The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is divided into several categories known as Rating Systems. Each category focuses on a particular type of building or development project.
New Construction Rating System LEED for New Construction category covers new commercial and institutional developments. Buildings such as large scale offices, high-rise residential, and government, as well as recreational facilities, manufacturing plants, and laboratories all fall under the LEED New Construction rating system.
Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance Rating System LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance sets standards for building owners and operators to design building operations and maintenance to lower the buildings impact on the environment as a whole. This includes implementing recycling programs and modifying what types of chemicals are used for cleaning and building maintenance.
Commercial Interiors Rating System LEED for Commercial Interiors/Leed for Interior Design is designed for tenants and interior designers of buildings to make green improvements to the building's interior. With this rating system the tenants and interior designers do not have be the owner or operator of the entire building.
Core and Shell Rating System LEED for Core and Shell provides sustainable standards for the design of a building's structural core, outer shell, and HVAC system. This rating system is often used in conjunction with the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system.
Schools Rating System LEED for Schools builds on the LEED for New Construction rating systems and addresses the distinctive challenges and needs of K-12 school buildings. This includes individual classroom acoustics, the prevention of mold growth, and environmental site review.
Retail Rating System LEED for Retail works to address the distinctive challenges and needs of each retailer. In development are two retail rating systems that will be based on the LEED for New Construction and LEED for Commercial Interiors.
Health Care Rating System LEED for Healthcare uses green development standards for various large scale healthcare facilities. Within this rating system the needs of patients are considered such as chemical and pollution related illnesses, parking close to the building, and availability of natural environmental areas.
Homes Rating System Leed for New Homes supports the design and construction of green homes that outperform standard homes in regards to energy use, water use, reduced impact on natural resources, and waste less. This system also promotes the comfort of the home for residents.
Neighborhood Development Rating System LEED for Neighborhood Development is the first national program to promote sustainable growth practices in the design of urban neighborhood developments. The U.S. Green Building Council joined forces with the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council to develop this rating system.
