A Study of the Relationship between Credits in the LEED-EB&OM Green Building Rating System

Abstract

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a credit-based green building rating system. Considering that a better understanding of the relationships between credits would help managers better achieve green building certification, this study analyzed 1381 projects that have been certified in LEED-Existing Building versions 2008 and 2009. The credits achieved by those projects were analyzed using data mining techniques to discover hidden interrelationships and the effects on high-scoring sustainable design strategies. The data mining results were compared with the credit pairs provided by LEED AP consultants from the engineering perspective. Additional hidden credit pairs were also discovered.