LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Courtesy of USGBC.COM

LEED is a green building rating system that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000. LEED is a tool for buildings of all types and size.

LEED certification offers third party validation of a project's green features and verifies that the building is operating exactly the way it was designed to. LEED certification is third-party validation of a building's performance. LEED certified projects blend environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance. They cost less to operate and maintain; are energy- and water-efficient; have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings in their markets; are healthier and safer for occupants; and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.

LEED is a point-based system where projects earn LEED points for satisfying specific green building criteria. Within each of the six LEED credit categories, projects must satisfy particular prerequisites and earn points. The six categories include Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design (projects can earn ID points for green building innovations). The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED Certification the project receives. LEED certification is available in four progressive levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The LEED for New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish highperformance commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, multi-unit residential buildings, manufacturing plants and laboratories.

To learn more please visit the United States' Green Building Council's official website .