Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Developed by the USGBC, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for designing, constructing and operating high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED was created to:

• Define 'green building' by establishing a common standard of measurement
• Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
• Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
• Stimulate green competition
• Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits
• Transform the building market

How Does LEED work?

LEED recognizes achievements and promotes expertise in green building through a comprehensive, point-based system. Using the system, building owners can measure their success in environmental stewardship.

USGBC has designed LEED programs for the following construction:

New Construction (NC) Existing Buildings (EB) Commercial Interiors (CI)

Healthcare (HC) Schools

USGBC has designed five main categories to achieve LEED points:

Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy & Atmosphere

Materials & Resources Indoor Environmental Quality

Buildings can earn four levels of certification:
Note - Points vary depending on construction type.

Water Efficiency:

• Innovative Wastewater Technologies
• Water Reduction 20%-40%

Materials & Resources:

• Recycled Content, specify 10% - 20%
• Local/Regional Materials, 10% - 20% manufactured locally