LEED

The global standard in green building

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED^® is an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership. LEED’s proven and holistic approach helps virtually all building types lower carbon emissions, conserve resources, and reduce operating costs by prioritizing sustainable practices. Canada is one of the top territories in the world for LEED certification.

Buildings generate nearly 30% of all greenhouse gases, and 35% of landfill waste, while consuming up to 70% of municipal water.

Why LEED

LEED works because it recognizes that sustainability is key to the design, construction, and operation of all buildings. LEED helps owners and developers create high-performing, resilient buildings that reduce carbon emissions, save water, conserve energy and reduce waste. LEED also improves people’s quality of life by delivering the optimal conditions for health, comfort and productivity – such as better quality air and natural light.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project was designed and built, or operated, to achieve high performance in six areas of human and environmental health:

How LEED works

Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points for green building strategies across several categories. Based on the number of points achieved, a project earns one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

Platinum

80+ points earned

Gold

60-79 points earned

Silver

50-59 points earned

Certified

40-49 points earned

LEED certification involves a few steps. 

1. Determine which LEED rating system you are eligible for. 
2. Register your project at LEED Online and pay the registration fee to demonstrate your commitment.
3. Prepare and submit your certification application for review by CAGBC along with a certification fee. 
4. After a detailed review, projects receive the decision. Successful candidates are certified. 

Find the LEED that’s right for you

LEED is for all building types and all building phases including new construction, interior fit outs, operations and maintenance and core and shell. 

CAGBC’s role in LEED

LEED leans on the green building community to continuously improve and stay ahead of evolving government policy. CAGBC represents Canada in LEED’s international development process, and supports the market with certification, verification, education and training. CAGBC members play a vital role in this work, supporting Canada’s LEED Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Groups.