LEED, Green Globes, and Living Building Challenge

For years, “going green” initiatives have been popping up in all aspects of our lives. In the construction industry, there are three main programs pushing buildings to be greener: LEED^®, Green Globes, and Living Building Challenge (LBC). All three of these programs push for more sustainable buildings, but each takes a different approach to accomplish this goal. In this SpecTopics post, we will look at some of the differences between these three programs.

Put simply, LEED and Green Globes are working toward making buildings more sustainable by improving existing standards, while LBC takes things a step further and promotes buildings that have little to no negative impact on the environment. 

Overall Mission LEED wants to make buildings better for the environment, community, and those who use the building Green Globes wants to make buildings more environmentally efficient based on commonly valued environmental outcomes LBC promotes buildings that have a positive environmental impact

Certification Methods/Requirements

LEED

Points-based rating system (100 points possible)

Four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum

Green Globes

Points-based rating system (1,000 points possible)

Four levels of certification: 1 Globe, 2 Globes, 3 Globes, 4 Globes

LBC

Seven petals (like those of a plant or flower) broken down into 20 imperatives; number of petals/imperatives completed determines award

Three awards are available (based on which path you take)

A Zero Carbon Certification and a Zero Energy Certification are available

Main Points of Focus

LEED Location & Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Material & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, Regional Priority, and Integrative Process

Green Globes Project Management, Site Energy, Water, Materials & Resources, Emissions, Indoor Environment

LBC Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty