LEED
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. It provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
Why LEED-certified
Buildings Matter?
Lower operating costs and
increase asset value
Reduce waste sent to
landfills
Conserve energy
and water
Be healthier and safer
for occupants
Reduce harmful greenhouse
gas emissions
Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities
Boosts your bottom line, makes you more competitive, limits risk, and attracts tenants.
FAQ
Comprehensive and flexible, LEED addresses the entire lifecycle of a building. Participation in the voluntary LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. LEED provides building owners and operators the tools they need to immediately impact their building’s performance and bottom line, while providing healthy indoor spaces for a building’s occupants.
For commercial buildings and neighborhoods, to earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all LEED prerequisites and earn a minimum 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. Homes must earn a minimum of 45 points on a 136-point scale.
LEED is developed, implemented and maintained with the help of the LEED Committees. Focusing more on the application of LEED, the LEED International Roundtable identifies ways LEED can better meet the needs of global users. Together, these groups include representation from a variety of industries across the country and around the globe. USGBC is your source for up-to-date, high-quality education on the rating systems. We offer a variety of ways to learn about LEED.