is the most widely used sustainability rating system for buildings. LEED offers programs for carbon and emission-saving buildings. By awarding buildings that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, LEED incentivizes companies to invest in healthy, efficient, carbon- and cost-reducing buildings. LEED has nine separate certification programs, including ones for commercial, retail, new construction, existing buildings and more. Each program has a points-based rating system, where buildings receive points for each green building feature. Candidates earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits addressing carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental air quality. A building’s point total determines its LEED certification status, whether that be LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold or LEED Platinum. The rating process for an LEED system is entirely holistic and measures the many significant factors of construction projects that create harmful damage to people and the environment.

LEARN MORE: U.S. Green Building Council

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