The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released LEED green building certification standards for new transit stations. Using the LEED rating system structure, the LEED Transit system was developed with valuable input from the Delhi Metro Rail Corp. in India (DMRC), Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co. Ltd. for China (Shentong), and Shanghai Green City Architectural Technology Co. Ltd.

“USGBC solicited the help of top transit teams in India and China to leverage their knowledge and technical abilities to fully ensure that LEED Transit ratings are both relevant and effective,” said Melissa Baker, SVP, LEED, USGBC. “The resulting LEED Transit program meets a growing interest in LEED certification from new and existing transit projects. Transportation is a rapidly growing sector and a critical component of physical infrastructure.”

Release of the certification standards for new transit stations is complemented by USGBC’s LEED guidance that was released in 2017 for existing transit stations. This new offering completes the comprehensive LEED Transit program that can now be used by both new and existing transit stations across the globe.

Transit owners can reduce their environmental footprint, while also engaging riders on the importance of sustainability and the opportunity the public transportation sector has in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building solutions. LEED globally certifies more than 170,000 gross square meters per day and is transforming the way the built environment is designed, constructed, and operated.