LEED connects homes, neighborhoods and communities
Regardless of scale, LEED-certified buildings share a common achievement: they are verified as more sustainable and efficient, in a world where we're all trying to generate less waste. Even more important, they support human health and wellness through benefits like good indoor air quality, natural light and nontoxic materials.
Whether it's your home, your neighborhood or your whole city, LEED has a pathway to certification that fits. As we build better, healthier buildings, we build better, healthier communities that create a higher living standard—and with the arrival of newest update to LEED, inclusivity and flexibility are built into the rating system as never before.
All over the U.S. and the world, LEED-certified homes—whether for one family or for many families—bring wellness, cost savings and beautiful, sustainable design into the lives of their residents. LEED homes can have a higher resale value, too.
It's also increasingly recognized by cities and states that affordable housing in our communities can—and should—be green.
Here's a quick guide to what LEED can do at every level:
LEED Residential
The new LEED Residential rating system has been simplified and prioritizes strategies that have a higher value to homeowners and residents, such as health and well-being, improved comfort, energy and water savings, and green materials. Options have been added to existing LEED credits that lower the cost of achieving certification.
Also, the updated rating system is more flexible and localized, to meet the needs of different markets.
LEED for Neighborhood Development
To help create more sustainable, connected neighborhoods, LEED for Neighborhood Development offers a way to reduce energy, waste and greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to providing residents with green spaces and a healthier environment in which to live, work and play.
The Plan category is for any project up to 75% completed, while the Built category applies LEED standards to projects completed within the past three years. Learn more.
LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities
From small towns to big cities, sustainability through LEED encompasses the things that matter for all residents: quality of life, health, prosperity, equity, access, empowerment, safety, education, resilience, infrastructure and energy. LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities are not just a one-time designation or plaque: they are programs designed to support continuous progress into the future.
Learn more and share details on LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities with your mayor, representative or other local leader. See cities currently certified as LEED.
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