What is a LEED Prerequisite?

• A. An optional LEED Green Building Rating System component whose achievement results in the earning of points toward certification.
• B. A mandatory prerequisite that must be met before certification.
• C. A pilot test credit used to experiment with new requirements.
• D. A regional priority credit category.

Answer: (B)

A LEED Prerequisite is a mandatory requirement that must be met before certification can be pursued. Prerequisites set the minimum performance and compliance baseline for a project, ensuring essential aspects like health, safety, and basic environmental performance are addressed. If a prerequisite isn’t satisfied, the project cannot be certified, regardless of how many points are earned from credits.

This differs from credits, which are optional and earned to accumulate points toward certification. The other options describe elements that are part of the credit system—optional components that contribute to a rating, experimental pilot credits, or regional priority credit categories—not the mandatory baseline that prerequisites establish.