What is LEED Certification and How to Obtain It for Your Building

Achieving LEED Certification is a significant milestone for any building project, signifying a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. As the gold standard in green building certifications, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. 

Whether you’re planning a new construction, a major renovation, or simply looking to upgrade your existing facility, understanding LEED certification and how to obtain it is crucial for ensuring your project meets the highest standards of sustainability. 

This guide will walk you through the basics of LEED certification, the various levels of certification, and the steps you need to take to achieve it for your building.

What is LEED Certification?

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally recognized green building certification system. It provides a framework for building owners and operators to be environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. 

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED offers a holistic approach to sustainability by assessing the overall performance of a building in various sustainability metrics. Whether it’s an office tower, a residential complex, or a commercial space, LEED certification signifies sustainability achievement and environmental leadership

The LEED certification system was introduced in 1998 to promote environmental awareness among building developers and owners. Since its inception, LEED has undergone several revisions to address emerging sustainability challenges and incorporate building technology advancements. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most popular and respected green building certification programs.

LEED certification is available in four levels, reflecting the degree to which a building meets the highest environmental standards:

• Certified: 40-49 points.
• Silver: 50-59 points, higher sustainability performance.
• Gold: 60-79 points, advanced sustainability practices.
• Platinum: 80+ points, top-tier green leadership.

Each level is determined based on a building’s performance in key areas such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.

Purpose of LEED Certification

LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification aims to ensure the mindful development, construction, and maintenance of buildings to benefit occupants and the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.

LEED certification is not limited to specific elements such as energy, water, or health. Instead, it adopts a holistic approach to building design and construction, optimizing all aspects to create the best possible structures. 

The primary objectives of LEED include:

• Mitigating contributions to global climate change.
• Enhancing individual human health.
• Protecting and restoring water resources.
• Safeguarding and augmenting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Promoting sustainable and regenerative material cycles.
• Elevating the quality of community life.

These objectives highlight LEED’s commitment to creating a sustainable and healthy built environment. By addressing these key areas, LEED certification ensures that our buildings and communities are developed to benefit both the environment and the people who inhabit them.

Owners and project teams choose LEED certification to inform, benchmark, and celebrate their sustainability goals and achievements. 

How a Building Can Earn a LEED Certification

Today, nearly 100,000 commercial buildings in 167 countries worldwide have been granted or are awaiting LEED certification. Here is how you can archive it. 

Steps in the LEED Certification Process

Step 1. Project Registration

The first step of the LEED certification process begins with project registration, which entails submitting your project to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). By completing this registration, you can access LEED Online, a platform designed to facilitate the entire certification journey. 

It’s important to note that a registration fee is required, with the cost varying based on your project’s specific size and type.

Step 2. Selecting a LEED Rating System

LEED offers a variety of rating systems tailored to accommodate different types of projects, ensuring that the certification process aligns with the specific characteristics and needs of each building. These rating systems include:

• LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
• LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
• LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
• LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) 
• LEED for Homes, and others. 

Choosing the appropriate LEED rating system is a critical step, as it dictates the specific criteria your project must meet to achieve certification.

Step 3. Preliminary Planning and Analysis

Before diving into the detailed design, conduct a preliminary planning and analysis. This step involves assessing the project’s site, energy usage, water efficiency, and materials. This analysis helps identify opportunities to maximize the project’s sustainability and ensures that all LEED requirements are considered from the outset.

Consulting a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) at this early stage can be highly advantageous. LEED APs possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the LEED certification process, making them invaluable in navigating complex requirements and criteria. 

Step 4. Developing and Documenting the Design

After completing the preliminary planning, the next step is to develop and document the design of your project. Proper documentation is crucial at this stage, as it proves that your project meets the stringent standards set by LEED.

This documentation typically includes 

• Site plans
• Detailed energy models
• Water usage calculations 
• Material selections

By meticulously recording these elements, you ensure that all aspects of the project are aligned with LEED requirements, paving the way for a successful certification process.

Step 5. Construction and Implementation

During this phase, it’s crucial to ensure that the project adheres to the design documented earlier. This stage requires close collaboration between the design team, contractors, and LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) to maintain strict compliance with LEED criteria. 

Regular site inspections and quality control checks are essential to verify that construction practices align with the sustainable goals outlined in the design. 

By maintaining open communication and rigorous oversight, the team can address any issues promptly and ensure that the project stays on track to meet LEED standards.

Step 6. Submitting for LEED Review

Once construction is completed, the next step is to submit the project for LEED review. This involves compiling all necessary documentation and submitting it to the USGBC for evaluation. 

LEED experts will review the submission to assess the project’s compliance with LEED standards. This process often includes a preliminary review, where initial feedback is provided, followed by a final review. 

During this time, the project team can address any concerns or provide additional information to ensure all criteria are met.

Step 7. Receiving Certification and Feedback

After finalizing the review process, the project will receive its LEED certification and detailed feedback. The certification level—Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—is awarded based on the total points earned across various categories. 

Additionally, the USGBC provides feedback on the project’s performance, highlighting strengths and improvement areas. This feedback is invaluable for future projects and helps reinforce a commitment to sustainable building practices.

Key Areas of Assessment

LEED certification assesses buildings across several key sustainability categories, which are:

• Energy Efficiency: Buildings earn points for optimizing energy performance, utilizing renewable energy, and implementing energy management systems. The aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower operational costs.
• Water Usage: Water efficiency measures include reducing potable water usage, increasing water recycling, and installing efficient fixtures and fittings. This reduces the building’s overall environmental footprint and operational costs.
• Air Quality: Indoor environmental quality is critical. Points are awarded for using low-emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, and monitoring air quality to ensure a healthy environment for occupants.
• Materials Used: The selection of sustainable materials is crucial. Points are awarded for using recycled, locally sourced, and sustainably harvested materials as well as for waste reduction practices during construction and operations.
• Site Selection and Development: Sustainable site development involves choosing locations that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources, encourage public transportation use, and manage stormwater runoff effectively.

Benefits of Obtaining LEED Certification

Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining LEED Certification:

Financial Benefits

LEED certification offers a range of significant financial advantages for property owners worldwide. Certified buildings can benefit from various financial incentives, including tax breaks and subsidies offered by numerous countries and municipalities.  These financial perks make LEED certification an economically sound decision for many property owners. 

Additionally, LEED-certified buildings are known for their operational cost-efficiency, with reported savings from 2015 to 2018 amounting to $1.2 billion in energy costs, $715.3 million in maintenance costs, $149.5 million in water costs, and $54.2 million in waste costs. These substantial savings underscore the financial viability of pursuing LEED certification.

Attracting Tenants

LEED certification is a powerful tool for attracting tenants, as green buildings tend to have lower vacancy rates—approximately 4 percent lower than non-green properties. Moreover, LEED-certified buildings command higher rents and boast lease-up rates that can be up to 20 percent above the market average. This enhanced attractiveness makes LEED-certified buildings preferred for tenants who value sustainability and cost-efficiency.

Environmental Benefits

LEED-certified buildings are designed to be more energy-efficient, use less water, and have a significantly smaller environmental footprint. They are crucial in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment. By adhering to LEED standards, buildings help conserve resources and promote environmental stewardship, positively impacting the planet.

Achieving ESG Objectives

Pursuing LEED certification can significantly contribute to achieving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices, organizations can meet their ESG goals, which are increasingly important to investors, stakeholders, and the broader community.

Improving Public Relations

Finally, LEED certification can enhance a company’s public image by showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This commitment can improve public relations and build trust with customers, partners, and the community, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in sustainability.

Other Green Building Programs 

While LEED is a prominent green building certification program, several other programs promote sustainable building practices. Here are some notable ones:

1. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method): Originating in the UK, BREEAM evaluates buildings based on criteria such as energy use, health, pollution, transportation, materials, waste, water, land use, and ecology. It is widely used internationally.
2. Green Globes: Used in Canada and the US, Green Globes provides an online assessment tool for certifying buildings in areas like energy, water, resources, emissions, and indoor environment. It is known for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
3. WELL Building Standard: Focusing on occupant health and well-being, WELL evaluates buildings based on air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. It aims to enhance the health and productivity of building users.
4. Living Building Challenge: This program promotes self-sufficient buildings with a net positive environmental impact, assessing performance in seven areas: Place, Water, Energy, Health & Happiness, Materials, Equity, and Beauty.
5. Energy Star for Buildings: Administered by the US EPA, Energy Star certifies buildings for superior energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Green Star: Used in Australia, Green Star assesses buildings based on management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, materials, land use & ecology, and emissions, promoting sustainability in design, construction, and operation.
7. DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen): Developed in Germany, DGNB evaluates buildings based on ecological, economic, sociocultural, technical, process, and site quality, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainability.
8. Passive House (Passivhaus): This standard focuses on ultra-low energy buildings through high insulation, airtight construction, and energy-efficient windows and ventilation systems, ensuring minimal heating and cooling needs.

These programs offer diverse approaches to sustainability, allowing building owners and designers to choose the certification that best aligns with their goals.

The Sentry Z: Where Sustainability Meets Innovation

Located in the vibrant heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, The Sentry Z is more than just an office building — it’s a beacon of adaptability and sustainability.

As part of The Sentry, a leader in Vietnam’s property market, The Sentry Z is renowned for its modern and flexible workspaces.

What sets it apart is its innovative approach to construction, operation, and design, all aimed at achieving the prestigious Lotus Green standard certification. This certification marks a groundbreaking milestone in Vietnam’s adaptable office building sector.

It’s more than a workspace, it’s a commitment to a greener future.

Lotus Gold Accreditation: A Milestone Achievement

The Sentry Z made history by becoming the first co-working space in Vietnam to achieve the Lotus Gold accreditation from the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC). 

This prestigious recognition celebrates the project’s sustainable design, which includes the innovative use of over 1.4 tons of recycled materials. 

From reclaimed wood to repurposed steel, The Sentry Z embodies the spirit of circular economy principles.

A Communal Haven

Over half of The Sentry Z’s space is dedicated to communal areas. Imagine working in a sunlit shared space, surrounded by lush greenery and fellow visionaries. 

Whether collaborating on a project, attending a meeting, or simply taking a break, The Sentry Z offers a nurturing environment.

Amenities That Inspire

The facility boasts amenities designed for productivity and well-being:

• Nap Area: Recharge with a quick power nap.
• Meeting Rooms: Conduct business in style.
• Relaxation Zone: Unwind and rejuvenate.
• Stunning Rooftop Garden: Connect with nature while overlooking the cityscape.

Prime Location, Infinite Possibilities

Situated near government offices, consulates, and major tourist attractions, The Sentry Z is at the crossroads of opportunity. The neighborhood buzzes with retail options, high-end coffee shops, and fashionable eateries. 

Join the Green Movement

The Sentry Z invites professionals and businesses to be part of a transformative journey. As you sip your coffee in the rooftop garden or brainstorm ideas in the communal area, know you’re contributing to a greener, more vibrant future.

For those seeking an office for rent in District 1, The Sentry Z offers a workspace and a lifestyle. Contact The Sentry at leasing@thesentry.com.vn to explore pricing and exclusive offers. 

Seize the opportunity to work, connect, and thrive in a space that’s not only about business but also about making a positive impact on our planet.