What is LEED?

http://new.usgbc.org/

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is based on the number of points a building receives to be considered a green building. There are many technical categories in which the points are offered in, the main credit categories are:


Sustainable sites: impact on ecosystems and water resources

Water efficiency: usage of water and preventing usage on bottled water

Energy & atmosphere: building energy performance

Materials & resources: sustainable building materials and waste reduction

Indoor environmental quality: indoor air quality, daylight, and views

Innovation in design: sustainable building

http://environmentalgeography.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/steps-and-tips-on-earning-leed-accreditation/

Depending on the number of points, there are four certification levels that may be achieved: Certified, Silver, Gold, and the most outstanding Platinum.

http://environmentalgeography.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/steps-and-tips-on-earning-leed-accreditation/

New construction, renovations, existing buildings,  commercial interiors,  core shells,  retail, schools homes, neighborhood development, and healthcare are the selected programs in which LEED certification apply.