Learn about the prerequisites and minimum points needed to earn LEED certification for your green building project. Understand the key requirements for LEED certification success.
Table of Contents
Question
In order to earn LEED certification, a project must
A. employ a LEED AP on its project team
B. conduct a whole-building life-cycle assessment
C. earn a minimum 0t 50 points or meet a prerequisite
D. satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points
Answer
D. satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points
Explanation
LEED certification is a process that evaluates the environmental performance and sustainability of a building project based on a set of rating systems. To earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all the mandatory requirements, or prerequisites, of the chosen rating system, and earn a minimum number of points by meeting optional criteria, or credits. The number of points determines the level of certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), or Platinum (80+ points).Employing a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) on the project team is not a requirement for LEED certification, but it can provide an advantage, as LEED APs have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in green building and LEED rating systems. Having a LEED AP on the project team can also earn one point under the Integrative Process credit.
Conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment is not a requirement for LEED certification, but it can be an option for earning points under the Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction credit. A lifecycle assessment is a method of evaluating the environmental impacts of a building over its entire life span, from extraction of materials to disposal or reuse.
Earning a minimum of 50 points or meeting a prerequisite is not a sufficient condition for LEED certification, as it does not account for the other prerequisites or the level of certification. A project must meet all the prerequisites and earn at least 40 points to qualify for the lowest level of certification.
To earn LEED certification, a project must meet two key requirements:
- Satisfy all prerequisites: LEED has several mandatory prerequisites that projects must fulfill in order to be eligible for certification. Prerequisites vary based on the LEED rating system (BD+C, ID+C, O+M, etc.) and cover areas such as minimum energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and construction activity pollution prevention. Projects cannot earn points for prerequisites – they are required for all LEED projects.
- Earn a minimum number of points: In addition to prerequisites, LEED projects must earn points by implementing sustainable design, construction, and operations strategies across several credit categories. The number of points determines the level of LEED certification:
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
While employing a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) on the project team and conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment are beneficial, they are not mandatory requirements. The project does not need to earn a minimum of 50 points, as 40-49 points qualifies for the Certified level.
In summary, to achieve LEED certification, projects must meet all prerequisites and earn a minimum of 40 points across the applicable credit categories. The more points earned, the higher the level of LEED certification.
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