LEED cost by certification level?

There are many predictable fees and costs related to LEED certification... And then there are many estimates of the additional variable costs of LEED certification that vary wildly.

In terms of predictable costs, there is a registration fee that is paid up front to Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), then there is a certification fee that is based on the project's rating system (Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance, etc.) and size. USGBC Members of different membership status levels pay a range of discounted rates. Non USGBC members do not receive discounts. You can find the schedule of fees at USGBC.org.

Additional variable costs associated with LEED certification will vary depending on certification level, project complexity, design and construction team experience, whether the project uses IPD or not, and square footage. These include:

• LEED Consultant fees: varies... $75-$250/hour
• Cost of research and design: varies... $75-$250/hour
• Commissioning costs: (est. $.30-$2.50 per square foot)
• Energy modeling costs: $5,000-$50,000 per project
• Costs of construction "premium" related to LEED certification: 2-15%

An early study by Davis Langdon (from 2004) estimated that the premium associated with LEED certification at the escalating levels was as follows:

• LEED Certified: 0-2.5%
• LEED Silver: 0-3.3%
• LEED Gold: 0.3-5.0%
• LEED Platinum: 4.5-8.5%

However, subsequent academic studies have suggested that any building can be built to LEED certification standards without a premium to conventional "non LEED" construction if it is planned effectively.