Green building standards
Leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED)
LEED was created to:
- Define green building by establishing a common standard of measurement
- Promote integrated, whole-building design practices
- Recognize environmental leadership in the building industry
- Stimulate green competition
- Raise consumer awareness of green building benefits to transform the building market
The LEED green building rating system is a consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) external link offers this rating system, which certifies projects as LEED Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum based on the number of points achieved. LEED rating systems are available for new construction, existing buildings, homes, schools, healthcare facilities, tenant improvements, and neighborhood developments.
For more resources or information
To join, visit the USGBC website external link or call 202-82-USGBC.
Getting certified in king county
The first step to achieving LEED Certification is to register your project with USGBC. Registration is an important step that establishes contact with USGBC and provides access to essential information and software tools. Registering during the early phases of project design will ensure the maximum potential for achieving certification.
Upon registration, project representatives receive an orientation letter and access to resources that explain and facilitate the formal LEED application process. To register your project with USGBC or obtain additional information on the LEED certification process, visit the USGBC website external link .