Question

In response to concerns about climate changes, there has been a movement in several areas of the country to require higher levels of environmental responsibility in the design and construction of buildings. In some cases this effort is led by architects, such as in Oregon, where architects have helped initiate legislation (not yet adopted) requiring state-funded buildings over a certain size and cost to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards. Many of us think of "green" architecture as being mostly concerned with energy conservation. LEED addresses energy and four other major areas of concern. What are the four other areas that LEED addresses?

Answer

The five areas of green design addressed by LEED are: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.