LEED Certification FAQs

When constructing a new building or renovating an existing one, it’s important to let the community know that your building is environmentally friendly. This can be done by achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s (LEED) Certification. Before applying for certification, read through the FAQs below.

  1. What is LEED Certification?
    LEED Certification provides validation of a project’s attention to green features and verifies that the building is operating in an environmentally friendly manner.
  2. What types of buildings can receive LEED Certification?
    LEED Certification can be applied to new construction or renovation of existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell, schools and homes.
  3. How does the certification work?
    LEED Certification is a point-based system containing five categories of green building criteria. To achieve certification, your building must satisfy prerequisites and earn a specified number of points in these areas: sustainable sites (SS), water efficiency (WE), energy and atmosphere (EA), materials and resources (MR) and indoor environmental quality (IEQ).
  4. What are regional credits?
    Regional credits acknowledge the importance of local conditions in determining the best environmental design and construction practices. LEED projects can earn regional credits when implementing green building strategies that address local environmental issues.
  5. How much does it cost to register?
    The registration fee for a project for a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) member is $450 and $600 for non-members.
  6. How do I register a project for LEED Certification?
    Certification is administered through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). To register a project for LEED Certification, visit the GBCI website.
  7. What are the benefits of achieving LEED Certification?
    Buildings that have achieved LEED certification cost less to operate and maintain, are water and energy efficient, have higher lease-up rates than conventional buildings in their markets, are healthier and safer for occupants, and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them.
  8. Why choose LEED certification?
    LEED promotes the design, construction and operation of buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy to live and work in.

Learn more about how Eaton’s green building services can help your buildings achieve LEED certification.