Business View Magazine | Volume 8, Issue 10

86 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 USGBC announced a re-imagined vision for the organization, healthy people in healthy places equals a healthy economy , and a corresponding economic recovery strategy. As part of this, USGBC released nine LEED Safety First credits that were designed in response to the pandemic. These credits outline sustainable best practices for workplace re-occupancy, managing indoor air quality, cleaning and disinfecting spaces, building water-system recommissioning, HVAC and plumbing operations. Any LEED registered or certified project can pursue these pilot credits as a way to demonstrate healthy spaces and assist with project re-entry. GBCI provides the framework and process for buildings, homes and other spaces – as well as professionals – to become certified or credentialed under programs that signify sustainable, resilient, or health-oriented design. GBCI administers 10 certification programs that include and build on the LEED green building standard. Other programs relate to the certification of energy and waste efficiency in commercial facilities, zero waste, sustainable landscape design, resilient power systems, and preparing buildings and communities for acute hazards. Nearly 15 credentials, including the LEED AP, are administered to professionals and tradespeople working in sustainability, architecture, design and construction. GBCI builds on the mission stewardship, there are now over 110,000 registered and certified LEED commercial projects, projects in 182 countries and territories, nearly two million registered and certified residential units, and nearly 205,000 LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) transforming buildings and implementing LEED around the world. Over the last several years, GBCI has grown to administer additional complementary rating systems and credentialing programs that cover nearly every facet of the sustainability industry. By investing in new rating systems, GBCI is doubling down on how to complement LEED and address the climate-related issues that most affect today’s communities – such as waste, equity and resilience – and how to protect universal human health and wellbeing for generations to come. USGBC is powered by its members, which span companies large and small, local and multinational. Membership allows companies to showcase their commitment to a sustainable built environment and participate in a diverse community of sustainability experts. USGBC’s mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. In response to COVID-19, in May 2020,