Q. What is LEED? How a building is LEED certified?
Ans: LEED, stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green building
rating program. It operates under the aegis of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a
non-profit coalition of building industry leaders.
Objective/ Aim of LEED: The goal of the rating system is to encourage and reward
sustainable design across several metrics; such as: Sustainable site choice, Energy
savings,
Water efficiency, Reduction of CO2 emissions, and Indoor environmental quality and
many others.
The LEED rating program has become industry standard for excellence in sustainability.
LEED motivates professionals throughout the industry to step up their green goal,
including real estate professionals.
The LEED rating program is a four-tiered credit-based system that awards points based on
compliance with different aspects of sustainability.
A basic LEED certification is awarded if a building amasses between 40 and 49.
LEED Silver and Gold certifications are awarded for attain between 50-59 and 60-79
points respectively.
The highest LEED certification is LEED Platinum, awarded to buildings that attain 80 or
more points.
Q. What are Categories of buildings can be LEED certified?
Ans: Building owners can apply for LEED certificate within four different categories.
1. Building Design and Construction (BD+C): It includes new construction and major
renovations. All types of building (small, medium and large structures) may be included.
2. LEED-NC (New Construction) and LEED CS (Core and Shell)
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) covers complete interior fit-outs.
LEED CI (Commercial Interiors) is a common certification under the ID+C heading.
3. A third category of LEED certifications is Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M).
Q. Discuss LEED rating system.
Ans: The use of Expanded Shale, Clay and Slate (ESCS) in building designs contributes toward
LEED Green Building certification credits.
The LEED rating system has seven areas of concentration;
1. Sustainable Sites, 2. Water Efficiency,
3. Energy and Atmosphere, 4. Materials and Resources,
4. Indoor Environmental Quality, 6. Innovation in Design Process and
7. Regional Priority
LEED Rating Certification Levels:
LEED Certified Points Score
Basic Level 40 – 49 points
Silver Level 50 – 59 points
Gold Level 60 – 79 points
Platinum Level 80 + points
The point distribution over the seven categories is as follows:
Category Available Points
Sustainable Sites 26
Water Efficiency 10
Energy and Atmosphere 35
Materials and Resources 14
Indoor Environmental Quality 15
Innovation in Design 6
Regional Priority 4
Total Possible Points 110
Note: 1-19 points can be awarded for energy cost savings of 12%-48% for new buildings and
8%-44% for existing buildings. ESCS will improve the thermal performance of building
materials and contribute toward obtaining these credits.
Q. What are guidelines for a successful LEED application?
Ans: The following suggestions were provided by the Natural Resources Defense Council to give
building owners their best shot at a successful application.
1. Set a clear target for the LEED certification and pursue it.
2. Designate a clear and adequate budget. Aiming for LEED Platinum will naturally require more
financial investment.
3. Stick to both the budget and the LEED certification goal.
4. Engineers evaluate investments over the life of the building, as well as in relationship to other
features that may have a symbiotic relationship and result in higher efficiencies.
5. Hire LEED-accredited professionals who know LEED rating systems and the application process;
they will be able to suggest ways to earn credits without extra costs.