The world faces may difficult challenges as the global population demands more from limited natural resources and severe climate change cause by pollution.  Today cities have an ever-increasing appetite for energy and natural resources while producing incredible amounts of waste, garbage and pollution.  This unsustainable modern lifestyle of negligence needs to end.  If nations do not quickly act then future generations will be left with a spoiled planet with fewer natural resources and irreversible damage caused by pollution.   Humanity needs to reassess and rethink every aspect of how to live.

One large aspect that architects and engineers have reassessed and re-envisioned is where we live and work.  A result of their studies and projects have led to the design of green buildings that are more energy efficient, produce less waste and pollution, thus reducing the carbon footprint of homes and businesses.  The United States Green Building Council has developed an internationally recognized green building standard and certification program called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). 

Seeing that all buildings are not the same the Green Building Council has created different rating systems for the diverse types of construction and or refurbishment.  LEED certification is based on points earned in several main categories that include: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, and indoor environmental quality.  However, there are additional categories for home and neighborhood development that include credits for transportation efficiency, planning and environmental impact.  Based on the amount of points earned a project can receive certification as certified, silver, gold or platinum. 

The extra effort in the design process of new construction or refurbishment following LEED standards benefits both the client and environment.  Building that are LEED certified are designed to reduce cost of operation, increase value, reduce landfill waste, conserve resources such as energy and water, provide a safer and healthier environment for occupants, reduce greenhouse gas emission and more cost effective due to government incentives. 

Governments worldwide need to adopt these building standards to help to reduce the human environmental impact.  Today society is at a tipping point.  Without major changes to our lifestyles future generations will face shortages of natural resources and an unhealthier polluted world.  However, that bleak future can be avoided with careful planning and guidance society can create buildings and communities that are functional, healthier and better for the environment.