What Does Leed Stand For?

The word leed could be seen in a number of different contexts.  As a definition, leed can mean a kettle, a patriotic group, or a common nationality.  As an acronym, LEED could reference an environmental organization or a term used for the surface structure of crystals.  It was even once the name of a beverage by Coca-Cola. 

Definitions of Leed

Leed is a caldron or copper kettle. It also can refer to a person, such as man or human being; or a group of people, examples being compatriots and countrymen.  Leed can also mean nationality, kindred, race, or nation.

Leed was a carbonated drink bottled by the Coca Cola Amatil company and was sold in New Zealand and Australia from the middle of the 20th century to 1984. It was basically carbonated lemonade and was very popular. In 1984, it was discontinued, the recipe was changed, and it was replaced by Sprite.  

LEED as an Acronym

The letters LEED are an acronym for Low Energy Electron Diffraction. It is used to look at the surface structure of crystals. When a crystal is cut, the atoms near the surface are disturbed. The changes between the near surface atoms and the relative position of the surface can be examined with LEED. The surface is bombarded with low energy electrons and when they are diffracted off the surface, that motion can be observed on a phosphorescent screen.

LEED also stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a set of standards for the construction and operation of green buildings administered by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

The rating system has six categories:

• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Sustainable Sites
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation and Design
• Materials and Resources

These six categories cover:

• Indoor climate
• Energy usage
• Recycling
• Water efficiency
• Reducing CO2 emissions

LEED’s development started in 1993 and was a group effort. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Robert K. Watson got the ball rolling. Many were consulted, including: architects, builders, developers, engineers, non-profit organizations, and product manufacturers.

The LEED technical committee includes the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), architects, engineers, and builders. LEED gives builders and owners a framework for implementing green practices. It is used for commercial and residential buildings alike. It encompasses the entire cycle of a building, from designing to retrofitting. LEED was created for these reasons:

1. to define a green building
2. to promote integrated design practices
3. to stimulate green competition
4. recognize green leadership in the building industry
5. to raise consumer awareness
6. to change the building market to be better and greener