What Is LEED?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED encourages efficient, eco-friendly building design and operation. Certification is awarded based on multiple environmental factors, including water use, materials, energy performance, indoor environmental quality, and innovative green strategies.

LEED-certified buildings typically operate more efficiently than conventional facilities and offer several distinct advantages for both organizations and the environment. These advantages include lower operating costs, stronger branding opportunities, and measurable contributions to environmental health. This short guide introduces LEED certification and highlights some of its most important benefits.

What Are the Financial Advantages of Becoming LEED Certified?

1. The process of becoming LEED certified helps organizations manage energy and waste more efficiently.

Many strategies that earn LEED credits also reduce operating costs. For example, water-use reduction not only contributes to LEED points, it also lowers utility expenses. Optimizing energy performance, storing and collecting recyclables, and investing in on-site renewable energy can all deliver long-term savings.

2. Businesses can promote their LEED certification.

Socially conscious consumers represent a growing share of the market. The ability to highlight a verified commitment to sustainability is a powerful way to connect with these customers. A recent Nielsen study found that nearly 75% of millennials place a high value on sustainability when making purchasing decisions. This trend is rising across all age groups.

LEED certification also provides trusted third-party validation of a company’s environmental performance. This helps protect customers from “greenwashing,” where environmental claims are exaggerated or unsupported.

3. Tax credits and financial incentives.

Many municipalities offer tax credits, fee reductions, or other incentives for LEED-certified projects. If you are considering LEED certification, consult your local and state agencies—and your tax professional—for details on available programs and qualification requirements.

Are There Levels of LEED Certification?

LEED currently recognizes four certification levels based on a point system:

• LEED Certified™: 40–49 points
• LEED Silver®: 50–59 points
• LEED Gold®: 60–79 points
• LEED Platinum®: 80+ points

Points can be earned through a wide range of strategies, including solar and wind energy, green vehicle accommodations, high-efficiency lighting, water-use reduction, bike facilities, and more. A complete list of credits and requirements is available from the U.S. Green Building Council: http://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction/v4.

Do Zing Products Support LEED?

Yes. Zing Green Products can help support LEED goals in multiple rating systems and credit categories, particularly in materials and resources. Examples include:

Existing Building Operations & Maintenance – Materials & Resources

• MR 1.1–1.3 Sustainable Purchasing: Ongoing Consumables
• MR 2.1–2.2 Sustainable Purchasing: Durable Goods

New Construction

• MR 4.1–4.2 Materials & Resources: Recycled Content

Commercial Interiors

• MR 4.0 Recycled Content
• MR 6.0 Rapidly Renewable Materials

By specifying high-recycled and rapidly renewable materials, Zing products can help project teams pursue LEED points while supporting broader corporate sustainability initiatives.