The point rating system has elicited various critical descriptors: rigid; cumbersome; demanding; expensive ?EUR??,,????'??? illogical, as in awarding one point for installing a bike rack and one point for installing a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system!

A 30-day online public comment period just ended, and a new LEED version is slated for January 2009.

USGBC spokeswoman Ashley Katz said the council will consolidate, align and update the system to be “simpler and more elegant?EUR??,,????'?? and is committed to continuing to improve LEED. LEED points will be ?EUR??,,????'??reweighed,?EUR??,,????'?? the system made more flexible and innovation encouraged.

About 1,500 buildings have received LEED certification since the program began in 2000, with more than 11,000 buildings vying for certification.
The USGBC notes that buildings that don’t pursue LEED certification are increasingly adopting such sustainable practices as increasing energy efficiency, recycling materials, use of nonpolluting carpet/ paint, and installing low-flow water fixtures and toilets.

LEED certification falls under eight categories: new construction; existing buildings; commercial interiors; core and shell; retail; schools; health care; and homes. A ?EUR??,,????'??neighborhood developments?EUR??,,????'?? category is in the pilot stage.