Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design FAQ's
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What is the LEED Program?
Why is LEED Important?
How is LEED Developed?
How Does LEED Work?
Where can I find out about LEED scoring methods for Existing Buildings?
What are the benefits of LEED for Existing Buildings?
How is LEED for Existing Buildings different than other LEED certification systems?
How often does a project need to re-certify under LEED?
What is the LEED Program?
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) establishes standards for green and sustainable building in commercial and residential building industries. LEED helps to establish:
- Clear, specific environmental goals
- Set definable metrics
- Attain measurable degrees of sustainability
- Enhance PR and education
- Prevent "greenwashing" (false or exaggerated claims of being a green building/development)
LEED provides accreditation to building industry professionals (architects, engineers, designers, etc.) who attain appropriate levels of experience in the areas of "Green Development."
Why is LEED Important?
In Boston, all 'new development' projects are required to get LEED certification. LEED certification in existing buildings is a market advantage.
Benefits include:
- Life-cycle building and energy cost savings
- Reduced operating costs of buildings and landscapes
- Higher property values
- Healthier, more productive occupants
How is LEED Developed?
LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction industry. The key elements of USGBC's consensus process include a balanced and transparent committee structure, technical advisory groups that ensure scientific consistency and rigor, opportunities for stakeholder comment and review, member ballot of new rating systems, and a fair and open appeals process.
How Does LEED Work?
To obtain LEED certification, the USGBC takes the following into account:
- Sustainable sites
- Water efficiency
- Energy and atmosphere
- Materials and resources
- Indoor environmental quality
- Innovation In Operations
LEED has several different certification levels; the building certification is determined by a point system in the above categories. Certification levels include:
- LEED Certified
- LEED Silver
- LEED Gold
- LEED Platinum
Where can I find out about LEED scoring methods for Existing Buildings?
What are the benefits of LEED for Existing Buildings?
LEED helps owners and managers solve building problems, improve building performance, and maintain and improve this performance over time. LEED reduces cost streams associated with building operations, reduces environmental impacts, creates healthier and more productive employee workspaces and provides public recognition for leadership and sustainability. The majority of requirements for LEED for Existing Building certification are operations and maintenance best practices. The process does not necessarily require any major upgrades; instead it promotes using performance records, testing and analysis and tracking resource use.
How is LEED for Existing Buildings different than other LEED certification systems?
The LEED for New Construction and Commercial Interiors Rating System focus largely on the construction and/or major renovation phase of a building. The intent of LEED in existing buildings is to certify the operations and maintenance of the building and create a plan for ensuring high performance over time. The rating system captures both a buildings physical systems (equipment, design, land use etc.) and the way the building is occupied and operated by its managers (waste management, temperature monitoring, commuting programs, etc.) Attaining LEED certification for Existing Buildings certifies the completed and operated building as it functions on an ongoing basis.
How often does a project need to recertify under LEED?
Re-certification of LEED is required at least once every five years, though buildings can re-certify annually. Annual certification might be beneficial in cases where building operators want yearly feedback on building performance for performance reviews and budgets, or in cases where LEED certification scores are included in lease agreements as a metric for quality of delivered space. Applications for re-certification only require documentation of changes in policies and performance data that have occurred since initial certification.
