LEED
LEED is an internationally recognized green building program.
It provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical
and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
What is LEED?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. From individual buildings and homes, to entire neighborhoods and communities, LEED is transforming the way built environments are designed, constructed, and operated. 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.
LEED projects have been successfully established in 135 countries. International projects, those outside the United States, make up more than 50% of the total LEED registered square footage. LEED unites us in a single global community and provides regional solutions, while recognizing local realities.
How it works
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. Learn more
Learn about LEED
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. Explore our course catalog
Why LEED?
LEED-certified buildings are designed to:
- 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
LEED is good for business. LEED certification boosts your bottom line, makes you more competitive, limits risk, and attracts tenants.
Learn more
Credit library
Building projects earn points for satisfying green building criteria. Within each of the environmental LEED credit categories, projects must satisfy particular prerequisites and earn additional points. The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED certification the project receives. Projects must earn at least 40 points to achieve basic certification.
Credit library
Rating systems
Various rating systems exist to address different types of building projects, including healthcare facilities, schools, homes and even entire neighborhoods. Review the specifics of the LEED rating systems to determine which rating system is right for your project.
Rating Systems
LEED credentials
Earning a LEED professional credential identifies you as a leader in green building best practices and the rapidly evolving LEED rating systems. LEED professionals stand out among their peers in a growing and competitive industry.
LEED credentials