WASHINGTON - Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has announced that all of the city's newly constructed public buildings will be LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating system, developed by the USGBC, that will assist the city in its efforts to conserve energy, reduce costs, and ensure healthier indoor environments, says the organization.

Mayor Daley made the announcement at the American Institute of Architects' national convention.

"We are excited that Chicago, as a center of modern architecture and a major urban hub, also represents an in-practice example that greening strategies do work," said Rick Fedrizzi, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council. "We applaud Mayor Daley and the city of Chicago for their exemplary commitment to green building and look forward to more cities following their leadership. The USGBC also congratulates the commitment of the Chicago Chapter of the USGBC in helping to further promote green initiatives."

Mayor Daley noted that he hopes that with these green building strategies put into place for public buildings, it will influence the private sector to adopt many of the same practices. Daley also stated that by ensuring all new construction and major renovation projects become LEED certified, it will help save taxpayer money.

For more information about the LEED program, visit www.usgbc.org/leed/leed_main.asp.

Publication date: 06/21/2004