LEED Certification for new sustainable construction and major renovations is a rating system for buildings that was designed by the US Green Building Council, to guide and distinguish high performance buildings that have less of an impact on the environment, are healthier for those who work and/or live in the building, and are more profitable than their conventional counterparts. The LEED Certification Rating System can be applied to commercial, institutional and high-rise residential projects, with a focus on office buildings.
LEED Certification is a performance-oriented rating system where building projects earn points for satisfying criterion designed to address specific environmental impacts inherent in the design, construction, operations and management of a building.
The LEED Certification Rating System has five environmental categories:
* Sustainable Sites
* Water Efficiency
* Energy and Atmosphere
* Materials and Resources
* Indoor Environmental Quality.
An additional category, Innovation and Design, awards points to LEED projects that develop new solutions, employ new technologies, educate, or realize exemplary performance in another area.
LEED Certification Ratings are awarded according to the following scale:
* Certified: 26-32 points
* Silver: 33-38 points
* Gold: 39-51 points
* Platinum: 52-69 points
LEED Certification offers many benefits including environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance and health advantages. LEED certified projects cost less to operate and maintain, are energy- and water-efficient, have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings in their markets, and contribute to occupant health and productivity. LEED certification is an achievement that signifies that this green building is designed and is operating exactly as it was intended.
LEED Certification was developed through an open, consensus-based process in USGBC committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry.
Steps for applying for LEED Certification:
* Register eligible building via WWW.USGBC.ORG
* Identify and implement operational improvements and equipment upgrades necessary to obtain certification
* Prepare your application by documenting building performance data and operational procedures * Submit certification application to the USGBC via LEED Online for review and provide any supplemental information deemed necessary by the reviewers
* Receive a final LEED certification review from the USGBC
