LEED Explained

About LEED

New to LEED?

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Want to Learn More about LEED Certification?

Learn everything you need to know

Want to Know the Difference between LEED Certification and LEED Accreditation?

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Seeking a LEED Accreditation?

Find out about LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Accreditation

Interested in Green Associate accreditation?

Learn more about the process and how to pass the Exam

Interested in LEED AP accreditation?

Learn more about the process and how to pass the Exam

Do You Want to know First about LEED v4?

Find out about all the changes in LEED 2009

Already Know What You Want?

Register for a LEED Training Course:

• Green Associate
• Design and Construction
• Operations and maintenance
• Project Experience
• Continuing Education

What is LEED?

LEED Stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

Who is behind LEED?

The U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC, is an organization of stakeholders, including 13,000 member organizations, 77 chapters and 181,000 LEED professionals. USGBC created the LEED Rating System in 1999, which has since grown to become the most widely recognized and used green building program in the world.

USGBC continues focuses to develop the LEED standards and growing the LEED brand, while its subsidiary organization, the Green Building Certification Institute, or GBCI, is in charge of LEED Building Certification and LEED Professional Accreditation programs. Though separate, the two organizations are connected through the LEED Online system. 

What is LEED Certification?

LEED is a green building certification developed by the United States Green Building Council in 1999. LEED certified buildings, on average, are more energy efficient than non-certified buildings and have a reduced carbon footprint and operating costs.

The LEED rating system is based on awarding points in six different credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design. The specific LEED certification depends on how many point are achieved. A building can be LEED Platinum, LEED Gold, LEED Silver or simply LEED Certified. Studies have found that buildings, which achieve Platinum and Gold ratings, have delivered close to 50% in energy savings.

to be LEED certified, a building must accumulate a minimum of 40 points on a 110-point LEED rating system scale. The only exception is the LEED For Homes Rating System, which must earn 45 points on a136-point scale. 

Why Get A LEED Certification?

LEED certified buildings have lower operating costs and higher asset value. LEED Buildings are qualified for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives depending on local regulations. Studies have shown that they conserve energy and water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide a healthier and safer environment for occupants. Also, the waste sent to landfills is reduced compared to tradtional construction projects, contributing significantly in healthier environment.

So, LEED Certification is for Buildings. What is LEED Accreditation?

LEED accreditation is the proof that individual professionals have demonstrated their knowledge of green buildings and the LEED rating systems. Today there are over 180,000 LEED Professionals worldwide. There are various types of LEED accreditation, just like there are different rating systems for LEED certification of buildings.

The LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional are internationally recognized designations granted by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The GBCI was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of the USGBC and is tasked with governing LEED building certifications and professional designations. The LEED Green Associate Exam serves as the first step for becoming certified in any of the 5 different specialties under the LEED Accredited Professional umbrella: Building Design & Construction, Operations & Maintenance, Interior Design & Construction, Homes, and Neighborhood Development.

LEED credentialed professionals are a highly valuable asset to any business that is involved in the green building industry as they provide expert knowledge of the LEED certification process and best practices in sustainable building design.

LEED Accreditation

What Are the Different Levels of LEED Accreditation?

LEED Credentialing process has three levels for individual accreditation. The first level is the LEED Green Associate that covers the basics for the LEED project process, LEED rating systems, core sustainability concepts and terminology. 

The second level is the LEED AP with a specialty. Candidates must have work experience in a LEED Project (See CleanEdison's Project Experience course). Individuals are tested on the Fundamentals of Building Green and on their chosen LEED specialty. LEED AP specialties consist of five different exams from LEED Homes and Green Building Operations and Maintenance to LEED for Neighborhood Development as shown at the graphic below.

The third level is the LEED Fellow. This is a non-exam accreditation since candidates can only be nominated from a LEED AP accredited individual after ten or more years of experience in the field. After the nomination candidates are evaluated on certain criteria including: Technical Proficiency, Education and Mentoring, Leadership, Advocacy, Commitment and Service, before they become a LEED Fellow.

Benefits of Becoming Accredited

Obtaining a LEED Professional Credential shows that you are an expert in the field, with technical knowledge, experience and credibility. Employers and building owners rely on the LEED Accreditation process for finding professionals in sustainable design, construction, operations and maintenance of buildings and neighborhoods, saving energy and resources, reducing pollution and creating a better environment for the whole community.

LEED Green Associate

Overview

The LEED Green Associate is intended for individuals in any profession—whether technical or non-technical—who are looking to demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of green buildings. This designation provides a degree of certainty to employers and customers that the practitioner is well-versed in the basic concepts of green building design. It also has become a great way to market oneself, even for non-technical professions such as sales, law and real estate.

Exam Eligibility

Candidates have to complete a training course or have documented work experience in a LEED Project.

Exam Breakdown

The LEED Green Associate exam is available Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any Prometric testing center. Once candidates receive their eligibility ID, they have to schedule their exam within a year of application. The exam lasts 2 hours and can only be taken on the computer. Candidates are not allowed to have any books open during the exams or any devices besides the computer. The exam consists of 100 questions about LEED Project Process, LEED Rating Systems, Core sustainability concepts and Terminology. All candidates must achieve a minimum score of 170 out of 200 in order to pass the exam. The results are automatically revealed on your computer right after you submit your exam.

Fees

• Application: $50
• Full Exam: $150 ($200 for non-members)
• Maintenance: 50$ every two years
• Cancelation or Rescheduling: 50$ within 30 days of your appointment.

Maintain your Green Associate Credential

LEED Green Associates maintain their credential by completing 15 hours of continuing education every two years.Completing 15 CE hours could include the following:

• Training courses and presentations from CleanEdison
• Self-reported courses and presentations
• Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
• Credited contribution to a print or digital publication
• Volunteering with USGBC, GBCI, a USGBC Chapter, or a LEED-related nonprofit organization

LEED ACCREDITED Professional (LEED AP)

Overview

The LEED Accredited Professional designation signifies technical expertise in specific fields within green buildings. These credentials are geared towards professionals who wish to demonstrate an advanced knowledge base through in-depth study of one of the key LEED specialties. LEED Aps with specialty have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the LEED rating systems and are well prepared to guide project teams through the certification process.

Exam Eligibility

Candidates must have working experience on a LEED Project within the past three years.

Exam Breakdown

LEED AP with specialty exam is available Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at any Prometric testing center. Once candidates receive their eligibility ID, they have to schedule their exam within a year of application. The exam lasts 4 hours and contains two parts that can only be taken on the computer. Candidates are not allowed to have any books open during the exams or any devices besides the computer. The first part of the exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has to be completed within the first two hours of the exam. The second part also includes 100 multiple-choice questions and has to be completed within the last two hours of the exam. All candidates must achieve a minimum score of 170 out of 200 in order to pass the exam. The results are automatically revealed on your computer right after you submit your exam.

Exam Fees

• Application: $100
• Full Exam: $300 ($450 for non-members)
• Maintenance: 50$ every two years
• Cancelation or Rescheduling: 50$ within 30 days of your appointment

Maintaining your LEED AP with Specialty Credential

LEED APs with specialty maintain their credential by completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Completing 15 CE hours could include the following:

• Training courses and presentations from CleanEdison
• Self-reported courses and presentations
• Greenbuild International Conference and Expo
• Credited contribution to a print or digital publication
• Volunteering with USGBC, GBCI, a USGBC Chapter, or a LEED-related nonprofit organization

Upgrading your LEED AP Credential to LEED AP with specialty

Once LEED V4 is adopted, LEED APs without specialty will be required to upgrade their credential to "with specialty" in order to remain accredited. In order to get a specialty LEED Aps can easily register for the Principles of LEED Webinar series online from the USGBC.

LEED V4 - What’s New

LEED V4, expected to be released in June 1st 2013, is the newest upgrade to the rating systems. The upgrade comes with changes in three main forms: new impact categories, new market sectors for each rating system, increased technical rigor and streamlined services.

USGBC attempt to create new impact categories to better emphasize the potential of projects to contribute positively to their community and to the environment. The hope is that LEED projects will have a greater incentive to achieve higher credits and better environmental, economic and social outcomes.

The final public comment period is now over, in which every stakeholder was able to voice their opinions on the changes. LEED V4 is introducing several programs that might be unfamiliar even to the most LEED-savvy professionals: BUG ratings, LID infrastructure, BECx, and spatial daylight autonomy are just few examples.

More specifically LEED v4 has the following changes:

Major Changes:

1. Impact Categories:

• Reduce contribution to global climate change
• Enhance individual human health, wellbeing, and productivity
• Protect and restore water resources
• Protect and restore habitat and ecosystem services
• Promote sustainable and regenerative material resource cycles
• Build a green economy
• Enhance our communities through social equity, environmental justice, and improved quality of life

2. Market Sectors:

• Data centers
• Warehouses and distribution centers 
• Hospitality
• Existing schools
• Existing retail
• Mid-rise residential

3. Support Tools and Resources

• Simplified submittal requirements
• Step-by-step reference guide materials and forms

4. Increased Technical Rigor:

• Places a renewed importance on integrative process and the benefits of early design analyses and project team collaboration.
• Includes a Location & Transportation category that rewards projects for utilizing existing development infrastructure, embracing the principles of walkability, connectivity, density and quality alternative transportation.
• Defines high performance site design by increasing requirements for rainwater management, heat island reduction, and light pollution reduction while significantly reducing the LEED documentation associated with each credit.
• Expands the scope of water efficiency to total building 
water use.
• Requires building level water and energy metering to understand and manage performance.
• Increases emphasis on energy and the associated impacts by allocating 20% of all points to building energy efficiency.
• Encourages enhanced building commissioning for greater energy and operational performance.
• Brings the benefits of smart grid thinking to the forefront with a credit that rewards projects for participating in demand response programs.
• Supports a lifecycle approach to product and material specification through a revised and strengthened Materials & Resources credit category.
• Drives leadership in the manufacturing sector by promoting innovative reporting tools and programs.
• Encourages support of products extracted and manufactured from domestic and local sources.
• Takes a more performance-based approach to indoor environmental quality to ensure improved occupant comfort.

5. Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs)

• Credit Interpretation Request
• Credit Interpretation Ruling

                         - No longer able to reference old CIRs

• CIRs are project (rating system) specific and can’t set precedents for future rating systems

Rating Systems Changes

Integrated Process

• Designed to encourage the integration of a project team.
• LEED-NC projects require a LEED AP BD+C
• Requires two additional individuals representing primary disciplines to be LEED AP (with any specialty) or Green Associates.

Sustainable Sites

• “ Rainwater Management”= Storm water Management, Quantity + Storm water Management, Quality.
• Heat- Island Effect credits are also combined into a “Heat Island Reduction credit.

Water Efficiency

• 2 new prerequisites for “Landscape Water Use Reduction” and “Appliance and Process Water Use Reduction”.
• Three credits for additional water use reduction associated with the prerequisites.
• Renamed credit for “Sustainable Wastewater Management”.
• New credit: “Cooling Tower Makeup Water”.

Energy and Atmosphere

• Reduced number of credits
• New credit: “Demand Response.”

                   - Designed to provide for electrical load demand shifting and reduce the overall

Material and Resources

• Prerequisites for “Minimum Recycled Content” and “Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning”
• “Bio-based Materials” credit.

                      - Bio based products are those that meet ASTM Test Method D6866 and meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard.

• “Certified Wood”: Unclear whether reverted to FSC-certification only.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• “Construction IAQ Management Plan, During Construction” now a prerequisite.
• New credit: “Acoustic Performance” credit.
• Borrowed from LEED for Schools
• Various Low-Emitting Materials credits are combined into one credit: “Low-Emitting Interiors”
• Covers other systems such as ceilings and insulation

Performance

• New Prerequisites
• Covers the on-going performance and measurement of 
building energy and water use.
• Incorporates ads prerequisites for building level energy and water usage, while also being the location of the relocated Commissioning prerequisite and credit.
• Where existing credits such as the renamed “Reconcile Projected and Actual Energy Performance” and “Occupant Experience Survey” are relocated.
• 2 new credits require sub-metering of energy and water usage

Innovation

• Now deals exclusively with Exemplary Performance and Innovation credits

                       - Still with a maximum limit of three credits allowed.

Regional Priority

• “Bonus” credits for achieving credits deemed of significant environmental/sustainable importance to a specific geographic region

Credit Category Changes