LEED is an internationally recognized green building rating system developed by USGBC. USGBC is non-profit organization. One can also earn green building credential by passing LEED Green Associate Exam. LEED is basically to which provides a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions. LEED is a voluntary certification system. USGBC does not force any building or development to go for LEED certification. LEED is a consensus-based rating system, it is acceptable to all stakeholders in construction markets. People who are interesting in getting to know more about LEED and building a career in the construction sector should also pass LEED Green Associate Exam. LEED rating system is a large group of members from every section of a market. There are a number of contractors, manufacturers, consultancy, govt agencies, research institute, developers etc. LEED is a third-party certification. The project assists and certified by an agency not related to the project. LEED is totally based on triple bottom line openly called people, planet, and profit. LEED-certified buildings offer better living condition for people. It is created with the social responsibility for the people. LEED certification building has lesser environmental impact. People who have passed LEED Green Associate Exam can help building reduce its environmental footprint and also led to cost optimization during operation.
LEED is based on 3 pillars:
Social responsibility (People) — better living standards for people
Environmental Stewardship (Planet) — Less impact on the environment
Economic Prosperity (Profit) — Reduce the life-cycle cost of the building
LEED Rating System Families
There are 5 families of LEED Rating system:-
LEED for BD + C — LEED Building design + construction
LEED BD + C are applicable for new construction and major renovation of buildings.
LEED for ID + C — LEED Interior design + construction
LEED for ID + C is applicable for projects whose scope is limited to interior fit out
LEED for O + M — LEED for operation and maintenance
LEED for O + M is applicable for existing building undergoing improvement. In this minor upgrade may be included.
LEED for ND — LEED for Neighborhood
LEED for ND is applicable for land development projects, mixed-use developments projects etc
LEED for Homes — LEED for Homes
LEED for Homes is applicable for all residential projects except high rise residential building.
A professional who has passed LEED Green Associate Exam is expected to have understanding of all the above types if LEED rating system.
LEED for BD + C Adaption:
LEED BD + C: New Construction
LEED BD + C: Core and Shell
LEED BD + C: Schools
LEED BD + C: Retail
LEED BD + C: Healthcare
LEED BD + C: Data centers
LEED BD + C: Hospitality
LEED BD + C: Warehouses and distribution center
LEED BD + C: Schools
This is applicable for academic buildings of K-12 schools and non-academic buildings of schools, post-secondary academic buildings and pre-kinder garden buildings may qualify for both for LEED BD + C: Schools & NC
LEED BD + C: Core & Shell
This is applicable for projects whose scope is significantly restricted to core & shell of the building
Core — structure
Shell — Facade/building envelope
for eg: Shopping malls
LEED BD + C: New Construction
This is applicable for office buildings, library, museum, office buildings, church etc. This is also applicable for high-rise residential buildings i.e., 9+ habitable stories.
LEED BD + C: Hospitality
This is applicable for buildings dedicated to hotels, inns or other businesses within the service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.
LEED BD + C: Health Care
This is applicable for inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities and licensed long-term health care facilities. Medical offices assisted living facilities and medical education and research centers.
LEED BD + C: Retail
This is applicable for retail building projects like banks, restaurants, apparel, electronics, big box etc GE3S Academy conducts LEED Green Associate Exam in every quarter please get in touch with us for more information.
