LEEDonline.com

leedonline.com is used for LEED 2009 (v3) projects, while leedonline.usgbc.org is used for projects registered before LEED 2009 (i.e. LEED NCv2.2, LEED CSv2.0, etc.).

leedonline.com was created separately when the USGBC split-off the LEED reviews from directly involving the USGBC. The GBCI was created and the intent was that it operate as an independent profit-making entity. Hence, the .com, rather than .org, designation. Since the GBCI was split-off occurred I have always referred to the two entities as USGBC/GBCI. When the split first occurred I used USGBC/GBCI and was severely scolded by a GBCI employee. The comment I received was, more or less, "Please do not refer to the GBCI as related to the USGBC. The GBCI has nothing to do with the USGBC." Well, now you will find out that the two entities are indeed interlinked. The USGBC claims the GBCI as an entity it operates. The split-off did not work as originally intended. Eventually, leedonline.usgbc.org will sunset all v2 projects. It will only exist as an archive database. In my opinion, leedonline.com will likely switch over to leedonline.org. The USGBC owns both domains. Type leedonline.org into your web browser and it immediately connects you to leedonline.com.

Hernando, I also consider the two as flip sides of the same coin. They even have the same mailing address. But, GBCI is a Non-Profit per its tax return. 501(c)(6). And its website is .org . But then the NFL is a non-profit officially too. Now, almost $16 million (or 39%) of GBCI's expenses are paid directly to USGBC for "management and royalty". They are definately joined at the hip and not independent.

Another reason for split-off was to reduce liability risks. Having multiple entities all working for the same organization is not unusual. It is a means of reducing risk of the parent controlling entity. The GBCI could lose a major lawsuit, be forced to close shop, and the USGBC would still remain. Some construction subcontractors do do a type of risk control which is interesting. They complete construction of a project and the business closes. A new business appears with many of the same individuals "resurrecting" essentially the same company but under a new business name.