The USGBC has released a new strategy, “Healthy People in Healthy Places Equals a Healthy Economy,” to use LEED to support buildings and communities in a post-pandemic world. This new plan includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
The program initiates emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED guidelines that reflect the new realities that buildings and the people inside them will face in the near future. “By helping everyone understand the role a LEED-certified building can have in creating healthy spaces, we can help rebuild public trust, stimulate the economy, and ultimately bring about a healthier standard of living for all,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, USGBC President and CEO.
The USGBC will be updating the current LEED strategies contained in LEED v4.1. These are protocols for indoor environmental quality, cleaning, occupant comfort, operations, better materials and risk management. New LEED guidelines including pilot credits to support social distancing, nontoxic surface cleaning, air quality, and infection monitoring will also be implemented.
Additional USGBC initiatives include forming Regional CEO Advisory Councils to advise and support the USGBC’s CEO on how the organization can prioritize sustainability in a post-pandemic world. It will also accelerate the implementation of its USGBC Equity program to better address the social, health, and economic disparities within communities.
USGBC also plans to publish a series of best practice guidance reports to help project teams assist their occupants as they reenter their spaces. For more information, contact MAC today. MAC is a contractor Kansas City property and facility managers have trusted for more than 30 years. MAC can help you with any facility repairs, remodeling, custom cabinetry and many other projects. Contact us today for a free consultation.