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What is LEED® Green Certification?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) non profit composed of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings and communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work USGBC developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance buildings. LEED Green was designed to improve energy savings, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, CO2 emissions reduction, and stewardship of resources.

LEED can be applied to new construction, both commercial and residential, tenant fit out or renovation of existing buildings, or even entire neighborhoods.

Although USGBC developed the LEED rating system, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) administers LEED certification.

Points are awarded on a 100 point scale. 40 to 49 points earn LEED Certified; 50 to 59 points earn LEED Silver; 60-79 points earn LEED Gold, while 80 to 100 points earn the coveted LEED Platinum.

Are LEED Green Buildings More Expensive to Build or Maintain?

Besides benefiting our environment, LEED can generate significant savings in energy and water efficiency over the life of the building. In addition, pursuing credits in building and materials reuse can save on the cost of materials, while donating materials from a tear down can reduce the cost of waste management. Producing renewable energy onsite can also dramatically cut operating costs.

According to Davis Langdon, “There is no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings…We have also found that, in many areas of the country, the contracting community has embraced sustainable design, and no longer sees sustainable design requirements as additional burdens to be priced in their bids.”

In an interview with Matthew Haggman, USGBC CEO Richard Fedrizzi points out, “There are big savings in operational costs. LEED Green certification has a minimum savings of 50 percent in energy use compared to a conventional building. Then combine water savings of 50 to 60 percent. Also consider under LEED principles some 90 percent of the waste during demolition or construction is recycled rather than going to the local landfill.”

According to the USGBC, in Making the Business Case for High Performance Green Buildings, “Many green buildings cost no more to build – or even less than the alternatives – because resource-efficient strategies often allow downsizing of more costly mechanical, electrical and structural systems…Building owners realize significant savings during the life of a building through other measures, such as natural landscaping, water-saving equipment, low-maintenance materials, salvaged construction debris and smart building controls.”

What is the Advantage of LEED Green Certification?

The attitudes of many prospective clients are becoming more conscious of the environment. Similar to preferring vehicles with high gas mileage, they want buildings that can perform efficiently, as well. They want to provide healthier work environments for employees, and reduce the impact of their business or home. Indeed, many corporations are now requiring some level of green design, including LEED, in the construction or renovation of their buildings. Some state and federal policies are requiring LEED certification on government funded building projects. There is also a market for green residential building, as well. According to the USGBC, in Making the Business Case for High Performance Green Buildings, “3 % of all new construction projects in the United States have registered for certification under the LEED…Green Building Rating System.” Thus, a familiarity with LEED opens opportunities with a broader client base in today’s tight market.

Certain regional areas, such as California, facilitate green building, as current zoning and codes, such as Title 24, already require habitat preservation, water conservation, and energy efficiency, all elements of LEED.

Haggman, M. (2007, January 22). CEO of US Green Building Council discusses benefits of green building. Miami Herald.

Langdon, D. (2007). Cost of Green Revisited: Reexamining the Feasibility and Cost Impact of Sustainable Design in the Light of Increased Market Adoption. Retrieved 1/26/2010 from website davislangdon.com.

Making the business case for high performance green buildings. Retrieved 01/31/2010 from website https://www.usgbc.org

The 'USGBC Member Logo' is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission. The logo signifies only that Leaders of Green, Inc. is a USGBC member; USGBC does not review, certify, or endorse the products or services offered by its members.