The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - the creators of the LEED green building program - and the Seoul Metropolitan Government signed an agreement to accelerate LEED, the most widely used green building rating system in the world, in Seoul.
According to press of PRNewswire on May18 that the partnership is an effort to lay the groundwork for further sustainable development and performance in Seoul through LEED certification as a way to help mitigate climate change. South Korea is the fifth largest country outside the U.S. for LEED-certified buildings with more than 6.5 million gross square meters of certified space. The LEED green building rating system is administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the premier organization for independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally.
"At USGBC, we believe partnership is the new leadership and a driving force behind sustainable market transformation," said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC and GBCI. "This new partnership with the Seoul Metropolitan Government will help accelerate the adoption of LEED and green business practices demonstrating the city's commitment to sustainability, human health and economic prosperity for generations to come."
The agreement was signed on April 17 at Seoul City Hall. In attendance with USGBC was Korea Green Building Institute (KGBI), USGBC's longstanding partner in South Korea for advancing green building and LEED.
"Seoul Metro City is very pleased with this new partnership," said Su-Yong Jung, Chief Officer for the Regional Development Headquarters in Seoul. "Now, projects such as Seoul international Trade and Business Distinct Zone can achieve a higher implementation of local green neighborhood developments can be adopted by many other rehabilitation projects within the city."
As an internationally recognized mark of excellence, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. With more than 170,000 gross square meters certifying per day in 165 countries and territories around the world, LEED is transforming the built environment.
LEED-certified buildings save money and resources and have a positive impact on the health of occupants, while promoting renewable, clean energy.
The U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities.
