Services Marketing-MK 4800
Summer Semester 2011
May 27,2011

According to a “go green” blog named 2B Green World Website-LEED Consultants, “buildings represent over 50% of US wealth; $800 billion is the amount of renovation and new construction in the United States, buildings account for 1/6 of the worlds freshwater withdrawals, ¼ of its wood harvest and 2/5 of its material and energy flow” (Go Green Facts 1).These figures represent the disadvantages of a world without green building. Throughout this report the focus is on LEED certification and accreditation, and the impact LEED has on several different service firms. The report begins with background information about the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED, and LEED
LEED Accredited Professional (AP) is a more advanced credential indicating that the individual is truly an expert in one or more of the LEED rating systems (U.S. Green Building Council):
• LEED for New Construction, or LEED-NC
• LEED for Core and Shell (speculative buildings) or LEED-CS
• LEED for Commercial Interiors (tenant improvements and remodels) or LEED-CI
• LEED for Existing Buildings (upgrades, operations, and maintenance) or LEED-EB
• LEED for Schools or LEED-SCH
• LEED for Retail or LEED-R
• LEED for Healthcare or LEED-HC
• LEED for Homes or LEED-H
• LEED for Neighborhood Development or LEED-ND
Currently in LEED 2009 there are 100 possible points plus an additional six points for Innovation in Design and four points for Regional Priority. Buildings can qualify for four levels of certification. Each LEED rating system has a different number of total points so scores can be compared only within each system. However, the method for rewarding achievement is identical. LEED certifications are awarded as follows (U.S. Green Building Council):
• Certified: 40-49 points
• Silver: 50-59 points
• Gold: 60-79 points
• Platinum: 80 points and above
Process
The standard process for receiving accreditation or certification is through an application process, examination or by proving that you have worked on a sustainable project. The