Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for New Construction (LEED-NC)

Caltrans, Los Angeles

The Governor's Green Building Order requires a 20 percent energy reduction in State-owned facilities by 2015.

The Executive Order directs State agencies to use a variety of measures to achieve those energy savings including "designing, constructing and operating all new and renovated state-owned facilities, paid for with state funds, as LEED Silver or higher accredited buildings."

The Leasdership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) advances energy and material efficiency and sustainability for New Construction (LEED-NC) and for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB).

LEED in New Construction for State Buildings
The Governor's Green Building Action Plan directs that… "all new State buildings and major renovations of 10,000 square feet and over, and subject to Title 24, will be designed, constructed and accredited at LEED-NC Silver or higher, (or LEED-EB as applicable.) Certification to an equivalent or higher standard is acceptable as approved by the Green Action Team. Building projects less than 10,000 square feet shall use the same design standard, but accreditation is not required."

New Construction and Major Renovation Projects
The State of California is one of the world's largest property owners and building managers, owning or leasing billions of dollars worth of real estate. Projects begun after the issuance of the Governor's Green Building Order in December 2004 are budgeted and will be designed and constructed to LEED Silver standards.

State Facilities with LEED-New Construction Certification (for Design & Construction)