LEED Building Certification Consultancy

Leaders in LEED: Sweco offers comprehensive LEED certification consultancy support for building projects, underpinned by ESG principles.

We pride ourselves on acting as a trusted, one-stop partner for building projects – driven by our commitment to ESG principles and integrating sustainability at every level of design and execution. And with vast experience in helping clients meet and even exceed other benchmarks including BREEAM and WELL, we can help you navigate the rigours of achieving – and reporting on – environmental and social standards for wider ESG reporting and disclosure workflows.

With extensive experience in guiding clients through certifications such as LEED, alongside BREEAM, and WELL, Sweco ensures that projects meet rigorous environmental and social standards. Our innovative use of technology, such as digital modelling and lifecycle assessments, optimises both energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Combining our global presence and locally-nuanced expertise, we also offer a comprehensive approach to the actual implementation of sustainable building solutions, making us the partner of choice for achieving your objectives across the green transition.

What is LEED certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a globally recognised system for rating the environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings.

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.

Buildings earn LEED certification by accumulating points across several categories, such as energy use, water efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and design innovation.

LEED certification has four levels—Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—based on the total points earned through securing several credits.

LEED v5 is the upcoming version of the internationally acknowledged framework for sustainable building practices. In response to market demands for increased accountability, v5 will promote solutions that align the built environment with essential goals such as decarbonisation, ecosystem conservation and restoration, equity, health, and resilience. LEED v5 aims to create meaningful impact and foster positive change around the globe. Please get in touch for more on the upcoming changes to LEED.

Who might need LEED and why?

LEED certification is valuable for building owners, architects, developers, corporations, and government entities focused on sustainability and environmental impact. Organisations may pursue LEED to enhance operational efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and save on long-term costs like energy and water usage.

Beyond the direct benefits, LEED also provides a key opportunity for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, as it aligns with the environmental criteria of ESG frameworks.

LEED-certified buildings help demonstrate a company’s commitment to sustainability, which can attract environmentally conscious investors, improve brand reputation, and fulfil corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

Additionally, such buildings may qualify for government incentives and regulatory compliance, further supporting ESG reporting efforts.

What are the benefits of LEED certification?

  • Energy and Resource Efficiency: LEED-certified buildings are designed to optimize energy use, water efficiency, and material conservation, resulting in lower utility bills and reduced environmental impact.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Achieving LEED certification demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, reducing carbon footprints, and mitigating climate change, which is crucial for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG reporting.
  • Healthier Indoor Environments: LEED prioritizes air quality, natural lighting, and the use of non-toxic materials, creating healthier, more comfortable indoor spaces for occupants.
  • Marketability and Higher Property Value: LEED-certified buildings often attract environmentally conscious tenants, investors, and buyers, potentially commanding higher rental rates or property values.
  • Operational Cost Savings: Sustainable design and energy-efficient systems result in long-term operational savings, which can offset initial certification costs.
  • Compliance with Regulations: In some regions, LEED certification helps meet or exceed environmental regulations, reducing risks associated with non-compliance.

How to achieve LEED certification

The certification process involves several steps. They are listed as follows:

1. Select a LEED Rating System

LEED has different rating systems based on building type and project needs. Common categories include:

  1. Building Design and Construction (BD+C) for new buildings or major renovations.
  2. Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) for interiors of existing spaces.
  3. Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) for existing buildings focusing on sustainability improvements.
  4. Homes and Neighbourhood Development for residential or community-level projects.

2. Meet LEED’s minimum project requirements

LEED certification requires projects to meet three core Minimum Project Requirements (MPRs): the building must be located on a permanent site, have clearly defined and reasonable boundaries that include all related land and site features, and meet the size requirements specific to the chosen LEED rating system.

 3. Register Your Project

Register the project through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) website using the LEED Online platform.

4. Meet LEED Prerequisites

Each LEED rating system has prerequisites that must be met. These prerequisites are non-negotiable and must be fulfilled to pursue certification. Examples include minimum energy performance and water-use reduction.

5. Accumulate Points

LEED certification is points-based, with a focus on sustainability categories such as:

  1. Sustainable Sites
  2. Water Efficiency
  3. Energy and Atmosphere
  4. Materials and Resources
  5. Indoor Environmental Quality
  6. Innovation and Regional Priorities

Projects accumulate points by fulfilling credit requirements in each category. The total number of points determines the level of certification: Certified: 40–49 points; Silver: 50–59 points; Gold: 60–79 points; Platinum: 80+ points

6. Document and Submit Your Project

Collect and upload documentation for each LEED credit pursued through LEED Online. The documents should demonstrate that the project has met all necessary requirements. Some credits may require third-party verification, especially for energy or water performance.

7. Review Process

After submission, the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), which manages the LEED certification process, will review the project. There are typically two rounds of clarification, where additional documentation or corrections are requested. Once the deliberation process is complete, a final rating is assigned.

How can Sweco’s LEED building consultants help?

Sustainability Expertise: Sweco has extensive experience in sustainable building design, offering solutions that focus on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and the integration of renewable energy technologies. This aligns closely with the goals of LEED certification

Global and Local Experience: With a presence in numerous countries, Sweco combines global expertise with a deep understanding of local contexts and regulations. This dual perspective allows us to navigate both international LEED standards and specific regional requirements effectively

Holistic Building Solutions: Sweco’s in-house studio expertise such as NABERS, BREEAM, Whole life carbon and architecture provides a comprehensive approach to building design, considering factors like air quality, well-being, and lifecycle impacts of materials.

BREEAM support

Our wider Sustainable Buildings team also offers a clear and guided approach to the BREEAM process, often in tandem with WELL certification. By aiming for ‘Outstanding’ as standard, we promote the most sustainable options for each project – drawing on our multi-disciplinary and cross-sector experience to combine technical excellence with creativity. This allows each project to maximise its aims and is one of the reasons why Sweco has contributed to such a high number of ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ projects.