As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to rise, EV charging is no longer a nice-to-have for buildings; it’s a requirement. For properties already LEED certified or pursuing certification, installing EV charging solutions can unlock additional points, strengthen environmental performance, and future-proof buildings against rapidly evolving tenant and regulatory expectations.
What is a LEED Certified Building
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the world’s most widely used green building rating system, administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED-certified buildings pioneer new advancements and standards and promote sustainable building practices that provide social and environmental benefits.
To earn certification, a project must complete all prerequisites and accumulate enough points across multiple categories. The USGBC then evaluates the submission to determine if enough points were accrued to warrant certification. The process can take a few weeks to a few months to complete, so the sooner properties apply, the better.
Why Get LEED Certified
LEED certification helps create a cleaner future, improve public health, and support environmental sustainability. Certified buildings demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Some other benefits of getting certified include reduced energy use and carbon emissions, the ability to meet ESG goals, improved employee and guest attraction and retention, and more.
If you want to learn more about LEED certification, check here. You can even search for which buildings in your area are certified and what level of certification they earned.
Levels of LEED Certification
There are four levels of LEED certification; Platinum being the highest (80+ points earned), followed by Gold (60-79 points earned), Silver (50-59 points earned), and then Certified (40-49 points earned). Points are awarded to the project based on multiple metrics. Earned Points are then added to determine a project’s certificate level.
Because certification thresholds are tight, even one additional point can determine whether a project gets certified or reaches the next tier.
How EV Stations Enhance Application Scores
Adding stations or EV-ready infrastructure can earn applicants 1-2 whole points, depending on the LEED version, and are often among the most cost-effective points available. These points can make a dramatic difference for a property, increasing its certification level if it is on the cusp. See the qualifications for Versions 5 and 4.1 below.
LEED BD+C: v5
2 points possible for new construction and core & shell projects by installing Level 2 or Level 3 stations and/or ensuring EV-Ready Parking
- Installing EV Supply Equipment (EVSE)
- Commercial
- Install at 5% or at least two spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
- Install at 10% or at least five spaces (whichever is greater) for 2 points
- Residential
- Install at 10% or at least five spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
- Install at 15% or at least ten spaces (whichever is greater) for 2 points
- Commercial
- EV-Ready Parking
- Commercial
- Ready at least 10% or ten spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
- Residential
- Ready at least 20% or twenty spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
- Commercial
LEED BD+C: v4.1
1 point possible for new construction, core & shell, hospitality, retail, healthcare, etc. projects, by installing Level 2 or Level 3 stations and/or ensuring EV-Ready Parking. Starting June 30, 2026, this version will be sunsetting; all new projects must register under LEED v5.
- Installing EVSE
- Install at 5% or at least two spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
- EV-Ready Parking
- Ready at least 10% or six spaces (whichever is greater) for 1 point
Chargie Supports LEED Buildings with EV Charging
At Chargie, we deliver scalable, dependable EV charging solutions that support LEED certification and long-term sustainability goals. By expanding access to charging, we help reduce range anxiety, accelerate EV adoption, and build cleaner communities. If you are ready to get EV chargers installed and gain points towards LEED certification, or expand your current network, Chargie is here to help. Reach out to one of our EV charging experts to get started today.
