7R Glossary
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
What should you know?
The LEED rating system is based on earning points in key environmental categories: location and transportation, sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Depending on the total number of points earned, a project is awarded one of four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Although the British BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) remains the dominant system on the European warehouse market, BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is one of the world’s most important and widely recognized methods for the multi-criteria assessment of buildings in terms of sustainability, environmental performance, and occupant comfort. BREEAM certification confirms that a warehouse facility has been designed and constructed in accordance with rigorous environmental standards.Read the full definition →; LEED certification is highly prestigious and is often a requirement for tenants from the United States and global corporations operating within a standardized international framework.
LEED in Practice 7R
7R engineers design logistics parks based on the highest standards of sustainable construction, enabling our facilities to successfully undergo the certification process under both the BREEAM and LEED systems. In projects for global clients, we implement LEED guidelines regarding ventilation standards compliant with ASHRAE codes, rigorous construction waste management, and the use of finishing materials with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
LEED and BREEAM Certification
| Criterion | LEED Certification | BREEAM Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States (USGBC) | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Grading Scale | Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum | Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent, Outstanding |
| Engineering Standards | Based on U.S. standards (ASHRAE, ASTM) | Based on European (EN) and British standards |
| Presence in Poland | Popular in offices and corporations in the U.S. | The undisputed leader in warehouse construction in Europe |
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither system is clearly superior—both guarantee the highest environmental standards for a building. In the Polish logistics market, BREEAM is more commonly chosen by developers and funds because its procedures are better aligned with European building codes. LEED is chosen mainly when a tenant or institutional investor has such a global corporate requirement.
A building certified under the LEED system can achieve one of four levels: LEED Certified (40–49 points), LEED Silver (50–59 points), LEED Gold (60–79 points), and the highest level, LEED Platinum (80 points or more).