Zarghami, S A and Ahmad, T (2026) Empirical evaluation of the LEED green building rating system: Exploring limitations through configurational analysis. Building Research & Information, 54(2), pp. 257-272. ISSN 0961-3218
Abstract
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system faces critical methodological shortcomings that limit its ability to drive holistic sustainability. This study explored these shortcomings through a configurational analysis of 1248 LEED-certified buildings in the US, identifying combinations of LEED categories that contribute to high ratings. Configurational analysis revealed five distinct pathways to achieving high green building (GB) performance outcomes and obtaining LEED certification. The results indicated that three out of nine LEED categories are consistently present across all five configurations, whereas four categories are underutilized in the certification process. To enhance the effectiveness of LEED, this article proposed three targeted reforms to strengthen the evaluative rigour of LEED. First, addressing overlaps among credits would ensure that awarded points reflect genuine sustainability contributions. Second, introducing minimum score thresholds for underutilized categories would promote a more balanced approach. Third, integrating region-specific benchmarks would align certification criteria with local environmental priorities and climate conditions, making GB standards more responsive to regional sustainability challenges. This study enhances understanding of how different LEED categories interact to influence sustainability outcomes. In addition, by refining LEED's methodological foundations, it contributes to the evolution of a more rigorous, equitable and region-sensitive GB certification system.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | configurational analysis; credit achievement degree; fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis; green buildings; LEED rating system |
| Index terms: | effectiveness, foundations, performance outcome, environmental design, fuzzy set, evolution, configuration, green building, sustainability challenge, certification, qualitative comparative analysis, face |
| Subjects: | sustainability and energy, value management, systems engineering, administrative processes, performance management, design practice, psychology, environmental science, environmental issues, decision-making and optimization, research methods, structural engineering |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Project Management, Sustainability, Quality Management, Research Practice, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Contract Administration |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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