The Benefits of Being LEED Certified

In the logistics real estate industry, a lot of weight is placed on LEED certification. But many property owners aren’t familiar with the exact definition of “LEED certified.” This guide covers LEED certification and its many benefits. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is an internationally recognized green building certification system sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED is a third-party designation that verifies a building or community was designed and built using strategies and materials to maximize sustainability. LEED-certified buildings are designed and constructed with a focus on energy savings, water efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and improved indoor air quality. Further, the design’s overall stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impact on the environment are taken into consideration.

How Does the LEED Certification Points System Work?

LEED certification works on a points-based system—the higher the score, the more sustainable the building and, therefore, the higher the level of certification. The point system focuses on nine areas:

• Sustainable sites
• Integrative process
• Location and transportation
• Innovation
• Water efficiency
• Energy and atmosphere
• Materials and resources
• Indoor environmental quality
• Regional priority

The four LEED certification levels are Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Buildings are awarded certification based on the total points earned:

• LEED Certified: 40–49 points
• LEED Silver: 50–59 points
• LEED Gold: 60–79 points
• LEED Platinum: 80 or more points