How to Become LEED Certified: A Step-by-Step Guide

From project registration to final certification, here’s everything you need to know to get LEED certified successfully.

LEED is everywhere. From airport terminals to hospitals and offices, the green certification stamp is becoming a standard—if not a requirement—in new builds and major retrofits.

But with all the acronyms, checklists, and documentation, LEED can feel…intimidating. At Ketchum & Walton, we help design and engineering teams bring healthier, more sustainable buildings to life, including those aiming for LEED certification. This post breaks down the why, the how, and the hidden benefits most people miss.

FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT IS LEED CERTIFICATION?

Before diving into how to become LEED certified, it’s important to understand what LEED actually is. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a globally recognized certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It’s one of the most widely used green building rating systems in the world and serves as a benchmark for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable buildings.

LEED certification can be applied to a wide range of project types, including:

• New construction
• Major renovations
• Interior spaces
• Entire campuses
• Even entire cities and communities

Projects are evaluated across multiple sustainability categories, such as:

• Energy efficiency
• Water usage
• Indoor air quality
• Material selection
• Sustainable transportation options

And based on the number of points a project earns, it can achieve one of four certification tiers:

• Certified
• Silver
• Gold
• Platinum

Each level reflects the building’s overall commitment to environmental performance and sustainability. Whether you’re a developer, architect, or facilities manager, LEED certification is a powerful way to demonstrate leadership in sustainable design and construction.

WHY BOTHER? 4 UNDERRATED BENEFITS OF LEED.

If you think LEED certification is just about slapping a green badge on your building, think again. Beyond its environmental impact, LEED offers practical, financial, and strategic advantages that are often overlooked. Here are four underrated benefits of going LEED.

1. Real ROI.
   Sustainability pays off—literally. LEED-certified buildings use an average of 25% less energy, significantly cutting utility bills. Over time, they also benefit from lower maintenance and operations costs. Add to that an increase in asset value and marketability to tenants and investors, and LEED becomes more than a green gesture, it becomes a smart business move.

2. Better indoor environments.
   LEED isn’t just about what happens outside the walls. It’s about life inside them. With an emphasis on indoor air quality, natural daylight, and low-VOC materials, LEED-certified spaces promote healthier, more productive environments. In a post-COVID world, these features are not just desirable, they’re essential.

4. Environmental credibility.
   Buildings contribute to a staggering 39% of global carbon emissions. LEED certification signals that your organization isn’t just claiming sustainability—it’s proving it. Whether you’re courting eco-conscious clients, partners, or investors, LEED builds real trust and credibility.
5. It’s becoming the baseline.
   In many cities, LEED-aligned standards are now built into zoning laws, permitting processes, and incentive programs. What used to be a “nice-to-have” is quickly becoming a must-have. Staying competitive increasingly means building to LEED standards because that’s what the market, and regulators, expect.

THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS, SIMPLIFIED.

Getting LEED certified might seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials, answering the three most common questions we hear:

How do I start?
The first step is about setting a strong foundation:

• Hire a LEED-accredited professional (LEED AP): Their expertise ensures you navigate the system efficiently.
• Define your goals early: Are you pursuing LEED v4 or v5? Is it a new construction, a major renovation, or a commercial interior project?
• Use the LEED Scorecard: This tool helps you assess which credits your project can realistically achieve, guiding design decisions from day one.

Who’s involved?
LEED is a team sport. You’ll collaborate with:

• Architects & MEP engineers: They shape the building systems and structure.
• Commissioning agents: They verify systems work as intended (a LEED requirement).
• Sustainability consultants: They track credits and ensure documentation aligns with USGBC standards.
• Product vendors: Material, HVAC, and lighting reps help you select LEED-compliant systems and supplies.

How hard is it?
Short answer: It’s work but it’s worth it. LEED certification requires upfront planning, coordination, and documentation. But with the right team, and a clear roadmap, you can hit your sustainability goals without blowing your budget or timeline.

Ketchum & Walton’s role in the process.
At Ketchum & Walton, we partner with your team to streamline the certification journey. Our contributions include:

• Custom HVAC design to boost energy efficiency and minimize carbon footprint.
• IAQ-focused commissioning that enhances indoor air quality, key to occupant health.
• Noise control strategies, because yes, LEED even accounts for acoustics!

THE K&W PERSPECTIVE: LEED + HEALTHY BUILDINGS GO HAND-IN-HAND.

At Ketchum & Walton, we believe LEED is about more than energy savings or checklists. It’s about people. A truly sustainable building doesn’t just reduce its footprint; it enhances the comfort, health, and safety of everyone inside.

That’s why we approach every LEED project with a dual focus: performance and well-being.

How we support LEED-aligned, human-centered design.

We collaborate closely with architects and engineers to deliver mechanical systems that align with LEED goals and create better indoor environments. Our contributions typically focus on:

• Energy recovery & HVAC efficiency: Smart systems that reduce energy consumption while maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.
• Thermal comfort & acoustic quality: Because comfort isn’t just about temperature. Quiet, well-balanced spaces also support focus and wellness.
• Indoor air cleanliness & filtration strategy: Post-COVID, clean air is non-negotiable. We design with air quality in mind, using filtration and ventilation systems that support occupant health and contribute to LEED credits.

Proven across sectors.

From classrooms and clinics to office towers and campuses, our team has supported design partners in education, healthcare, and commercial sectors, helping projects not just meet LEED standards, but exceed expectations for long-term building performance and occupant satisfaction. Because in our view, a healthy building is a high-performing building. And that’s exactly what LEED is all about.

The path to LEED doesn’t have to be paved in paperwork and stress. With the right team and technical approach, it’s a chance to future-proof your building, improve performance, and signal that you’re serious about wellness and sustainability.

We’re here to help. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can help streamline the LEED certification process for your facility.