Top 8 LEED-Certified Commercial Buildings in the U.S. & Canada

Posted by Acoustical Surfaces on 03/07/2025 5:55 am | 2 Comments

Sustainable construction initiatives are an important part of reducing energy usage and emissions. A great deal of fuel and resources are consumed throughout all stages of the process, and that consumption can have dire consequences on the environment.

Choosing to reduce our consumption in any stage of material sourcing and construction can help contribute to LEED Certifications, which carry a number of impressive benefits. From environmental stewardship to financial benefits, there are a lot of reasons to apply for the world’s most widely recognized green building certification on your next project.

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What is a LEED Certification?

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is a widely respected standard in construction and real estate. It helps property owners reduce the environmental footprint of their properties, while also providing healthy, more efficient spaces for their occupants. LEED certification evaluates sustainability performance in these key categories:

Integrative Process
Location and Transportation
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Materials & Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation
Regional Priority

Within these key categories, there may be one or more opportunities to earn points. The number of total points you receive dictates the level of LEED certification your project receives. The certification levels for the LEED rating system are:

Certified (40–49 points)
Silver (50–59 points)
Gold (60–79 points)
Platinum (80+ points)

How Does a Building Achieve LEED Certification?

If you are looking for LEED certification for one of your projects, there are a few things that must be considered. First, in which category or categories will you seek certification? Categories include aspects of green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.

Since you will be applying for specific LEED certifications tied directly to your specific green initiatives, all applications essentially begin here.

LEED certifications are available for all types of projects, including:

Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
Neighborhood Development (ND)
Homes
Cities

Anyone may apply for LEED certification, and the process involves four main steps.

REGISTER: Register your project by completing key forms and submitting payment
APPLY: Apply for LEED certification by submitting your completed certification application through and paying a certification review fee.
REVIEW: Your LEED application is reviewed by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
CERTIFY: Receive the certification decision from GBCI. If you’ve earned a LEED certification, congrats!

The Business Case for LEED-Certified Buildings

LEED certification represents a commitment to sustainability and the environment, but there are some very tangible benefits of green buildings that represent real value to property owners.

Financial Benefits

The bottom line is always a good place to start. Getting LEED certified may qualify you for various federal, state, or local tax credits or rebates designed to encourage sustainability. This represents an immediate return on investment that you can count on year after year.

Another financial benefit associated with becoming a certified, sustainable green building is that you may be able to secure better financing terms or interest rates from your financial institution. Some insurance companies may also provide discounted plan premiums for sustainable buildings as a result of their lower risk profiles.

Once sustainability initiatives are in place, building energy performance is another place where property owners can see financial benefits. Thoughtfully designed and retrofitted buildings with LEED certifications often see reduced operational costs due to increased efficiency.

Increased Property Value

Property owners seeking LEED certification also generally see an increase in property value. Green building certifications are an attractive selling point, meaning they may command higher rents and attract long-term tenants who see value in sustainable architecture.

Studies show that LEED-certified buildings often have higher resale values as well. Their energy efficiency, sustainability, and high tenant demand make these properties incredibly attractive to potential buyers.

Enhanced Occupant Health and Productivity

Maintaining sustainable buildings focused on the environment and the health of occupants delivers a range of benefits. One is happier, healthier tenants. This can help both commercial and residential properties attract and retain tenants, and in the case of commercial tenants, the sustainable features associated with LEED-certified buildings can help boost employee productivity and satisfaction.

The Top 8 LEED-Certified Buildings in the US and Canada

Some of the most famous buildings in the western hemisphere have chosen to pursue LEED certification for financial and environmental reasons. Let’s look at the top 8 LEED-certified buildings in the US and Canada, as well as some of the ways they met LEED standards.

Empire State Building – New York, NY

The Empire State Building may be one of the world’s most famous structures. This 102-story Art Deco skyscraper was the tallest structure in the world from 1931 to 1954, and the 86th and 102nd floor observatories draw around four million tourists annually.

The building was renovated in 2011 to achieve LEED Gold certification. The $550 million renovation included energy-efficient retrofits and the implementation of sustainable practices. As a result of the retrofit, the Empire State Building now uses about 40% less energy and reduced carbon emissions by 54%, saving millions of dollars a year in energy costs.

Willis Tower – Chicago, IL

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower in Chicago is the third tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and attracts more than 1.7 million visitors to its Skydeck observation deck annually. It is home to some of the largest companies in the world and broadcasts dozens of radio and television stations via broadcast station transmitters at the top of the tower.

In 2014, the Willis Tower began a $500 million renovation that would take five years to complete. The renovation included an innovative hydronic heating and cooling system, upgrading the lighting control system and installing energy-efficient LED lights, and installing low-flow high-efficiency sink faucets, toilets, and urinals.

These improvements contributed to a Platinum LEED certification of the tower and double-digit reductions in energy consumption and water usage.

Vancouver Convention Centre – Vancouver, Canada

The award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre is one of Canada’s largest convention centres, located between a breathtaking waterfront and a scenic mountain backdrop. It has been recognized for its outstanding sustainability efforts and is the first convention center in the world to achieve LEED Platinum certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance category.

The convention centre boasts several sustainability features, including a green roof, a dedication to using local, sustainable building materials in its construction, initiatives designed to reduce its overall carbon footprint, and systems and fixtures that reduce energy and water usage.

These sustainability efforts have made it a model for green building practices, helping set standards for facilities across the globe.

Mason Lane Farm – Goshen, KY

The Mason Lane Farm Operations Facility in Goshen, Kentucky is a twenty-first century project which consolidates the operations facilities for a 2000-acre farm into a centralized complex of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings. It provides farm equipment servicing, refueling and storage, and seasonal storage of grain and hay.

The facility gained a LEED Platinum certification for sustainable design and construction through the adoption of green building practices that minimize environmental impact.

Key sustainability features include energy-efficient systems, fixtures that promote water efficiency in buildings on premise, locally sourced and recycled construction materials, site selection, and waste management practices.

Apple Park – Cupertino, CA

The corporate headquarters of Apple Inc. is a model of sustainability that was opened to employees in April 2017, while it was still under construction. It is an impressive, four-story circular building covering approximately 64 acres, and it incorporates green space planted with drought resistant trees and indigenous plants that cover approximately 80% of the site.

This is another list item that has achieved LEED Platinum certification due to Apple’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Some key sustainability features of the site include using 100% renewable energy for its operations, the use of sustainable materials, and an emphasis of zero waste in its operations.

Yale School of the Environment – New Haven, CT

The Yale School of the Environment was established in 1900 to train foresters, and offers the oldest graduate forestry program in the United States. It now primarily trains environmental students and maintains a commitment to environmental sustainability and a goal of providing a state-of-the-art learning environment while minimizing its ecological footprint.

It has earned a LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design and operations, including features designed for energy efficiency, renewable energy solutions, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable and locally sourced building materials. This commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship serves as an example for other institutions.

Frick Environmental Center – Pittsburgh, PA

This project of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservatory and the City of Pittsburgh is a certified living building that has achieved LEED Platinum certification. It provides local residents and visitors with a state-of-the-art space for hands-on, experiential environmental education.

The Frick Environmental Center helps to inspire and educate the community about sustainability, boasting sustainability features like high-performance insulation, energy efficient systems, solar panels for renewable energy, water conservation measures, and commitments to both using sustainable building materials and improving indoor air quality.

16 York – Toronto, Canada

Completed in 2019, 16 York is a 32-story office tower in downtown Toronto. It provides a direct link to the city’s underground pedestrian PATH network, allowing tenants easy access to a range of business, entertainment, and lifestyle amenities.

16 York has achieved LEED Gold certification due to its commitment to sustainable design and operation, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental stewardship. It also emphasizes healthy indoor air quality through the use of non-toxic materials and a highly efficient ventilation system.

How LEED Buildings are Changing the Construction Industry

When buildings are designed or retrofitted to meet or exceed LEED standards and reap financial benefits, the construction industry takes notice. The result of these case studies is a higher demand for greener, more sustainable buildings. Here’s how the construction industry is reacting.

Adoption of Sustainable Practices

Buildings are now being designed, constructed, and operated in ways that push environmental responsibility, cost efficiency, and improved quality of life for occupants. These initiatives have been shown to provide financial benefits, increase property values, and improve the health and productivity of tenants.

Driving Innovation in Retrofitting

Property owners and contractors alike are putting more thought into their retrofitting plans than they may have in the past. By adopting more sustainable design principles in projects, we help to advance the technology and convince other property owners to do the same, resulting in widespread adoption and environmental benefits for tenants and the community at large.

Benefits for Cities and Communities

Taking care of our environment benefits us all. Clean water and energy efficiency initiatives ensure we have the resources to carry us forward, while indoor air quality and noise reduction initiatives leaves tenants feeling happier and healthier. When people are drawn to an area that has demonstrated high levels of commitment to environmental stewardship, the construction industry reacts with new commercial and residential projects to meet the increased demand.

FAQs about LEED Certification

How much does LEED Certification cost?

The cost of a LEED certification can vary based on several factors, including the size of the project, the level of certification applied for, and the complexity of the building. The average cost of certifying a small project ranges from $10,000-$20,000, while medium to large projects could cost $20,000-$100,000 or more.

What types of buildings qualify for LEED Certification?

Nearly all building types qualify for LEED certification, however the certification you seek will depend largely on the type of building. LEED certification is available for both new construction and existing buildings, and for buildings designed for a very wide range of applications, including commercial and residential spaces, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, industrial facilities, and more.

Can existing buildings be retrofitted for LEED Certification?

Yes, existing buildings can be retrofitted for LEED certification. Property owners who want to improve the buildings environmental performance and sustainability can retrofit buildings to meet LEED standards and gain certification.

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