Selecting a LEED rating system
Follow our guidance to help select a rating system before you register your project. Check out the LEED v4 Minimum Program Requirements to make sure that LEED will work for your project no matter what rating system you choose. Review the Glossary for term definitions.
Identify an appropriate rating system
The following 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type.
- If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used.
- If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used.
- If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
Determine the best adaptation
LEED for Interior Design and Construction
Interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out. In addition, at least 60% of the project's gross floor area must be complete by the time of certification.
- LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors. Interior spaces dedicated to functions other than retail or hospitality.
- LEED ID+C: Retail. Interior spaces used to conduct the retail sale of consumer product goods. Includes both direct customer service areas (ashowroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer service.
- LEED ID+C: Hospitality. Interior spaces dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.
LEED for Neighborhood Development
New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, nonresidential uses, or a mix. Projects may be at any stage of the development process, from conceptual planning through construction. It is recommended that at least 50% of total building floor area be new construction or major renovation. Buildings within the project and features in the public realm are evaluated.
- LEED ND: Plan. Projects in conceptual planning or master planning phases, or under construction.
- LEED ND: Built Project. Completed development projects.