The next version of the LEED Rating System first public comment period will be closing on January 14, 2011. The public comment draft of the next version of LEED is an update and expansion of the technical content from LEED 2009.
The public comment draft helps ensure that LEED continues to be the vanguard of innovative design, construction, and operations of buildings and communities. The revised standard is expected to be released for use after ballot in late 2012.
As stakeholders in the LEED rating system, facility professionals are strongly encouraged to participate, as this public comment period includes all LEED rating systems, including the BD+C, ID+C, and O+M rating system groups, LEED for Neighborhood Development, and LEED for Homes.
LEED is developed through a process in which proposed new rating systems or significant revisions to existing ones are reviewed by USGBC, the Technical Advisory Group, USGBC’s Board of Directors, and finally, the LEED Steering Committee. Once these reviews are completed, the new rating systems or revisions are opened for public review and comment.
In accordance with USGBC policies, the first comment period is open to the public for at least 45 days. After the comment period closes, comments are incorporated into the draft, an outline of the changes are posted, and a second public comment period is held, during which the public can comment on any changes made since the first comment period. The final draft is delivered to USGBC members for balloting.
Respondents are encouraged to submit comments on individual credits and include recommendations for resolving any identified concerns. Recommendations could include ways to improve the practicality of the criteria for a specific credit, or ways to clarify the language of a specific requirement.
Guidelines for submitting comments:
- Comments are only accepted via the online comment form.
- Each respondent may submit only one set of comments on any individual credit.
- Comments may not be edited once submitted.
- Representatives of USGBC member and non-member organizations are encouraged to submit comments collectively.
The public comment period is an important phase of the consensus-driven LEED development process. It’s during this phase that the USGBC relies on the users and stakeholders to give input on the direction of the proposed rating systems.
LEED will continue to evolve, improve, and move forward as the industry benchmark for green buildings, and as it does so, it is imperative that the USGBC receives industry wide input through public comment.
Documents and instructions for comment can be found at the USGBC website.
