LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining buildings that are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and healthy for occupants.
LEED certification is available for various project types, including new construction, existing buildings, interiors, and neighborhoods, and is awarded based on a point system across several categories:
Projects earn one of four certification levels based on total points, Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.. For the rating system details, visit USGBC site.
LEED certification has become a benchmark for sustainability in the AEC industry. Its importance lies in:
LEED is often required or incentivized in public projects and ESG-aligned developments.
In a new university building project, the design team pursued LEED Gold by incorporating energy modeling, specifying FSC-certified wood, maximizing daylight penetration, and ensuring over 90% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. Coordination with MEP engineers and product vendors ensured all credits were backed by documentation, and the building ultimately exceeded performance benchmarks.
LEED is like a report card for how “green” a building is. It rewards projects that save energy, use healthier materials, and create better spaces for people.
D.TO platform helps design teams pursue LEED goals by supporting the entire design workflow to advance sustainability strategies, from Schematic Design to Construction Documentation Phase, including streamlined sustainable product specification management.
Discover how D.TO enhances your daily design workflows on D.TO’s key features page, or schedule a demo to explore them in more detail!!
