Introduction to LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a globally recognized framework for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining high-performance, sustainable buildings and communities.

LEED certification promotes environmental and human health benefits by encouraging practices that:

• Reduce energy and water consumption
• Lower carbon emissions and environmental impact
• Improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being
• Optimize resource efficiency and waste management

The LEED system evaluates buildings based on a point system across various categories, such as:

• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation in Design

Projects are awarded certification at different levels—Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum—based on the number of points earned.

LEED applies to a wide range of building types, including:

• Commercial and residential buildings
• Interiors and operations
• Schools, hospitals, and data centers
• Neighborhood developments and entire cities

By pursuing LEED certification, organizations demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship, occupant health, and sustainable growth, aligning with global priorities like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate action targets.

Introduction to the WELL Building Standard®

The WELL Building Standard® is a leading global framework for advancing health, well-being, and human experience in buildings and communities. Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL integrates scientific research and evidence-based best practices to promote environments that enhance the physical, mental, and emotional health of occupants.

Unlike traditional green building standards that focus primarily on environmental sustainability, WELL centers on the people inside the buildings, making it a human-centric certification system.

The WELL Standard is organized into 10 core concepts:

• 1. Air – Promoting clean indoor air and reducing pollutants
• 2. Water – Encouraging safe and accessible water for hydration
• 3. Nourishment – Supporting healthy eating habits
• 4. Light – Optimizing natural and artificial lighting for health
• 5. Movement – Promoting physical activity and active lifestyles
• 6. Thermal Comfort – Enhancing occupant comfort through temperature control
• 7. Sound – Managing acoustics to reduce stress and improve focus
• 8. Materials – Reducing exposure to harmful substances
• 9. Mind – Supporting mental health and cognitive well-being
• 10. Community – Fostering inclusion, equity, and connection

WELL Certification is available for:

• New and existing buildings
• Interior spaces
• Entire organizations and portfolios

By adopting the WELL Building Standard, organizations can:

• Improve employee health, satisfaction, and productivity
• Attract and retain top talent
• Strengthen ESG performance and wellness leadership
• Align with broader goals such as the UN SDGs and ESG frameworks

WELL reflects a growing recognition that healthy spaces support healthy people, which in turn supports healthy business and society.