How LEED-Certified Hand Dryers Help You Earn LEED Credits and Boost Sustainability
Achieving LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is one of the most impactful steps a facility can take toward sustainability, efficiency, and long-term savings. Beyond the environmental benefits, LEED-certified buildings often enjoy lower utility costs, higher property values, and stronger appeal to tenants, clients, and investors who prioritize green operations.
But what many facility managers don’t realize is that something as simple as upgrading your hand dryers can help you move closer to your certification goals — and save money in the process.
Why Hand Dryers Matter for LEED Certification
Restrooms are high-traffic, high-energy spaces that offer surprising opportunities for LEED credits. By replacing paper towels with LEED-compliant, energy-efficient hand dryers, you can:
1. Earn LEED Credits in Multiple Categories
Hand dryers contribute toward several LEED credit categories, including:
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) – for reducing overall power usage
Materials and Resources (MR) – by eliminating disposable paper products and waste
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) – through touch-free, hygienic operation
Depending on the model, your dryer may also qualify under Innovation in Design credits when combined with other green initiatives.
2. Cut Waste and Energy Consumption
High-speed, low-energy hand dryers use up to 80% less energy than older models and completely remove paper towel waste from your facility. Over time, this leads to:
Lower landfill impact
Reduced supply and maintenance costs
Cleaner, more sustainable restroom environments
3. Improve the User Experience
Modern LEED-certified hand dryers aren’t just efficient—they’re designed for comfort and hygiene. Features like HEPA filtration, fast drying times, and touchless activation make them ideal for high-traffic restrooms where both cleanliness and speed matter.
Choosing the Right LEED-Certified Hand Dryer
Not all commercial hand dryers are created equal. When selecting a model, look for:
Low wattage (under 1,500 watts preferred)
Automatic shutoff sensors
Adjustable speed and heat settings
Third-party energy efficiency certifications (like UL Environment or ENERGY STAR)
Top-performing models from brands such as World Dryer, Dyson, and Excel Dryer are specifically engineered to meet LEED requirements.
Partner With Experts Who Understand LEED Goals
If you’re upgrading your facility for LEED certification, it pays to choose suppliers who understand both the technology and the credit system.
At HandDryerUSA, we specialize in energy-efficient, LEED-friendly solutions designed to cut costs, reduce waste, and help your building qualify for sustainability credits. For a curation of the most energy-efficient hand dryers on the market, please visit our energy-efficient hand dryer guide to learn more.
Our experts can help you:
Select the right dryer models to meet your LEED targets
Calculate potential energy savings and credit contributions
Ensure full compliance with LEED and ADA standards
Get Started Today
Transitioning to LEED-certified hand dryers is one of the easiest, most cost-effective steps you can take toward sustainability.
Contact our team today to find the right model for your facility — and start earning LEED credits while saving on energy, maintenance, and waste.