The USGBC's LEED rating system certainly has its share of warts. But in states across the U.S., the timber, plastics and chemical industries are challenging LEED requirements for insidious reasons: to protect the market for their products.
"The industry objections have grown in direct proportion to LEED's prominence," explains Emily Badger. "Thirty-four states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have policies either requiring LEED construction or establishing strong incentives for it in public buildings. The federal government does, too. The industries that now oppose LEED – even as they remain members of the USGBC voting on changes to the certification – aren't out to ban green building, per se. Rather, they've come up with their own standards for what counts as 'green.'"
"Instead of LEED, they've got something called Green Globes. Instead of the "Forest Stewardship Council" certification (which LEED recognizes for wood products), they've created the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. Suffice it to say, these certifications have laxer standards."
Read the full story: Why Are Some States Trying to Ban LEED Green Building Standards?
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