The famous green building rating system known as LEED, offers architects and builders a guide for developing high-performance structures that are also environmentally friendly. Below, we’ll take a more in-depth look at how long does LEED certification last for buildings as well as credentials for people such as the LEED Green Associate.
What is LEED Certification?
The LEED certification is a mark of success in achieving sustainability that is recognized all over the world. It is granted by USGBC to structures and projects that fulfill specified requirements for environmentally responsible architecture and building construction.
It is based on a point system for different sustainable design methods such as sustainable sites, location and transportation, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials and similar.
The several levels of LEED certification are referred to as Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The total number of points that a project acquires determines the degree of certification that it is awarded.
How Long Does LEED Certification Last?
The LEED certification accomplishment that a building has earned cannot ever be taken away. You will always be able to declare that the building was certified to the level that was attained on a certain day. This is something that will never change.
However, if a project has been awarded an initial certification under any version of the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (LEED EB O+M) rating system, it is subject to recertification. This accomplishment guarantees that the LEED project will continue to operate in accordance with the LEED requirements.
For instance, if a building has a LEED for New Construction certification that was issued five years ago, this indicates that the structure was conceived of as a sustainable construction five years ago. Project teams often choose to recertify structures since the original plaque provides no information on whether or not the building operates in a sustainable manner at the present time.
Which LEED rating needs re-certification?
Buildings that are seeking LEED certification for the first time as well as projects that have been previously certified under any version of the LEED BD+C rating system are both eligible to apply for certification under the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance rating system. It is the only LEED rating system that calls for projects to undergo periodic recertification.
LEED for Existing Buildings is designed to be a continuing process, and its prescriptive and performance techniques are meant to give operational advantages for the whole of a building’s lifespan. If the tactics are maintained, the building should be able to keep its performance level, and it could even become better over time.
There are two ways for LEED O+M projects to keep their certification current:
- Recertify using the credit-based method in LEED Online once every one to five years
- Recertify using the performance-based approach in Arc once per year, which is referred to as ongoing certification.
How long do LEED credentials last?
Now this is a completely different sector since credentials are for people and certifications are for buildings.
The LEED professional credentials need to be renewed every two years, both the LEED Green Associate and AP specialities. But you don’t have to wait until the month it expires before you may renew them. If you have completed all of your continuing education hours (CE hours), you are eligible to renew your certification up to one year before the end of your reporting period. You can learn more how to earn free CE hours here.
One of the best ways for LEED Green Associates to renew their CE hours is to become LEED AP holders, and you can begin that process with our free training on how to become a LEED AP.
