In the U.S., Canada and around the world industry groups, non-profit organizations, governmental bodies and others are developing standards to qualify and evaluate green buildings. Standard now exist for new in new commercial construction, for the rehabilitation, renovation, restoration of existing commercial buildings and for homes, with more in development.

One of the leading organizations for this purpose is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), developer of the LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System.

With its mission, "to promote the design and construction of buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work," USGBC is a national, non-profit, consensus-based organization made up of more than 1,500 diverse organizations including building product manufacturers, building owners and managers, professional societies, design, architectural and engineering firms, builders and contractors, utilities, universities, state, local and Federal governments and nonprofit organizations.