What is LEED?
It was Bob Berkebile who started the sustainable architecture movement in 1989 by asking the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to conduct research on ecologically responsible building design. The AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) was established, which later became the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and created LEED. LEED is now a worldwide recognized rating system for sustainable and environmentally sound buildings.
- 197,000 LEED projects worldwide
- 186 countries and territories
- >29 billion+ SF
As one of the world’s most generally recognized green building rating systems, it is being utilized for all sorts of project typologies. It strives to construct green buildings that are healthful, efficient, and cost-effective while also improving environmental performance. The system is divided into five categories given below –
- Building Design and Construction
- Interior Design and Construction
- Operations and Maintenance
- Neighborhood Development
- Homes
What are the requirements for LEED?
Achieving the USGBC’s LEED certification can be a complicated endeavour. It is all about necessitating adherence to intricate criteria and procedures that require mathematical computations and comprehensive documentation.
Here’s a quick, simple checklist for certification of buildings, which scores green building design and construction using a point system that is categorized in nine areas –
- Sustainable sites
- Water efficiency
- Energy and atmosphere
- Materials and resources
- Indoor environmental quality
- Indoor environmental quality
- Locations and linkages
- Awareness and education
- Innovation and design
- Regional priority
LEED point system
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a worldwide recognized indicator of sustainability in building design and operation. LEED certification has four levels, with each representing a higher level of environmental performance. Here’s the breakdown:
Certified (40–49 points)
This is the most basic level of LEED certification, showing that a building contains significant sustainable characteristics. It demonstrates a commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and a lower environmental footprint.
Silver (50–59 points)
The Silver level reflects a greater degree of sustainability, with more stringent standards met than the Certified level. It demonstrates increased efforts in the areas of water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and material selection.
Gold (60–79 points)
Achieving LEED Gold certification demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and considerable efforts to reduce environmental impact. It includes cutting-edge approaches in energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality.
Platinum (80+ points)
This is the most advanced level of LEED certification, demonstrating exceptional performance in all sustainability categories. LEED Platinum buildings are recognized for their creative design and little environmental impact. They are frequently leaders in green construction technology.
LEED certification is obtained through a point system that includes categories mentioned above. The higher the level, the more stringent the requirements and the better the environmental benefits.
LEED is supported by the USGBC—the LEED developers—as well as a whole industry of dedicated organizations and individuals who are paving the road for market transformation. The USGBC invests more than $30 million each year to maintain, run, and improve LEED and its customer service.
The process of LEED certification
- Choose the LEED certification level you want to achieve.
To assist you with this, the USGBC offers a LEED rating tool: Check out www.usgbc.org discoverleed
- Select the appropriate LEED rating system using the USGBC’s 40/60 rule as a guide.
- Get a LEED project underway.
- Keep in mind that in order to start your LEED certification, you will need to pay a registration cost in addition to a flat certification price.
Depending on the size of your building and your objective for LEED certification, these expenses can range from $900 to $5,000.
- Start sending in information about the credits you earn for your project or building.
- Await evaluation by the Green Building Certification Institute of the USGBC.
This process usually takes 20-25 business days.
LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, promoting healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings with environmental, social, and governance benefits, symbolizing sustainability achievement.
LEED v5 is the latest version of LEED, aiming to align the built environment with a low-carbon future, focusing on equity, health, ecosystems, and resilience.
LEED system goals
LEED-certified buildings are crucial for addressing climate change, meeting ESG goals, boosting resilience, and fostering equitable communities. They consider all relevant elements to create better buildings, mitigate global climate change, improve human health, protect water resources, increase biodiversity, promote sustainable material cycles, and improve community quality of life. LEED credits primarily focus on operational and embodied carbon.
Better for business and the bottom line
LEED buildings have a greater resale value and reduced operational costs, boosting ESG, decarbonization, and equity objectives, making them desirable assets for investors, occupiers, and communities.
Better for people
LEED-certified buildings prioritize occupant well-being, community health, and air quality improvement through active design and sustainable food production, promoting physical activity and good eating.
Better for the environment
LEED buildings minimize energy, water, waste, and environmental impact through sustainable design, construction, and operations, supporting renewable energy, saving water, utilizing safer materials, and minimizing pollutants.
LEED accreditation is a symbol of sustainability and environmental responsibility, enhancing construction project efficiency, occupant health, and environmental impact. It can lead to significant savings and combat climate change. As sustainability becomes a necessity, obtaining LEED certification for new buildings is a crucial step towards sustainable development.
Resources
