The New York Times reports today that some buildings that have gotten the coveted LEED label may not actually be saving all that much energy -- a main tenet of the certification.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is handed out by the U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit organization that has become the most well known rating system for green buildings.

But the program awards points for various design and construction measures, such as using native plants and bamboo flooring. And some estimate of energy savings from other attributes have been off base.

The council is considering changes that could mean the certification would be revoked if the building doesn't perform to certain standards. Or the certification may only be good for a year. The council wants to meet with builders before deciding.

In the meantime, some 15,000 buildings are seeking the certification and about 1,700 already have it. For owners, it can mean tax breaks and good marketing tools to land tenants.

There are several buildings in Baltimore that have or are seeking certification, and others that have taken steps but have not sought certification.

The council plans meeting in the fall, so perhaps there will be some clarification soon after.

Baltimore Sun file photo of the Fairfield Inn, which expects to become the city's first LEED certified hotel/Jed Kirschbaum