LEED- Certified Buildings With Innovative Energy Systems
Feb 28, 2025
LEED- Certified Buildings With Innovative Energy Systems
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification process that's changed the planet. In fact, it's changed the way we build. Green buildings are now more mainstream than ever. Take a quick trip back in the past. 50 years ago, there was very little talk about eco-friendly anything that existed. Today, sustainability is all the talk. And for good reason. LEED is at the heart of that process.
It's a holistic framework. It's also a rating system that tests the standards and pushes extremes. In reality, LEED certification means the project is better for the planet than it could have been.
Let's take a closer look at what LEED certification means. We'll also look at LEED-certified buildings. These buildings are using innovative energy systems to transform the way people live. It's an exciting time.
What is LEED Certification?
LEED certification is a process designers and building owners take on to demonstrate their sustainability in the projects they create. In the age of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), LEED certification is the pinnacle of performance. There are several key factors to know right off about LEED certification:
It's a rigorous process. It takes time and money.
At the end of the assessment – created by the US Green Building Council, the organisation or building earns a rating.
That rating is prized. It is a sign of verified sustainability recognised around the world.
LEED certification offers benefits. Building owners invest in it for many reasons – including that it is simply the right thing to do. Additionally, it's a testament to the organisation's ability to meet the expectations of its customers and other stakeholders.
Sounds great, right? This isn't just a name, though. There's a lot of work that goes into it. Let's take a closer look at what LEED is and what it means.
What Are the Primary Requirements for LEED Certification?
Shanghai Tower, Shanghai, China (LEED Platinum)
It's all about points. The LEED certificate rating system operates on a points system. The most points a project can have is 110. The assignment of points determines the rating level of certification the project earns. It follows this process:
40 to 50 points: LEED Certified. This is the bottom level.
50 to 60 points: LEED Silver Certified. Getting there.
70 to 80 points: LEED Gold Certified. Solid.
80 to 110 points: LEED Platinum Certified. The best-rated projects.
Points come from the project's sustainable systems and design elements. Getting those points takes work. A Green Building Council Inspector will visit the property. The inspector evaluates all components. Then, points are awarded or deducted based on various factors.
Each level signifies that the project has met a specific commendable achievement. Some examples of those achievements include:
CO2 emissions ratings
Enhanced energy efficiency
Promotion of environmental sustainability efforts
Reduced energy performance
Material sustainability
Indoor air and environment quality
These are just a few of the many examples that relate to LEED certification. Let's break this down even further.
There are 5 main categories that LEED projects may fall into, whether it is a renovation project or a new construction project. Those include:
Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Interior Design and Construction
Operations and Management (O+M)
Neighbourhood Development initiatives
Homes
To achieve accreditation, the project must meet the specific prerequisites of each category. Once they achieve those prerequisites, they get points. It's a straightforward process.
What Are the Benefits of LEED Certification for Building Owners, Tenants, and Architects?
All of that work matters.
The top 10 benefits of LEED certification include:
LEED-certified buildings have 50% fewer greenhouse gases.
LEED third-party certification helps organisations meet ESG expectations.
It can lead to faster lease-up rates.
Property values for LEED-certified projects are higher.
Utility costs are lower. On average, 25% less energy consumption means 25% more money in the budget.
Reduced waste. Expectations are that by 2030, projects will divert over 540 million tons of waste from landfills.
LEED-certified buildings are attractive places for people to work.
Investors funnel more money into LEED-certified projects than others.
There could be tax benefits depending on local regulations.
It works. It creates a proven track record of improving the quality and condition of projects.
What Role Does LEED Certification Play in Addressing Global Energy Challenges?
LEED matters to both people and businesses. It contributes to a healthier way of living. It minimises the negative impact on the world's resources. In many ways, it lowers the environmental impact of every project.
How Does LEED Compare to Other Green Building Standards?
Other green building standards exist, including the following:
Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method: Commonly called BREEAM, it is the European version of LEED. It was created in the UK in 1990 and therefore pre-dates LEED. You could call it the first green building standard. Like LEED, both are internationally recognised efforts. BREEAM has 590,000 projects certified around the world compared to just over 100,000 for LEED.
WELL Building Standard: WELL launched in 2014 and is maintained by a privately operated organisation. LEED standards are somewhat similar. WELL focuses on medical and related data to focus more on the connection between buildings and the people in them. LEED focuses more on buildings instead.
Passive House: A German-based program with a fabric-first approach, Passive Houses focuses on a building's envelope. That includes the windows, insulation, and how air tight it is. It uses specific energy performance criteria to determine if a project meets the requirements.
Each of these efforts is valuable. LEED may be the more well-recognised avenue, but it is certainly not the only option out there.
Innovative Energy Systems
Let's dive into a bit more of the meat of LEED. Consider what example a business can do to earn such recognition.
Advancements in Energy Systems Incorporated into LEED-Certified Buildings
One of the most fascinating parts of LEED is that it's always improving. A good place to start with that is LEED v5. This is the next version of the rating system set up by the USGBC. It focuses on more advancements and pushes code requirements further.
Energy Savings
One example is the rise in the importance of passive design. The Reduce Peak Thermal Loads credit matches well with Passive House Institute US Standards. What is it? The credit promotes energy savings and building performance. It does this by awarding projects that have a passive design strategy. Specifically, it focuses on envelope modelling. Some areas include thermal bridging.
The Electrification credit is also added. It encourages designers to avoid depending on burning any fuel onsite. That directly impacts indoor and outdoor air quality. It also creates low-carbon operations. No onsite combustion. That's a huge step for some organisations.
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources are another valuable opportunity for companies. Renewable Energy is a LEED credit. It's worth 5 points. It aims to reduce the use of fossil fuel consumption. Organisations are rewarded for onsite renewable energy generation. That could include solar, wind, or geothermal power.
Smart Technology
LEED also awards organisations that put value on smart technology. That includes tools that reduce water and energy consumption. Think of the use of IoT or AI. Smart grids are also a component of this process. The view here is that smart buildings are a vehicle to help USGBC reach sustainable communities. Smart buildings contribute to operational efficiency, sustainability, and business processes. They make spaces safer. They improved health.
Energy Storage
LEED priorities reduction of energy use. When batteries and other energy storage solutions minimise the ongoing need for energy generation, that's a very good thing. Energy storage solutions, including the use of thermal energy storage, batteries, and other solutions, help to reduce grid reliability. It also favours the optimisation of energy usage through demand response methods. Improved energy storage, along with the use of renewable energy sources, can amplify a building's efficiency.
How Do These Energy Systems Contribute to Reducing Operational Carbon Emissions Over Time?
The goal of these programs is straightforward – reduce energy use. Protect the planet in doing so. But what's the reality? How do energy systems actually contribute to reducing operational carbon emissions, especially over the long term?
One study found that LEED Platinum certification plays a big role. Reported emissions are 56% lower than intensity than those of LEED-certified organisations. This is a direct reflection of the greater energy efficiency. It also applies clarity on improvements to renewable energy use instead of demand from fossil fuels.
There are several ways green buildings reduce carbon emissions:
They produce less construction waste.
They use more recycled and renewable materials.
They have lower operational costs.
They use far less water and energy.
The indoor air quality is healthier.
LEED energy system achievement is remarkable. New solutions simply make sense for companies. They eliminate costs, improve the health of buildings, and help the planet. The question is, why not?
Case Studies and Examples
Let's look at some LEED-certified properties and what they can achieve within the community.
It's fascinating to see these projects operational. Let's break down some of the most interesting projects today.
CIVITA Office, Mexico
In Mexico, the CÍVITA office is an impressive space. It was the first such space to open worldwide with Platinum certification under LEED v4.1. The building was designed and built by architect Erich Coufal in 1961. It achieved a Platinum ranking with 82 points as the first such project to do so.
In 2018, the property underwent significant changes. Its goal was to create a healthy and comfortable workspace. At the same time, it worked to minimise its environmental footprint. In doing so, it achieved these objectives:
94% of regularly occupied spaces within the building have outside views. This increased user well-being. It also means that 99% of the spaces are naturally lit.
100% of the property's occupants are satisfied with the space.
The site's purchasing policy focuses on a better selection of products and waste reduction. This resulted in 85% of waste diversion from landfills. Dedicated storage spaces for recyclables and a composter for organic waste are on site.
The space energy utilisation index (EUI) is 30.30 kWh/m2. This is the total annual energy consumption and gross building area ratio.
100% of the spaces are naturally vented. No refrigerant is onsite. 62% of the people who work there use public transportation. The building offers direct access to public transportation. It also offers bike stations.
Notably, the property has a photovoltaic power generation system. 100% of its electrical power comes from this. All computer systems are Energy Star approved. More so, 50% of potable water use was completed for terrace plants. Even the desks that workers use are made from recycled materials.
It's an impressive building. It was the first to reach Platinum because of its investment.
The Crystal, London, UK
The Crystal, London (LEED Platinum)
The Crystal stands on the waterfront at the Royal Victoria Docks. It is an impressive-looking, modern structure. What makes it so special? It was the world's first building to achieve BREEAM Outstanding and LEED Platinum certification. It must be impressive, right?
Take a look at some of the core components of this project:
20% of the total electricity demand comes from a photovoltaic array
Just 10% of the water used comes from the public man. The rest comes from onsite rainwater harvesting tanks. There's also a black water reclamation strategy in place.
All water and power systems have operational monitoring and automation. They're managed out of Germany.
Ground source heat pumps provide nearly all of the heating and cooling. They pump water into a pipe that loops deep into the ground.
Nearly all spaces in the building have natural light. Very little artificial light is used.
The Building Energy Management System controls all electrical and mechanical systems. A massive 3500 data collection points provide information about conditions.
The building hosts events. Sporting events happen here. Conventions occur. That's an impressive level of functionality for a LEED-certified space.
Architectural and Client Perspectives
Sounds like LEED certification is worthwhile. But it's not easy. Consider some of the factors that make LEED certification complex for architects and designers. Like all projects, numerous limitations exist. Key here include:
Budget: Budgetary factors are always at the top of the list for architects, and they are a big part of this process. Balancing innovation with cost is not simplistic.
Client expectations: Building projects must meet very stringent LEED requirements. This may make it more challenging for building owners to operate in the way they expect. Added features or comfort elements must conform to LEED standards to keep the project on task.
Modernisation: LEED is a growing and flexing process. That's good. The problem is that organisations must balance utilising known "good enough" methods with more innovative and unproven strategies. That means balancing costs.
Realising eco-friendly achievements: Architects continue to look for ways to improve environmental sustainability. A constant need to seek out "better" materials and processes requires time and cost. Integration of optimised space usage in public places and green spaces is challenging. Densely populated areas complicate matters.
Technology comes with requirements: Cybersecurity is a big component of risk for companies. Organisations can utilise tools like automated lighting and temperature control. Yet, they must maintain data privacy through an impenetrable network.
Cultural preservation: Alongside modern development comes the need to maintain cultural aspects. This includes historical buildings and neighbourhood designs. Maintaining traditional aesthetics and culturally significant adaptions is not easy to do. Architects must honour the community's identity in each project.
Notable, architects must also work to maintain their personal knowledge. LEED strategies are ever-changing. New technology comes on board to push levels further. It takes time and work to design such projects. Often, the question must be, "What can we do better?"
Clients also have common misconceptions about LEED certification, including:
Timelines
Costs
Impact on workflow and operations
Limitations on project development from aesthetic elements
Ongoing management and upgrade requirements
Economic and Environmental Impact
A key concern for many organisations is cost. The promise of LEED is its improvement of the environment. Yet, there's also the lingering background process of lowering costs. Architects must ask, then, if there are economic advantages to LEED bottom-line evident.
USGBC tells us these buildings have higher resale value. They have lower operational costs. But, studies continue to show they have a significantly higher upfront investment requirement. One study found that construction costs of LEED buildings are about 3.8% more than non-LEED buildings. Other studies show less of an impact.
Building specific details matter the most.
Every project is a bit different. Architects must take the high expectations of LEED certification and mesh them with budgetary concerns. Careful considerations from the initial project scope are critical:
System by stem comparison of costs for installation and maintenance
Potential energy savings from one system to the next
Emissions calculations to determine site-specific emission reductions
Ultimately, organisations must consider the ROI for every project. It does cost more to invest in LEED. Those costs could be offset with lower operational costs for years to come. Yet, this is very much a project and even a system-specific decision process.
Future Trends
A solid place to start when looking to the future is LEED v5. This latest adaptation pushes buildings to zero emissions. There's no Platinum certification without it. LEED v5 focuses heavily on:
Decarbonisation
Improved health
Equity
Ecosystem conservation
Ecosystem restoration
Resilience
It aims to drive real-world impact and change. For architects, embracing the new, more in-depth strategies to achieve these goals will be a focal point.
The global push continues for net-zero carbon buildings. As noted, v5 pushes a huge focus on this. This means architects must be ready to completely design from the ground up. Strategies must be very specifically designed to meet local needs.
Along with higher standards, another future push relates to urban sustainability initiatives. Getting new construction to make changes isn't all that hard. Yet, pushing smaller organisations in densely populated urban areas to take on big developments is much more challenging.
Facebook Headquarters, Menlo Park, California (LEED Platinum)
Practical Application
As an architect, LEED is no longer an option. It is a project differentiator. How can you apply these standards to your day-to-day work?
USBGC recommends that architects educate themselves. There are LEED and AIA CE credit courses available to guide you in this path. Some of these courses include applications of specific strategies for projects. For example, taking a course on vegetated green roofs enables architects to learn very specific skills.
Becoming an LEED AP – accredited professional – is worthwhile for architects. From a personal standpoint, it could be a career builder. These individuals have more education but also have demonstrated expertise in each of the 5 core components of LEED.
The LEED Green Associated Candidate Handbook provides information about obtaining the necessary testing. For those just starting on this path, it is a critical component to building your skill and recognition in the field.
Architects must also find a way to build creative skills. There continues to be demand for those providers who can:
Meet LEED certification
Meet the luxury and high-end demands of building owners
Create spaces that are enjoyable and comfortable
Implement new-to-user technology and strategies
Educate the public on the benefits
That's quite a bit of hard work that falls on your shoulders. Architects are at the heart of LEED's success. Though money and innovative science are always present and important, most projects rely on architects.
Are You Ready for the Challenge?
If you're working towards changing the world through LEED project development and want to share your story, struggles and successes, create a profile now. Arkiste.com is dedicated to helping architects define and change the world. You can also add your project and gain some recognition for the hard work you're putting into it.
Take a few minutes to learn more about Arkiste.com. How can you be a part of this worldwide change towards healthier and safer buildings? We want to know what you're doing.
Connect with other architects in the field. Learn and grow together. You could learn some ways to reduce frustrations while boosting LEED achievement. Let's get started today.
IMAGE RESOURCES: https://www.procore.com/jobsite/10-iconic-leed-certified-buildings-from-around-the-world