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About LEED

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What is LEED

LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence in green building. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments for the places we live, work, learn, play and worship.

LEED certification is proof that buildings are going above and beyond to ensure the building is constructed and operated to the highest level of sustainability. To earn LEED certification, project teams must earn points outlined in the rating system by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative processes to building materials to indoor air quality. Prerequisites are required elements that must be incorporated into a building project to earn LEED certification, but project teams can choose the credits they want to pursue to gain points toward LEED certification.

The flexibility of LEED allows any project or building type, from office buildings to homes to churches to schools, an opportunity to pursue certification. USGBC has customized the LEED rating system so that projects can earn certification for new construction, interiors, existing buildings, homes, neighborhoods and even entire cities and communities. Ultimately, buildings are about people, and that is why LEED-certified buildings are a signal that human health and well-being was at the heart of its design.

Benefits of LEED

  • 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 newest version of LEED

The latest version of the LEED green building certification program, LEED v5, is an important milestone in the effort to align the built environment with the Paris Climate Accord's 2030 and 2050 targets. The rating system addresses crucial issues such as equity, health, ecosystems, and resilience.  

Resources

Helpful resources to answer questions about USGBC and LEED.

  1. LEED page: an overview of the LEED green building rating system
  2. The history of USGBC, LEED and the green building movement: part 1 (1993–2003), part 2 (2003–2009), part 3 (2010–present)
  3. The Business Case for Green Building
  4. State LEED briefs and Country LEED briefs
  5. Price structure of LEED certification
  6. Social media: LinkedIn, InstagramX, Facebook and YouTube

Please inquire about any project superlatives with our media team.

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