How to Plan a LEED-certified Project?

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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), developed by the U.S Green Building Council in 1998, is a certification system for rating buildings that are constructed with environmentally friendly products and practices. 

LEED certification for any project can be categorized based on four rating levels – Certified (40 to 49 Points), Silver (50 to 59 Points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80+ Points).

The points earned by a project reflect how well the work complies with the LEED standard requirements. The evaluation for LEED certification is performed in five main categories:

1. Sustainable sites
2. Water efficiency
3. Energy conservation
4. Sustainable materials and resources
5. Indoor environmental quality

This article explains the step-by-step procedure to prepare and plan a project for LEED certification.

Step-By-Step Guide to Achieve LEED Certification

LEED certification process is best achieved when the project is correctly planned and executed. The necessary steps involved are:

1. Prepare budget 
2. Setting target 
3. Prepare the team 
4. Registration 
5. Providing documents
6. Submit application 
7. Certification

1. Prepare Budget for LEED Certification

The LEED certification requires a minimum fee of $2900 for a new building of 50,000 sq ft. Additional project costs for the preparation of certification must also be considered.

2. Setting Target for LEED Certification

LEED certification is an investment, and hence the rating a project aims to earn must be properly identified. The LEED investment for different rating levels varies based on a project's design phase and construction management.

3. Preparing Team for LEED Certification

Choose a team with a knowledgeable set of planners, architects, and engineers that know the different aspects of LEED certification. Experienced professionals can suggest ways to earn extra LEED points without additional costs.

4. Registration for LEED

The registration for LEED can be done online. The application for LEED is provided for the following categories:

• Building design and construction
• Interior design and construction
• Building operations and maintenance
• Development of neighborhood
• Home development

5. Preparation of Documents for LEED

During the registration and application process, the information that corresponds to specific credit points must be entered accurately and consistently.

Here are some points to ease the documentation process:

• Make sure to highlight the relevant credit/prerequisite information.
• Label the file attachments clearly.
• Highlight the relevant sections of the required documentation.
• Include concise narratives that describe project-specific circumstances.

6. Submit Application for LEED Certification

The application is submitted through the LEED standard review process which consists of four steps for projects involving design and construction review. Each design and construction review goes through a preliminary and final review process.

7. LEED Certification

The project is reviewed and assigned points based on which the construction project is certified, silver, gold, or platinum rating.

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