Define "sustainable design" in the context of LEED Energy and Atmosphere.

Sustainable design, particularly within the context of LEED Energy and Atmosphere, focuses on creating buildings that significantly minimize their environmental impact while simultaneously enhancing energy efficiency. This approach encompasses not just energy use reduction but also considers lifecycle impacts, sourcing of materials, site selection, and overall resource conservation. The primary aim is to build structures that promote sustainability, ensure healthier environments for occupants, and help in mitigating climate change.

By prioritizing energy efficiency, sustainable design helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduces reliance on nonrenewable energy sources, and ultimately leads to cost savings through reduced energy consumption. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the LEED certification goals, which encourage practices that contribute to sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

In contrast, the other options either focus on aspects of design that do not directly address sustainability or omit the critical component of energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction that is essential to the LEED framework.