How to certify an entire portfolio of building projects: LEED Volume Program

The LEED Volume Program streamlines the certification process for multiple buildings of a similar type. For organizations planning to certify a large number of new construction projects, the LEED Volume Program simplifies LEED documentation and speeds up the process. The volume program is available for both new construction and existing buildings seeking certification of their operations and maintenance.

Three phases of volume certification

1. Prototype registration Prior to registering a prototype, apply to the LEED Volume Program and submit supporting documentation to assess your readiness and compatibility with the program requirements. After you are accepted, you can then register a prototype. To register, submit your prototype information through LEED Online.
2. Prototype pre-certification During pre-certification, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) reviews the registered prototype and ensures the following are in place:
   • Well-defined technical uniformity measures, consistent managerial processes and an educational plan
   • Procedures and practices to enable effective and consistent technical documentation, reporting and implementation of all LEED credits and prerequisites
   • Robust quality control and education processes to ensure ongoing compliance
3. Ongoing certification When your prototype earns pre-certification, you enter the ongoing certification phase and may begin work on volume projects. To ensure continuing compliance, GBCI may conduct random audits.

Cost reduction

The LEED Volume Program reduces costs by taking advantage of uniformity in building design, construction and management practices. For organizations that certify 25 or more projects within 3 years, the volume program offers valuable economies of scale. Per-project certification costs drop significantly as the quantity of projects rises.

Participants