Getting the LEED certification for your project is like getting your sustainable design efforts the recognition they deserve. Especially in times when global warming has become a pressing issue for the world, minimizing the environmental impact of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has become all the more essential. A LEED certification not only testifies your environment-consciousness but also places you as a formidable futuristic leader in the fraternity. So, let’s delve deeper into understanding LEED certification requirements and how you can fulfil them for your projects.
What are the Various Levels of the LEED Rating System?
By fulfilling a diverse set of LEED certification requirements, you can achieve a suitable level of LEED certification for your project. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects of a building’s design and construction by the USGBC, a project receives its LEED score. This score is a numerical representation of a building’s environmental performance and overall sustainability. The total number of points received by a project determines the level of LEED certification it will receive. Below is a detailed description of all the LEED certification levels a project can qualify for:
LEED Certified
The first step on the LEED certification ladder, the first LEED certification level is “LEED Certified.” To attain this level, a building must earn between 40 and 49 points on the LEED scorecard. These points are awarded based on a range of sustainable practices, from energy efficiency to water conservation and indoor air quality. Achieving LEED Certified status marks the beginning of a building’s journey towards fulfilling more LEED certification building requirements.
LEED Silver
Moving up the ladder, the next LEED certification level is “LEED Silver.” To achieve this, a building must earn between 50 and 59 points. LEED Silver certification recognizes a more substantial commitment to sustainability and a higher level of environmental performance. Achieving this status involves implementing more advanced green building strategies and technologies, such as improved energy efficiency and better use of renewable resources.
LEED Gold
The “LEED Gold” level signifies a substantial dedication to sustainability and a highly efficient building design. To achieve LEED Gold certification, a building must earn between 60 and 79 points on the LEED scorecard. This level often requires the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, renewable energy sources, and innovative construction methods to significantly reduce environmental impact.
LEED Platinum
At the pinnacle of the LEED rating system is “LEED Platinum.” This represents the highest level of certification and requires a building to earn 80 or more points on the LEED scorecard. LEED Platinum structures are often considered environmental champions, setting new standards for sustainability and resource efficiency. Achieving LEED Platinum certification typically involves a comprehensive approach to sustainability, such as net-zero energy consumption, the use of advanced building materials, and innovative water and waste management systems.
Which Type of Projects Can Apply for LEED Certification?
The versatility of LEED is not limited to specific project types; it encompasses a wide range of construction and development projects. Below is a list of the different types of LEED certification that a project can qualify for LEED certification building requirements.
Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
The first type and most in-demand of all the types of LEED certification is the BD+C category is one of the most common types of projects that seek LEED certification. It covers new construction and major renovation projects, including commercial and residential buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. BD+C projects aim to create sustainable structures from the ground up.
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
ID+C projects encompass the interior fit-out and renovation of existing spaces. This category applies to commercial interiors such as offices, retail spaces, and hospitality venues. It focuses on creating healthy, efficient, and environmentally responsible interior environments, often involving energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and sustainable interior finishes.
Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
O+M projects involve existing buildings and focus on optimising the building’s operational performance and environmental impact. These projects aim to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality in ongoing building operations, including commercial, institutional, and residential structures.
Neighbourhood Development (ND)
ND projects pertain to entire communities or neighbourhoods. This category encourages sustainable planning, design, and development of communities that prioritise walkability, green spaces, and sustainable transportation options.
Cities and Communities
Expanding the scope beyond individual neighborhoods, the Cities and Communities category focuses on the sustainability of entire cities and regions. It emphasizes urban planning, infrastructure, transportation, and community well-being.
Homes
LEED for Homes is designed for residential buildings, including single-family homes and multi-family buildings. These projects aim to create energy-efficient, healthy, and environmentally responsible living spaces for residents.
LEED Recertification
LEED Recertification is applicable to projects that have previously earned LEED certification and wish to maintain their sustainable status. This process ensures that the building continues to meet LEED standards over time.
LEED Zero
LEED Zero is a performance-based certification for existing LEED-certified projects that want to achieve net-zero energy, water, or carbon emissions. It reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact further.
What is a LEED Building?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most well-known sustainable green building rating systems sponsored by USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). Applicable and open to any building type, LEED presents a system that constructs highly efficient, economic, and healthy green buildings. Developed in 1994, LEED was intended to drive those in building, construction, and design in pursuit of environmental and sustainable practices in the industry. It is a third-party green building certification program that verifies a project designed and built with strategies and components in maximizing sustainability.
A LEED Certified Building refers to buildings that have achieved all LEED certification requirements and been designed, built, and maintained using sustainable green building practices. LEED-certified buildings are designed and constructed with great emphasis on energy savings, water efficiency, enhanced indoor air quality, and reduced carbon emissions. In addition, the project’s overall stewardship of resources and awareness of its impact on the environment are taken into account.
Why LEED: The Pursuit to Sustainable Construction and Design
Sustainable practices are not just ecologically responsible, it implies good and economical business. As more and more consumers become socially and environmentally aware, the desire to purchase and collaborate with green-conscious organizations is constantly on the rise; hence, implementing sustainable practices and developing buildings with leed certification meets customer demand.
It should be noted though that when it comes to sustainability in terms of buildings, in particular, the application of green principles may cost more at the outset, but will result to lower operating costs in the long term. With green practices, LEED buildings also result in better indoor environmental quality, leading to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.
The Importance of Building LEED Certification
The principal reason for striving for a building to get LEED certified is to demonstrate the earnest intention in practicing sustainable design and construction. It is easy to claim that a building is green, but a third-party rating, especially one with a tremendous reputation, indicates to many in the industry that the building has successfully achieved a high standard. Any business would appreciate that a LEED building would provide a healthier environment for its employees whilst also featuring energy and water efficiency features that would result in lower bills.
Gaining LEED certification would also grant a competitive edge in the market. LEED assists investors in meeting their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals by providing a globally recognized green building framework for measuring and managing their real estate performance.
Earning professional credentials is a way of advancing your specialty knowledge amongst those around you, including potential employers. USGBC recognizes that many industry professionals are inclined to prove their expertise and offers LEED credentials for that intention. One of the credentials being offered includes the LEED Green Associate title which indicates knowledge of green building principles at a competent level. LEED AP with specialty is an advanced credential that indicates expertise in green building and the LEED rating system.
Both titles require preparation for sitting an exam. At archiroots, any interested professional can be trained in gaining the LEED Green Associate title in 2 weeks. The exam preparation guide consists of helpful material that ensures not only success in the exam, but clarity on LEED and its green principles.
What are the Building LEED Certification Benefits?
There are numerous benefits to getting your building LEED-certified. There are economic, environmental, and health benefits associated with buildings with leed certification which will be elaborated on below.
Economic Benefits
Having a LEED building provides an edge in the competitive building industry. Experts in the market estimate that integrating sustainability results in market differentiation and improved financial performance.
A LEED building can also greatly attract tenants due to it being less expensive to maintain and having less waste production. LEED’s principles in saving energy and water results in reducing the building’s energy and water consumption, thus ending up with a cost-effective building.
Environmental Benefits
Buildings that are LEED-certified have features that help conserve energy and water and reduce carbon emissions and waste. According to a UC Berkeley study done in 2014, buildings with LEED’s standards had a 50% reduction in GHGs than the conventionally constructed buildings because of water consumption.
With LEED’s strong encouragement of sustainable or green material use, certified buildings are estimated to have specified more than $100 billion in green materials. Energy-efficient buildings also reduce pollution and benefit outdoor air quality in industrialized areas, potentially mitigating smog. Cities are now seizing the idea of green buildings becoming a mitigation strategy towards the effects of climate change, making air and the environment healthier for its inhabitants. Such strategies reduce the emission of toxic carbon emissions, ultimately helping the environment.
Health Benefits
Encouraging wellness is a high priority for employers, buildings, and city planners alike. LEED has an entire credit category dedicated to the quality and state of the indoor environment: Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ). Buildings that utilize LEED enable occupants to live, play, learn, and work in environments that optimize human health. With LEED’s standards highly emphasizing health and well-being, superior environments are created for building occupants that augment or enhance the indoor air quality and natural lighting, resulting in highly productive employees.
Enhancement of the indoor air quality can potentially reduce absenteeism and work hours inflicted by asthma, respiratory allergies, stress, and depression in buildings with leed certification.
With green technology gaining more interest from companies, LEED certification enables your building in becoming more attractive to tenants and organizations. It is also important for professionals who plan, design, or implement the LEED rating system in projects become LEED-certified. The first step in getting there is securing the LEED Green Associate title through proper guidance and training.
It is clear that sustainable construction and design is the way forward to a better and cleaner future. Not only is it a positive effect on the planet, but it is an exciting movement in innovation and business. As more designers, builders, and developers get involved, buildings with leed certification plays a significant role in maintaining high green building standards and paving the way to a greener and more sustainable future.
What are the 3 LEED Certification Minimum Program Requirements?
To ensure consistency and integrity in the certification process, LEED has established Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) which are the main LEED certification requirements to be even eligible to apply for the standard. These requirements serve as a foundation, outlining the key criteria that a project must meet to be eligible for LEED certification. Mentioned below are the three key LEED certification building requirements that you must consider.
1. Permanency of Location and Land
One of the fundamental LEED certification building requirements is that the project must be in a permanent location on existing land. This requirement reflects the program’s commitment to assessing and certifying projects that contribute to the long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility of existing urban or natural landscapes. It also helps in excluding transient or temporary structures, emphasizing LEED’s focus on promoting environmental stewardship in lasting, fixed locations.
2. Reasonable LEED boundaries
Projects applying for a LEED certification must adhere to reasonable boundaries when defining the project site. This ensures that the frontier set for assessment aligns with the actual scope of the project and its environmental impact. Reasonable LEED boundaries help prevent projects from inappropriately extending or excluding areas to enhance their certification prospects. This requirement underscores the importance of accurately reflecting the environmental efforts and impacts of each project. It promotes transparency and integrity in the LEED certification building requirements.
3. Project Size Requirements
Project size requirements vary depending on the specific LEED rating system and project type. These LEED certification building requirements define the minimum and maximum size thresholds that a project must fall within to be eligible for certification. Meeting project size requirements ensures that LEED-certified projects are of a substantial size, and capable of making a meaningful environmental impact.
Mentioned below are the minimum project sizes as per LEED certification building requirements.
LEED BD+C and LEED O+M
A minimum gross floor area of 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) is required.
LEED ID+C
These projects should have at least 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area.
LEED ND
The project must encompass a minimum of two habitable buildings and should not exceed a total area of 1,500 acres.
LEED Homes
The project must meet the definition of a “dwelling unit” as per all relevant codes. This definition includes, but is not limited to, the International Residential Code‘s stipulation that a dwelling unit must provide “permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.”
It’s important to note that these Minimum Program Requirements do not apply to the LEED for Cities and Communities: Existing or LEED for Cities and Communities: Plan and Design rating systems.
What are the Goals of LEED Certification Building Requirements?
Beyond its certification process, LEED projects encompass a set of clear goals that guide them toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible path. Let’s have a look at these objectives below.
1. Optimal Use of Energy
One of the foremost goals of LEED is to combat climate change by reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. LEED aims to minimise this contribution by emphasising energy efficiency, renewable energy, and carbon reduction strategies, thereby lowering the overall impact on the planet.
2. Improve Human Health
LEED recognizes that the well-being of building occupants is paramount. As a result, the program places a strong focus on creating indoor environments that promote human health and comfort. This includes LEED certification building requirements like optimal indoor air quality, natural lighting, and the use of non-toxic building materials.
3. Enhance Water Efficiency
Water is a precious resource, and LEED strives to conserve it. The LEED certification building requirements encourage efficient water usage within buildings through innovations like low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment systems. By preserving freshwater resources, LEED addresses a critical aspect of environmental sustainability.
4. Safeguarding the Ecosystem
Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are essential for the planet’s survival. LEED promotes the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity by encouraging sustainable land use practices and the preservation of natural habitats. This goal contributes to the holistic development of the environment and contributes to its peaceful co-existence with the human populace.
5. Thoughtful Material Usage
The sustainable use of materials is a fundamental aspect of LEED certification building requirements. The program encourages responsible sourcing of materials, recycling, and waste reduction, promoting long-term material use and reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry.
6. Creating Sustainable Communities
LEED envisions thriving, sustainable communities that provide a high quality of life for residents. This goal encourages neighbourhood development practices that support walkability, access to public transportation, green spaces, and community engagement.
7. Conserve Natural Resources
The conservation of natural resources is a fundamental tenet of LEED. The program emphasises the responsible use of resources, including land, energy, and water. By conserving natural resources, LEED certification building requirements reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of building projects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the LEED Certification for Your Project
If you an architect, engineer, or construction professional seeking LEED certification for your project, here is a comprehensive guide that can help you:
Step 1: Choose Your LEED Rating System
Select the LEED rating system that aligns with your project type. Each system caters to different project scopes, such as Building Design and Construction (BD+C) for new construction or Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) for interior projects. Define your certification goals, whether you aim for Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status. This step sets the foundation for your project’s sustainability objectives.
Step 2: Assemble Your Project Team
Building a well-rounded project team is critical for LEED success. Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and sustainability experts who bring diverse expertise to the table. Each team member plays a vital role in implementing and documenting sustainable strategies, ensuring that your project meets LEED certification buildings requirements.
Step 3: Set Clear Sustainability Goals
Clearly define your project’s sustainability goals and objectives. Specify your desired certification level to provide a roadmap for your project’s green building efforts. These goals serve as guiding principles for your team throughout the design and construction phases, ensuring everyone is aligned with the project’s sustainability mission.
Step 4: Document Sustainable Strategies
As you progress through the design and construction phases, implement and document sustainability measures according to your chosen LEED rating system. This includes optimizing energy efficiency, responsible material sourcing, water conservation practices, and enhancing indoor environmental quality. Thorough documentation is crucial for demonstrating your project’s commitment to sustainability.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After your project is complete and sustainability measures are thoroughly documented, it’s time to submit your LEED application to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). Pay the certification fee. The GBCI will evaluate your application and documentation to determine if your project meets the specified LEED certification building requirements. Upon successful evaluation, you will receive the most suited LEED accreditation.
1. Register Your LEED Project
The first step to for the LEED certification building process is to register on the LEED Online platform. All projects pursuing certification must register on the platform. This is where you will submit all the initial important documentation and pay the initial registration fees. Before registering a project, be sure to check that it meets the minimum program requirements as set out below. Any project must meet these requirements in order to be eligible for LEED certification.
Minimum program requirements
In the latest LEED framework, all building projects must:
1. Be in a permanent location on existing land
The LEED framework evaluates projects based on project type and how they relate to their context. Thus, all LEED projects must be placed in a permanent location and on existing land. The project may not be able to move location or use artificial land masses that may disrupt natural systems surrounding it.
2. Use reasonable LEED boundaries
The project boundary must include all the land adjacent and associated with the building that supports its operations. This also includes any additions to- and general landscaping of the site. It is important to note that the specified boundaries should not exclude certain portions of the building or site to advance the project in adhering to credit requirements.
3. Comply with project size requirements
There are specific size requirements that projects should adhere to in order to accurately measure its performance according to LEED standards. These vary depending on your chosen rating system for the project.
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) supplies the full details for minimum program requirements here.
The last step before registering your project is to select the rating system you will use for the project. For a commercial project, you may use one of the following rating systems in order to LEED certify a building:
– LEED for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C)
– LEED for Interior Design and Construction (LEED ID+C)
– LEED for Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M)
You can find the full USGBC guide to selecting a rating system here.
Register online
Once you have all the required documents, confirmed whether your project meets the minimum program requirements and you have chosen a rating system, you can access LEED Online – the platform where you will submit your application for the LEED certification building process. The LEED Online platform does not only facilitate the application and registration process, it also gives you access to useful tools and resources. Here is where you will submit your payment for registration and the project owner will sign the certification agreement.
Once your online registration is done, you have to carefully select your project team to fulfil certain roles throughout the process to LEED certify a building.
Your team may consist of:
– Project owner
– Project Administrator
– Agent/s
It is at this stage where you will look for reputable, LEED-accredited professionals to form your team and make your project a success.
*Remember to register your project as early as possible to ensure you don’t miss the registration and certification deadlines!
2. Apply
This is the most important part of the process for the LEED certification building, where you gather the documentation needed to form an application. This is reviewed by the GBCI who will determine the level of certification achieved by your project. Together with your project team, you can now identify the LEED credits you want to pursue. It is then up to you and your team to research, calculate, analyze and prepare documents which clearly outlines how your project addresses each of your chosen credits to LEED certify a building.
Remember to ensure that all the prerequisites for your chosen credits are met and double check all the information you are submitting to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date.
You can then submit the completed application through the LEED Online platform and pay the certification review fee before moving to the next stage.
3. Review
After submitting your application and paying the review fee, the review process will start. Your application will now be reviewed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). You may go through several stages of review with the project in order to achieve the LEED certification building, or have a straightforward review with positive results from the first stage. At length, the review process may have the following stages:
1. Preliminary review
Your first application will be submitted for a preliminary review. You should receive a response from the GBCI within 20-25 business days containing information on which credits are expected to be awarded with the final review. You will also be informed if there are any credits which were not achieved, or in need of extra information to be reviewed. If there are credits that were indicated as denied or in need of additional information before being able to achieve the LEED certification building, you will be allowed to revise your application before submitting it for a final review.
Otherwise, if you are happy with the preliminary review results, your team can accept this as the final results and receive your certification!
2. Final review
If you choose to submit additional information or review your application after feedback from the preliminary review, it is best if you submit these within 25 business days after receiving your initial feedback. After the GBCI reviewed the newly submitted information, you will receive a final LEED certification report within an additional 20-25 business days. If you are satisfied with the results, you may accept these as final and receive your certification.
If you still want to revise and resubmit your application after the final report, you may do so as an appeal.
3. Appeal review
You may resubmit and revise your application documents as an appeal if you are not satisfied with the outcome of previous rounds of review. An appeal however, does carry an additional cost depending on the complexity of credits and prerequisites addressed in the appeal. You will receive an appeal certification report from the GBCI within 20-25 business days, stating the outcome of your appeal. You can again choose to accept the results as final or submit another appeal.
There is no limit on the amount of appeals you may submit in order to LEED certify a building, but be sure to keep in mind the extra costs that may accompany every appeal.
Review Pathways
There are a number of different review pathways you can follow to LEED certify a building, depending on your project type and preferences. They are as follows:
1. Standard review
2. Split review (LEED BD+C and LEED ID+C)
3. Precertification review (LEED BD+C: Core & Shell projects)
4. Expedited review
The USGBC gives a full explanation of the different review pathways here.
*Once again, remember to check the deadlines for submissions of review applications!
4. Certify
At the stage where you are satisfied with your latest GBCI Certification Report, you will be awarded the certification depending on points gathered in one of the four levels of certification: Certified, Gold, Silver or Platinum. For more information on the levels of certification, see everything you need to know about LEED Certified buildings.
Once your application went through its final review, the last step of the LEED certification building is to accept the final certification report and the project will be deemed ‘closed out’.
In Conclusion
A LEED certification not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall quality of built spaces, promoting healthier, more sustainable communities. It serves as a testament to the dedication of those involved in making our world a greener and more sustainable place. So, if you are an AEC professional who is interested to practice sustainably, enrolling for the LEED Green Associates program by Archiroots can be a great stepping stone for your career. Explore the course today!
