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Assessing the Role of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified Green Buildings in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

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  • Farzaneh Soflaei
  • Roza Vakilinezhad

Abstract

Climate change, largely driven by energy use and carbon emissions in the built environment, has made sustainable development a priority. Green buildings and rating tools like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. This study examines LEED's eight credit categories and their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Using a two‐step methodology, it first analyzes documentary studies to assess how LEED‐certified buildings support the SDGs. Then, a survey gathers insights from professionals on the correlation between LEED standards and the UN SDGs. The findings reveal strong alignment, particularly with SDG7 (clean energy), SDG11 (sustainable cities), SDG12 (responsible consumption), and SDG3 (health). SDG11 and SDG7 emerge as the most significant. The study recommends integrating LEED into local building codes, providing financial incentives, and expanding public education to enhance its impact, ensuring LEED remains a key driver of sustainable construction and global development.

Suggested Citation

  • Farzaneh Soflaei & Roza Vakilinezhad, 2025. "Assessing the Role of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certified Green Buildings in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 5834-5847, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:4:p:5834-5847
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3435
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