LEEDing the Way Towards a Sustainable Built Environment : Case Lintulahti

Abstract: This paper intends to offer insights into the internationally recognized LEED Green Building Rating System by taking a closer look at the short-­ and long-­term upsides and downsides of the system in a Finnish construction project, case Lintulahti. This qualitative research has been based on a research model and the primary data has been collected by conducting interviews with industry professionals involved in the project. A great deal of academic literature claims that the benefits of green building exceed its costs. The empirical findings in this paper imply that this claim is valid even for the case study and that LEED can be applied in a Finnish project. However, several challenges related to the implementation exist.