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1. Introduction
This paper presents a research project which was aimed to explore the role of team leadership in achieving LEED certification in a green building project. The research findings are based on the perspectives of key participants in two successful green building projects that achieved LEED certification. The background to the research with its significance is identified in this section.
With global warming threats, extreme weather conditions and environmental pollution, conserving the environment and natural resources have been identified and prioritized as the most significant activity globally. Oladokun et al. (2010) show that regardless of the type, size and uses of the buildings, building construction often have a significant negative impact on the natural environment. Mendler et al. (2006) state that the built environment is not the largest industrial sector in economic terms, but it is the largest in terms of resource flow. In fact, buildings are the largest users of energy.
According to Robichaud and Anantatmula (2011), the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of green construction. Sustainable construction creates a framework within which the industry can look beyond the delivery of buildings and infrastructure and contributes towards opportunities that can reduce the use of resources and energy, minimize pollution, and enhance economic efficiency and social cohesiveness. According to Mendler et al. (2006), sustainable design in buildings and construction means taking a holistic view by considering use of land, material, energy and water resources efficiently. The use of green concepts on buildings is known as the green movement in the industry (Yellamraju, 2011). According to Strawman (2012), the “green building” concept incorporates both individually and holistically, design, construction and their associated landscapes with a common goal; that is to have a building that will be environmentally friendly from its design to the end of its useful life. This means such a building project should achieve “green” status.
The “green” status is established by different green rating mechanisms, among which the LEED certification is the most popular system that is internationally recognized and widely used globally. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced LEED which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”. According to USGBC to receive LEED certification for a building it must achieve a prescribed set of requirements....