The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is a globally adopted green building rating system. It provides a flexible framework for environmentally responsible design, construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings and communities. In the UAE, LEED plays a crucial role in aligning sustainability goals with local environmental strategies such as the UAE Green Agenda and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.
1. Select the Appropriate LEED Rating System
Choose the system that aligns with your project’s scope:
BD+C (Building Design and Construction)
ID+C (Interior Design and Construction)
O+M (Operations and Maintenance)
ND (Neighborhood Development)
LEED for Homes
This ensures your project meets criteria suited for its function and location.
2. Ensure Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
Before registration, confirm that your project:
Has a permanent location
Meets minimum size requirements
Defines clear LEED boundaries
3. Satisfy Mandatory LEED Prerequisites
Each rating system has essential prerequisites that must be met, such as:
Minimum energy and water performance
Tobacco smoke control
Construction activity pollution prevention
Building-level energy metering
4. Register the Project via LEED Online
Start by:
Creating a project profile on LEED Online
Paying the registration fee
Uploading key project documentation
In the UAE, local LEED consultants often assist clients in this process to ensure compliance with both LEED and Emirates Green Building standards.
5. Implement LEED Credits
Projects can earn points by pursuing optional credits across several categories:
Energy & Atmosphere – focus on efficiency, renewables, commissioning
Water Efficiency – key in arid regions like the UAE
Materials & Resources – locally sourced and low-impact materials
Indoor Environmental Quality – improving occupant health
Innovation & Regional Priority – UAE-specific environmental challenges
6. Submit for Certification Review
Once credits and documentation are prepared, submit for review to GBCI:
Receive a Preliminary Review and revise if needed
Final review determines the certification level
7. Earn a LEED Certification Level
Based on the points achieved:
Certified: 40–49 points
Silver: 50–59 points
Gold: 60–79 points
Platinum: 80+ points
In the UAE, many government and private sector projects target Gold or Platinum to align with national sustainability goals.
8. Maintain Certification (O+M Projects)
LEED for Existing Buildings (O+M) requires ongoing performance monitoring and recertification every 3–5 years, especially in regions with dynamic climatic challenges like the UAE.
Conclusion
The LEED certification process supports the UAE’s vision for greener, more energy-efficient buildings. By working with local LEED professionals and aligning with UAE regulations, organizations not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance asset value, brand reputation, and operational efficiency.