How does one achieve LEED certification?
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED website provides tools for building professionals, including: • Information on the LEED certification process. • LEED documents, such as checklists and reference guides. Standards are now available or in development for the following project types: • New commercial construction and major renovation projects (LEED-NC) • Existing building operations (LEED-EB) • Commercial interiors projects (LEED-CI) • Core and shell projects (LEED-CS) • Homes (LEED-H) • Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) • A list of LEED-certified projects • A directory of LEED-accredited professionals • Information on LEED training workshops • A calendar of green building industry conferences Tips for Getting LEED Certified • Set a clear environmental target. Before you begin the design phase of your project, decide what level of LEED certification you are aiming for and settle on a firm overall budget. Also consider including an optional higher certification target — a “stretch”
