Overview of LEED and LEED Rating System

LEED is an internationally recognized green building rating system developed by USGBC. USGBC is non-profit organization. One can also earn green building credential by passing LEED Green Associate Exam. LEED is basically to which provides a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions. LEED is a voluntary certification system. USGBC does not force any building or development to go for LEED certification. LEED is a consensus-based rating system, it is acceptable to all stakeholders in construction markets. People who are interesting in getting to know more about LEED and building a career in the construction sector should also pass LEED Green Associate Exam. LEED rating system is a large group of members from every section of a market. There are a number of contractors, manufacturers, consultancy, govt agencies, research institute, developers etc. LEED is a third-party certification. The project assists and certified by an agency not related to the project. LEED is totally based on triple bottom line openly called people, planet, and profit. LEED-certified buildings offer better living condition for people. It is created with the social responsibility for the people. LEED certification building has lesser environmental impact. People who have passed LEED Green Associate Exam can help building reduce its environmental footprint and also led to cost optimization during operation.

LEED is based on 3 pillars:

Social responsibility (People) - better living standards for people

Environmental Stewardship (Planet) - Less impact on the environment

Economic Prosperity (Profit) - Reduce the life-cycle cost of the building

LEED Rating System Families

There are 5 families of LEED Rating system:-

LEED for BD + C - LEED Building design + construction

LEED BD + C are applicable for new construction and major renovation of buildings.

LEED for ID + C - LEED Interior design + construction

LEED for ID + C is applicable for projects whose scope is limited to interior fit out

LEED for O + M - LEED for operation and maintenance

LEED for O + M is applicable for existing building undergoing improvement. In this minor upgrade may be included.  

 LEED for ND - LEED for Neighborhood

LEED for ND is applicable for land development projects, mixed-use developments projects etc

LEED for Homes - LEED for Homes

LEED for Homes is applicable for all residential projects except high rise residential building.

A professional who has passed LEED Green Associate Exam is expected to have understanding of all the above types if LEED rating system.

LEED for BD + C Adaption:

    LEED BD + C: New Construction

    LEED BD + C: Core and Shell

    LEED BD + C: Schools

    LEED BD + C: Retail

    LEED BD + C: Healthcare

    LEED BD + C: Data centers

    LEED BD + C: Hospitality

    LEED BD + C: Warehouses and distribution center

LEED BD + C: Schools

This is applicable for academic buildings of K-12 schools and non-academic buildings of schools, post-secondary academic buildings and pre-kinder garden buildings may qualify for both for LEED BD + C: Schools & NC

LEED BD + C: Core & Shell

This is applicable for projects whose scope is significantly restricted to core & shell of the building

Core - structure

Shell - Facade/building envelope

for eg: Shopping malls

LEED BD + C: New Construction

This is applicable for office buildings, library, museum, office buildings, church etc. This is also applicable for high-rise residential buildings i.e., 9+ habitable stories.

LEED BD + C: Hospitality

This is applicable for buildings dedicated to hotels, inns or other businesses within the service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.

LEED BD + C: Health Care

This is applicable for inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities and licensed long-term health care facilities. Medical offices assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers.

LEED BD + C: Retail

This is applicable for retail building projects like banks, restaurants, apparel, electronics, big box etc  GE3S Academy conducts LEED Green Associate Exam in every quarter please get in touch with us for more information.