A pesquisa objetivou analisar o processo de adoção da certificação "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) a partir dos estabelecimentos do setor hoteleiro que já a adotaram. Para sua concretização procedeu-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica, coleta de dados secundários em sites institucionais, periódicos e material documental, bem como de dados primários por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Foram 21 entrevistados, sendo 02 do Green Building Council Brasil e 19 de meios de hospedagem (31% dos certificados). A análise deu-se por meio da análise de conteúdo com auxílio do software ATLAS.ti. Os resultados permitiram identificar a cronologia dos processos de certificação e o perfil das categorias hoteleiras que adotam o programa LEED. Além disso, as entrevistas possibilitaram a discussão das motivações iniciais de busca pela certificação, bem como as vantagens e os entraves percebidos quanto à sua adoção.

The research intended to analyze the adoption process of the green certification "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" (LEED) from the hotel sector establishments that has already adopted it. For its concretization it was proceeded a bibliographical research, secondary fact-gathering in journals, institutional sites and documentaries, and primary fact-gathering by means of semi structured interviews carried out with responsible people of the certified hotels and of the responsible entity of the certification in Brazil (Green Building Council Brazil). There were 21 interviewee, being 02 of the GBC Brazil and 19 of means of lodging (31% of the certified). For data analysis, it was utilized content analysis technique with the aid of ATLAS.ti software. The results permitted to identify the chronology of the processes of certification and the profile of the hotel categories that adopt the LEED program. Beyond that, the interviews enabled the discussion of the initial motivations for seeking the certification, as well the advantages and the obstacles perceived regarding its adoption.