LEED for Core & Shell is a green building rating system for designers, builders, developers and new building owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Core and shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. LEED for Core & Shell is designed to be complementary to the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, as both rating systems establish green building criteria for developers, owners and tenants.
The LEED for Core & Shell Rating System acknowledges the limitations of developers in a speculatively developed building and encourages the implementation of green design and construction practices in areas over which the developer has control.
Developers can often implement green strategies that indirectly benefit future tenants. Conversely, developers can inadvertently implement strategies that prohibit tenants from executing green fit-outs. LEED for Core & Shell works to set up a synergistic relationship, which allows future tenants to capitalize on green strategies implemented by the developer.
*Precertification templates are available; see below (Updated April 2, 2009)
LEED v3
LEED v3 launched on April 27, 2009, including an upgrade of LEED for Core & Shell under the suite of LEED 2009 rating systems. LEED for Core & Shell 2009 is served by the Green Building Design and Construction Reference Guide.
LEED 2009 for Core & Shell Development Rating System » (PDF)
The Rating System lists the intent, requirements, and
technologies & strategies for each credit.
LEED 2009 for Core & Shell Development Checklist » (XLS)
The Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification.
Addenda to the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition » (PDF)
Project teams are subject to addenda requirements based on registration date.
Version 2.0
Version 2.0 Rating System (PDF)
The Rating System lists the intent, requirements, submittals and technologies/strategies for each credit and includes the Credit Checklist.
Version 2.0 Credit Checklist (PDF)
The Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification.
Version 2.0 Errata Sheet (PDF)
Project teams are subject to errata requirements based on registration date.
Download the introduction chapter of the LEED for Core & Shell Reference Guide
Precertification Process
Once a project is registered as a LEED for Core & Shell project, the project team may apply for precertification. LEED for Core & Shell precertification is a formal recognition by the USGBC given to a candidate project for which the developer/owner has established a goal to develop a LEED for Core & Shell building. Once precertification is granted, the developer/owner can market the building’s proposed green features to potential tenants and financiers.
Announcement: As of May 18, 2009, use of LEED-CS v2.0 Precertification Templates (Paper) is required
Please note there are NEW general precertification templates for
Declaration of Intent and Appendix 3 Scope Checklist. Also, the
Appendix 3 Scope Checklist now includes a plumbing section.
LEED for Core & Shell Precertification Instructions *UPDATED (PDF - April 2, 2009)
LEED for Core & Shell Precertification Templates *UDPATED (April 2, 2009)
