1. What is LEED online?
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) collaborated to produce a website called LEED Online. Any project that is undergoing the LEED certification will have access to the LEED Online dashboard system. It is where a project team may register a project, pay certification costs, download templates, upload LEED submittals, documents, images, and most importantly communicate with the accessors the project reviewers.
LEED online is where you get support, and request a credit interpretation ruling (CIR). To learn more about the CIR and other LEED terms check out the free LEED Green Associate training.
Credit templates may be accessed on the LEED Online website and are an essential tool for project teams to use in their pursuit of LEED certification. Each LEED project uses a credit template to create identical LEED submissions, which speeds up the application process and decreases review time. Credit calculators are also available on the system., which are included in many credit document templates, maybe a valuable tool for determining eligibility and other credit-related numbers.
If you are working on a LEED project, part of the design, construction or similar then you would probably be invited and given access to LEED online. Mainly all team members have access to the dashboard and to these credit calculators. They may use them to keep track of the criteria and credits they’ve calculated. Each member of the project team will have access to the criteria and credits for the project once they are published to LEED Online.
2. How do I get LEED certification?
- Fill out the application, and registration form
- Pay the registration fee
- Submit in order to formally register a project under LEED.
- After registration, you will gain access to LEED online.
- Download and upload templates, project drawings, images, and similar.
- Review all targeted credits and mandatory prerequisites are submitted.
- Submit your LEED application for consideration by the accessors (GBCI).
- LEED certification plaque.
3. What is the lowest LEED certification?
The value of the incentive increases proportionally with the degree of success shown by the score. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system has a number of advantages. The possible LEED certification level is based on the project’s cumulative point score. The four categories of approval are as follows:
- LEED Certified, 40–49 points
- LEED Silver, 50–59 points
- LEED Gold, 60–79 points
- LEED Platinum, 80+ points
Acquiring credits is the only method to get points while satisfying the prerequisites ( mandatory requirements) does not count to the overall points. The LEED credit library has a complete catalog of credits and requirements.
So to earn the LEED certification, a project needs to fulfill all LEED prerequisites and earn at least 40 points to gain the lowest certification level ( LEED Certified) which is on base level.
More credits, more points the higher the certification level, reaching up to platinum.
4. What are the 8 LEED categories?
- Location and Transportation
By promoting compact living and construction on infill lots, LEED helps to reduce the rate at which cities expand, protecting natural areas and other sensitive regions. Location & Transportation points may be earned for promoting compact development, alternative transportation, and proximity to amenities like restaurants and parks, all of which are considered desirable construction locations. - Sustainable Sites
There will be environmental consequences to every new building. This section aims to minimize the damage done to the environment and streams around the construction site. Responsible site stewardship during construction and during the home’s lifespan earns bonus points. For instance, one might encourage non-toxic pest treatment and regionally suitable landscaping that decreases the need for irrigation and manage storm water runoff and erosion by, for example, protecting the permeability of soil. In a nutshell, this subcategory looks outward, rewarding initiatives that highlight the interconnected nature of buildings, ecosystems, and ecosystem services. - Energy and Atmosphere
Buildings that maximize their energy efficiency, use renewable and alternative energy sources, and follow ozone protection standards all get points in this category. Since here is where your home’s energy performance is evaluated, it’s also where the most points may be earned. - Water Efficiency
Here, you may earn brownie points by using water-saving technologies and green water treatment methods. It takes a comprehensive approach to the issue of water, including both general and specific water use as well as water metering. The section is built on the principle of prioritizing water efficiency. - Indoor Environmental Quality
Products, materials, coatings, and furniture used in the average home include around 80,000 different chemicals. Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon gas, mold, pet dander, and dust are some of the most frequent indoor pollutants. Allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders are only some of the problems that might be triggered by exposure to them. To improve the indoor air quality of a building, it is necessary to do the following: get rid of, reduce, and control all potential sources of air pollution within the building; install a thermostat control device to ensure pleasant temperatures inside the building; and connect the building to the outside air. - Materials and Resources
Using materials that have a less carbon footprint, are easier to recycle, and cut down on excess waste all fall under the heading of “Materials and Resources.” It promotes the use of resources and goods having a traceable origin and history of care for their cultivation, harvesting, production, and transportation. - Innovation
In order to make designs more eco-friendly, sustainable practices and tactics are continually being refined and updated. Building design strategies are influenced by the most recent scientific findings and the constant introduction of new technology to the market. This LEED rating system category was created to honor projects that included novel sustainable design elements. Extra credit in this section is awarded for creative solutions to structural problems that result in exceptional performance in other areas. - Regional Priority
Volunteers from USGBC chapters and the LEED International Roundtable have selected different environmental priorities within their area and the credits that address those problems since certain environmental concerns are unique to a specific region. Credits for Regional Priorities are given to projects that address environmental concerns that are particularly pressing in a certain region.
For more information about LEED categories, certifications, accreditation and titles then check out the free LEED training that will streamline all the complicated information in a short video.
