US Green Building Council to promote rating system in China

The US Green Building Council plans to promote its globally recognized green building rating system in China.

"The USGBC has embraced the challenge of developing a green building rating system that unites the global community and provides regional solutions while recognizing local realities," said Jennivine Kwan, vice-president of international operations at USGBC.

The LEED system can be found in 135 countries, with projects outside of the United States making up 40 percent of LEED registered square footage.

There are already more than 200 LEED certified buildings in China, said Scot Horst, USGBC's senior vice-president. More than 1,000 others are registered, and the organization is making efforts to include more buildings in China into its system.

"Our efforts here in China are a critical part of our global international strategy," Horst said.

China has adopted a national three-star system for its green buildings. Qualified construction will also receive subsidies under the national system.