The organization announced this week that along with stronger standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, the updated LEED credits system will be more regional in nature to take into account a given area's environmental priorities.
"I think it's important because some credits that make sense for an area like the southwest aren't applicable for climate conditions here in the Midwest," Michigan builder Ryan Stoianowski told the Ann Arbor Business Review.
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was established in 1998, while a LEED project for homes began last year.
To earn credits towards LEED certification, building projects must meet certain criteria in categories such as the type of materials used, water and energy efficiency, and indoor air quality, among others.
LEED certification can be positive for home resale values as well as for saving energy and money. However, consumers can also realize such benefits with home improvements like energy-efficient windows, doors and siding, as well as environmentally friendly products like natural gas furnaces and solar panels.
