Steps to Achieve LEED Certification for Your Facility
Achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a highly respected goal for facility managers committed to sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship. LEED certification demonstrates your facility meets rigorous green building standards, improving marketability, reducing operational costs, and supporting regulatory compliance.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the LEED certification process effectively:
1. Understand the LEED Certification Levels and Categories
LEED offers four certification levels based on point accumulation:
Certified (40-49 points)
Silver (50-59 points)
Gold (60-79 points)
Platinum (80+ points)
Certification is available for various project types, including Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), Operations and Maintenance (O+M), and more. Choose the rating system that best fits your facility’s scope and goals.
2. Assemble a Qualified Project Team
Success in LEED certification depends on having a knowledgeable team including:
Facility managers familiar with sustainability practices
Architects or engineers with LEED expertise
Environmental consultants
Contractors experienced in green building methods
Collaboration is key to aligning project goals with LEED criteria.
3. Register Your Project with USGBC
Begin by registering your project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) through the LEED Online platform. Registration formally initiates your certification process and provides access to resources, templates, and documentation tools.
4. Conduct a Preliminary Assessment
Evaluate your facility’s current performance in energy, water use, materials, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability. This baseline assessment identifies gaps and opportunities to earn LEED points and guides improvement strategies.
5. Develop and Implement a LEED Action Plan
Create a detailed plan targeting LEED credits based on your assessment. Common focus areas include:
Energy efficiency upgrades (HVAC, lighting)
Water conservation measures (low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting)
Use of sustainable and recycled materials
Indoor air quality improvements
Waste reduction and recycling programs
Sustainable site development (native landscaping, minimizing light pollution)
6. Document and Submit Evidence
Maintain comprehensive records demonstrating compliance with LEED prerequisites and credits. This includes energy models, water usage data, material specifications, commissioning reports, and more. Submit all required documentation via the LEED Online system for review.
7. Prepare for Commissioning and Verification
Third-party commissioning verifies that building systems operate as intended, a LEED requirement for many credits. Proper commissioning ensures your facility performs efficiently and meets sustainability goals.
8. Respond to LEED Review Feedback
After submission, the USGBC reviews your documentation and may request clarifications or additional information. Address these promptly to keep the certification process on track.
9. Receive Certification and Maintain Performance
Once approved, your facility is awarded the appropriate LEED certification level. Remember, maintaining certification requires ongoing monitoring and sustainable facility management practices.
Benefits of LEED Certification
Lower energy and water bills through efficiency
Enhanced occupant health and productivity
Increased property value and market competitiveness
Compliance with green building regulations and incentives
Contribution to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility
References & Resources
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): LEED Certification
LEED Reference Guides and Rating Systems: USGBC Resources
Energy Star: Facility Benchmarking