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Time to get creative
This credit is your project’s opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the green building industry and to let your team contribute creative approaches to the field of sustainable design. It’s also a great way for your project to achieve up to five additional points.
Step-by-step credit help
Got the gist of the LEED credit but not sure how to actually achieve it? LEEDuser gives step-by-step help. Members get:
- Checklists covering all the key action steps you'll need to earn the credit.
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- Ideas for going beyond LEED with best practices.
- All checklists organized by project phase.
- On-the-fly suggestions on useful items from the Documentation Toolkit, Resources, and Credit Language.
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Credit language straight from USGBC
Need to check up on the exact LEED credit language from the LEED Rating System on the fly? LEEDuser includes the verbatim language. Members get:
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- On the jobsite without your bulky LEED Reference Guide? Check up on the credit language details here.
- Credit language content is used by permission of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Your credit-by-credit reference library
Why waste time chasing down referenced standards and supporting resources when LEEDuser links you directly to the ones you need? LEEDuser has gathered all the best tools out there and organized them by credit for easy reference. Members get links to:
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Documentation Toolkit
In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:
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- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
68 Comments
Active Design- LEED ID credit Physical Activity- LEED NC & CI
You can earn a LEED ID credit by promoting Physical activity in your building. Most of the strategies are already in LEED CI& NC. Please contact baani00@yahoo.com for more information on this credit. Active Design Guidelines are free to download from www.nyc.gov/adg.
This Credit can be used for any building type- EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems.; Schools; Homes Multi-family; ND; Healthcare and more.Credit has been used for 6 projects and 20 more in pipeline.
NYC’s Active Design Program is lead by NYC’s Departments of Health, Design + Construction, City Planning, and Transportation and AIANY. As you may have heard, NYC’s Active Design Program is dedicated to improving opportunities for physical activity through improved design of our urban spaces, streets, and buildings, as a means to combating today’s obesity and related chronic disease epidemics.
Beehives on rooftops – ID credit?
I think I have a great idea for an ID credit (maybe someone already has tried it). For my CI-project I want to have beehives on the (green) roof. Do you think that it would qualify as an ID credit? Have you heard of anyone who has tried it?
I could explain how bees are dying globally because of a mite, that 80 % of our food would not be on our tables if we didn’t have bees pollinating our plants, that species of plants in our city parks are dying due to lack of pollinators etc. Bees are essential to our eco system!
Maria, this sounds like a fantastic idea, just (in my opinion) not something that LEED is likely to recognize as an ID credit.
Let's say you're using a super-innovative elevator on the project that saves a ton of energy... LEED will say that use of a single technology is not comprehensive enough to qualify for IDc1, and energy savings are already covered under EAp2.
Same thing here—putting beehives on the roof seems like using one 'technology" and is not a comprehensive strategy for sustainable food, habitat, or education. I could see the beehives contributing to a habitat credit or an ID point for education, or for food, using EBOM MRc6 as a model.
Tristan thank you for your reply
If I were to try this idea, what do you think would be my strategy to have it approved? I could submit it in design phase and get feedback.
I am planning on having lectures on the subject of the problem of global bee death and the importance of having bees. Then I am also planning on having the honey as educating gifts to both staff and clients of our company. One could have stickers on the jar educating people as well as letting them understand it was actually produced in the middle of a capital city. Signage in the building communicating the message could also be done. Do you think that would be awarded with ID credit? What else could I do?
Maria, this sounds to me like a good approach. I have not heard about other LEED projects focusing an education credit on one specific issue, so you're a little unique there, but the fact that you are providing comprehensive education on it and linking it to the building seems good. To be on the safe side I might also highlight any other habitat impacts of the building, to make the educational component even more comprehensive.
Base building EBOM credits denied
I've had a pair of CIv2009 projects just denied (at first review) a couple of innovation points where the base building provides Green Cleaning, Integrated Pest ManagementIntegrated pest management (IPM) is the coordinated use of knowledge about pests, the environment, and pest prevention and control methods to minimize pest infestation and damage by the most economical means while minimizing hazards to people, property, and the environment., and a Zero-Waste Plan to tenants. GBCI's comments say:
"The documentation provided indicates that this is a program developed and implemented by the base building rather than one developed and implemented by this LEED-CI project. Note that Innovation in Design credits are only available to programs developed and implemented by the specific LEED-CI project and that all base-building strategies may only be submitted under SSc1 Option 2 - Path 12."
I have a few problems with this: these projects are in a LEED-NC certified building (although the certification was only awarded while our CI project was under review) so we can't/aren't using SSc1 Option 2. Even if we were, we could only get one point and we are participating in a number of green operations. The SSC1 Option 1 certification is for NC so it actually doesn't cover these items. So is that a needless restriction on getting recognition for green operations?
Also, does anyone see where the Reference Guide says that innovation credits can't be earned just because some of these services are provided and organized by the base building? The tenants are effectively paying for these services with their rent -- why does it matter to GBCI if the janitorial or IPM contract is held by the tenant or the landlord as long as the space is managed green? In some cases, landlords require tenants to use their vendors -- if they are green, shouldn't this be worthy of special recognition, rather than disqualifying you for points?
Shared thoughts / experiences would be welcome.
Raphael, I have always been a bit confused about how USGBC sees Path 12 vs. IDc1. In my opinion the relationship is not clear and leads to situations like this that don't seem to really make sense.
I also agree with you on the base building issue.
However, I can't offer any insight in terms of a more successful way to frame these issues. I hope that others will weigh in here, or perhaps you'll get a LEED Interpretation on this.
Green cleaning innovation points
In looking to another LEED rating system for potential innovation points, you find several credits for green cleaning in the v2009 EB O+M rating system. Can a project pursue multiple green cleaning innovation points based on these multiple credits? For example, if the project fulfills EB O+M IEQ cr 3.1 with a green cleaning program and then put it into place, can they also pursue IEQ credits 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5, for a potential of 4 innovation credits?
You will have to submit this under SS1 path 12. see also Winni's questions here http://www.leeduser.com/credit/CI-2009/SSc1
Carbon Offsets for LEED CI 2009 ID credit
Our project is currently pursuing LEED CI 2009 EA Credit 4 - Green Power. Would we also be eligible for an ID credit for carbon offsets based on a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide for another rating system?
The documentation for the credit would calculate the projects energy use and offset at least 15% of the usage with the purchase of offsets. However the CIR refers to a project that offset the "use of natural gas, guel oil or on site coal burning systems". Our project is located in a building using electricity, would that still be eligible for offsets?
Michele, do you only use electricity, or are there other energy sources being consumed?
The building is electric, there are no other energy sources.
Since RECs are not equivalent to carbon offsets, I would say that these approaches are not redundant and the ID credit would be approved, if you have found a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide that supports this approach.
sustainable purchasing policy
If your company has a sustainable purchasing policy for things such as paper and vehicle leasing could that qualify for an innovation credit?
Christi, there is definitely potential for that. I would look at LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. credits (see that portion of this website) as a model, and use the ongoing consumablesOngoing consumables have a low cost per unit and are regularly used and replaced in the course of business. Examples include paper, toner cartridges, binders, batteries, and desk accessories. credit, for example, as your ID credit.
CI and District Heating and Cooling
My project is on a Campus that has used a District Heating and Cooling System and has achieved LEED ID credit in the past. They want me to use this as an ID credit for our CI project. But we are not performing "energy modeling" ours is a small space in a very large building. Would you still seek and ID credit with District Heating and Cooling and wouldn't we need to demonstrate our little space's overall energy use?
Sue, I am not sure on what basis you would seek an ID credit in this case.
Can you say more about what the ID credit was achieved for in the past? Maybe I am having a brain block, but I can't recall seeing that simply the existence of district cooling/heating is sufficient for an ID credit. As you point out, in the case of a small CI project without energy modeling, the connection would be even more tenuous.
Tristan thanks for the reply- this system has gained several NC projects an ID credit as well as helped with overall energy efficiency. It's just that they are asking me to apply it to this CI project too, and I can't think of the angle we'd use....
Sue, I would need more info to provide advice on that. How has it been earned on NC projects?
I don't have permission to post this to LEEDuser because it was provided by Davis Langdon for an NC project on campus- did receive credit as an "alternative" compliance path for the energy credits. There was also a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide written on compliance.
Sue, I don't think that an alternative compliance path (ACP) equates at all to an Innovation credit. So I don't see how one take an ACP for EAc1 under NC, and apply it as an ID credit under CI.
LEED ND offers GIBc12 District Heating and Cooling that could perhaps qualify for a BD+C ID credit, but I don't see how it to leverage it for this LEED CI project above and beyond LEED CI EAc1.3 HVAC.
ID credits in CI project
I received review comments from GBCI related to ID credits and it said "Only a program specific to the LEED CI project can be considered for an ID credit." and also "A program applied to the entire base building cannot be utilized as an ID credit."
Here is the confusing part. We are the only LEED project in the base building, and base building doesn't offer any of the ID credits we proposed/implemented. ID credits such as Green Cleaning and Pest Management that CI project team developed with building management are subject to denial becuase it benefits the entire bulding.
Does this make sense to you?
Seonhee, this review comment does not make sense to me. The reviewer doesn't seem to understand that CI can be applied to whole buildings, so a building management approach is quite appropriate in your case.
Tristan, I am glad that I'm not the only one feeling that way. We are in a clarification process, and I'll let you know how things get resolved. I had to adjust some credit language in the credit proposal, but intent had been kept and we are still doing better for the environment. Thanks for your response.
Green Cleaning Policy - ID Credits and SSc1 Option 2 Path 12
We are implementing a green cleaning policy for a LEED CI 2009 project which is similar to the green cleaning policy outlined in LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. IEQp3. Since LEED EBOM IEQp3 has been declared a pre-approved credit for LEED CI SSc1 Option 2: Path 12, can our green cleaning policy be used for an Innovation and Design credit if we aren't pursuing SSc1 Path 12 for our project? After looking at the credit language, intent, and implementation strategies it is unclear whether green cleaning can be used for an ID credit.
On the one hand the intent of the innovation credits cannot be identical to or repetitive of the intent of LEED CI credits, which would mean that a green cleaning policy that can be used for SS Option 12 could not be used for an ID credit.
On the other hand, strategies for determining ID credits refer to the published catalog of ID credits from pre-2009 rating systems and LEED EBOM 2009 credits for ideas. This would indicate that EBOM IEQp3 could possibly be used for an ID credit.
We have implemented green cleaning policies before for LEED NC ID credits but never for LEED CI. So any insight or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks,
I would think that you can do green cleaning for a CI IDc1 credit. I don't think SSc1 Path 12 is meant to exclude any options for IDc1. Green cleaning is a great IDc1 option, in general.
Are you saying a project could pursue SSc1 Path 12 by including information about the base building's green cleaning practices (in place for all tenants in the building) and pursue green cleaning as an ID credit by having a green cleaning policy in place for the tenant space?
Kim, I didn't mean to imply that. I was trying to say that I think you could do green cleaning for SSc1 Path 12 or for IDc1. I don't think you could pursue redundant approaches here, however—they would have to be distinct or at the very least complementary.
And I should note that this is my understanding—GBCI has the final word.
Pilot Credit 5 & 6
Does anyone know why it is Pilot Credit 5&6? Can you do one without the other? Could you just do Pilot Credit 6 and skip Pilot Credit 5?
Credits 5 & 6 are from the LEED for Healthcare Rating System, which just completed member ballot. In Healthcare, Credit 5 is a prerequisite and Credit 6, a credit.. So, to mirror that, Credits 5 is a prerequisite for earning Credit 6. You can do Credit 5 only, for 1 point, or Credits 5 & 6 for 2 points (using 2 of your IDc1 available points), but Credit 6 cannot be earned without Credit 5.
On a related note, Credits 5 & 6 from the Pilot Credit Library will be closing to new registrants on 1/11/2011. Credit 42: Integrated Process, currently IPc1 in the public comment drafts http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2360 will replace 5 & 6 and will be worth 1 point.
Composting for ID points?
I'm working on a new restaurant right now (CI), and I'm wondering if anyone knows of existing composting agreements for LEED ID credits. There is a community garden right next to the restaurant, and I'd like to pursue a long-term agreement for composting some of our food waste. We may also work out a method to give them our left over harvested rain or gray water. Everyone would benefit, so I'm hoping we can get credit for it! Thanks very much.
I would say you have a good shot at getting credit for composting. I would recommend reviewing the LEED-EBOM waste management credits. While composting isn't a focus of any of these, the way those credits are structured, and their documentation requirements, will give you a sense of how to structure and document this credit in a way that's likely to be accepted.
re: documenting a credit from another LEED rating system
Hi Leonard -
Just hit the feedback button in LEED Online, and provide all the relevant information: your project name/number, which form you are looking for, and a description of why you need it.
documenting a credit from another LEED rating system
Now that all the forms/templates are online, how have people been documenting credits from other rating systems. For example, if in LEED-CI we wanted to document the LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. MRc4 - Low Mercury Lamp credit, is the form floating around on the net somewhere.
I suppose if we had a LEED-EBOM job currently in progress i could grab the form, but alas we do not right now.
thoughts? Thanks
Go to the lamp manufacturer's websites. I know Sylvania has the forms to use online, I'm sure the others do as well.
Ask GBCI for it via the feedback form on LEED Online. They'll provide it, under the circumstances.
we try to used MRC4 from LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., and submit it for LEED CI ID credit. Somehow when I browsed through the LEEDInterpretation 5500, this specific credit only applicable for LEED NC V2.1. If anyone will know when USGBC will considered this specific credit for CI projects?
LEED Pilot Credit
I already attempting 3 exemplary performanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. credit and wonder if i still eligible to attempt LEED Pilot Credit as innovative credit?
hi james
that is fine - exemplary performanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. is restricted to max 3, and regardless of how many pilot credits you pursue, a maximum of 1 point can be achieved through the pilot schemes. But within IDc1 the 3 paths (innovation, exemplary performance and pilot credits) can be mixed.
You can apply for up to 5 pilot credits on a project.
The 4/14/2010 Addenda which added Path 3 - Pilot Credits as eligible to IDc1, specifies: "Projects may pursue more than 1 pilot credit; however, a maximum of 1 point will be awarded." I haven't read anywhere that theres anything stopping you participating in several Pilot Credits, but my understanding is that you cannot earn the max possible 5 points for IDc1 doing so.
Here's what it says in the Pilot Credit Library FAQs
How many points are pilot credits worth?
a. Pilot credits in the Innovation section are each worth one point, under the ID/IO section of the rating systems. Project teams may apply for up to 5 pilot credits, and, in turn, 5 points.
Neil is correct. The 4/2010 addendum is misleading on this point. I've complained to USGBC about it myself and they indicated they planned to fix it.
good to know! thanks to you both for the clarification.
Can you please clarify; can you submit for more than one pilot credit, and be awarded more than one of your innovations with a pilot? I would like to submit for two different ones, will I be awarded both points?
You can submit for as many pilot credits as there are points in IDc1. If you meet the requirements, yes, you should be able to earn both points.
Teleconference Rooms as Innovation in Design
We are in the process of building teleconferencing rooms for our project in San Francisco. Can we get ID credits for this or credit acknowledgement against the Transportation savings credits due to reducing travel and commuting through Teleconferencing?
Could not find anything related to this subject in the Alternate Transportation Credits and this may be a path to Innovation in Design Credits (ID) since this forum is getting more popular.
Thank You,
Ron Frank
This could contribute to an Exemplary PerformanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. point under the alt. transportation credits (SSc3 in LEED-CI), but you could have to implement, in the words of the Reference Guide, a "comprehensive transportation mangement plan" leading to "quantifiable" reduction in personal automobile use.
I would say that teleconferencing could contribute to that, but "comprehensive" in LEED usually means more than one strategy being employed.
Educational Installation & Program
Would like to know if it would be possible to earn points under this credit for implementing an permanent educational program and physical installation for end users to learn about the sustainable features of their space. Something similar to LEED Schools' "the school as a teaching tool" but as continuing education for staff?
it seens that it meet the ID Credit" Green eduction"''s requirement
A CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide Ruling for LEED NC v2.2 dated 4/6/2009 references established requirements for public education and outreach which had previously been ruled on under INNOVATION & DESIGN PROCESS RULING DATED 9/24/2001; under LEED 2009, CIR’s are no longer relevant, but you might try to structure an ID credit around this and submit your own CIR to see whether the prior compliance path would still be acceptable. The prior rulings are as follows:
"To take advantage of the educational value of the green building features of a project and to earn a LEED point, any approach should be ACTIVELY instructional. Two of the following three elements must be included in the educational program:
1) A comprehensive signage program built into the building's spaces to educate the occupants and visitors of the benefits of green
buildings. This program may include windows to view energy-saving mechanical equipment or signs to call attention to water conserving landscape features.
2) The development of a manual, guideline or case study to inform the design of other buildings based on the successes of this project. This manual will be made available to the USGBC for sharing with other projects.
3) An educational outreach program or guided tour could be developed to focus on sustainable living, using the project as an example."
Also, the LEED 2009 ID+C Referene Guide on page 419 under heading "8.Examples" discusses in detail the qualities that an educational program would need to include.
Hope this helps
Thank you!
Acoustic performance as an ID path for LEED CI
We had seen that the Armstrong World HQ in Lancaster, PA had achieved an ID credit for acoustic performance utilizing sound absorbing materials, furniture and a sound masking system.
LEED 2009 for Schools has EQp3 and EPc9 which both address acoustic performance.
How can a project pursuing LEED 2009 CI include acoustic performance as a path to an ID credit? Is there a summary of criteria that would be required based on the prior ID credit that Armstrong had achieved?
Thanks for any guidance!
Kathy,
I’ve never had a non-school project attempt this credit but have presented the idea to a few projects. We had planned on working with an acoustics consultant to determine a standard to use as our baseline (the ANSI standard in LEED for Schools is specific for schools) and then to design the space to be above and beyond traditional design. However, I don’t know whether you will need to be closer to the Schools prerequisite or credit requirements. I think it really depends on the space type and usage, and we be best to work with a consultant to determine what makes most sense for your space.
Shannon
Thanks, Shannon!
I was hoping that someone might also know how to access the Amstrong HQ Acoustic ID credit; theirs was an office building project (the one I'm working on now is as well). However, under the LEED project directory, that project is not presented as a case study so we cannot access their ID credit intent and manner in which they achieved credit for it.
Kathy
Kathy, I got a document from Armstrong showing how they earned a point for acoustics under LEED-EB. I've posted it to the Documentation Toolkit (see the tab above).
I'm curious how helpful this document is to others interested in this approach—let me know.
SSc1 Option 2 Paths as EP in IDc1
Can Paths from SSc1 of the LEED CI Rating System Option 2 that were not "cashed in" as part of SSc1 be pursued as EP in ID? In particular, Path 6 Light Pollution omits the requirements on outdoor light fixtures when compared against BD+C and so is easier for our CI-Project to implement and achieve.
In the details for each path it mentions that EP is not available, it doesnt however mention the possibility of pursuing the basic requirements of more than the permissable 5-Points worth as IDc1...
Perhaps wishful thinking, but does anyone have any experience here? Many thanks!
Wishful thinking, I would say. Since the SSc1 paths are not eligible for EP points via IDc1, you can't use them there, at least using the EP path. I think USGBC is clear about this.
Greenguard IAQ certified Fiber Glass Duct Wrap
Our project is installing low emitting fiber glass duct wrap. Is there a way to ask USGBC if this counts as an Innovation in Design before submitting the credit?
Jana, I think this approach is unlikely to earn you an ID point. I suggest reviewing some of the other discussions here about what tends to qualify for ID credits, and what does not. Use of a single product (so not a comprehensive approach) is something that is often rejected by GBCI.
Buy-back the existing furniture for Recycling
Hello All,
One of our project, the system furniture supplier is offering our client to buy back the existing furniture from the old office (which is at the different location from the new office which we are planning to undergo LEED assessment) and will help them to recycle on our client behalf. They will also issue the recycling certificate. I just want to know if this can contribute to LEED. Since the existing project location is different from the new office, I doubt to claim under MR credits. Is there any possibility to claim under ID? Any input/suggestion would be appreciated.
Many thanks!
I own an office furniture dealership, and over 20 percent of our sales are in pre-owned furniture. I have never seen this done, but consider those systems may well be used in a different application for another LEED project. We recycle (based on our calculations) over 300 tons of office furniture per year! This must be work something to someone! It may be worth your while to attempt to contact the USGBC for trying to get this accepted as a credit.
LEED's requirements for an ID credit are that you need to demonstrate:
- an innovative approach
- comprehensive in scope
- quantifiable environmental benefit.
Based on my experience in seeing a lot of what has and has not been accepted for IDc1 (and how the standard is pretty high), I would say that this idea is not a shoo-in. The problem that I see is that the practice falls under the scope of a couple of the regular MR credits, and only doesn't qualify since it's not part of the project's scope. That it's outside of the project scope doesn't strongly recommend it for qualifying under IDc1. It may also have trouble with the "comprehensive" criterion. How much of the other waste generated by the old office is being diverted from the landfill?
Here's what I would recommend—implement LEED-EBOM MRc8 as an ID credit. If the tenant sets up a comprehensive waste management strategy for durable goodsDurable goods have a useful life of 2 years or more and are replaced infrequently or may require capital program outlays. Examples include furniture, office equipment, appliances, external power adapters, televisions, and audiovisual equipment., building on its experience with diverting the furniture from the old office, this might fly.
Hi Alan and Tristan: Many thanks for your replies. I'll look further into this.
Houseplants and fresh air
Do you know if a study about houseplants and fresh air can be a ID for CI?
I'm not sure about whether such a study would be accepted by USGBC for an ID credit, but I really hope so! Better studies are sorely needed in this area.
Most of the articles and books that tout the benefits of indoor plants depend on a NASA study that dates to the 1980s. This study found that plants removed toxins, but later studies showed that to have an effect in a large space, you'd need about two and a half plants per square meter! That's a LOT of plants, and a lot of soil, and a lot of moisture, and a lot of potential bugs and diseases.
Other studies have focused on health and productivity gains related to indoor plants, finding that people tend to stay more focused, work faster on tasks, and use fewer sick days when there are plants around. There's a lot more work to be done in these areas, however. For example, it's still unclear if real plants have an advantage over artificial ones or paintings and photos of natural scenes.
I've spoken to quite a few people about the use of plants in buildings, and the one thing I keep hearing is that you have to account for the moisture load of the plants early in the design process. Otherwise, if you load a space with plants (that need water), you might run into moisture and air quality problems. You also need to pay attention to what's being used on the plants—it doesn't make sense to bring a lot of pesticides into an office that's been designed to maximize indoor air quality! There are organic plant care companies out there, and they're worth seeking out.
I wrote a longer article on plants in buildings last year, that's available here. (Link requires paid membership to BuildingGreen.com.)
If you figure this out, please comment back here--I'd love to hear what USGBC has to say!
Wagner, if this has been attempted, I have not heard about it and it hasn't been publicized by USGBC in their ID point catalog (see the Resources tab, above).
As a general rule, you would need to apply the credit's criteria of:
- representing an innovative approach
- comprehensive in scope
- quantifiable environmental benefit.
For reasons outlined by Allyson, I think you would have to go pretty far toward arguing for the benefits, particularly in terms of the quantifiable benefit.
If anyone's gone further with this, I would love to hear about it.
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