How many categories are there in the LEED certification system?

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system consists of a total of five categories. These categories are designed to evaluate various aspects of building performance and sustainability, including Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality.

Having five categories allows LEED to comprehensively address the environmental impacts of buildings and infrastructure. Each category encompasses specific credits that projects can earn, contributing to the overall LEED certification level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) based on the total points accumulated across these categories.

The response indicating six categories does not accurately reflect the current structure of the LEED certification system as recognized by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). While LEED has evolved and expanded in its program offerings, the core structure remains focused on these five objective criteria.