How to Get LEED Certified (and How GreenWay Can Help)

If you’re planning a construction, renovation, or large-scale commercial project in Chicago, you’ve probably heard of LEED certification — the industry standard for sustainable building. But understanding what LEED is and how to achieve it can feel complex. Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to get certified, and how GreenWay Recycling can help your project meet LEED waste management requirements.

What Is LEED Certification?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a globally recognized certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It’s designed to promote sustainability in building design, construction, and operations. Projects can earn points in several categories, including:

• Sustainable site development

• Water efficiency

• Energy performance

• Materials and resources

• Indoor environmental quality

The total points determine your certification level: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

How to Get LEED Certified — Step by Step

1. Register Your Project

Visit USGBC.org to register your project. This gives you access to LEED Online, where you’ll manage documentation and track credits.

2. Set Sustainability Goals Early

Engage your architect, general contractor, and waste management partner at the planning stage. Early alignment helps you identify achievable LEED credits, such as waste diversion or recycled content materials.

3. Develop a Waste Management Plan

This is one of the most impactful areas for earning LEED points. You’ll need a Construction Waste Management Plan that outlines how materials will be separated, tracked, and diverted from landfills.

Partnering with GreenWay Recycling makes this simple — we provide certified documentation, detailed diversion reports, and reliable recycling for concrete, metals, wood, drywall, shingles, and more.

4. Track and Document Everything

LEED certification requires proof — not just good intentions. Keep records of hauler tickets, weight slips, and monthly diversion summaries. GreenWay’s team provides all necessary documentation to support your LEED submittal.

5. Submit for Review

Once your documentation is complete, submit it through LEED Online. USGBC reviewers will assess your materials and assign your final score and certification level.

How GreenWay Recycling Helps You Earn LEED Points

At GreenWay Recycling, we help Chicago contractors and developers simplify the process of earning LEED Materials & Resources credits through:

✅ Certified waste diversion reports
✅ Recycling of mixed C&D materials
✅ Sorted bins for concrete, metal, wood, and more
✅ LEED consulting and program design
✅ Drop-off or dumpster service options

Whether you’re building new or remodeling, our LEED-compliant recycling programs make it easy to hit your sustainability targets and stay compliant.

Why LEED Certification Matters

Beyond environmental impact, LEED certification offers real business advantages:

• Lower operating costs through efficient design

• Higher property value and marketability

• Eligibility for incentives and tax credits

• Public recognition as a sustainability leader

For Chicago builders, it’s not just about doing what’s right — it’s about building smarter and staying ahead of evolving regulations.

Start Your LEED Project Today

Ready to get started? GreenWay Recycling offers LEED consulting, custom waste diversion plans, and on-site recycling solutions tailored to your project.

📍 Located in the heart of Chicago at 2100 S. Kilbourn Ave.
📞 Call 773-522-0025 or contact us online to discuss your LEED project.

Together, we can build a cleaner, greener Chicago — one project at a time.