FQA For LEED

LEED® for New Construction
What is LEED for New Construction?

LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations is a rating system for buildings that
was designed to guide and distinguish high performance buildings that have less of an
impact on the environment, are healthier for those who work and/or live in the building,
and are more profitable than their conventional counterparts.
The LEED for New Construction Rating System can be applied to commercial,
institutional and high-rise residential projects, with a focus on office buildings.
Practitioners have also applied the system to K-12 schools, multi-unit residential
buildings, manufacturing plants, laboratories and many other building types.
How does LEED for New Construction work?

LEED for New Construction is a performance-oriented rating system where building
projects earn points for satisfying criterion designed to address specific environmental
impacts inherent in the design, construction, operations and management of a building.
The LEED certification system is organized into six environmental categories:

Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources,
Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation & Design. Innovation & Design, awards
points to LEED projects that develop new solutions, employ new technologies, educate,
or realize exemplary performance in another area.
What is the point breakdown for LEED for New Construction?

LEED for New Construction ratings are awarded according to the following scale:
Certified: 26-32 points

Silver: 33-38 points
Gold: 39-51 points
Platinum: 52-69 points
What are the benefits of LEED for New Construction?

LEED for New Construction offers many benefits including environmental, economic,
and occupant-oriented performance and health advantages. LEED certified projects
cost less to operate and maintain, are energy- and water-efficient, have higher lease-up
rates than conventional buildings in their markets, and contribute to occupant health and
productivity.
Why would a building choose to get LEED Certified?

LEED certification is an achievement that signifies that the building is designed and is
operating exactly as it was intended. LEED certification is third party verification from
the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that helps owners can measure and manage
LEED for New Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
their properties. LEED Certification is very similar the nutrition label on packaged foods
– it is information about the building that will help guide decision making.
Who should use LEED for New Construction?

LEED for New Construction was designed primarily for new construction office buildings,
but it has been applied to many other building types. Commercial occupancies include
(but are not limited to) offices, retails and service establishments, institutional buildings
(libraries, schools, museums, places of worship, etc.), hotels and residential buildings of
four or more stories.
How was LEED for New Construction developed?

LEED for New Construction was developed through an open, consensus-based process
in USGBC committees. Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of
practitioners and experts representing a cross-section of the building and construction
industry. Any USGBC member can serve on a committee, and all committee procedures
and proceedings are available at www.usgbc.org.
Where can I get an updated copy of the LEED for New Construction Rating
System?
The LEED for New Construction Reference Guide is available for purchase on the
USGBC Web site. The LEED for New Construction Reference Guide Introduction
Chapter is now available for free download on the LEED for New Construction Web
page.
What is the process for LEED certification?

LEED Certification steps:
1. Register eligible building via www.usgbc.org
2. Identify and implement operational improvements and equipment upgrades
necessary to obtain certification
3. Prepare your application by documenting building performance data and
operational procedures
4. Submit certification application to the USGBC via LEED Online for review and
provide any supplemental information deemed necessary by the reviewers
5. Receive a final LEED certification review from the USGBC
What educational programs are available to learn more about LEED?

USGBC has developed LEED training workshops and they are listed on the USGBC
Web site as they are scheduled or by clicking here.
Is professional accreditation available specifically for LEED for New

Construction?
Yes, USGBC offers three exam tracks towards earning the LEED Accredited Profession
(LEED AP) credential, including New Construction. The LEED for New Construction AP
track is designed for professionals participating in the design and construction phases of
high performance, healthful, durable, affordable and environmentally sound commercial,
institutional and high-rise residential buildings.
Other tracks in the LEED AP program are available for professionals in the commercial
interior industry and for facility managers. LEED Professional Accreditation
LEED for New Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully

steward the integrated design and LEED certification process. The LEED AP program is
overseen and administered by the Green Building Certification Institute, a newly
incorporated entity established with the support of the USGBC. LEED APs have
demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and
familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes.

FQA For LEED

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

FQA For LEED

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

FQA For LEED

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

LEED® for New Construction

What is LEED for New Construction?

How does LEED for New Construction work?

The LEED certification system is organized into six environmental categories:

What is the point breakdown for LEED for New Construction?

Certified: 26-32 points

What are the benefits of LEED for New Construction?

Why would a building choose to get LEED Certified?

Who should use LEED for New Construction?

How was LEED for New Construction developed?

What is the process for LEED certification?

What educational programs are available to learn more about LEED?

Is professional accreditation available specifically for LEED for New

distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully

You might also like