The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a private 502, membership-based non-profit organization that supports sustainability in building design, construction, and operation, and provided LEED Consultancy was co-founded by Mike Italiano, David Gottfried, and Rick Fedrizzi in 1992. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building grading systems were created by USGBC and the annual Green build International Conference and Expo, the largest conference and expo in the world devoted to green construction. The World Green Building Council was founded by the USGBC, one of eight national councils (WorldGBC). Peter Templeton is the company's current president and CEO.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a private 502, membership-based non-profit organization that supports sustainability in building design, construction, and operation, and provided LEED Consultancy was co-founded by Mike Italiano, David Gottfried, and Rick Fedrizzi in 1992. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building grading systems were created by USGBC and the annual Green build International Conference and Expo, the largest conference and expo in the world devoted to green construction. The World Green Building Council was founded by the USGBC, one of eight national councils (WorldGBC). Peter Templeton is the company's current president and CEO.

The rating system has advanced significantly over time. Currently, it provides a wide range of products, including LEED for New Construction, LEED for Commercial Interiors, Healthcare, LEED for Retail, and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance. The GBCI is developing a tiered platform for LEED credentials as a result. A general exam to become a LEED Green Associate is the first step of the two-step procedure in 2010. To become a LEED AP, the individual must pass a second exam within a specialized track (like Operations and Maintenance).

By promoting energy- and resource-efficient construction, LEED certification results in buildings that are less stressful on the environment and provide us with healthier, more productive places to live, learn, work, and play. Project managers can choose which credits they want to work for, but prerequisites establish the standards all structures must meet to be LEED certified.