The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a priority program of the US Green Building Council. It is a voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven building rating system based on existing proven technology. It evaluates environmental performance from a "whole building" perspective over a building's life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a "green building".

The LEED building rating system which covers the following areas:

Prerequisites

• Building Commissioning
• Energy Efficiency
• Water Conservation
• Water Quality (Lead)
• Asbestos
• Ozone Depletion/CFCs
• Indoor Air Quality
• Smoking Ban
• Thermal Comfort
• Storage & Collection Of Recyclables

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Energy Efficiency
• Natural Ventilation, Heating & Cooling
• Waste Heat Recovery System
• Renewable/Alternative Energy

Safeguarding Water

• Water Conserving Fixtures
• Water Recovery System
• Water-Conserving Cooling Towers
• Water-Efficient Landscaping
• Surface Runoff Filtration/Reduction

Conserving Materials & Resources

• Use Of Local Materials
• Resource Reuse
• Recycled Content
• Existing Building Rehabilitation

Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

• Construction Iaq Management Plan
• Use Of Low VOC Materials
• Elimination Of CFCs, HCFCs & Halons
• Permanent Air Monitoring System
• Design Of Chemical Storage Areas
• Architectural Entryways

Reducing Solid Waste

• Construction Waste Management Plan
• Occupant Recycling Equipment

Sustainable Site Planning

• Landscaping For Erosion Control
• Landscaping/Exterior Design To Reduce Heat Islands
• Infill Development
• Reduced Habitat Disturbance
• Site Preservation/Restoration
• Alternative Transportation Facilities
• Efficient Building Location

Bonus Credits

• Biological Water Treatment
• Alternative Fueling Facilities
• Brownfield Development
• LEED-Certified Designer