Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

USGBC Publishes Catalog of LEED Innovation & Design Points Online

Words: Mustafa AbadanBuilding project teams pursuing certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System now have the opportunity to view the Innovation & Design Credit Catalog – a listing of proven green building strategies that have been submitted and utilized by LEED Certified projects.

Building projects earn Innovation & Design LEED credits by demonstrating quantifiable environmental benefits through new strategies and techniques not specifically specified in the LEED Rating System – innovative strategies and techniques that go above and beyond. Points, or credits, are awarded to projects that develop innovative solutions, employ new technologies and educate or demonstrate commendable performance. When submitting an Innovation & Design credit, projects must outline the proposed innovative credit intent, requirements for compliance, and a summary of potential approaches that meet the requirements.

"The Innovation & Design credit category inspires new ideas and solutions that yield environmental benefits," said Brendan Owens, Vice President of LEED Technical Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "By publishing the catalog of credits online, we hope to inspire further breakthroughs in the green building industry."

The LEED Rating System is the USGBC's voluntary building certification program that defines high-performance green buildings, which are more environmentally responsible, healthier, and more profitable structures. LEED addresses a variety of buildings and building project types through individualized systems, including: new construction, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core & shell, homes and neighborhood development.

To view the Innovation & Design Credit Catalog visit www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3569
 0
Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Safety
Read More
Brick Staining Dos and Don'ts: Managing Modern and Historic Masonry Construction
September 2026

Every mason contractor has encountered it, or will. A replacement brick arrives from a different production run. A cast stone repair patch or perhaps a darker panel stands out against the surrounding installation. Mortar color varies unexpectedly. A clea

Jennifer Gill
Technical Talks
Brick Staining Masonry Staining Staining
Read More
Gables Republic Square & Hotel ZaZa
September 2026

Gables Republic Square / Hotel ZaZa is a 24-story mixed-use boutique hotel and urban residential tower with street-level retail located on a 0.75-acre site in downtown Austin. Camarata Masonry Systems, Ltd. (CMS) was responsible for the supply and instal

Dawn Kornegay
Case Study
Brick Clay Brick Residential
Read More
The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

Cassie Mejia
Industry News
Read More