LEED pioneer takes helm at USGBC

Peter Templeton, one of the long-time developers of the LEED rating system, has been appointed president and CEO of the US Green Building Council and partner organisation Green Business Certification Inc.

Templeton has worked at USGBC and GBCI for more than two decades, playing a key role in propelling LEED to the forefront of sustainability in real estate.

During the past year, he has led the two organisations on an interim basis.

Aaron Bernstein, chair of the USGBC board of directors, said: “Peter has worked tirelessly throughout his career to advance green building and in doing so combat climate change and protect our health.

“Our boards are thrilled that he has agreed to take on the CEO role at this critical juncture in the history of the green building movement.”

In his now permanent role, Templeton will direct the organisations’ efforts to increase the reach and impact of green building and green business market transformation activities around the world, USGBC said in its announcement.

The push for net zero in the sector has ramped up in recent years, with LEED itself evolving to shed light on progress in the sector. This summer, LEED Zero – a framework for recognising buildings that generate net zero energy, carbon, water and waste – hit 23m sq ft of certified space.

Templeton said: “It’s a tremendous honour and responsibility to lead USGBC and GBCI. Buildings are a primary contributor to climate change, and over the past three decades the USGBC community has championed proven solutions and readied the market for critical innovation in policy, technology and practice.

“I am committed to working with our talented team and dedicated partners to advance this work further and faster to address the urgent challenges facing our families, communities and planet.”

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