For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for designing, constructing and maintaining high-performing, sustainable buildings. As a result, millions of people around the world are living, working and learning in LEED-certified buildings. It has fundamentally changed the way we think about buildings and transformed the building and construction industries. And now, it’s also revolutionizing our cities.

That is why USGBC has been expanding its vision to impact cities and communities. Recognizing that they lacked a globally consistent way to measure performance and sustainability, we introduced two new certification programs in December 2016. LEED for Cities and Communities is designed to help leaders measure their impact, improve sustainability and develop plans for green energy, water, waste, transportation and many other factors that contribute to quality of life.

The goal is to transform the way cities and communities are operated so that they improve the living standard for people and encourage continuous improvement. After all, better buildings—and better cities and communities—equal better lives.

Building by building, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood—and now city by city, LEED-certified spaces are transforming lives. With the recent LEED Platinum certification of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, Washington, D.C., has become a living example of the many ways LEED can be layered to support people, businesses and neighborhoods.