From the Editor
One characteristic of a successful, progressive organization is its ability to take – and incorporate – constructive criticism. When the U.S. Green Building Council first introduced its LEED for Existing Buildings rating system back in 2002, it hoped that the rating system would catch on as quickly as the council’s already-successful LEED for New Construction system. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and even five years later, the rating system still was mired in a general malaise.

There were many reasons for the slow adoption, but the most oft-cited two were: 1) Architects drove LEED-NC, and a certification on a new building is a marketing tool for both the firm and the shiny new building itself. Facility executives were supposed to drive LEED-EB, but for an industry as bottom-line-conscious as facility management, many found it difficult to justify the extra expense without the new-building-cachet. 2) Many considered LEED-EB unwieldy and difficult to understand, implement and document. The cost-to-benefit ratio, in terms of both time and money, made LEED-EB nearly impossible to justify.

So USGBC took these criticisms to heart and revamped the rating system to its current iteration, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance. The general feeling so far is that the new system is a much better, more useful, and easier to document way to implement a system of sustainable facility management. When USGBC releases the new Reference Guide for LEED-EB in late July to early August, it may be an ideal time to look at how LEED-EB can positively affect your facility management plan.

As always, I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts about LEED-EB, whether good, bad or indifferent.

— Greg Zimmerman, Editor

Green Strategies
LEED-EB Gets a Makeover
After a slow start, the rating system has been revamped to make it more relevant and user-friendly.

In the News
LEED-EB Now Requires Green Cleaning
APPA, an organization for facility professionals in educational facilities, announces that green cleaning is required by LEED-EB, and that some of APPA’s standards have been adopted by USGBC for additional LEED-EB credits.

Green Toolkit
A Renaissance Site
The Web site for the Leonardo Academy, a consulting firm that helps facility executives implement a plan for sustainable operations and maintenance, includes this page with several LEED-EB resources. (scroll down about halfway down the page for the LEED-EB section.) Michael Arny, the Leonardo Academy’s founder and president, is one of the foremost experts on LEED-EB specifically and green facility management in general.

Green Pulse
What is your level of experience with LEED for Existing Buildings?
- We have a building or buildings certified.
- We’ve adopted LEED-EB standards, but haven’t certified.
- We are looking into LEED-EB, but it’s not a top priority.
- We could care less about LEED-EB.

Click here to answer and view results.

GreenTech University
Learn How to Go Green at Facility Decisions, Sept. 16-17, 2008
Discover how your building can consume less energy reduce its impact on the environment. Numerous educational sessions will bring you up to speed on green issues and best practices. The GreenTech pavilion in the exhibit hall includes many of the latest green products, services and technologies. Meet with suppliers who can answer your questions and offer solutions.