From Ohio  to South Carolina, people from building owners to state legislators are rethinking their commitment to the USGBC’s LEED certification.  Reasons range from political to economic, but amid an ever growing commitment to sustainability, there is strong demand for alternative green building certifications.

We’re not LEED-bashers at SERF.  On the contrary, we recognize the USGBC and LEED as the creators of the green building awareness movement and applaud their success.  Our mission has always been to extend the reach of this movement by making the certification process more affordable, accessible, and user-friendly.

Moreover, we help tell the story of why holistically green buildings (and sites) are important and, as a rule, good business.  Our credibility in this regard demands we honestly assess, and call out, the myriad examples of poor investments and, on occasion, detrimental life cycle effect of chasing points for the sole purpose of attaining certification. 

If I had to guess, this unintended and mounting consequence of LEED certification—together with the cost and time demand– is the root of the growing rebellion.