As this idea of Sustainable design began to catch on it became evident that some system which facilitated the design and development of buildings would be beneficial. In 1998 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED for short) was developed. This program is intended to help building owners and operators to find and implement ways to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. One of the many benefits of LEED is that it is not only focused on the sustainability of new buildings, but also gives the opportunity to achieve sustainability in existing buildings, Core and Shell of buildings, Commercial interiors, Retail, Homes, Neighborhoods, and Schools. Each category breaking down into different sub-categories to better deal with efficiency and green design of systems which would be found in that type of building. With the current version of LEED the average LEED certified building has reduced energy use by 40%, solid waste by 70%, carbon emissions by 35%, and water use by 40% compared to a building of similar value that did not implement green technologies. This certification of a building is also broken down further based on a 100 point system which awards points for certain construction techniques which help to make the building more environmentally friendly. .
When certifying a building there is a grading system which will put your building in one of four categories. There is LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum certifications. These categories are accomplished by earning points. The LEED group has made up a scorecard which breaks down a possible 110 points into eight different focuses. Starting with the site on which you are building, which accounts for a possible 26 of the 110 points you can earn. They look at everything from pollution prevention during construction to alternative transportation accommodations, even into site development, such as protecting and restoring habitats and maximizing open space.