LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  It is a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable "green" building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.  Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000, it is an internationally-recognized mark of excellence.  Buildings are "certified" via a rating system, providing independent, third-party verification of design and construction strategies aimed at achieving high performance in key areas of human and environmental health.