The U.S. Green Building Council has launched a new campaign offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 114 countries where LEED has yet to take root. The new program, called “LEED Earth,” aims to bring LEED certification and better-performing buildings into new markets.

“LEED is a global language and can become a catalyst for incremental change toward a sustainable future. USGBC is committed to bringing LEED to every country in the world while continuing to foster innovation and achievement in existing global markets,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of USGBC. “Buildings are the single greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions of any sector, and the least costly way to alleviate the environmental stresses of our changing planet. LEED is the tool to get the job done.”