LEED Certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a
commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. The
information contained on this page outlines the required steps of the
application process and answers the questions most frequently asked by project
teams seeking LEED certification.
Leed Certification: Why Certify?
- Establish recognized leadership in the green building sector
- Validate achievement through third party review
- Qualify for a growing array of state and local government incentives
- Contribute to a growing green building knowledge base
- Earn LEED Certification plaque and certificate
Leed Certification Eligibility
Commercial buildings as defined by standard building codes are eligible for
certification under LEED Version 2.1. Commercial occupancies include—but are
not limited to—offices, retail and service establishments, institutional
buildings (e.g., libraries, schools, museums, churches, etc.), hotels, and
residential buildings of four or more habitable stories. If the application of
LEED for a unique building type is questionable, USGBC encourages the project
team to tally a potential point total using the LEED
Rating System checklist. The project is a viable candidate for LEED
certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve a minimum of 26
points.
Leed Certification Registration
The first step toward earning LEED certification is project registration.
Registering during the early phases of project design will ensure maximum
potential for achieving certification. Registration is an important step that
establishes contact with the USGBC and provides access to essential
information, software tools and communications. Upon registration, project
contacts receive an orientation letter and access to resources that explain and
facilitate the formal LEED application process. For more information, visit the
LEED Registration
page.
Leed Certification Documentation
Once a project is registered, the project team begins to prepare documentation
and calculations to satisfy the prerequisite and credit submittal requirements.
It is helpful to have a LEED
Accredited Professional as the project contact and team member responsible
for coordinating the LEED process. To streamline the application process,
required documentation should be gathered throughout the design and
construction phases. Use the LEED software tools for Version 2.0 and/or Version
2.1 as appropriate. Mixed 2.0/2.1 submittals are acceptable, but using Version
2.1 exclusively is recommended for simplicity. Documentation should be compiled
in one three-ring binder and/or compact disc (LEED Version 2.1 Letter
Template Excel document is required on a CD for Version 2.1 submittals).
All electronic submittals must be printable on letter- or legal-sized paper.
Refer to the Certification section below for application details. The project
team submits two copies of ALL project application materials and the
corresponding fee (check payable to U.S. Green Building Council) to the LEED
Certification Manager.
To earn LEED certification, the applicant project must satisfy all of the
prerequisites and a minimum number of points to attain a LEED rating level. The
certification review process includes the following:
The project team submits two copies of ALL project application materials,
and the corresponding fee (check payable to U.S. Green Building Council), to
the LEED Certification Manager. A complete application includes the
following:
a) LEED Version 2.0 Review: Documentation submittals for
every prerequisite and credit are reviewed for compliance. The inclusion of
extraneous documentation is discouraged as this slows the application review
process. Within 30 days of administrative approval, the USGBC issues a
Preliminary LEED Review document noting credits earned, pending and denied.
The project team has 30 days from the receipt of the Preliminary Review to
provide corrections and/or additions as a supplementary submittal to the
application. The USGBC conducts a Final LEED Review of the application within
three weeks of receiving the resubmittal and notifies the project contact of
the LEED certification.
b) LEED Version 2.1 Review: The LEED Letter
Templates and additional submittals for each prerequisite and credit are
reviewed for compliance. Within 30 days of administrative approval, the USGBC
issues a Preliminary LEED Review document noting credit achievement
anticipated, pending and denied. In addition, up to six prerequisites and/or
credits shall be selected for audit. The project team has 30 days from the
receipt of the Preliminary Review to provide corrections and/or additional
supporting documents (e.g., calculations, cutsheets and other backup) as a
supplementary submittal to the application. The USGBC conducts a Final LEED
Review of the application within three weeks of receiving the resubmittal and
notifies the project contact of certification status. If two or more
audited credits are denied, additional credits may be selected for a second
audit and may prompt a Second Preliminary LEED Review prior to a Final LEED
Review.
c) LEED Version 2.0 / 2.1 Combination Review: All
credits submitted under the LEED v2.0 Rating System shall be reviewed as
outlined in the LEED 2.0 Review Process. All credits submitted under the
LEED v2.1 Rating System shall be reviewed as outlined in the LEED v2.1 Review
Process. If audited credits pass, the timeline is identical for both
processes.
