Objections: 'Green Inc.' report misses the mark

The U.S. Green Building Council and its thousands of member organizations and volunteers have built a program that is the catalyst for changing the way we think about designing, constructing and operating buildings. Your article "Green Inc.: environmentalism for profit" misses the mark (News, Oct. 24).

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building program demonstrates that a strong economy and a healthy environment can go hand-in-hand. LEED has spurred explosive growth in energy-efficient buildings, projected to support almost 8 million jobs across all 50 states and contribute $554 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Yes, green growth is fueling an entire industry, and we are proud of that progress. Environmental advocates and the building industry have committed themselves to this effort.

LEED sets clear, measurable goals that challenge the marketplace to build better buildings. Green buildings save energy, water and precious resources, reduce waste and carbon emissions, create jobs, save money, drive innovation and provide healthier, more comfortable spaces.

Rick Fedrizzi, president; U.S. Green Building Council