Targets and prerequisites
We review project conditions, the appropriate assessment scope and prerequisites together.
Sustainable building consultancy
LEED Consulting
We help owners and project teams plan LEED targets, technical studies and submission documents for new construction, major renovations and buildings in operation. We coordinate the work from credit strategy through responses to review comments.
From AECO references Royal Uzungöl Hotel ↗
LEED · Service approach
A scope of work aligned with your project’s targets.
Technical studies
Energy modelling, water savings analyses and technical coordination with project stakeholders.
Documentation and follow-up
Documenting design and construction work and managing the application and review process.
We move forward together
Work process
The scope and stages of the work are determined according to your project's conditions.
Preliminary assessment
A roadmap based on the project type, stage and certification target.
Design and coordination
Integrating requirements into architectural and engineering work.
Documentation
Bringing implementation and analysis results together for the application.
Review process
We coordinate the project team’s responses to GBCI review comments and track the supporting documents and clarifications in the submission.
Detailed information
About the service
Connecting a certification objective with design and construction decisions
Water fixtures, façade properties, energy systems and materials in a new building are selected by different teams. A LEED objective requires those decisions to be considered within a shared assessment framework. AECO's LEED consultancy connects the client's objectives with technical studies and coordinates design, construction and documentation responsibilities. We track which requirement each decision addresses and how it will be documented throughout the process.
Our founder Taygun Yüksel holds LEED AP BD+C and LEED AP O+M credentials. These specialities address design and construction projects and the operational assessment of occupied buildings. At the outset, we review building use, project stage and the client's priorities together.
Selecting the appropriate rating system
LEED is a green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Review and certification are undertaken by GBCI. Different rating systems include Building Design and Construction for new buildings and major renovations, Interior Design and Construction for commercial interiors, and Operations and Maintenance for buildings in use. The appropriate system and version are selected in relation to project scope.
USGBC's LEED framework addresses energy, water, materials, waste, sites and indoor conditions together. Technical studies help identify options that meet the relevant requirements and translate them into design decisions. Energy modelling, water efficiency assessments and daylight analyses, for example, are coordinated with the relevant teams where required within scope.
Points and certification levels
LEED v4, v4.1 and v5 BD+C, ID+C and O+M rating systems have a total of 110 points. Certification levels are Certified at 40–49, Silver at 50–59, Gold at 60–79 and Platinum at 80 points or more. Certification depends on meeting the applicable prerequisites and the requirements of the target level. The target scorecard is tracked alongside decisions and documentation as the project develops.
- Certified
- 40
- Silver
- 50
- Gold
- 60
- Platinum
- 80
A process that keeps teams working from the same information
The preliminary assessment reviews available information and opportunities for improvement. We establish priorities, responsibilities and technical study needs to create a roadmap. We assess how design and procurement decisions affect the objectives and track the records needed during construction.
The submission package connects drawings, calculations, product documents and construction records with the relevant requirements. We route review questions to the responsible teams and coordinate responses and corrections. Deliverables include assessment and tracking records, agreed technical analyses and documentation coordination for the review process.
Planning beyond certification
Design and construction certifications remain valid while the project exists in its certified form. Operations and maintenance certifications follow version-specific validity and recertification rules. The appropriate assessment route is considered separately when a major renovation or change of use is planned. USGBC's guidance on maintaining certification explains the current distinction.
For an overview of the process, see our guide to achieving LEED certification. Project type and available design information help us establish the consultancy scope and the teams' initial responsibilities.
For your questions
Frequently asked questions
What is LEED, and which rating system suits my project?
LEED is a green building certification system that assesses environmental performance. Different rating systems address new construction and major renovations, interior projects, and buildings in operation. We review your building use, project boundaries and stage to identify the appropriate system.
What does LEED consultancy cover, and who awards certification?
AECO provides advice on target setting, aligning design decisions with LEED requirements, technical studies and coordinating submission documents. We also coordinate responses to review comments. LEED was developed by USGBC; GBCI carries out the independent certification review and awards certification.
How is the LEED certification level determined?
Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels depend on meeting the prerequisites and earning credit points under the applicable rating system. We assess a suitable target against the project's technical opportunities and investment priorities. GBCI determines the final level through its review of the submitted evidence.
How are LEED certificate validity and recertification assessed?
Validity and recertification requirements depend on the rating system and version under which certification was awarded. Operational performance certifications have specific recertification requirements. We review your existing certificate, its scope and current programme rules to identify the data and steps needed for recertification.
Does every LEED project need energy modelling and daylight simulation?
The analyses needed depend on the LEED rating system, version and assessment pathways selected for the application. Energy modelling and daylight simulation can support the relevant submissions and comparisons between design options. We establish which studies are needed and which design questions they should answer at the outset.
How long do LEED consultancy and certification take?
Timing depends on the design and construction programme, document readiness, technical studies and review stages. We assess your project's current position and define the consultancy programme in our proposal. Certification review timings are also considered when planning the submission.
What determines the cost of LEED consultancy?
The consultancy fee depends on building type, size, project stage and the technical studies required. We review your project information and prepare a proposal with a clearly defined scope. The proposal also explains how consultancy, additional analyses and certification body fees are treated.
Project analyses
Examples from practice
Projects
Sustainable Building Consultancy Projects
Abbreviations
- USGBC
- U.S. Green Building Council — the organisation that developed LEED.
- GBCI
- Green Business Certification Inc. — the body that reviews and certifies LEED, WELL and EDGE projects.
- BD+C
- Building Design and Construction — the LEED rating system for new buildings and major renovations.
- ID+C
- Interior Design and Construction — the LEED rating system for interior and tenant fit-out projects.
- O+M
- Operations and Maintenance — the LEED rating system for operating existing buildings.