CI 2009 SSc1: Site Selection

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.

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.