Support Us Button Widget

What is a LEED certification?

We break down how a building or community becomes LEED-certified and what the four levels mean.

Green leaves backdropped by a blurry building.

Everything from a house to an entire city can be LEED-certified.

Photo by Arun Thomas from Pexels

Table of Contents

Have you seen a local building described as “LEED-certified” and wondered what that means? We won’t leed you on — here’s everything you need to know.

What is LEED?

LEED — which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” — is an international green building system developed by the US Green Building Council (UGBC). The certification encourages more efficient buildings and communities through all phases of development, from new builds to maintenance.

Intrigued? Learn more about UGBC’s mission.

What are the levels?

A project earns its LEED certification through points. Points are awarded through 20+ categories which address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality.

The more points a project earns, the higher its certification level. The four levels are:

Looking for local LEED-certified projects? Search the database to find certified projects, organizations, communities, and people.

More from TBAYtoday
Check out these 15 yoga studios around the Big Guava and the Burg that offer hot, aerial, yin, vinyasa, and more yoga studio offerings.
Collect colorful and locally-branded matchbooks at these Tampa, St. Pete, and beachfront spots.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The dual AC Hotels + Moxy by Marriott hotel will boast a rooftop bar and restaurant, 310 rooms, and plenty of other amenities.
Pretend you’re Belly, Jeremiah, or Conrad and spend summery moments at these Tampa and St. Pete restaurants, parks, and other local gems.
Editor Bailey reports back on the wellness spot’s treatments and her experience in the chair.
The economic landscape of Tampa Bay, who’s hiring, and who’s most likely to expand investments into our community.
We asked where you’d put one in TBAY, and you sent in your ideas.
Whether you’re a casual bird lover or longtime fan, you can get some tips from our guide.
Spoiler: There’s some congruity.