The first project to be certified platinum under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED program is-not surprisingly-the new USGBC headquarters in Washington .

The two-floor, 75,000 sq ft office will use far less energy than a typical office. Glass windows provide ample day lighting, with electronic window shades maximizing the natural light while minimizing glare. A dashboard provides real-time feedback on energy use. And thanks to an energy-saving plumbing system, water use will be 40% less than a normal office.

"The vision of the space was to exemplify everything a LEED building is: high-performing, resource-efficient, healthy and productive," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. "Using the newest version of the rating system renders our space on the cutting edge of building science and technology, and will serve as an educational learning lab and highly representative of a transforming building market."

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.