Final answer:
The LEED Rating System is part of sustainable architectural practices that aim to reduce environmental impact by integrating energy efficiency and sustainable materials into building design. Projects earn points by adhering to these principles to obtain LEED certification, an indicator of their sustainability and conservation efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the LEED Rating System, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a certification program focused on promoting sustainable building practices. Sustainable Architecture or green architecture, is a movement that gained momentum in the 1980s to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. This is achieved by integrating energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials into the construction process. Architects engage in this practice to create energy-conserving designs that aim at building structures which do not endanger the prospects of future generations.
With the growing concern for carbon footprints, architects are increasingly designing buildings that can be classified as net-positive. Net-positive buildings produce more energy than they consume, often utilizing technologies like solar power and energy-efficient appliances. The architectural and construction industries are adapting to these needs, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. As part of the LEED Rating System, projects earn points by adhering to these sustainable principles, which are then tallied to determine the level of LEED certification a project achieves, reflecting its environmental performance and sustainability.