Are both the LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the ISO 14000 both rating systems?

Question

Im not quite sure of the difference of the LEED system and the ISO 14000. Are they both systems which state what buildings must achieve in terms of being 'green'?

It does seem like that but I cannot seem to find a definite answer

Answer 1

Not at all. ISO 14001 is a certification system used by business to certify that the site has an environmental management system. It looks at aspects and impacts to the environment and controls.  It is similar to an ISO9001 quality system.

LEED is a rating system for construction.

Answer 2

Im not sure what the ISO 14000 system is, but LEED is managed by the US Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org

I am working for a general contractor who is renovating a one million square foot government building which is aiming to achieve a LEED Silver certification.  This is my first LEED project but it is a very intense one - green roof, daylighting, recycling, energy efficient systems, controlled lighting, indoor air quality - the list goes on!  I am taking the test to become a LEED accredited professional next week.

You can achieve a LEED certified building in any state.  There is a process that you have to go through with pre-requisites before you can gain points towards your certification.

Also certian areas of the country have a "LEED type" requirement for you to meet now before you can get a building permit.  I know that cities like Seattle have a Green roof or green space requirement for new construction projects.  Chicago mandates energy efficiency for new buildings regardless if they are green or not.  Boston (where I live) mandates that any private construction project over 50k sq. ft. have to meet the miniumum LEED requirements to be built, but doesnt have to be certified.

There are different LEED rating systems too - there is LEED-NC for new construction and large rehabs, LEED-CI for corporate interior fit outs and LEED-EB for existing buildings if an owner wants to green their space without the disruption of tenants.  There are also LEED programs for residential, health care and campus type projects.

I also attended Greenbuild Chicago last year which is the fastest growing conference in the country.  If you are interested in learning more about LEED you should attend the conference this year here in boston.

Email me directly if you would like any more information.  Hope I helped you answer your question!