The concept of green building comes from various practical experiences and demands: the oil crisis in 1970s, the popularity and concern of recycling movement in 1970s, and the "building disease syndrome" in 1980s. Therefore, in 1980s and 1990s, green architects began to realize that combining the above factors can produce the best effect. Green building can improve asset value and profit. High performance environment can produce extremely valuable benefits, which are manifested in work efficiency, retail performance, production quality and output. These improvements, combined with lower operating costs, create key competitive advantages and increase the value of property, which is very beneficial to ensure the resale of loans or buildings. Green buildings can usually be sold or rented in a short time, which can attract and retain tenants more, because of its superior and comfortable environment, low user cost and more competitive advantage. The improvement of energy efficiency can buffer the short-term or long-term operating cost budget, because energy prices may rise.
Since the establishment of LEED green building certification system, the number of projects participating in and obtaining LEED certification has increased rapidly. By March of 20 1 1, there were more than 6,900 LEED certification projects in the world, including 99 in China.