LEED BD+C New
Construction
The most widely accepted international rating system for new construction and major renovations. We support your project as auditors and engineers through to certification, including handling the energy model.
The system at a glance
Certification body: Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
Supported by ibak: 211 LEED projects
Classification
LEED evaluates new construction and major renovations across categories including site selection, energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. It has the highest market penetration globally, which is particularly important when dealing with international tenants, investors, or buyers. Documentation for the certification body is submitted in English.
In addition to the procedure for new buildings, there is the Core + Shell variant. It limits the requirements to the structural qualities that the building owner and contractors can influence, and excludes some of the requirements for tenant fit-outs.
The currency used for international comparisons
A figure like "x euros more per square meter of GFA" would be misleading. What we can determine from our processes is more concrete.
Leasing
Financing
Exit
International connectivity
When a different system is a better fit
If you want to apply for QNG funding, LEED is not the right path. Four other certification systems are accredited for this purpose. In that case, please talk to us about DGNB or BNK/BNG.
The path to certification
Project Check
Strategy
Measures
Certificate
Duration
Preliminary design to completion
Completion to certification
What we handle
Südkreuz Berlin
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Lighthouse I Tabakquartier
Glückaufhaus
Skyper Frankfurt
Kastor
Kaufmannshaus
Upper West
Upper Zeil, Frankfurt
Deutschlandhaus Hamburg
SAP Potsdam
Enerparc Hamburg
Opus 84 Hamburg
Ipanema Hamburg
Fuhle 101 Hamburg
Infinity Office Düsseldorf
Hermes Bluefield
Schönhauser Tor, Berlin
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PEER I Tabakquartier
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LUX I Tabakquartier
Spreepalais am Dom, Berlin
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ALVA I Tabakquartier
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Tabakquartier
W2 Campus
SUN Munich
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DMK Airport City Bremen
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Seestern
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LEED the right certification for our project?
This is the right choice if you need maximum flexibility in leasing and usage and want to keep your lease agreements free of restrictive requirements. It is also ideal if you use energy contracting models, target international tenants who define global space standards, or require English-language documentation. For portfolio and fund owners working with GRESB ratings, LEED is the gold standard. Inner-city locations with proximity to services and public transport are highly rated in the process.
This is not the right choice if you are targeting tenants looking for a higher standard of interior fit-out or if you intend to apply for QNG subsidies. In both cases, we will discuss DGNB certification with you.
Which certification would you recommend?
For new builds and renovations, Gold is the standard. Platinum is worthwhile for flagship projects and properties used by corporations themselves, as the costs can be cross-financed from other budgets.
When should we involve you?
Best in phase 2, before the designers sign their contracts. We then write the requirements into the contracts as a client brief, and you avoid redesign and double work. You can join as late as the end of phase 5 or 6 (HOAI), but it costs points in the rating.
How long is the certificate valid?
Indefinite. However, it becomes less meaningful over the years as legislation overtakes the standards that were in place at the time of certification.
Are there any difficulties in implementing US standards?
No. We only use English-language documents when dealing with the system provider or if you specify English as the contract language; otherwise, communication is in German. For the European market, the system provider accepts German and European standards as proof for many criteria, known as Alternative Compliance Paths. The exception is the Energy Model, which must be set up according to ASHRAE. We create this model ourselves and are familiar with the standards. From the upcoming version in summer 2027, it will no longer be a minimum requirement anyway, but an option.