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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:
- Easy access to the official LEED credit language with just a couple of clicks.
- 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.
23 Comments
Better option for going into a LEED-CS Gold Certified Building
Our client is going into a LEED Certified building and will automatically get 5 points. However, when we will look at Option 2 - we can achieve up to 12 points by meeting several path requirements of the existing points that come with the building.
It's my interpretation you cannot combine Options 1 and 2. Therefore, what would be the pros and cons of skipping Option 1's 5 points and pursuing the possible 12 points by using the Option 2 method? We obviously want to the higher points to achieve a higher certification.
Derek Fung replied Dec 06 2009
I believe 5pts is the maximum available for this credit regardless of how many Option 2 points you can achieve.
How exemplary do you have to be for Path 12?
The LEED Reference Guide seems to give conflicting advice on how to pursue Path 12 of this credit.
On page 66, the basic description for Path 12 says that "the requirements of another LEED rating system credit" are an acceptable way to pursue a point. Then, under "Benefits and Issues to Consider," just down the page, it says the following:
"Path 12 thus accommodates credits from other LEED rating systems not specifically itemized in Paths 1 through 11. For example, the 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. criteria under SS Credit 5.1, Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat, in LEED for New Construction awards 1 innovation point for restoring or protecting a minimum of 75% of the site area (excluding the building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint.) with native or adapted vegetationAdapted (or introduced) plants reliably grow well in a given habitat with minimal winter protection, pest control, fertilization, or irrigation once their root systems are established. Adapted plants are considered low maintenance and not invasive. on previously developed or graded sites. Projects that implement such a program at a LEED-certified building site may apply for this option."
That seems to imply that you have to pick a credit from another LEED rating system, AND attain the EP threshold (if there is one) for that credit.
Which approach is right? The former seems to make more sense, and is described in the Getting It Done section above, but the RG is confusing me on this.
Anthony Brower replied Sustainable Design Director, Gensler Aug 11 2010
It's not a matter of achieving 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. of another programs strategy, if the other programs strategy is not part of the CIv2009 program then achieving the base credit from the other rating system is considered "other engironmental performance" you don't have to meet the EP requirements to satisfy Path 12. Additionally, USGBC has posted a list of credits from other rating systems that can be applied to Path 12. Low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles for example does not live in the CI program, but if your building provides dedicated spaces for this compliant with the NC requirements then you can claim 1-point for that building implemented strategy.
Susan M Kaplan replied Director of Specifications and Sustainability, HLW Sep 01 2010
Anthony,
Will you post the link to the list of credits from other rating systems that can be applied to Path 12?
Thanks.
Anthony Brower replied Sustainable Design Director, Gensler Sep 01 2010
CIv2.0 SSc1 Option L Guidance:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3668
CIv2009 Path 12 Guidance: (pages 7 & 8)
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6394
Option 2: Path 8 and 7: No irrigation: 4 points?
Hello, we are working on a project in Russia, where we don´t need any irrigation and we have only local plants. In the LEED template we can only upload information for path 8 (2 points). Is path 7 (2 points) granted automatically?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 25 2010
Are you working on a CI 2009 project, in LEED Online 3? I just checked and it looked like there were places to upload documentation for both Paths 7 and 8.
Andreas Roessler replied Sustainability Consultant, Turner&Townsend Germany May 26 2010
Yes we do CI 3.0 on LEED Online v3. The problem is we have no irrigation, so we don´t know what shall we upload on path 7? Maybe the same site plan as for path 8. Or maybe a description of the plant selection? Thank you for your assistance Tristan!
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 26 2010
You raise a good question. I don't know. I would suggest asking GBCI, and please post here what you find out.
Anthony Brower replied Sustainable Design Director, Gensler Aug 11 2010
I have a CI project where we do not comply with the irrigation reduction requirements but we use non-potable waterPotable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems. for all the irrigation systems provided by a local non-potable water utility. In the initial review we were denied path 7 but asked for additional details regarding our buildings achievement of path 8. In essence, rewarded for using non-potable water for 100% of the irrigation needs, but we do not automatically qualify for the irrigation reduction. Not quite the same, but some insight nonetheless.
Path 7 and 8: Irrigation
Hi,
We are working on a project in China (using CI 2009), its a warehouse converted into an office.
We are trying to gain credits from path 7&8, reduction of irrigation water, the requirement states that a 5% of landscape areaThe landscape area is the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios. is required for these credits to be applicable, do anyone know whether the word "landscape" in this instant included green walls?
Any comments will be appreciated
Julian
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jun 07 2010
In my experience if it's plant life and irrigated it counts. Greenwalls certainly should. What you can NOT do is include areas such as gravel, rock or other non-organics in your calculations to establish your base line... we're seeing this mistake my various LS Architects, as in years past they got away with it.
Can we pursue LEED CI?
We are a general contractor, and these days we've been doing a lot of tenant improvements around the city.
As a demonstration tool for what we're capable of, we'd like to pursue LEED CI without breaking the bank, so to speak. The thing is, we own this building (which is about 25 years old with a small 5 year old addition) and occupy the entire space and don't want to do any major rework of the envelope, structure or HVAC system.
With that, are we ineligible for LEED CI?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 17 2010
Joel, if you haven't already you should check out the official Rating System Selection policy from USGBC.
Depending on the scope of work, I would say that LEED-CI is possible, although LEED-NC may also be appropriate. You should also consider LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., since it will give you LEED project experience, and is more appropriate for you if you want to limit your scope of work.
Joel Loes replied Project Manager, Klinger Constructors, LLC Jun 17 2010
I've had another LEED AP and consulting firm say that we wouldn't be able to pursue CIv3 because we've been in the building for so long and own it rather than lease the space.
The Rating System Selection Policy doesn't mention the specifics of owning vs. leasing with regards to choosing CIv3, which would suggest we could pursue it.
I'm a bit stuck considering I've gotten both a "yes" and a "no" from multiple sources each.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 17 2010
Keep in mind the rating system selection guidance is not rigid—you have some leeway and in this case it's probably worth contacting GBCI to get their recommendation, as they have the final say.
Check the top of page 3, which gives two conditions that, as I read, BOTH have to be true to disqualify a project from LEED-CI. The first one has to do with ownership. I would say that your project is described by #1 but is potentially not described by #2, thus giving you an opening to pursue LEED-CI if you want to do so.
If that is what you want to do I would contact GBCI and see if they go for it.
David Posada replied Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Jun 18 2010
You could also start the registration process in LEED Online and walk through the "wizard" that guides you through selecting an appropriate rating system.
I think Tristan pointed out the key issue; whether the work being done would be considered a "major renovation" or an "alteration." Make sure you check the definitions in the end of the MPR Supplemental Guidance and the Reference Guide. One of the last screens in the selection wizard has a helpful table that directs you toward a particular rating system based on the extent of work scope for finishes, structure, hvac, etc.
Oddly, I can only find a definition of "alteration" in the EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. 2009 Reference Guide Introduction, page xxiii. Here, an Alteration is work that affects no more than 50% of the building, or would cause relocation of more than 50% of occupants. "Mechanical electrical or plumbing systems upgrades that involve no disruption to usable space are excluded."
It sounds like your project may qualfy under CI rather than NC; you'll want to
Erin Cooper replied Cooper Green Design Jul 15 2010
You wrote: "The Rating System Selection Policy doesn't mention the specifics of owning vs. leasing with regards to choosing CIv3, which would suggest we could pursue it."
It sure doesn't! The best (yet difficult to find on the website) resource is The LEED MPR Supplemental Guidance document. You can find it here and see page 10 for LEED-CI own vs. lease:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=6473
I've done a number of studies comparing rating systems for projects, and this document is a must-read. If it still isn't clear, then contact GBCI.
Help With SS Credit 1 Option 2 Path 6
I am currently trying to get a lighting design to comply with SS Credit 1 Option 2 Path 6 and have a question. To get this credit there is a stipulation that the "After-hours override maybe provided by a manual or occupant-sensing device provided the override lasts no more than 30 minutes"
If i have a light fixture that falls under this credit and it is controlled by a occupancy sensor that turns on the lights after hours when someone eneters the room and then shuts off the lights 30 minutes after the occupant leaves I think would meet the credit criteria. However, a co-worker is trying to tell me that the light has to shut off after 30 minutes regardless if some one is in the room or not. So if it is after hours and a person enters the room the lights will go on but after 30 minutes they shut off ever if the person is still in there.
My Co-workers interpretation doesn't make a whole a lot of sense to me, has some one gotten this credit and can help me set my co-worker, or me, straight.
Thanks
Ben
Bill Swanson replied PE, LEED AP, BETA Design Jul 28 2010
Your fine. Your co-worker is being too literal in his reading of this. Think of manual override first. Turn the lights on and they have to have a timer or something to turn off after 30 minutes. If you need more light after that you push the button again and you get another 30 minutes. Now the occupancy sensor is like pushing the button for another 30 minutes everytime it sees your movement.
Also the Life Safety Code requires enough light (min 1 fc1. A footcandle (fc) is a measure of light falling on a given surface. One footcandle is defined as the quantity of light falling on a 1-square-foot area from a 1 candela light source at a distance of 1 foot (which equals 1 lumen per square foot). Footcandles can be measured both horizontally and vertically by a footcandle meter or light meter. 2. The non-metric measurement of lumens per square foot, one footcandle is the amount of light that is received one foot from a light source called a candela, which is based on the light output of a standardized candle. A common range for interior lighting is 10 to 100 footcandles, while exterior daytime levels can range from 100 to over 10,000 footcandles. Footcandles decrease with distance from the light source. The metric equivalent of a foot candle is 10.76 lux, or lumens per square meter.) for people to get out of the building any time it's occupied. Having lights shut off after 30 minutes regardless of people still being in the building would violate the law if it leaves the space in darkness.
Bill Swanson replied PE, LEED AP, BETA Design Jul 28 2010
I have been getting some really dumb responses from LEED reviewers lately. It would not surprise me if one tried to enforce it as your co-worker views it. The equipment and programming required to make this work is extensive. And then there's the whole Code violation thing.
Jody Pritchard replied Principal, h.e. banks + associates Lighting Design Aug 14 2010
I agree with Bill's comments. FYI - check with your Client to determine if the 30 minute override will be acceptable. (Some find this incredibly annoying.) For some business that often have after-hours employees, you may want to consider using motorized blackout shades on a timer for the offending light fixtures. FYI, I'm a lighting designer and have met the credit this way on previous projects.
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