LEED Platinum and Gold Ban Removed for DOD Construction

Green Globes May Also be Considered by DOD Agencies The Department of Defense (DOD) may now consider and award projects that include LEED Platinum and Gold certifications. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2012 included a ban on FY 2012 funds for LEED gold or platinum construction for DOD. That ban was extended and expanded in the NDAA for FY 2013, not only to FY 2012 and FY 2013 funds, but all DOD funds whether appropriated or not.  On Dec. 26, 2013, President Obama signed the NDAA for FY 2014, which did not extend that ban in any form. This congressional determination comes on the heels of DOD’s decision in November to permit the use of both the Green Building Initiatives’ Green Globes and U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for third party green building certification. For more information on federal contracting issues, please contact Jimmy Christianson at 703-837-5325 or christiansonj@agc.org.