Green Building

Green Building & LEED Overview

What LEED is, who runs it, and the rating system structure.

~7 min read·3 sections·4 key terms

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What LEED Is

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Certification is administered by GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.).

LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, cost-saving green buildings. It's voluntary and points-based.

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Certification Levels

Projects earn POINTS across credit categories; the total determines the level: • CERTIFIED — 40-49 points • SILVER — 50-59 points • GOLD — 60-79 points • PLATINUM — 80+ points

There are PREREQUISITES (required, earn no points) and CREDITS (optional, earn points). You must meet all prerequisites to be certified at any level.

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The Triple Bottom Line

Sustainability balances the TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE: People, Planet, Profit (social, environmental, economic).

LEED also uses INTEGRATIVE DESIGN — bringing all stakeholders together early to optimize the building as a whole system, which is more effective and economical than addressing systems separately.

📖 Key Terms

USGBC vs. GBCI: USGBC develops LEED; GBCI administers certification and exams.
Prerequisite: A required measure that earns no points but must be met to certify.
Credit: An optional measure that earns points toward certification.
Integrative design: Engaging all stakeholders early to optimize the whole building system.

💡 Exam Tips

▸USGBC develops LEED; GBCI administers certification.
▸Levels: Certified 40-49, Silver 50-59, Gold 60-79, Platinum 80+.
▸Prerequisites are required and earn no points; credits earn points.
▸Triple bottom line = People, Planet, Profit.