LEED for New Construction – Reference Guide

A LEED toolbox

Developed by the US Green Building Council, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an environmental certification of North American origin and an international rating and recognition system for sustainable buildings. It assesses the environmental and energy performance of buildings, taking into account criteria such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, sustainable use of resources and ecological sensitivity. LEED aims to encourage and recognize projects that adopt environmentally friendly construction practices.

This guide is intended to help project teams understand LEED criteria and the advantages of complying with them. It includes examples of strategies, case studies and applicable resources for designers. It also distinguishes between high-performance buildings: office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government buildings, leisure facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.