Green building has rapidly been gaining momentum in the United States as a design protocol and measurement standard for building performance, quality and value. Though many precepts of the concept were established thousands of years ago, it has only been defined and integrated into the building industry over the past decade. Green building is rooted in buildings that minimize resource use, increase occupant health and productivity, and lessen the building's impact on the environment.

A more detailed definition of a green building is provided by the U.S. Green Building Council's "USGBC" LEED Green Building Rating System - the predominant standard in the country. LEED is a point based green building certification system with a total of 69 points available in six categories. LEED

World-class speakers, a multitude of panels on every topic imaginable, awards ceremonies and product announcements: here's what to expect at next week's Greenbuild 2007, the country's biggest gathering of green buildings professionals in a city that's striving to be the greenest of them all.

With benchmarking and a long-term view on energy efficiency upgrades, USAA saves more than $1 million annually at its San Antonio headquarters. By Abigail May

What does it mean for a building to be green? Answers to questions that facility executives are still asking. By David Kozlowski

Kohl's has opened 45 new U.S. stores built to according to green designs that were pre-certified at LEED silver standards.

A green roof with a labyrinth as its centerpiece has opened atop an eight-story office building owned by the American Psychological Association and shared with the World Resources Institute.

The U.S. Green Building Council is calling for experts in eco-friendly construction and design to serve as course reviewers for the organization's Education Provider Program.