This Learning Path provides an introduction to LEED and its professional credentials.
Use of the LEED building certification program (also referred to as a building label) is driven by building owners, real estate developers, and the professional design community. There is no defined or formal role for building system manufacturers such as Signify in LEED certification because the products and services themselves don't earn the credits.
Project certification depends on achieving the desired system behavior and performance outcomes, resulting from the strategies used to install products and system strategies in the building.
In this chapter, we will introduce the topic of LEED and project certification through several articles and videos.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices.
The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is a rating system that gives buildings a score based on their sustainability. Since 2000, LEED has encouraged environmentally sustainable design and building practices by awarding buildings certifications based on their performance in various aspects of sustainability. Buildings are awarded points according to their performance in five main areas.
Watch this 5-minute overview of the latest version of LEED - 4.1. The video highlights the goals of LEED 4.1 which are to address market barriers and lessons learned from project teams; update performance thresholds and reference standards; expand the marketplace for LEED; improve the performance of buildings; and reward leaders and incorporate performance rating to encourage progress tracking by building owners.
Learn how USGBC has updated performance requirements, new LEED v4.1 credits, and calls for proposals.
This section provides further study on the LEED professional credentials. The Green Associate is open to everyone and doesn't required past or ongoing LEED project experience to sit for the exam or maintain the credential once it's earned. The LEED AP with Specialty credential is intended for design professionals working on LEED projects. Credential maintenance requires current and ongoing project experience.
LEED Green Associate: a foundational credential for professionals in many facets of green building and sustainability including lighting.
Watch this one-minute video for information and resources on earning the LEED Green Associate credential. This credential is available to everyone, you don't need previous or ongoing LEED project experience to sit for the exam and maintain the credential.
LEED AP with Specialty: an advanced credential for LEED experts.
A LEED credential denotes proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction and operations standards. More than 203,000 professionals have earned a LEED credential to help advance their careers. Showcase your knowledge, experience and credibility in the green building marketplace as a LEED professional.
The LEED AP exams measure knowledge about green building, a specific LEED rating system, and the certification process.