What is LEED?

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally-recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. The LEED rating systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees.

LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.  The rating systems covers commercial and residential buildings and can extend beyond the building footprint to the surrounding neighborhood.