Green Buildings, LEED Version 4.1, and the AIA Sustainable Projects Exhibit

Summary

This practice note explains the concept of green building, both as a description of a type of building constructed and operated by employing sustainable technology, and as a reference to the design and construction techniques used to construct that building. This practice note also describes how you may obtain a green building designation upon construction of a new building or retrofitting of an existing building, including qualification for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and a federal Energy Star designation. With respect to LEED certification, this practice note explains the significant changes made by LEED Version 4.1 (v4.1) from the previously commonly used LEED Version 4.0 (v4). This practice note also discusses the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document E204-2017, Sustainable Projects Exhibit, which was developed for use on a wide variety of sustainable projects. See AIA® Document E204™ — 2017 (Sustainable Projects Exhibit, Sample ...