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Publications

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Where do I go to purchase publications?

Publications may be purchased through the usgbc.org store. Additionally, customers who purchase a course catalog subscription also receive access to the LEED v4 web-based Reference Guide.

Why are there two different prices?

Members receive a discount. If you are a member and you are logged in, you will see the member price and your savings. If you are not a member or are not logged in, both nonmember and member prices will appear.

How long will it take for me to receive the reference guides I ordered?

Domestic-bound orders are typically delivered within 5-7 business days after the day the order was placed. Orders typically ship via UPS Ground, but PO Box orders ship via the U.S. Postal Service (and do not have tracking information). International orders may take between 2-3 weeks for delivery. Note that delays relating to weather, Customs, or other factors that are not in the carriers’ control can impact delivery times for all shipping methods selected.

Rush shipping is not available on hard copy reference guides. Purchasers of PDF copies of the reference guides can download them as soon as we receive payment.

How long does it take to receive a hard copy publication from the USGBC store?

If you ordered a hard copy, your order will be shipped according to the option you selected during checkout. Note that delays relating to weather, Customs, or other factors that are not in the carriers’ control can impact delivery times for all shipping methods selected.

What is the difference between the PDF access for e-document and hard copy reference guide purchases?

Printable PDF versions of the reference guide are available for purchase independently of the hard copy.

The e-document purchase provides 30-day access to download a printable PDF version of the reference guide. This option does not include a hard copy delivery of the reference guide. The e-document reference guides have a personalized watermark on every page, which cannot be removed.

The e-document (PDF) reference guides are intended for personal use only and should not be stored on any shared networks.

How do I cancel my publication order or adjust my shipping address?

If you would like to adjust your shipping address or cancel your order, do so within 24 hours of placing your order by emailing education@usgbc.org. Please note cancellation of your order or modification of your address cannot be guaranteed. 

What is your return policy?

All items purchased on usgbc.org are final sale and are not eligible for return or exchange. This includes merchandise and publications, including reference guides.

If you received a defective or damaged product, contact us and we’d be happy to arrange a refund or exchange.

Before placing an order for a reference guide, be sure you are ordering the correct guide. Our LEED Rating Systems section provides information on the various LEED rating systems and their reference guides. If you received an incorrect reference guide, email us and we’ll work to resolve the situation.

How do I download the USGBC publication I ordered?

If you purchased an e-document (pdf), you can download the publication immediately. To access, sign in to your USGBC account and select Education, then Overview from the menu on the left. Your e-document/s will be listed under the tab labeled "Books & Guides". Click the Download button next to the desired publication.

How do I access my online reference guide?

LEED 2009 Edition reference guides are available for purchase in e-document (PDF) format, which comes with a 30-day access to download a printable PDF version of the guide. The PDF reference guides are intended for personal use only and should not be stored on any shared network.

To access your PDF reference guide, sign in to your USGBC account and select Education, then Overview from the menu on the left. Your PDF reference guide will be listed under the tab labeled "Books & Guides." If you have purchased a 2009 Edition reference guide, be sure to download and save a copy of the PDF to a secure location within 30 days of purchase.

What are the minimum system requirements to view an e-document PDF?

The following software will allow you to open and view our e-documents (PDF):

  • Windows: Windows Microsoft Windows 2000 with Service Pack 2, Windows XP Professional, Home Edition Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or higher, Adobe Reader or Professional 7.0 or higher
  • Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3 or higher, Safari 2.0 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox 1.0 or higher, Adobe Reader or Professional 7.0 or higher

Some customers have reported problems downloading and viewing e-documents (PDF) in the Google Chrome browser. If you have trouble, try opening your e-documents (PDF) in one of the compatible browsers listed above.

Where do I go to view an e-document (PDF) I purchased?

To view any of your downloadable purchases, go to your account. Then, click “Books and Guides” in the left-hand navigation menu under Education. This list will show your available e-documents.

Can I open the e-document (PDF) if I’m not connected to the Internet?

Yes. To enable offline reading mode, select the option to make the file available for reading without an Internet connection. This will allow you to open the file for up to seven days before prompting for login again. To log in, you will need to be connected to the Internet. You will be presented with this option immediately after you log in.

Can I view my e-books on my iPad, Kindle or other e-book viewing device?

At this time, our publications are available in two electronic formats. We have an e-document format which is a simple PDF and it is not compatible with many e-book viewing devices. We also have a Kindle format, which is accessible on the Amazon Kindle and Apple iPad. You can find both formats in our usgbc.org Store.

Can I print the e-document (PDF)?

Yes, you may print the e-document (PDF), but downloads of the e-document may not be copied or distributed, even if offered free of charge.

Do the LEED Reference Guides incorporate the addenda?

Yes, the LEED Reference Guides incorporate the addenda. The web-based and PDF versions of the LEED Reference Guides are updated quarterly with the Addenda cycle, incorporating the new addenda information. The hard copies of the reference guides are updated with new information with each reprinting.

How often are the LEED Reference Guides updated?

The web-based and PDF versions of the LEED Reference Guides are updated quarterly with the Addenda cycle, incorporating the new addenda information. The hard copies of the reference guides are updated with new information with each reprinting.

How can I view updates that have been made to the rating system after I purchased the reference guide?

LEED rating system addenda are available in the resource library and may be downloaded free of charge. Addenda include both substantive and non-substantive changes to language that are meant to clarify, correct, interpret and provide alternative language to aid in the implementation of LEED.

Can I download an updated reference guide with all addenda included?

The LEED 2009 Reference Guides will not be updated with addenda. The printed LEED v4 Reference Guides will be updated with addenda as new editions are released. Download addenda tables. The web-based and e-document versions of the LEED v4 Reference Guides will be updated quarterly.

I work for a Tax Exempt organization, how do I get tax-exempt status for a purchase?

If you are a tax-exempt organization, you will have the opportunity to upload your tax-exempt certificate at the check-out screen. Once the certificate is uploaded (allow for a few seconds to update), your total will be updated. If you experience any issues, please submit an inquiry.

How do I get a refund for tax-exempt status?

If you ordered a USGBC education product and should have received tax-exempt pricing, email education@usgbc.org and attach your tax-exempt certificate to the email. In the email, also share the order number of your purchase.  We will be in touch regarding the refund.

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