




LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for their project. Still curious about what LEED is or why you should use it? Learn more in the LEED digital marketing brochure.

LEED v4 is the newest version of the world's premier benchmark for high-performance green buildings.

This version is bolder, more specialized, and designed for an improved user experience.

Here's why LEED v4 is better:

  • Includes a focus on materials that goes beyond how much is used to get a better understanding of what's in the materials we spec for our buildings and the effect those components have on human health and the environment
  • Takes a more performance-based approach to indoor environmental quality to ensure improved occupant comfort
  • Provides a clearer picture of water efficiency by evaluating total building water use

Features and tools

The key to success is making sure you're using the right tools. LEED v4 is backed by a supporting cast of tools and resources.

LEED is flexible enough to apply to all project types.

Each rating system groups requirements that address the unique needs of building and project types on their path towards LEED certification. Once a project team chooses a rating system, they’ll use the appropriate credits to guide design and operational decisions.

There are five rating systems that address multiple project types:

Building Design + Construction

Interior Design + Construction

Building Operations + Maintenance

Neighborhood Development


Each rating system is made up of a combination of credit categories.

Within each of the credit categories, there are specific prerequisites projects must satisfy and a variety of credits projects can pursue to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification.

See the credit categories »

The number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification.

There are four levels of certification - the number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification that the project will receive. Typical certification thresholds are:


80+ Points


60-79 Points


50-59 Points


40-49 Points

Why choose LEED?


Learn more »

Find the right tools for your project.

Reference Guide

Navigate your LEED project from registration through certification with LEED Reference Guides