LEED Certification

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) designed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system to help transform our building market to one that supports sustainable buildings. While the frequency of LEED use is increasing, it is employed in only 3% of building projects. The objective of this study was to assess LEED barriers in the design and certification processes. Barriers were analyzed relative to credits, specifically credits that affect building form. Barriers were initially identified through a literature review. These barriers include a lack of applicability of criteria, lack of acceptance, and lack of resources. Initial findings were tested through a survey of 35 architects with LEED registered projects. Means of overcoming barriers were identified through eight interviews with architects and designers of LEED certified projects. The data suggests that the initial barriers are valid but that the resource barrier encompasses a broader range of variables.