LEED Construction
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), provides a system of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. This green building rating system creates sustainable building initiatives and certification criteria. LEED provides the international community with the necessary tools, designs, and constructive guidelines of how to erect, retrofit, and maintain green buildings.
There are five major components in the certification process:
- Sustainable site development
- Water efficiency
- Energy efficiency
- Materials used
- Indoor environmental quality
The rating system is on a point basis; the more points a project receives, the higher the certification level. There are four levels of certification: certified, silver, gold, and platinum. The LEED certification program is used internationally and allows for modifications relative to a country’s needs and climate.
