LEED gives common language for green school buildings.
In 2000, USGBC created the LEED Green Building Rating System as a way to define and measure green buildings.
In school terms, LEED is like a report card for buildings, demonstrating to the community that a facility is built and/or operated in a way that supports the health and well-being of occupants and saves energy, resources and money. LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures a building using several metrics, including:
- Energy savings
- Water efficiency
- Sustainable land use
- Improved air quality
- Stewardship of natural resources
How Does It Work?
Based on established sustainable building practices and emerging concepts, the LEED rating systems are performance-based and comprehensive in scope. Points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Different levels of certification are granted based on the total number of earned points. The four progressive levels of certification are: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Project teams achieve certification by submitting the required documentation using the web-based LEED Online system. The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) reviews the application and provides feedback. If all requirements are met, GBCI awards LEED certification to the building.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) administers project certification for commercial and institutional buildings and tenant spaces under USGBC’s LEED rating systems. GBCI also manages the professional credentialing programs based upon the LEED rating systems, including the LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credentials.
How much does LEED cost?
The cost to register and certify a school facility is based on the project’s square footage and rating system used. The process provides a comprehensive third-party review of the energy and environmental performance of the school and ensures that goals are met. The cost to register and certify at 100,000-square-foot school for USGBC member organizations is less than $4,000 using LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, and less than $5,500 using LEED for Schools. Prices are determined by GBCI and are subject to change. Visit GBCI for complete pricing information.