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ALRAQABA . ISSUE 16
LEED system is unique in that it goes beyond
rating buildings to include the rating of cities and
housing communities as well. The system varies
based on the project nature. It is divided into the
following:
- Building Design and Construction (BD+C).
- Interior Design and Construction (ID+C).
- Building Operations and Maintenance
(O+M).
- Neighborhood Development (ND).
- Homes.
- Cities and Communities.
These six classifications are divided into other
credit categories based on the project nature
(i.e., schools, hospitals, warehouses, ….).
Although there are several classifications in
LEED system, all credit categories are the same
for all. There may be a difference in the weight
of each category, and in particular items and
credits based on studies and reasons approved
by the USGBC.
Below, a simplified explanation of the nine
categories of LEED credits.
1. Integrative Process (IP)
• This category encourages to analyze
relations among the several systems of the
building and to share subject matters during
design primary phases in order to achieve an
effective performance at a reasonable cost.
2. Location and Transportation (LT)
• Points of this category are rewarded for
thoughtful decisions about the project site.
This category encourages walking, using
alternative transportation, and building
in overcrowded areas. The purpose is to
improve individuals’ health and limit the
environmental impact of construction.
3. Sustainable Sites (SS)
• Points of this category are rewarded for the
attention paid to the natural environment
surrounding the building and the preservation
of biodiversity to limit pollution resulting from
construction.
4. Water Efficiency (WE)
• This category focuses on reducing water
consumption both inside and outside
the building, in addition to controlling the
consumption and utilization of alternative
drinking water sources.
5. Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
• This category encourages to limit energy
consumption in the building systems and
to apply design strategies that save power
by taking into consideration the building’s
direction and mass or through using smart
systems and renewable energy sources.
6. Materials and Resources (MR)
• This category focuses on effective waste
management and the extraction, treatment,
transportation, maintenance, and disposal
of building materials. This aims to improve
