1800 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20036 T: 202 828-7422 F: 202 828-5110 www.usgbc.org
Applying Guidelines
Guidelines are not meant to be a straight jacket. Rather, the strictness of their application follows a logical order, based on the type of material being developed. The most rigid standards apply to organization identity. A secondary tier includes marks that represent USGBC programs and services. Business and marketing materials should be designed so that placement of logos and descriptive text are consistent from one piece to another.
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USGBC in Text .................................................................. Page 18 LEED in Text ..................................................................... Page 19 Referencing LEED in Product Literature ........................... Page 20 Referencing LEED Registered Projects ............................. Page 21 Page 2
with USGBC aside from those permitted by the terms and conditions specified for each proprietary mark. The mark may not be used on official documents to include any sales contracts or official disclosure documents provided to potential or actual clients of purchases of an organizations services or products. The mark may not be used in connection with any disparaging statements about USGBC or its products, or statements that otherwise reflect poorly on USGBC. The mark may not be altered in any way, including proportion, color (outside of logo specifications), element, type, etc. It may not be animated, morphed or distorted in any other way. The mark, including its associated words, may not have additional text wrapped around it. See page 4 for examples of unacceptable uses. The mark may not be reduced to more than 20% of its original print size and may not be enlarged to more than 380% of its original print size. Original print size is set in the EPS file. On Web pages, the mark may not be reduced to less than a 50-pixel height, and may not be enlarged to more than a 200-pixel height. The height and width of the mark must be constrained to its original proportions. The mark is intended to stand alone and should not be integrated into other logos. For printing purposes, a provided EPS or high-resolution JPEG file should be used. In instances where the mark is printed at a larger size, an EPS file must be used to ensure that the image retains clarity. Lower-resolution, Web-optimized JPEG or GIF files should be used when placing the mark on Web sites. USGBC reserves the right to approve or disapprove the use of any USGBC proprietary mark on non-USGBC printed materials or Web sites. Any unauthorized use of a USGBC proprietary mark may result in legal action.
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Chapter Name
Distortion or warping of the mark Watermarked or ghosted behind type Two-color or colors beyond those specified within the logo guidelines
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Wrappe ame dA N t
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Your Proj
Wrapping text
CHAPTER NAME
USGBC's trademarked oak leaf extracted from a logo
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Use
Use of the USGBC Logo is authorized by the USGBC Marketing Department on a caseby-case basis through written request and thorough review of intent for usage. Contact: marketing@usgbc.org The logo may be printed in black, gray or reverse in white only (no color). When printing in gray, either the Pantone color PMS 424U or 60% black may be used. The logo may only appear in reverse white on a dark background.
The logo may be used on editorial and marketing materials to signify sponsorship or when placed spatially near/adjacent to text that describes who the U.S. Green Building Council is and what we do. A copy suggestion follows: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. The logo may be placed on an approved Web site as a link only to the USGBC homepage www.usgbc.org. It may not be used to link to other pages on USGBC's, the owner's or any other third party Web site. Materials in which this logo appears must contain the following acknowledgement: " 'USGBC' and related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission." See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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The logo may be printed in black, gray or reverse in white only (no color). When printing in gray, either the Pantone color PMS 424U or 60% black may be used. The logo may only appear in reverse white on a dark background. The logo may be placed on the chapter's Web site to identify the organization as a bona fide USGBC chapter. It may not be used to link to other pages on the chapter's or any other third party Web site. See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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CHAPTER NAME
USGBC's trademarked oak leaf extracted from a logo
Chapter Name
Watermarked or ghosted behind type
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The logo may be printed in black, gray or reverse in white only (no color). When printing in gray, either the Pantone color PMS 424U or 60% black may be used. The logo may only appear in reverse white on a dark background. The logo may be placed on the members Web site as a link to the USGBC homepage (www.usgbc.org) and to identify the company as a USGBC member. It may not be used to link to other pages on USGBC's, the member's or any other third party Web site. Only USGBC members in good standing may use the logo. The privilege to use the Member Logo is immediately terminated upon the lapse or termination of an organizations membership. See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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Use
Use of the LEED Logo is authorized by the USGBC Marketing Department on a case-bycase basis through written request and thorough review of intent for usage. Contact: marketing@usgbc.org
The logo may be printed in black, gray or reverse in white only (no color). When printing in gray, either the Pantone color PMS 424U or 60% black can be used. The logo may only appear in reverse white on a dark background. The logo may not be placed on product packaging, ads, or be used as a visual reference to LEED claims in product literature. For example, the logo cannot be placed next to text that says "Product A can help fulfill Credit X under the LEED Rating System." The logo may be used on editorial and literature when placed spatially near/adjacent to text that defines the LEED Green Building Rating System. Copy suggestions follow: "The LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings." The logo may be placed on an approved Web site as a link to the USGBC's Web page about LEED (www.usgbc.org/leed). It may not be used to link to other pages on the Web site or to link to any other third party Web sites. Literature in which this logo appears must contain the following acknowledgement: " 'LEED' and related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission." See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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Use
Use of the LEED for Homes Logo is authorized by USGBC LEED for Homes staff. The LEED for Homes Logo may be used only by project team members to promote a registered project that is actively seeking LEED certification under the LEED for Homes program. Contact: homes@committees.usgbc.org The logo may be printed in its default color, another color with gray type, its default color in grayscale (for no color printing), and reverse in white on a dark background. The default color is green (Pantone color PMS 390U) with gray type (Pantone color PMS Warm Grey 9 U). The logo can also be other colors as long as type remains gray on a light background. Reverse white must be used when the logo is applied to a dark background.
From left to right: logo with default colors, logo in grayscale, logo reverse white on a dark background. There are 3 primary ways that the LEED for Homes Logo may be used: 1. The logo may be used on on-site signage and marketing materials specific to a LEED for Homes registered project that is actively seeking LEED certification. The mark must be positioned near/adjacent to text that provides context for use. Accepted text: Project "registered under LEED for Homes" Project "[designed/built] to qualify for LEED certification"
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"LEED for Homes Project Under Construction" 2. The logo may be used on marketing and collateral materials by builders to signify their commitment to building LEED homes. In this context, the mark must be positioned near/adjacent to text that a) describes the builder's commitment to the program, or b) describes in detail the LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System. Accepted: "committed to building LEED homes" "The LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System is a consensus-based tool developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that verifies the durability, sustainability and performance of homes." Prohibited: "Builder of LEED homes" "LEED for Homes Builder" 3. The logo may be used on marketing and collateral materials by liscensed LEED for Homes Providers. The logo must be used in context with referencing the LEED for Homes program, and not used to identify a LEED for Homes Provider. To avoid confusion, the logo must be placed near/adjacent to text referencing the program. Accepted: "providing LEED for Homes support services to builders" "verifying that homes are built to meet the requirements of LEED for Homes" or "the LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System" Prohibited: "LEED for Homes Provider" as the only text placed near/adjacent to the logo. Logo placement in this context risks creating the perception that the LEED for Homes logo is a certification mark for Providers. Following the above terms, the logo may be placed on project team member or Provider's Web site as a link to USGBC's Green Home Guide LEED for Homes Web page: http: www.greenhomeguide.org/green_home_programs/LEED_for_homes.html It may not be used to link to other pages on the Web site or to link to any other third party Web sites.
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LEED certification, or have not received a Preliminary Rating by a LEED for Homes Provider. After a registered project is completed and has been certified, the project team must cease using the LEED for Homes logo in association with the newly certified project and begin using the appropriate LEED Certification Mark. See page 15 for more information on the LEED Certification Mark. The logo may not be used in any way that creates the perception that an individual or organization is an official builder, contractor, designer, etc. of LEED homes. Literature in which this logo appears must contain the following acknowledgement: "The 'LEED for Homes Logo' is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission. The logo signifies only that __ [COMPANY NAME]__ is actively participating in the USGBC LEED for Homes Program; USGBC does not guarantee the products or services offered by its participants." See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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The logo may be placed on the provider's Web site as a link to USGBC's EPP Web page www.usgbc.org/epp. It may not be used to link to other pages on USGBC's, the provider's or any other third party Web site. Literature in which this logo appears must contain the following acknowledgement:
"The 'USGBC Education Provider Program Logo' is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission."
The privilege to use the EPP Logo is immediately terminated upon the lapse or termination of an organizations status as a USGBC Education Provider.
See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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Use
Use of the Greenbuild Logo is authorized by the USGBC Marketing Department. Contact: marketing@usgbc.org The Greenbuild Logo may be used on business and marketing materials in conjunction with text that describes/promotes the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.
The logo may be printed in its default colors, black, or reverse in white on a dark background. The default colors for the Greenbuild Logo are teal (Pantone color PMS 5545U), green (Pantone color PMS 390U) and blue (Pantone color PMS 7454U) as viewed above. NOTE: The logo may not be printed in all gray. The logo may be placed on an approved Web site as a link to the Greenbuild homepage www.greenbuildexpo.org. It may not be used to link to other pages on the Greenbuild, the owner's or any other third party Web site. Literature in which this logo appears must contain the following acknowledgement: " 'Greenbuild' and related logo is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission." See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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The mark may be printed in black, gray, any uniform color and reverse in white. When printing in gray, either the Pantone color PMS 424U or 60% black can be used. The mark may appear embossed, with a slight gradient, or with other lighting or shadow effects to add dimension to the graphic. The logo may only appear in reverse white on a dark background. NOTE: USGBC only provides the mark in black. Literature in which the LEED Certification Mark appears must contain the following acknowledgement: " The 'LEED Certification Mark' is a registered trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission."
See pages 3 & 4 for additional guidelines that govern the use of this USGBC proprietary mark.
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USGBC in Text
The official organization name is the U.S. Green Building Council. "USGBC" is the official acronym. Use the complete name on any first reference. Subsequent references in copy may use USGBC.
Acceptable
U.S. Green Building Council USGBC NOTE: When using "USGBC" as a noun, do not precede with "the." For example, "the USGBC offers LEED certification" should be changed to "USGBC offers..." When using USGBC as an adjective, however, articles such as "the" or "a" may be used as appropriate. For example, "Contact the USGBC Marketing Department..."
Unacceptable
U.S.G.B.C. U.S. GBC United States Green Building Council US Green Building Council GBC
Describing USGBC
"The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work." "The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit that developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Desing) Green Building Rating System." Other USGBC descriptive copy may be found on the USGBC Web site: www.usgbc.org/about
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LEED in Text
LEED, as a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council, does not have to be spelled out in the first reference; however, exercise professional discretion when applying the use of the complete name, "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design," in printed materials. "LEED" with the registered trademark superscript is only necessary for the first use in a short document, or the first use in each section of a longer document. Following the first mention, use "LEED." When a project achieves certification it should be referred to as a LEED certified project (not: LEED-NC certified, or LEED-CI v2.0 certified). If appropriate, supporting text may be written that gives additional detail about the specific Rating System under which the project was certified. When referencing a specific Rating System, the full name must be used for first mention. For example: "LEED for New Construction" "LEED certification" with lowercase "c" is used to describe the certification process. "LEED certified" with lowercase "c" is used to describe a project that has been certified. "LEED Certified" with capital "C" is used to describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified. When a project is certified, the correct wording is "project A is LEED Silver" or "project A is LEED certified to the Silver level" or "project A is LEED Silver certified." Due to repetition, the wording "project A is LEED Certified certified" is not recommended. "Certified" to reference both certification and level is sufficient. "LEED Green Building Rating System" is used for the first mention of the full title. If the LEED acronym is also being used for the first time, then the is used. "LEED Rating System" is used as the shorthand for the formal name.
Describing LEED
"The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings." Other LEED descriptive copy may be found on the USGBC Web site: www.usgbc.org/leed
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Acceptable
"Product A contributes toward satisfying Credit X under LEED." "Product A [complies with] X requirements of Credit X under LEED." NOTE: Short statements claiming that a product meets certain LEED performance criteria may be used if the statement does not suggest endorsement by USGBC or product certification and the following statement is included in connection with the claim: Products are not reviewed or certified under the LEED Rating System. LEED credit requirements cover the performance of materials in aggregate, not the performance of individual products or brands. For more information on LEED, visit www.usgbc.org/leed
Unacceptable
"Product A is LEED [certified/qualified/compliant/ accredited/approved]" "LEED product" "Product A [meets/satisfies/fulfills/complies with] Credit X" Statements not mentioned above connecting the performance of a product with LEED must be reviewed and approved by the USGBC Marketing Department. Contact: marketing@usgbc.org
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Acceptable
"Registered with the certification goal of ______ " "Upon completion, this [building/project] will apply to become LEED certified" "Upon completion, this [building/project] will apply to become certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program" "As a first step toward LEED Green Building Certification, [organization name] has registered this project with the U.S. Green Building Council to achieve LEED certification" "This project is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council and intends to pursue certification under USGBC's LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program" "This project is registered under the LEED Green Building Rating System"
Unacceptable
"This project is LEED Gold Registered" Note: Projects cannot register to achieve a specific level of certification. "This project is LEED [Qualified/Reviewed/Enrolled/Verified, etc.]."
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