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Architecture vocabulary · Sustainability and Environment

LEED

Meaning in architecture, with examples

/liːd/abbreviationCommon term

In architecture, LEED means: Short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: a green building rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council that awards points for sustainable features.

In Turkish: LEED sertifikası, yeşil bina sertifikası

How it is used

Pronounced like the verb 'lead'. Buildings earn or achieve LEED certification at four levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. It is widely used in Turkey and abroad; the main British alternative is BREEAM.

Example sentences

  1. The new headquarters is targeting LEED Gold certification.

  2. Bike parking and rainwater harvesting earned the project extra LEED points.

Common collocations

  • LEED certification
  • LEED Gold
  • LEED points
  • achieve LEED Platinum
  • sustainable designDesigning buildings to use less energy, water and materials, to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to provide healthy places for people over their whole life.
  • embodied carbonThe carbon emissions from producing, transporting and installing a building's materials, and later from maintaining and demolishing it, as opposed to emissions from its energy use.
  • passive designDesign that keeps a building comfortable using the sun, wind, shade and the building's own form and materials, so it needs little mechanical heating, cooling or lighting.
  • green roofA roof covered with soil and plants over a waterproof layer, which slows rainwater run-off, adds insulation, supports wildlife and cools the surroundings.

More terms: Sustainability and Environment

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