LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
LEED BD+C sets green building standards for new constructions.
The LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) takes approximately 52 weeks. Over 100,000+ buildings have earned this certification worldwide. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Most widely recognized green building rating system in the world
- Comprehensive framework covering energy, water, materials, and indoor air quality
- Tiered structure (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) allows incremental achievement
- Recognized by governments, investors, and major corporations globally
- Drives measurable cost savings through energy and water efficiency
- Supports compliance with green building codes and procurement policies
Ideal For
LEED BD+C is best suited for architects, engineers, developers, and project owners pursuing new construction or major renovation projects who want to demonstrate measurable sustainability performance. It is particularly valuable for commercial, institutional, and large residential projects seeking a globally recognized green building credential that can satisfy regulatory requirements, attract tenants, and command premium valuations.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- LEED Rating System
Building Scope
Overview
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a certification program for green building design and construction. Launched in 1998, LEED aims to promote sustainable practices in construction, reducing environmental impact through efficient energy, water use, and improved indoor air quality. It includes various rating systems, such as BD+C for Building Design and Construction, affecting commercial, residential, and institutional projects.
LEED has certified over 100,000 projects globally, with notable clients including Google, Microsoft, and the Empire State Building. The certification involves fulfilling prerequisites and earning points in areas like energy performance, water efficiency, and material selection.
Projects earn one of four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, based on points accrued. Non-profits and governmental agencies often leverage LEED to exhibit commitment to sustainability. The program has significantly influenced the rise of green building standards worldwide.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Project teams must document compliance with all required prerequisites and submit evidence for each credit pursued through the LEED Online platform. Documentation typically includes energy modeling reports, commissioning reports, construction waste management plans, water use calculations, material sourcing records, and indoor air quality test results. A GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) technical reviewer audits submitted documentation, and projects may be subject to a formal audit requiring additional supporting evidence.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no traditional exam for LEED BD+C building certification. Instead, project teams submit documentation through the LEED Online platform demonstrating compliance with all prerequisites and earned credits. GBCI technical reviewers conduct a detailed documentation audit, which may include a preliminary design review and a final construction review. Projects may receive a formal audit request requiring additional evidence. The review process typically takes several weeks per phase. The project earns a certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) based on total points achieved out of 110 possible points.
Renewal & Compliance
LEED building certifications do not expire by default, but USGBC encourages ongoing performance tracking through LEED Arc (the performance platform). Projects pursuing LEED recertification (available under LEED O+M or via Arc) must demonstrate continued performance and pay applicable recertification fees. There are no mandatory renewal cycles for the original BD+C certification once awarded.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
LEED-certified buildings typically command 3–10% rental premiums and 7–11% higher sale prices compared to non-certified equivalents, according to studies cited by USGBC. For professionals, holding a LEED AP credential (the individual counterpart) is associated with salary premiums of approximately 10–20% over non-credentialed peers in architecture, engineering, and construction management roles.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Teams working on small-scale or low-budget projects may find LEED's documentation requirements and registration fees disproportionate to the benefit. Projects in regions with limited LEED market recognition or where local green building standards (e.g., BREEAM in Europe) are more prevalent may find alternative certifications more strategically valuable.
Alternative Programs
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
1998
100K+
Available
Cost Breakdown
How to Display This Recognition
Certification Details
Assessment
Verification
Structure
Governance
Fee Structure
Related Certifications
LEED Homes
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LEED Cities
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LEED Residential Provider Organization
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Green Classroom Professional
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LEED Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
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LEED AP BD+C
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Sources & Citations
Content on this page is AI-enriched from primary sources.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)Last verified Mar 10, 2026