WASHINGTON - The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced its new LEED for Existing Building (LEED-EB) green building rating system. Previously in pilot, the rating system has been fully balloted by the USGBC membership. According to the organization, LEED-EB was designed to meet market demand for an existing building rating system following the success of LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC), the USGBC's rating system for new construction.

LEED-EB makes LEED certification available to existing buildings and provides the opportunity for ongoing recertification for previously certified LEED buildings. LEED-EB helps building owners and managers bring the performance of their buildings up to a high level and maintain high performance over the long term, says USGBC. Benefits cited include energy savings, water savings, and healthier indoor environments.

"We are very excited that LEED-EB has been approved by the ballot of our USGBC members," said Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC president, CEO, and founding chair. "LEED-NC is rapidly transforming the design and construction of new buildings to sustainable practices. Now with LEED-EB approved, the USGBC has the tools in place to start transforming the existing buildings market to sustainable practices as well. With both LEED-EB and LEED-NC in place, the USGBC is positioned to help building owners and mangers make both new and existing buildings improve their performance over time and become more sustainable."