LEED is a framework for designing, constructing and operating better buildings. A project earns points for documented decisions across energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, transportation and site design. Certification is based on evidence reviewed by an independent body, not a general claim that a building is green.
Choose the correct rating system
A new office building, an interior renovation, an existing building and a residential project do not follow the same path. Selecting the correct rating system is the first technical decision because it determines eligibility, prerequisites and available credits.
Prerequisites come before points
Prerequisites are mandatory. A project cannot compensate for a missed prerequisite by earning more optional points elsewhere. Teams should test every prerequisite early, especially minimum energy performance, water metering and indoor environmental requirements.
Credits require evidence
A design intention is not enough. Models, drawings, specifications, calculations, photographs, commissioning records and product documentation may all be required. The best teams assign one owner to every credit and maintain a live evidence register.
Review and certification
The team submits documentation for review, answers comments and receives a final score. Certification reflects the approved point total. It does not remove the need to commission systems, train operators or monitor actual building performance after occupancy.
The process from registration to award
The owner and project team select a rating system, register the project and create a preliminary scorecard. During design and construction, specialists prepare the required calculations and evidence. The submission is reviewed, comments are returned and the team responds with clarification or revised documents. The final point total determines the certification level.
Who does what
The owner sets the goal and approves resources. The architect usually coordinates the scorecard. Engineers document energy, water, ventilation, refrigerants and commissioning requirements. Contractors control product submittals, waste records and construction procedures. A LEED consultant can coordinate the process, but cannot replace technical work owned by the disciplines.
Common reasons credits are lost
Credits are often lost because the requirement was misunderstood, documentation contradicts the drawings, a specification was not carried into construction, or a calculation uses the wrong boundary. A disciplined quality review should compare narratives, models, drawings, specifications and product data before submission.
Project checklist
What to do next
- Select the correct rating system
- Verify every prerequisite before chasing points
- Build a scorecard with backup credits
- Assign documentation owners and deadlines
- Coordinate drawings, specifications and calculations
- Complete an internal review before submission
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Who awards LEED certification?+
Projects are reviewed through the Green Business Certification Inc. process using requirements developed by USGBC.
Can any building apply?+
Many building types can participate, but each rating system has eligibility and minimum program requirements.
How long does certification take?+
It varies with project size, review route, documentation quality and how quickly the team answers comments.
Can a project lose points during review?+
Yes. A point is awarded only when the submitted evidence demonstrates compliance.
Is certification the same as code compliance?+
No. Building codes establish legal minimums. LEED is a voluntary framework that generally asks projects to go further.