How to Get LEED Certification

Get information on the LEED certification process.

Decide what level of LEED certification you are aiming for.

Consider including an optional higher certification target to stimulate creativity.

Check what LEED documents you will require.

Check any refernce guides.

Set a clear and adequate budget.

Register with the GBCI.

Prepare an application outlining the building's green features and how they meet the LEED criteria.

Check the directory of LEED-accredited professionals.

Hire LEED-accredited professionals to assist you in meeting your LEED goal.

Check information on LEED training workshops.

Check a calendar of green building industry conferences.

Have your application submitted for evaluation.

After application review, receive formal notification and a certificate of recognition.

If certification not awarded, appeal the decision.

Tips

Stick to your budget and your LEED goal.

Be sure your entire project team is focused on meeting your LEED goal.

Be sure to examine green investments in terms of how they will affect expenses.

Learn ways to earn LEED credits without extra cost.

Download or Print this LEED Certification Checklist

Get a printable version of this checklist in your preferred format: PDF, Word, Excel, or print directly from your browser.

Who it's for

This LEED Certification Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.

Standardize quality - run the same LEED Certification steps every time, regardless of who executes
Save time - reuse a proven LEED Certification workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
Onboard faster - use the LEED Certification checklist as the SOP and training guide
Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth

How to use this LEED Certification Checklist:

Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
Reuse without rebuilding - when LEED Certification comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.

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