What Does LEED Certified Mean?

LEED certification is a sustainability framework and standard that can be applied to both new construction and retrofit projects. There are many categories that earn LEED "points" for a building, from the materials used to energy saving elements that are included in the design

What does LEED certified mean?

What does LEED certified mean? It means greater revenue and ethical responsibility.

Climate change is a growing concern, and the demand for sustainable solutions is growing — in homes, office buildings, and recreational spaces. Property owners and managers have come under increasing pressure to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their facilities. LEED Certification has become the most acceptable way to benchmark the environmental performance of buildings.

What does it mean to be LEED certified? In broad terms, it means that your building meets high sustainability standards in its design, construction, operations, and maintenance. In short, being LEED certified means being green.

Architects, engineers, and property owners can all share the goal of having a project LEED certified, meaning the building has met the standards for earning recognition as a sustainable structure. Having LEED certification is a mark of environmental responsibility. It also impacts the financial bottom line. It can enhance a facility’s image and brand as a leader in good stewardship. Sustainable buildings are viewed favorably in today’s market, which means they may also have higher value for sale or lease.

What does LEED mean?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council USGBC. It is now the benchmark for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of green homes and buildings. Moreover, the LEED certification is the most widely used global standard for such buildings.

What does LEED certified mean? A LEED certification denotes a building that has high energy efficiency, high indoor environmental quality, and low operating costs.

What does LEED certification mean?

What does LEED certified building mean? Having a LEED certification means that you are serious about operating a facility in an environmentally responsible way. LEED certification meaning translates into an enhanced reputation for your brand — if you are a company that specializes in buying, refurbishing, and leasing space in buildings. It makes your facility more attractive to tenants, many of whom have made a commitment to sustainability.

What does LEED building mean? LEED certified buildings operate on a rating system. The points based system targets seven areas:

Building design and construction
Integrative process
Location and transportation
Innovation
Water efficiency
Energy and atmosphere
Indoor environmental quality

The LEED ratings system is organized into four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Building ratings are awarded based on points earned. LEED accredited experts are the only ones qualified to make these assessments. The breakdown is as follows:

Certified: 40 to 49 points
Silver: 50 to 59 points
Gold: 60 to 79 points
Platinum: 80 or more points

Your aim should be, at the very least, a gold certification. What does it mean to be LEED gold certified? It puts you in the top tier of buildings that meet the most exacting standards for energy, lighting, water, and material use per square feet. What does LEED gold certified mean? It means you have incorporated a variety of sustainable strategies in the construction and operation of your building.

How do you become LEED certified?

There are the four main steps to achieving LEED certification:

You must first register your building or building LEED project by completing key forms and submitting certification fees.
You will then need to formally apply for building LEED status by submitting a certification application and paying a certification review fee.
Next comes a review. Your application will be reviewed by Green Business Certification Inc.
If everything checks out, your building will receive the certification decision from GBCI.

What is the benefit of LEED certified businesses?

What does it mean to be LEED certified? What are the advantages and benefits? As a property owner, these are some of the first questions you should ask. Here are some of the concrete benefits of getting the commercial building you have purchased or the construction projects you have commissioned to be LEED certified.

Economic benefits

You will save money and turn a better profit with a LEED certified building. LEED-certified buildings command the highest rents, with occupancy rates that are 20% above average. The LEED framework, including its points system, is trusted worldwide. It provides solid guidance on how to manage the design, construction, operations and maintenance, and performance of a green building.

There is also a benefit to getting ahead of federal, state, and local environmental laws. You should assume that green regulations are coming to wherever your building is located. It is better to make the investment now rather than face more onerous costs later on.

Health benefits

Employers in LEED certified buildings report higher employee productivity and retention rates. These spaces are healthier to work in because they have cleaner air and access to sunlight, and they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins. A green environment is especially nurturing to employees who struggle with asthma, respiratory problems, depression, and stress.

Environmental benefits

LEED commercial buildings use less water. Their occupants produce less waste for landfills. Their central location and easy access to public transportation mean that employees who work in LEED buildings depend less on privately owned vehicles to get to and from work. This helps reduce the carbon footprint of every person who works in such a building. Finally, LEED buildings consist of an abundance of environmentally-friendly materials. This reduces waste and increases energy efficiency inside of the building.

Need help getting started with LEED certification?

Bison Innovative Products is a world leader in the design and manufacture of beautiful and environmentally-friendly, LEED-focused rooftop environments. We have built and renovated spaces for private homes, commercial buildings, government facilities, and many others. Our rooftop deck systems offer many ways to help you earn LEED points toward certification. Contact us to get started. Or, check out Bison's innovative product line for your next rooftop deck, raised deck, or parklet project.