The process of certification of your projects under the LEED for cities and communities

Certifying your city or community under LEED for Cities and Communities requires a thorough understanding of the certification process and a commitment to sustainability. Here is a brief overview of the steps involved in the certification process:

1. Register your project: The first step is to register your project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and provide basic information about your project.
2. Determine eligibility: Once you register, USGBC will determine whether your project is eligible for certification based on certain criteria such as size, scope, and location.
3. Choose your certification level: There are four levels of certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. You will need to decide which level you are aiming for based on your project’s sustainability goals.
4. Submit your application: You will need to complete and submit your application along with the required documentation and fees. Your application will be reviewed by the USGBC and assigned to a reviewer who will evaluate your project based on the 14 metrics of prerequisites.
5. Perform a sustainability assessment: You will need to complete a sustainability assessment using the Arc platform, which is a digital platform that helps you track your project’s sustainability performance.
6. Receive feedback: The reviewer will provide feedback on your project’s sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement.
7. Revise your project: Based on the feedback received, you will need to revise your project and resubmit it for review.
8. Certification: Once your project meets the requirements for certification, you will be awarded LEED for Cities and Communities certification at the desired level.

The 14 metrics of prerequisites that must be met across the core areas for cities and communities to be certified include Energy, Water, Waste, Transportation, Education, Equity, Prosperity, Health & Safety, Natural Systems and Ecology, Transportation and Land Use, Water Efficiency, Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Materials and Resources.

Certification under LEED for Cities and Communities is a rigorous and comprehensive process, but it offers numerous benefits, including enhanced reputation, cost savings, improved energy efficiency, and a healthier and more sustainable living environment. By committing to sustainability and obtaining LEED certification, your project can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for your city or community.