The U.S. Green Building Council, based in Washington, DC, created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system to rate the “green-ness” of environmentally sensitive projects. Based on a 69-point list of criteria that covers sustainable site planning, water and energy/atmosphere efficiency, material and resource conservation, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design, a project has the potential to earn one of the four following LEED ratings:

• Certified - 26 to 32 points
• Silver - 33 to 38 points
• Gold - 39 to 51 points
• Platinum - 52 or more points

Why Green Build?

Building green can help customers save some “green” in terms of long-term operating costs, as environmentally sensitive facilities utilize systems to optimize energy performance. The University of California Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment also found that, based on ongoing research, people who work in green buildings with access to fresh air and natural light tend to be much happier, more productive and absent from work less.

DPR’S Commitment

Dedicated to being an industry leader,DPR’s commitment to its customers and the “green building movement” include building a team of preconstruction professionals experienced in green design and creating a total workforce both trained in and steadfast to the principles of environmentally sound design and construction. For example, by the end of this year, DPR plans to have one to three individuals at each of its 17 regional offices accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council, which entails a day long training session and passing of the accreditation exam.