LEED represents the leadership in energy and environmental design. The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed LEED certification. It created LEED to help create more efficient green buildings. Therefore, LEED ensures environmentally friendly buildings. This certification evaluates the design and construction of buildings based on various factors.
These factors include water use, energy efficiency and air quality. LEED also considers the use of building materials, public transport and responsible land use. This certification is the benchmark for green building design, construction, operation and maintenance.
USGBC grants four levels of LEED certification to buildings participating in the program. The points that buildings receive determine their level. These levels are:
1.LEED certified buildings (40-49 points)
2.LEED Silver Building (50-59 points)
3.LEED Gold Building (60-79 points)
4.LEED Platinum Building (80 points and above)
According to the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.