LEED: the international mark of excellence

LEED®, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely-used green building rating system in the world, available for virtually all building, community, and home-project types.

In Canada and around the world, LEED is a proven and holistic path to addressing climate change, and to creating buildings that are more resource-efficient, healthy and resilient. Continuous improvement is a hallmark of LEED, as it constantly improves ahead of evolving government policy.

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Why LEED?

Buildings generate nearly 30 per cent of all greenhouse gases, 35 per cent of landfill waste comes from construction and demolition activities, and up to 70 per cent of municipal water is consumed in and around buildings. It’s clear that buildings can have a substantial impact on Canada’s environmental goals.

Since 2005 LEED Canada has led to:

Energy savings
Energy savings of 16.7 million eMWh which is enough to power 570,000 homes in Canada for a full year.

Water savings
Water savings totalling over 30 billion litres, as much as courses over the Canadian Horseshoe of Niagara Falls in four hours.

Recycling
Recycling over 3.6 million tonnes of construction/ demolition waste, which is one year’s total waste disposal in British Columbia.

GHG reduction
A 3.24 million CO2e tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions which equates to taking 690,000 cars off the roads for a year.

Green roofs
355,000 sq. metres of green roofs, enough to green the length of the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto.

LEED can significantly impact new or existing buildings

LEED works because it recognizes that sustainability should be at the heart of all buildings – in their design, construction and operation. Since 2004, LEED has certified over 4,350 buildings in Canada and registered over 8,500 – giving Canada the second highest number of LEED projects anywhere in the world.

Since its introduction, LEED has helped tens of thousands of owners and developers create high-performing, resilient buildings that reduce carbon emissions, save water, conserve energy and reduce waste. LEED also improves quality of life by delivering buildings that offer occupants the optimal conditions for health, comfort and productivity.