Frequently Asked Questions
What is LEED?
LEED is a third party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for
the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2000 through a consensus based
process, LEED serves as a tool for buildings of all types and sizes. 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.
What types of buildings can use LEED?
LEED certification is available for all building types including new construction and
major renovation; existing buildings; commercial interiors; core & shell; schools and
homes. LEED systems for neighborhood development, retail and healthcare are
currently pilot testing. To date, there is over 3 billion square feet of construction space
involved with the LEED system.
How does LEED work?
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.
Can products be certified under LEED?
No, LEED applies to green building projects. Individual products can contribute to
points under the certification system; LEED criteria are performance-based. In
attempting to meet these requirements, LEED practitioners identify products that have
desired attributes. However, some LEED criteria do require specific product data as a
part of a successful submittal.
How much does it cost to register a project?
The registration fee for a project is $450 for USGBC members and $600 for nonmembers.
What is a LEED Accredited Professional™?
LEED Accredited Professionals are experienced building industry practitioners who
have demonstrated their knowledge of integrated design and their capacity to facilitate
the LEED certification process.
Does green building cost more?
No, green buildings do not have to cost a penny more. LEED certified projects to date
demonstrate that you can achieve LEED certification and reap its many benefits with a
common-sense approach to design with no additional dollars. Depending on your
green building strategy and the level of certification your project is targeting, there may
be mid- and long-term ROI associated with additional green features that merits an
investment in first costs.
What are the benefits of LEED certification?
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 leaseup
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. For more information: www.usgbc.org.