Definition
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is a world-renowned rating system devised by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings and promote sustainable construction and development practices. LEED provides a framework that project teams can apply to create healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
LEED Certification Levels
LEED certification can be awarded at four levels, depending on the number of points a building earns:
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
Categories Evaluated in LEED Certification
LEED points are awarded based on several categories:
- Sustainable Sites: Emphasis on choosing site locations that reduce environmental impacts.
- Water Efficiency: Encourages smarter use of water, inside and out.
- Energy & Atmosphere: Focuses on improving energy performance and optimization.
- Materials & Resources: Encourages the selection of sustainable materials, and waste reduction.
- Indoor Environmental Quality: Promotes better indoor air quality through proper ventilation and materials selection.
- Innovation: Points awarded for innovative building features and sustainable strategies.
- Regional Priority: Addresses local environmental priorities.
Examples of LEED Certification
- A new commercial office building includes solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and recycled materials. It achieves LEED Silver certification by accumulating sufficient points across different categories.
- A residential home features a grey water recycling system, energy-efficient appliances, and non-toxic building materials, achieving LEED Gold certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)?
The USGBC is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainability in building design, construction, and operation. It developed the LEED certification system.
How does a building achieve LEED certification?
A building must meet and document the minimum program requirements and earn points through LEED’s rating system to qualify for certification.
What are the benefits of LEED certification?
Benefits include improved indoor environmental quality, reduced operating costs, reduced environmental impact, and increased property value.
Is LEED certification applicable only in the U.S.?
No, LEED certification is recognized globally and has been applied to buildings and communities around the world.
How often does a building need to be re-certified?
LEED O+M (Operations + Maintenance) certified buildings must be recertified at least every five years to maintain their LEED status.
Related Terms
- Green Building: Structures that use environmentally responsible and resource-efficient processes throughout a building’s life cycle.
- Energy Efficiency: The goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services.
- Sustainable Design: Design philosophies that aim to reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health and comfort of building occupants.
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): The quality of the environment inside buildings, influenced by air quality, lighting, temperature, and other factors.
Online Resources
- U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- LEED Certification on U.S. Green Building Council Website
- Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)
- Energy Star’s Building Certification Program
References
- United States Green Building Council. (n.d.). LEED rating system. USGBC
- Kibert, C. J. (2016). Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery. Wiley.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Kibert, C. J. (2016). Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery. Wiley.
- Yudelson, J. (2010). Greening Our Built World: Costs, Benefits, and Strategies. Island Press.
- Kats, G. H. (2003). Green Building Costs and Financial Benefits. Rocky Mountain Institute.
Real Estate Basics: LEED Certification Fundamentals Quiz
### What does LEED stand for?
- [ ] Living Efficiently and Efficient Design
- [x] Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
- [ ] Licensed Environmental Engineering Design
- [ ] Leading Energy Effective Development
> **Explanation:** LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it is a globally recognized certification system for green buildings.
### What organization manages the LEED certification system?
- [ ] EPA
- [x] USGBC
- [ ] OSHA
- [ ] DOE
> **Explanation:** The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) manages the LEED certification system.
### At what point threshold does a building achieve LEED Gold certification?
- [ ] 40-49 points
- [ ] 50-59 points
- [x] 60-79 points
- [ ] 80+ points
> **Explanation:** A building achieves LEED Gold certification by earning between 60-79 points.
### Which category in LEED focuses on water use reduction?
- [ ] Energy & Atmosphere
- [x] Water Efficiency
- [ ] Sustainable Sites
- [ ] Materials & Resources
> **Explanation:** The Water Efficiency category focuses on reducing water use both inside and outside the building.
### How often must LEED O+M (Operations + Maintenance) certified buildings be recertified?
- [ ] Every 2 years
- [ ] Every 3 years
- [x] Every 5 years
- [ ] Every 10 years
> **Explanation:** LEED O+M certified buildings must be recertified at least every five years.
### Which LEED certification level is the highest?
- [ ] Certified
- [ ] Silver
- [ ] Gold
- [x] Platinum
> **Explanation:** LEED Platinum certification is the highest level one can achieve.
### What is one of the primary goals of LEED certification?
- [x] Reducing environmental impact
- [ ] Increasing building height
- [ ] Lowering initial construction costs
- [ ] Eliminating the need for maintenance
> **Explanation:** One of the primary goals of LEED certification is to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
### What does the [Energy & Atmosphere] category in LEED certification emphasize?
- [ ] Material selection
- [x] Energy performance and optimization
- [ ] Indoor air quality
- [ ] Site selection
> **Explanation:** The Energy & Atmosphere category places emphasis on improving energy performance and optimization.
### Can residential homes be LEED certified?
- [x] Yes, they can.
- [ ] No, only commercial buildings are eligible.
- [ ] Only industrial buildings.
- [ ] Only government buildings.
> **Explanation:** Residential homes can also pursue and achieve LEED certification.
### What is a major benefit of obtaining LEED certification?
- [ ] Better color schemes in design
- [x] Increased property value and reduced operating costs
- [ ] Quicker construction times
- [ ] Exemption from local building codes
> **Explanation:** Major benefits include increased property value and reduced operating costs, thanks to improved efficiency and sustainability.
