Architect Linda Reeder has written an easy-to-use guide for professionals to the major green building rating systems used in the United States.

Reeder's "Guide to Green Building Rating Systems: Understanding LEED, Green Globes, Energy Star, the National Green Building Standard, and More" offers an overview of the systems with photos, diagrams and case studies to illustrate her points.

She examines key factors of each system including cost, ease of use, levels of certification, benefits and shortcomings.

Her book also looks at local, regional and international systems.

Reeder's practice focuses on residential projects and is based in New Haven, Conn. She worked on the design of commercial, multi-family and institutional buildings before starting her firm.

Reeder is the former editor for Building Performance for the AIA's Architects Knowledge Resource website. She also has taught classes on sustainable design and construction in the Construction Management program at Central Connecticut State University and the Department of Architecture at the University of Hartford.