LEED Certification

No items found.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it’s basically the gold star of green building certifications. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, LEED is a globally recognized system that rates how sustainable and energy-efficient a building is. From office towers and schools to your favorite bougie Whole Foods — LEED buildings are everywhere.

It’s like a report card for buildings, but instead of GPA, it scores things like energy use, water efficiency, air quality, and material sourcing.

How does it work?

LEED awards points across several categories like:

Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Materials & Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality

The more points a project earns, the higher the rating:

Certified (40–49 points)
Silver (50–59 points)
Gold (60–79 points)
Platinum (80+ points)

There are also different types of certifications based on the project: LEED for Building Design and Construction, LEED for Operations and Maintenance, LEED for Homes, and so on. Whether you're building a skyscraper or retrofitting a high school, LEED has a checklist for you.

Is LEED Certification “good”?

Yes — though with a little asterisk. LEED encourages energy efficiency, water conservation, and better air quality, which is a huge win. Studies show that LEED buildings use 25% less energy and 11% less water, on average, than non-certified ones. Plus, they can offer better daylight, cleaner air, and happier occupants (hello, productivity boost!).

BUT — not all LEED buildings are created equal. Some developers chase points in low-impact areas just to earn a badge without fully committing to sustainability (aka “green bling”). So, LEED is a strong indicator — but not a perfect one.

What kinds of buildings are LEED certified?

Pretty much any building type can be LEED certified:

Commercial offices
Homes and apartments
Schools and universities
Hotels, hospitals, and museums
Retail stores and warehouses

Even neighborhoods and cities can earn LEED certification through specialized programs.

Are there certifications within the certification?

Sort of. LEED is the certification, but the level (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) tells you how far the project went. You can also pair LEED with other eco-certifications, like WELL (for health and wellness in buildings), or ENERGY STAR (for energy efficiency).