Today, sustainability has become a top concern in every industry, including the construction industry. The LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has become the global standard for green building practices. LEED certification is becoming increasingly important in Project Management. This article explores the importance of LEED, the role of project management in the certification process, and strategies for successful implementation.

About the LEED Certification

What is LEED Certification? Importance of LEED?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This is an international rating and certification system for green buildings, developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED sets global standards for the construction of buildings with energy efficiency and environmental protection.

LEED certification is not only a recognition certificate, but also builds a set of sustainable rules towards environmental protection, promoting environmental awareness for building developers and owners.

A project that achieves LEED certification means that the project is designed, built and operated in a sustainable manner, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and maximizing benefits for users. LEED certified projects are often of high value, attracting more customers and investors, and have a competitive advantage in the international real estate market.

Understanding LEED Certification Levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum

LEED certification has 4 levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. To achieve certification at each level, projects need to accumulate points according to LEED’s assessment criteria. When the project is scored, the project will achieve one of the 4 levels mentioned above, specifically:

• Certified certification: 40 – 49 points, basic level.
• Silver certification: 50 – 59 points, higher sustainable performance.
• Gold certification: 60 – 79 points, advanced sustainable development.
• Platinum certification: Over 80 points, “green leadership” position.

The criteria set for scoring include the following 7 criteria:

How Project Management Impacts Each LEED Certification Level

Project management plays a crucial role in achieving the various levels of LEED certification. Effective project management ensures that all elements of a project, from design through construction and operations, strictly adhere to LEED standards. Below is the process that APP typically follows on the projects we manage.

Planning Phase

• Define LEED goals: From the beginning, the project manager will clearly define the LEED certification goals that the project is aiming for (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum). This will help shape specific strategies and implementation plans.
• Risk analysis: Identify and assess risks that may affect the achievement of LEED certification, thereby providing measures to prevent and minimize risks.
• Develop an implementation plan: After the assessment is complete, the manager proceeds to develop a detailed plan for each stage of the project, including activities, necessary resources and implementation time.

Project Implementation Phase

• Quality Management: Ensure that all materials, equipment, and construction work meet LEED quality and environmental standards.
• Progress Management: Closely monitor the progress of the project to ensure timely completion and without compromising LEED certification.
• Cost Management: Closely control project costs to ensure that they do not exceed budget and still achieve LEED goals.
• Documentation: Collect and store complete documents related to the project implementation process to serve LEED assessment and certification.

Completion and Operations Phase

• Final Review: Conduct a final review to ensure that the project has fully met LEED requirements.
• Transfer: Transfer documents and information related to the operation and maintenance of the building to the owner or manager.
• Training: Train operating personnel on the use and maintenance of building systems to ensure long-term performance.

Key Benefits of LEED Certification for Projects

Key benefits of LEED certification for projects include:

Financial Benefits

LEED certification offers significant financial benefits to property owners around the world. LEED-certified buildings can qualify for a variety of financial incentives, including tax breaks and grants. These financial benefits make LEED certification a sound economic decision for many property owners.

Several studies have shown that LEED-certified buildings save significant amounts on operating costs, including: energy costs, maintenance costs, water costs, and waste costs. These savings underscore the financial viability of LEED compliance.

Attracting Tenants

LEED-certified green buildings are environmentally friendly, attractive and impressive to Tenants. These buildings become the preferred choice of customers who value sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In addition, LEED-certified buildings have lower vacancy rates than “non-green” buildings. Their rental rates are also estimated to be 20% higher than the market.

Environmental Benefits

LEED-certified buildings are designed to be more energy and water efficient. They play a key role in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment. By complying with LEED certification standards, buildings help conserve resources and positively impact environmental stewardship around the world.

Achieving ESG Goals

Adherence to LEED criteria makes a significant contribution to achieving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices, projects can achieve their ESG goals, which is beneficial to investors, stakeholders and the community at large.

Company Reputation

LEED certification also creates a good impression of the Company in front of the public and society by showing concern for the environment and community responsibility. Contribute to building reputation, trust with Customers, investors and improving public relations.

Steps for Project Managers to Achieve LEED Certification

Effective Approaches for Project Managers

To achieve LEED certification, projects need to carefully prepare and follow the following steps:

Project Registration

The first step to starting LEED project management is to register your project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Once you complete this registration, you can access LEED Online – a platform designed to support the entire certification journey.

Note: Registration costs will vary depending on the size and type of project.

Choosing a LEED Rating System

LEED offers a variety of rating systems tailored to different types of projects. Make sure the certification process is tailored to the characteristics and needs of each building. These rating systems include:

• LEED BD+C (Building Design and Construction) for new construction or major renovations.
• LEED ID+C (Interior Design and Construction) for commercial interior design projects.
• LEED O+M (Building Operations and Maintenance) for buildings in operation and maintenance.
• LEED ND (Neighborhood Development) for urban projects, mixed-use developments, etc.
• LEED Homes for single-family homes, condominiums, and other standards.

It is important to choose the LEED rating system and version appropriate for your project, based on the type, size, scope, and location of the building. From there, set up a budget, schedule and communication plan for your project.

Project Planning

Before diving into detailed design, conduct a preliminary planning and analysis. This phase involves assessing the project site, energy use, water efficiency, and materials. This analysis helps identify opportunities to maximize the sustainability of the project and ensures that all LEED requirements are considered from the outset.

At this stage, it is essential to assemble a team of professionals with experience and knowledge of LEED. An experienced Project Manager will help your Project achieve LEED certification smoothly.

Design and Construction

After the preliminary planning and analysis is complete, the next step is to document the design of the project. The building design must meet LEED criteria for energy efficiency, water efficiency, green materials, indoor air quality, etc. Use materials with high recycled content, locally sourced, and low environmental impact. Documenting these elements ensures that every aspect of the project will be in line with LEED requirements, facilitating the certification process.

After the Design documentation is completed, the Construction process will begin. This process must ensure that the project complies with the previously documented designs. This phase requires close collaboration between the teams, including: design, contractor, and Project Management to maintain strict compliance with LEED criteria.

Conducting rigorous quality and construction inspections throughout the construction process is also essential to ensure the project complies with LEED standards.

Apply for LEED Certification

After construction is complete, the next step is to gather and submit all supporting documentation for LEED review. LEED experts will review the application to assess the project’s compliance with LEED standards. This process typically includes: a preliminary review, during which initial feedback is provided, and a final review. During this period, the project team is available to address any concerns or provide additional information to ensure all criteria are met.

After the review is complete, the project will receive a LEED certification and detailed feedback. Certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum will be awarded based on total points across various categories. Additionally, USGBC will provide feedback on the project’s performance, highlighting strengths and areas that need to be improved. This feedback is extremely useful for future projects and helps reinforce a commitment to sustainable building practices.

Operation and Maintenance

After the project is completed, provide training to the operations staff on how to use and maintain the facility systems to ensure long-term performance. Monitor and evaluate the performance of the facility against established goals. Perform routine maintenance to maintain the performance of the facility.

How APP approaches LEED certification effectively in large-scale projects

LEED compliance is always at the heart of APP’s workflow when managing construction projects. In theory, APP follows the above stages in the project management process. From the very beginning, APP closely follows the project to ensure that the criteria meet the LEED requirements. In practice, we carefully evaluate the LEED criteria appropriate to each project, building flexible and highly customized implementation plans. At the same time, integrating local sustainable solutions and optimizing resources helps projects achieve LEED certification while delivering long-term sustainable value.

APP always focuses on close cooperation with partners in the construction industry. By using modern project management tools and software, it helps to optimize the working process and provide creative solutions to overcome challenges during implementation. In addition, finding and applying new technologies will also help projects become more sustainable and meet the highest LEED standards.

Challenges in Managing Projects to get LEED Certification and How to Overcome Them

Achieving LEED certification for large-scale projects is a complex process that requires a significant investment of time, money, and human resources. Here are some typical challenges and how APP addresses them:

Financial Challenges

This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges for project teams and investors. The initial costs of sustainable solutions are often higher than for traditional solutions. Changes in design or materials can lead to budget overruns. Calculating the exact cost of LEED items can be complicated.

To overcome this, APP conducts a thorough analysis to compare the initial costs and long-term benefits of sustainable solutions. Budgets are detailed for each phase of the project, including contingencies for unforeseen changes. In addition, we apply cost management software to closely monitor expenditures and detect early signs of budget overruns.

Time Challenges

LEED certification requirements often require more time than conventional projects. Delays in approval or material delivery can affect project progress. Implementing LEED inspection and assessment measures also takes time.

To ensure project progress, the APP team conducts detailed time planning for each stage of the project, identifies important milestones and clearly assigns tasks. Identify and assess risks that may affect project progress and propose preventive measures. In addition, we also apply project management software to monitor actual progress and compare it with the plan. Be ready to adjust the plan when there are unforeseen changes.

Conclusion: The Value of LEED in Project Management

LEED is not just a certification but a comprehensive project management system that aims for long-term sustainability. By applying LEED standards, projects not only bring environmental benefits but also improve the quality of life, increase property value and contribute to building a sustainable future for future generations.

Although it may be more expensive initially, achieving LEED certification brings many long-term economic benefits. From reducing operating costs, increasing energy efficiency to attracting customers and investors, LEED certification has proven its value in improving the competitiveness of projects.

In addition to focusing on environmental issues, LEED also cares about human health and comfort. By creating green living and working spaces, LEED contributes to improving the quality of life, reducing environmental diseases and creating a sustainable community.

In the context of climate change and increasing urbanization, the application of LEED has become an inevitable trend in the construction industry. If you are looking for a reliable partner to realize your green projects, APP is the perfect choice. With a team of highly specialized and experienced professionals, we will accompany you throughout the project implementation process, ensuring that all LEED standards are met. We will help the project overcome all challenges and achieve success.

Please send information or consulting requests to Asia Pacific Projects via:

NGUYEN THI HIEU | Local relations

Phone: +84 918 331 489

Email: hieu.nguyen@appmvn.com