LEED certification involves selecting the appropriate rating system, meeting prerequisites, documenting target credits and completing GBCI review. A sound starting point considers building scope, project stage and technical study requirements together.
This guide focuses particularly on the design and construction workflow for new buildings and major renovations. Interior projects and buildings in operation require the appropriate rating system to be selected separately. USGBC rating system selection guidance.
1. Select the appropriate system and version
BD+C addresses new construction and major renovation; ID+C addresses interior projects; O+M addresses buildings in operation. Project boundaries, use and the scope of work to be completed matter in this choice.
LEED v4.1 and v5 require planning against their respective criteria and reporting requirements. LEED v5 emphasises decarbonisation, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration. LEED v5.
2. Establish a credit strategy and responsibilities
Review prerequisites first. Then assess target credits against technical opportunities and investment priorities. Assign responsibility, required studies and evidence deliverables to each credit.
The credit plan should support decisions as the design develops. For example, glazing selection can affect energy, daylight and visual comfort together. Separate studies should use consistent design information.
3. Register on the appropriate platform and establish team roles
| Application scope | Platform identified by USGBC |
|---|---|
| LEED v4.1 BD+C, ID+C and initial O+M applications | LEED Online |
| LEED v5 BD+C, ID+C and O+M applications | Arc |
| LEED v4.1 O+M recertification | legacy Arc |
Registration includes project information and the relevant agreement steps. Establish the roles of the owner and project administrator. For a v4.1 file managed in LEED Online, prepare credit forms and supporting documents for submission. For v5, manage the application and documentation through Arc. USGBC platform guidance.
4. Develop and document the design through analysis
Required studies on energy, water, daylight, materials and indoor conditions follow the selected criteria. Analysis inputs and project documents should represent the same design version.
Explain energy modelling results alongside the method, baseline building and proposed design conditions. Consumption savings, cost savings and emissions reductions should remain distinct measures. Define the scope of technical services at the outset.
5. Track evidence and changes during construction
Follow product selections, construction changes, tests and handover records alongside design decisions. Establish who collects submission evidence before construction begins.
A solution changed after design review may affect credit requirements or calculations. Update the relevant documents and include those changes in the review process.
6. Plan the review pathway and complete the application process
USGBC’s guide describes standard review of the complete application and split review of design and construction documentation for eligible design and construction rating systems. Responding to review comments and accepting results form part of the application process. GBCI determines the certification level through its independent review. USGBC certification guide.
Questions to ask when selecting a LEED consultant
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which system, version and project boundaries does the proposal cover? | Aligns the service scope with the target. |
| Who will prepare energy, daylight and other technical studies? | Clarifies technical responsibilities and coordination. |
| What inputs and evidence deliverables are expected? | Makes the owner’s and designers’ contributions clear. |
| How are design changes and review responses handled? | Defines revisions and follow-up responsibilities. |
| How are consultancy, analyses and certification fees separated? | Allows proposals to be compared on a consistent scope. |
Share your current project stage and objective so we can define a suitable LEED consultancy scope. Energy modelling can also support a LEED process led by another consultancy as a separate technical service.