The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED rating system has strong bipartisan backing, according to the results of a new survey. The nationwide poll, conducted by market research firm Echelon Insights on behalf of USGBC, found that 79 percent of Republicans and 89 percent of Democrats support the use of the LEED system in buildings. Of the 800 public voters, 77 percent believe that LEED-certified buildings are healthier for people who live, work, and play in them; and 74 percent think that LEED-certified buildings can save money through water and energy efficiency.
According to the poll conducted from Feb. 2–6, 30 percent of Americans recognize the LEED name. Upon hearing information about the certification process, 83 percent of participants stated that they strongly support the LEED system as a means of assessing and encouraging green building.
People from both parties also support federal green-building policies: 73 percent of voters (88 percent Democrats; 64 percent Republicans) agreed that the federal government should have some green building standard in place.
“Americans on both sides of the aisle strongly support the increased efficiency and cost savings that result from implementing LEED,” said Taryn Holowka, USGBC’s senior vice president of marketing, communications and advocacy, in a press release. “This poll highlights the great public demand for the continued use of green building standards to cut costs, improve human health, and reduce impacts on the environment.”
