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USGBC LEED Green Associate: USGBC LEED Terminology Certified vs. Accredited vs. Registered Buildings

Learn the correct USGBC terminology for LEED projects. Discover the difference between LEED certified, accredited, and registered buildings.

Table of Contents

Question

Which of the following is an appropriate usage of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) terminology for a LEED project?

A. LEED certified building
B. LEED Accredited Building
C. LEED’s certified building
D. LEED Registered, Gold Building

Answer

The most appropriate usage of USGBC terminology for a LEED project is:

A. LEED certified building

Explanation

The term “LEED certified building” is the correct usage according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This term indicates that a building has met the standards set by the LEED rating system and has been officially certified by the USGBC.

When a building has successfully completed the LEED certification process by meeting all prerequisites and achieving the minimum number of points required for a particular level of certification (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), it is referred to as a “LEED certified building”. This is the correct terminology per the USGBC.

The other answer choices use incorrect terminology:

B. “LEED Accredited Building” is incorrect because accreditation applies to people, not buildings. Professionals who pass the LEED professional exams earn the designation of LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

C. “LEED’s certified building” is grammatically incorrect and not a term used by the USGBC.

D. “LEED Registered, Gold Building” combines two separate concepts incorrectly. A project becomes “LEED registered” when it is registered with GBCI with the intent to pursue LEED certification. The certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) is determined once the project has completed the certification process. The proper terminology would be “LEED Gold certified building”.

In summary, the most appropriate usage of USGBC terminology is “LEED certified building” once a project has successfully completed the certification process. During the process it would be called a “LEED registered project”.

USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.