After having an in depth understanding of previous ratings,namely, IGBC and GRIHA,we shall now delve into the details of LEED( Leadership in Environment and Energy Design)certification.Just like other ratings,LEED also has certain distinct parameters to be met in order to obtain certification.LEED is of one of the most internationally recognised ratings agency when it comes to environmental design.

It is the most widely recognised third party green certification, helping business owners, architects, professionals demonstrate their sustainability credentials.LEED certification helps immensely in improving  ESG credentials.LEED credit library is used to assess the environmental aspects addressed by the LEED project.

Just like other certifications, LEED too offers catergories, based on total points earned. It classifies them into 

• silver.
• gold
• platinum

Cool roofs are an important constituent in its certification.The solar reflective index (SRI)  value is of importance while assessing the credits issued by LEED. It has set various parameters within which cool roofs are to be integrated in calculating the total score.These are as follows 

• Use roofing materials that have an aged solar reflectance index (SRI) value equal to or greater than the values mentioned below. If aged SRI is not available, the roofing material shall have an initial SRI equal to or greater than the values below.

•  Minimum SRI value, by roof slope

• A roof area that consists of functional, usable spaces (e.g., helipads, recreation courts, swimming pools, and similar amenity areas) may meet the requirements of nonroof measures. Applicable roof area excludes roof area covered by mechanical equipment, solar energy panels, skylights, and any other appurtenances.

Place 100% of parking spaces under cover. Any roof used to shade or cover parking must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Have an aged SRI of at least 32. If aged value information is not available, use materials with an initial SRI of at least 39 at installation. 
• Be a vegetated roof.
• Be covered by energy generation systems, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.

The credit calculations must include all existing and new off-street parking spaces that are subsidized, leased, or owned by the project, including parking that is outside the project boundary but is used by the project. On-street parking in public rights-of-way is excluded from these calculations.

• CRRC Rating: Using products listed in the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) directory helps ensure compliance.
• Points: Up to 2 points can be earned in LEED v5 for heat island reduction

Benefits for Certification

• Energy Efficiency: Reduces air conditioning demand by up to 25-30%. Especially during peak hours in summers,high SRI paint helps decrease the cooling load. In cities, it has the potential to decrease electricity consumption by upto 30% in life cycle analysis of commercial and residential infrastructures.
• Sustainability: Lowers ambient urban temperatures, an affordable arsenal against the phenomenon of urban heat island effect.Low Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOC) in these paints help prevent chemical pollution.Its direct impact on reducing electricity demand,helps decreasing the fossil fuel consumption through lowering energy demand
• Longevity: Extends roof life by decreasing ultraviolet degradation. Cool roofs like LuminX also comes with waterproofing features which automatically increase the shelf life of roofs.