The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a rating system for environmental architecture, or “green buildings.” Energy and Environmental Design covers residential developments, commercial interiors, core and shell construction, schools, healthcare and retail buildings. The Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System not only covers new construction, but also existing building operations and maintenance.

Whether you’re developing residential or commercial real estate or working with a team of architects on a new state-of-the-art building, taking environmental sustainability into consideration helps save money and resources.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system offers four different levels of certification for new buildings which relate to the points gained in five green design categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. By choosing to certify your building, you’re working to:

1. Lower operation costs and reduce landfill waste through green architecture.

2. Create environment friendly architecture by reducing harmful emissions while conserving energy and water.

3. Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances or other green city incentives by teaming with an environmental architect.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set goals for your green architecture project to lower operation costs and reduce landfill waste

Figure out which Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is appropriate for you, depending on the building classification with which you're working. After registering with U.S. Green Buildings Council, which declares your intent, choose a target with your environmental results, perhaps choosing a higher certification target. Determine your budget carefully, as different levels of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system require additional expenses; projects can easily grow out of control if you don't pay close attention to these two factors.

I recommend: Determine your classification and find more Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating information at the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Ratings System page. The certification process is also explained on the USGBC site. When beginning the certification process, materials can be submitted through LEED-Online or by mail.

Certify your green architecture project as LEED and create a healthy environment for tenants

If you are interested in LEED certification of the residential real estate development you are contracted to build, your first responsibility is contacting a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes Provider. Once you've paid the certification costs, you're well on your way to LEED status. Certifying your office depends on the type of building as to the process to follow.

I recommend: The U.S. Green Buildings Council helps you find the services of an Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) provider by state. To determine the right classification for you under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) residential ratings, visit the USGBC LEED for Home website.

Select an environment friendly architect services for your commercial building

When choosing to pursue green architecture, especially in commercial building, it is vital that you are confident in your choice of architect and the design services he provides.

I recommend: Green architect services can be found by state through the American Institute of Architects, and you can specify the building and service type you need. The Green Building Certification Institute also offers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional Directory to cross-reference your findings from the American Institute of Architects. If you're looking to certify existing commercial property, you must complete the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance registration when working with energy and environmental design services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When pursuing green architecture, ask your prospective environmental architect for a portfolio of completed projects and references as well as his or her LEED certifications.