Leed

What is LEED certification

LEED-certified green buildings are better buildings

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.

ZERO CARBON BUILDINGS

The Future is Now

Better for business and the bottom line

LEED buildings have a higher resale value and lower operational costs than non-LEED buildings. LEED is an essential strategy for achieving ESG, decarbonization and equity goals. LEED-certified buildings are a solid asset for investors, occupiers, and communities. They've proven to be top-performing commercial real estate investments.

Better for people

LEED-certified buildings focus on occupant well-being, offering a healthier and more satisfying indoor space while addressing community and public health. The rating system focuses on strategies like banning smoking and reducing toxic exposure from materials to improve air quality. Active design and supporting the production of local, sustainable foods promote physical activity and healthy eating.

Better for the environment

LEED buildings use less energy and water, utilize renewable energy and fewer resources, create less waste, and preserve land and habitat. LEED certification is a global solution for cities, communities and neighborhoods. Through sustainable design, construction and operations, LEED can help new and existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions, energy and waste, conserve water, prioritize safer materials, and lower our exposure to toxins.

The Effect of LEED

What are the goals of LEED?

LEED certification examines all facets of buildings through the lens of sustainability. Often, sustainable improvements yield both environmental and human health benefits, making them mutually advantageous.

The certification’s targeted building strategies emphasise different aspects with varying degrees of importance:

Reduce the contribution of buildings to climate change (35%)
Improve human health (20%)
Preserve freshwater resources and enhance water efficiency (15%)
Prevent biodiversity loss and protect ecosystems and their services (10%)
Support regenerative, long-term material use (10%)
Build thriving communities and foster neighbourhood development (5%)
Conserve natural resources (5%)

LEED certification takes a holistic approach to building projects. Its initiative aims to enhance the DNA of buildings to support healthy and safe living.

LEED Big Data

197,000

197,000 LEED projects worldwide

186

186 countries and territories

>29 billion

>29 billion+ SF

Understand the LEED system

LEED certification systems

LEED certification

4 Steps to Achieve LEED Certification

Once your team is in place with the appropriate rating system and credits chosen, you’re ready to begin the LEED certification process as follows:

1. Register

Registration indicates your intent to pursue LEED certification. Complete the required forms and submit payment via the LEED Online platform.

2. Apply

Your application showcases your team's target LEED credits and their implementation. At this stage, team members collect nformation, perform calculations, analyze data, and prepare documentation that demonstrates you have achieved your selected prerequisites and credits. Once all documentation is ready, submit the application and pay the certification fee.

3. Review

Once submitted, your application is reviewed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), an independent third party responsible for verifying completed project requirements. Your project will face a preliminary review followed by an optional final review if revisions or supplementary information is necessary.

4. Certify

Upon completion of the review, your team can either accept the results and confirm your LEED certification or appeal the judgment to contest decisions on certain credits. Your final certification report will indicate the level of LEED certification you have achieved (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).