Salem, Oregon - The Salem Convention Center announced today that it has been awarded LEED® Certification established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Salem Convention Center achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified building save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. LEED certification of the Salem Convention Center was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction and operation of green buildings. USGBC was co-founded by current President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spent 25 years as a Fortune 500 executive. Under his 15-year leadership, the organization has become the preeminent green building, membership, policy, standards, influential, education and research organization in the nation. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org 'With each new LEED-certified building, we get one step closer to USGBC's vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation,' said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. 'As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, the Salem Convention Center is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement.'