Law suit filed claiming LEED Program is a Fraud

A law-suit was filed last week against the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), claiming that the USGBC LEED certification program is a fraud. The suit was filed by Henry Gifford, a New York City building energy consultant.

The suit centers around the USGBC's claims that LEED-certified buildings use 25 to 30 percent less energy than buildings that are not LEED certified. The suit alleges these claims are fraudulent misrepresentations. The claimants are seeking Class-Action status.

Ouch... this law-suit, in conjunction with the roll out of CAL-GREEN at the start of 2011, could mean a bumpy road ahead for the entire LEED concept.