What is a LEED credit?

Hi Marc,

LEED credits in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system award points to LEED registered building projects that earn credits in specific LEED Credit Categories.

The following 7 are the main LEED credit categories which are able to earn 100 points:

1. Integrative Process
2. Location and Transportation
3. Sustainable Sites
4. Water Efficiency
5. Energy and Atmosphere
6. Materials and Resources
7. Indoor Environmental Quality

• Innovation and Regional Priority (10 additional points)

Each LEED credit and the number of points that may be earned by that credit is weighted by environmental impact...

The greater the positive environmental impact, the greater the number of points the LEED credit is worth. The more points a LEED registered project earns, the higher the level of LEED Certification a building can achieve.

More information on LEED credits is available on the US Green Building Council website. If you are preparing for the LEED exam these credits and credit categories are covered in more detail in the LEED Green Associate study guide.