcare facilities but green healthcare facilities in recent years.

LEED for Healthcare Public Comment and Consensus Body Opt-in
The third public comment period for LEED for Healthcare is now open.

The changes made to the rating system since the last public comment period can now be viewed, and comments on the changes may be submitted through 5 p.m. PT Sept. 5. USGBC will only accept comments on the revised credits.

Members-only consensus body: As part of USGBC's published ballot procedures, USGBC impanels a consensus body to approve proposed changes to LEED once the public comment process concludes. The consensus body is open to individuals employed by USGBC member organizations. You must opt in by 5 p.m. PT Sept. 30 in order to vote when the ballot launches.

To achieve a consensus body that is naturally balanced, individuals whose organizations are in any of the following member categories are especially encouraged to join:

• Contractors and Builders
• Federal Government (and Government-Owned, Contractor Operated Labs)
• Nonprofit & Environmental Organization
• Product Manufacturers, Building Controls, Service Contractors, & Distributors
• Professional Societies & Trade Associations
• State & Local Governments
• Utility/Energy Service Companies

View the proposed changes and submit comments »
Opt into the consensus body »

The development of LEED for Healthcare
The LEED for Healthcare rating system represents a culmination of seven years of close collaboration between the Green Guide for Healthcare (GGHC) and USGBC. LEED for Healthcare could not exist in its current form without the work done by the GGHC over the past 10 years. The GGHC has helped to streamline LEED for Healthcare's development schedule by aligning with the LEED for New Construction rating system's organizational structure, with permission from USGBC, and conducting a robust pilot program that has included more than 100 health care facilities. Learn more about the partnership between GGHC and USGBC (PDF) »

The LEED for Healthcare rating system will be available to projects that include inpatient and outpatient care facilities and licensed long-term care facilities. LEED for Healthcare may also be used for medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers. LEED for Healthcare addresses issues such as increased sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants, traveling distances from parking facilities, and access to natural spaces.
 

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USGBC Community

Generation Green, We Want Your Videos!
You are Generation Green, and we want to know how you are redefining the future. Visit www.greenbuildexpo.org/GenGreen to find out how you can submit your video and to view videos from others around the world.

You can also share your excitement about Greenbuild on your blog or website with Greenbuild outreach graphics and buttons and Twitter widgets!

Nominate a Person or Organization for 2010 Leadership Awards
The U.S. Green Building Council is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2010 USGBC Leadership Awards. Award nominees should embody the attributes expected of a green building leader and achievements that demonstrate excellence, exemplify the intent and spirit of the green building movement, and have made a significant impact in advancing the green building movement within their sector.
Learn more »

August Members-Only Education Discount
LEED 253: Greenhouse Gases & Green Buildings: Understanding and Achieving Key Reduction Goals

» Online training,available on-demand
» 1.5 GBCI CE hours

USGBC is offering employees of member organizations a special discount for one of our most popular online trainings. Join experts from USGBC and the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program to explore fundamental concepts, accounting requirements, and important reduction goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions – and the cutting-edge strategies needed to meet these goals.

Register by Sept. 1, and get access to this session for $25 (a $75 value).

Learn more and register »
Learn about USGBC membership »

ASHRAE's Annual Conference Seeks Papers
Papers addressing advances in alternative technologies and net-zero buildings, as well as HVAC&R fundamentals and commissioning are being sought for ASHRAE’s 2011 Annual Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The deadline for paper submissions is Sept. 17, 2010. For complete information on tracks, contacts and submittal requirements, visit www.ashrae.org/montreal.

State of the Industry Survey
Please lend your voice to a joint green building survey between the National Real Estate Investor and USGBC. This survey seeks to deepen the industry's understanding of the state of green building and seeks input from both a corporate and developer perspective.

Take the corporate survey »
Take the developer survey »

LEED News

Project Owners: Participate in Building Performance Partnership
USGBC's Building Performance Partnership (BPP) seeks to establish a comprehensive data-collection and analysis infrastructure that is capable of capturing feedback from all LEED-certified projects that will help guide the ongoing development of the LEED rating systems. The first phase of the data-collection effort has begun, and we're asking owners of all LEED projects– regardless of what version or rating system you used – to participate. In addition to helping improve the way LEED promotes the ongoing performance of buildings, you will also receive information about how your project is performing to help you fill any gaps that may exist.
Learn more at www.usgbc.org/bpp »