What is LEED
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a system of design, construction and operations practices that, at a minimum, meet specific standards to reduce negative impact of building on occupants and the environment.

LEED is a voluntary, national green building standard and certification system created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGB). It sets the standard for high-performance green buildings, and is based on well-founded scientific standards, accepted principles and best practices.

The Program is an integrated design process that establishes performance goals in the form of credits in the following categories:

- Sustainable site development
- Water savings
- Energy efficiency
- Materials selection
- Indoor environmental quality
- Process and innovation

Points awarded for credits achieved equal a total of 69 with 40% of the points must be achieved for certification in four progressive levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Green building techniques involve reducing energy and water use, improving indoor air quality, sensitivity to site development issues and incorporating environmentally friendly building materials

Benefit for developers and design/construction professionals from employing green building
Goodwill for being recognized as a “green company” can enhance your business’ reputation in the community and help you recruit and retain a superior workforce and increase sales. There is a market advantage that will increase demand for green buildings. Those that develop, build, rent, sell and occupy green buildings first will be viewed as market leaders in their community. Using design and construction practices that exceed code prepares you for future increases in code stringency, reducing response costs and time.

Benefits to Building Owners and Occupants
Green buildings may not always cost more. If it does initially, you can realize benefits over a few years through increased property value and an increased return on investment through in lower utility bills and reduced operating and maintenance costs. 

Other benefits include enhanced occupant health and well-being through improved air and light quality, which likewise improves occupant productivity. Green buildings can increase sales and leasing potential because of their high desirability.

Benefits of Certification
- Third party validations of achievement
- Qualification for state and local incentives
- EPAct (Federal Incentive) can also offset costs
- LEED Certification plaque for building
- Official certificate
- Marketing Exposure