What does the acronym “LEED” stand for, and how is it related to design-build?

The acronym "LEED" stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This certification program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a widely recognized framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.

LEED plays a significant role in design-build projects because it encourages the integration of sustainable and energy-efficient practices into the design and construction process. By adhering to LEED standards, design-build teams can create buildings that minimize environmental impact, promote occupant well-being, and enhance resource efficiency. The collaboration inherent to the design-build approach allows teams to work closely to achieve LEED certification goals, ultimately leading to a more streamlined process that can save time and reduce costs associated with achieving sustainability benchmarks.

This connection to sustainable building practices highlights why the first choice accurately reflects the essence of LEED and its importance within the design-build framework.