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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.
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Three paths to points
There are three different ways to achieve points under this credit:
- Path 1 – Innovation in Design: Use an innovative approach to something not already covered in the LEED rating system. This approach must represent an innovative design approach to a problem, must be comprehensive in scope, and must have a quantifiable environmental benefit. Approach this path as if you were creating a new LEED “ID credit” from scratch.
- Path 2 – 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.: Go well beyond the performance thresholds of existing LEED credits. As a general rule, you go to the next threshold level over the credit requirement. For example, in WEc3: Water Use Reduction, you receive points for 30%, 35%, and 40% reductions in water use, while the ID point is for a 45% reduction; and for MRc5: Regional Materials, you receive points for sourcing 10% and 20% of materials (by cost) locally, while the ID point is for 30% locally sourced materials. Projects can only earn up to three points through this path.
- Path 3 – Pilot Credit: Choose a pilot credit from USGBC's LEED pilot credit library, and try to achieve it while also documenting your work. This path was added to IDc1 in the July 2010 LEED addenda, and gives project teams a chance to help LEED evolve by testing credits that are still works-in-progress. LEEDuser offers guidance on all the pilot credits, and participation in LEEDuser's forum is a requirement.
“Creative” doesn’t have to mean “costly”
There are plenty of opportunities to earn Path 1 ID credits through no- and low-cost strategies. A great example is green cleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices., which requires the use of low-toxicity cleaning agents, cleaning machines that reduce impact on indoor air quality, and training maintenance staff in hazard reduction.
Take a close look at all the sustainability practices that your project is already planning or participating in and examine the possibilities of applying them to an ID credit. Some opportunities include recycling, composting, procurement and cleaning policies, landscape management, education initiatives, and many more.
Use LEED-EBOM as a resource
There is a consistent source of ID credit opportunities for all rating systems to be found in the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (EBOM) rating system (see LEEDuser's guide to EBOM for more information). Implementing operational practices and policies—for example, site management plans, purchasing programs, and green cleaning—can help you achieve ID credits and set the stage for successful, sustainable operation of your project building.
Operational credits fall outside the realm of design and construction, and the creation of a plan is easy with the available templates, but the commitment to implement the plan is just as important, if not more so.
Educational programs
It is common to use an educational program about the sustainability of the LEED project to earn a point under IDc1. Educational programs must consist of at least two separate components, including a kiosk, a website, a case study, a lecture series, signage, etc.
To meet the requirement of having two components, you should understand some key distinctions. For example, a kiosk in a building lobby is typically viewed as signage and would be part of an overall signage program, not a second component. The information presented on the kiosk may also impact how it is categorized—it should be unique from that which is presented elsewhere. For example, if a project team creates a website (educational outreach) and places a kiosk (signage) in the lobby, but the kiosk only includes a link to the website, both of these items would only count as one component of the educational program. In contrast, if a project team implements a signage program (signage) and a kiosk, but the kiosk includes an in‐depth case study (case study), this could be viewed as two individual components. The educational program must also be about building-specific strategies employed on the LEED project as opposed to a marketing or user education tool.
A staff sustainability team could be part of an educational strategy, but simply saying that one has been created in a narrative does not provide enough information. You should also provide specific information regarding the goals and methods of delivering the sustainable education component to the public or staff, such as work on signage, lectures, or outreach for home improvement, etc. Also, keep in mind that the group should distinguish itself from other strategies.
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Special considerations for Core and Shell projects
For Core and Shell projects, strategies must be comprehensive and address the building as a whole—in many circumstances, this will mean addressing tenant spaces as well as the base building.
Instance, if you decide to pursue an innovation credit for sustainable landscape management, you can probably do so without the involvement of tenants. But if you want to earn an ID point for a comprehensive recycling program, this must involve the entire building—including tenant spaces. In order to do this, you would either control the recycling services of the base building and tenant spaces, or develop legally binding performance criteria that require buyers or tenants to provide recycling services that meet the criteria outlined in the ID credit.
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Consider these questions when approaching this credit
- Can your project achieve double the credit requirements, or the next incremental percentage threshold, for any existing LEED credits?
- Is your project undertaking sustainable design strategies that are above or beyond the intent of existing LEED credits?
- What makes your project special? Are there opportunities for innovation uniquely suited to your climate, region, building or use type, or project team?
- Is your building owner interested in pursuing sustainability goals through building operations and maintenance? If so, can your project adopt credits from the LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. rating system?
Innovation credit submittal process
Innovation credits are often denied, but GBCI typically encourages project teams to try another strategy if one they have proposed is not feasible to meet the credit requirements. The credit may be denied outright with instruction to submit an alternative strategy, or denied pending clarification with technical advice asking for more explanation of how the submitted strategy is viable or the option to submit an alternative. Project teams may attempt new strategies in the construction phase if a particular innovation credit was denied in the design phase.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development
ID Credit 1: Innovation in design
1-5 Points
Intent
To provide design teams and projects the opportunity to achieve exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Green Building Rating System and/or innovative performance in green building categories not specifically addressed by the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Requirements
Credit can be achieved through any combination of the Innovation in Operations and 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. paths as described below:
Path 1. Innovation in design (1-5 points for NC and CS, 1-4 points for Schools)
Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations, LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development, or LEED 2009 for Schools Rating Systems.
One point is awarded for each innovation achieved. No more than 5 points (for NC and CS) and 4 points (for Schools) under IDc1 may be earned through Path 1—Innovation in design.
Identify the following in writing:
- The intent of the proposed innovation credit.
- The proposed requirement for compliance.
- The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance.
- The design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements.
Path 2. Exemplary performance (1-3 points)
Achieve exemplary performance in an existing LEED 2009 for New Construction, Schools and Core & Shell prerequisite or credit that allows exemplary performance as specified in the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design & Construction, 2009 Edition. An exemplary performance point may be earned for achieving double the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing credit in LEED.
One point is awarded for each exemplary performance achieved. No more than 3 points under IDc1 may be earned through Path 2—Exemplary performance.
Path 3. Pilot credit (1-4 points)
Attempt a pilot credit available in the Pilot Credit Library at www.usgbc.org/pilotcreditlibrary. Register as a pilot credit participant and complete the required documentation. Projects may pursue up to 4 Pilot Credits total.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Substantially exceed a LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development performance credit such as energy performance or water efficiency. Apply strategies or measures that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and quantifiable environment and/or health benefits.
Technical Guides
Guidance on Innovation in Design (ID) Credits
Supplementary description of ID credit compliance from USGBC.
Viewshed Protection Credit
Innovation in Design
Denali National Park and Preserve is the home to panoramic vistas that draw visitors from around the world. The intent of this innovation credit was to document efforts to protect and preserve the visitors center viewshed as part of the sustainable design of the facility.
Active Design Credit
Innovation in Design
An "active design" or "design for health" credit successfully earned an innovation point through IDc1 for a New York City project. The project wanted to comprehensively integrate into the design of the project features that would encourage regular physical activity in occupants, while also bringing environmental benefits. The project team hopes that other projects will use this thorough documentation as an example to pursue similar approaches.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
42 Comments
Educational Program
We are working on a LEED-CS project. Our client asked the architects to add a touch-screen kiosk in the building lobby to inform occupants and visitors about the project's green features. Can we apply for an ID credit for this addition and what is the process?
An educational kiosk like the one you describe would count as one component of a Green Education Program (as described within the IDc1-Section 8 Examples within the LEED BD+C v2009 Reference Guide). Just make sure you have at least two distinct educational components and that your overall program is comprehensive (i.e. covers achievements in all categories within your particular LEED rating system). That particular portion of the reference guide includes various other components that your team might consider as your second component.
In terms of submitting, you'd need to fill out the IDc1 Credit Form and provide documentation of both of your educational components. For a kiosk, one example of this could be including via a detailed narrative, information about the physical kiosk/placement, and some screenshots/slides of the actual kiosk program.
Thanks Kristina,
LEED-CS potential ID credits
I have a commercial client who is the owner of a new-construction, multi-tenant building entering the final review phase of LEED-CS. I have a few questions about potential ID credits:
1. We have already been denied our attempt at LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. MRp1, "Sustainable Purchasing Policy" because it was argued that the owner is unable to control the tenants' purchases.
Instead, we would like to pursue LEED-EBOM MRc2.1 "Occupant Comfort, Occupant Survey", but I am concerned: will this also be denied upon the premise that the owner cannot control the how the tenants maintain their space thermally, etc.?
Would it be possible to achieve either of these credits by adding pertinent verbage to the Tenant Manual, and mandating that tenants agree to the Tenant Manual as part of their lease?
2. We are pursuing LEED-EBOM IEQc3.1 "Green CleaningGreen cleaning is the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and practices., High Performance Cleaning Program" as one of our ID credits.
Can we also pursue LEED-EBOM IEQc3.9 "Green Cleaning, Indoor 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." as another [separate] ID credit, or will it be deined based upon the argument that IEQc3.9 falls under IEQc3.1?
Angela, sorry for the slow reply here. I wouldn't be confident about pursuing MRc2.1, since there is a similar credit from LEED-NC that USGBC has clearly chosen not to include in CS. So trying to add that credit back in doesn't seem like a good bet.
I do think that you can do Indoor IPM as an additional ID point, though.
Educational Program
If you have more than 2 components to your program, is there an opportunity to earn more than 1 point for this ID credit?
In other words, can you earn 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 for an educational program ID credit? I doubt it. I haven't heard of this kind of thing being allowed, and it seems like it would put too much weight on a single strategy.
For the innovation credit via education outreach, we may use strategies such as website and signages on the site. The owners plan to install a digital display showcasing the green initiative undertaken by the group in all their properties, including our project. However, this display will be installed in the property on the plot adjacent to our project. Can this still be an eligible strategy instead of signage on our site?
Heather, this is only my opinion, but I don't think an offsite display like you're describing has the same impact as onsite signage. It seems too much like a website, actually, in terms of who it's reaching. I think you'd want to add another strategy to make a stronger case for this credit.
Educational Outreach for On-site Recycling
In my LEED Reference Guide (2009 Edition), in the Materials and Resources section (p. 340), I found the following sentence:
"Project teams seeking an Innovation in Design credit for educational outreach can create signage and displays to inform building occupants and visitors about on-site recycling."
Our team is considering this, but I have yet to further information on what is required. I 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 on Green Building Educational program which outlined fairly extensive requirements (permanent signage, published guidebook, interactive educational tour). Does anyone know if the requirements are the same or similar? I can't imagine it's as simple as creating some static displays but maybe I'm making it too difficult. Suggestions?
Marci, the guidance provided by LEEDuser here:
http://www.leeduser.com/credit/CS-2009/IDc1
under "Educational programs" should provide the background you're looking for.
Thanks for the quick response. I don't see an "educational programs" section though...
It's above under the Bird's Eye View tab... you have to be logged in as a member, though, as it's part of our premium content.
Found it, thank you. It looks like the signage about on-site recycling is just one piece of a larger educational outreach effort. Makes sense.
green wall
I'm sure I read somewhere that including green walls in the project can help us earn an Innovation in Design point if it complies with a certain percetange of the building's footprint area.
Has anybody else read about this and help me find this information again?
Thanks!!!
Daniela, I can't remember reading that, myself. I would definitely say that projects have wanted to get credit for green walls, but I'm not aware of a precedent supporting it. Please post back here if you do find something.
LEED CS ID Path 1 - Legally binding performance criteria
In our CS project, we would like to develop a legally binding performance criteria for the tenant to attempt 1 point in ID Path 1. But we don't know how many criteria should be specified in the tenant lease agreement to score this credit. For example, can we just specify one requirement that "all tenant shall use low-emitting paints and coatings which base on the requirements specified LEED BD+C IEQ 4.2" to score this ID Path 1 credit?
Caroline, I am a little unsure how to respond to your question. Since this is a contractual matter between the owner and your tenant, it seems like it's up to you how to word things so that the tenant meets the priorities of the project.
ID Credits 5 points
Can the 3 paths be used in combination in order to achieve 5 points?
I was wondering if it is possible to achieve 3 points under 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. and then attempt 1 point for a pilot credit and 1 point for innovation?
Michael, I recommend reviewing the credit language and Bird's Eye View guidance posted above. I think this will answer your questions and give you good resources to work with.
The diagram seems to separate the paths but the mannual says that any combination of ht peaths is possible. So i was wondering if you can achieve some 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. points and some innovation in design points
Michael, for each of the available points under this credit you can use any of the three paths to achieve those points, with the point limits noted above.
EBOM WEc4 Cooling Tower Water Management as C&Sv2009 ID Credit
The LEED Project Submittal Tips guide for C&S from GBCI (published 12/23/2011) states that EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. WEc4.1 Cooling Tower Water Management is allowed in BD&C v2009 as an ID credit. EBOM WEc4.1 focuses on chemical management, whereas WEc4.2 calls for 50% nonpotable waterNonpotable water: does not meet EPA's drinking water quality standards and is not approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction. Water that is unsafe or unpalatable to drink because it contains pollutants, contaminants, minerals, or infective agents. for makeup water.
We would like to use at least 50% nonpotable water for our cooling tower. Would we be able to follow EBOM WEc4.2 requirements as an ID credit, even if it is not directly mentioned in the Submittal Tips guide? This approach meets the intent of an ID credit: it is not addressed in the CS rating system, and it is certainly quantifiable and applicable to other projects.
Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks.
Liz, I would assume that you can. The omission from that document is a little odd, but not definitive.
EA Cre 3 - Exemplary performance
I would like to make sure of one thing. In EA Cre 3 Enhanced Commissioning it's written that it is possiblie to get points for 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. if a comprehensive envelope commissioning is conducted or if the owner requires the full scope of commissioning for all the tenant spaces. So can the project get 2 exemplary performance points of one credit or is it necessary to choose one of these two exemplary performance options?
Adam, you can not earn 2 EP points for the same credit, even if you do something like what you describe.
Green wall in a Lobby
Hi,
Our project team would like to use a green wall placed in our office building's atrium as an innovation in design credit. This wall will be quite extensive (it spreds over 6 levels which means over 80 feet high). We would like to improve indoor environment by doing this. And because we did not use it for any other credit the innovation in design credit would be appropriate way. What do you think?
Jiri, with ID credits, think quantifiable, verifiable, replicatable, documentable, and comprehensive. What is the quantifiable benefit of the green wall? Does it represent a comprehensive approach to air quality? I think you may have trouble showing this.
Occupant "Eco-involvement"
On a french project, the future occupants will be involved in the best practice functionning of the building.
When external conditions are satisfying (temperature and wind) LCD screens placed in the lift lobbies will encourage occupants to open their windows in oder to reduce cooling and fan energy consumption.Dynamic thermal simulation was undertaken to estimate the potential savings (8.2%)
This approach was put forward to an official Commission and was approved.
Could someone tell me if this approach could be classifeid as a LEED Innovation?
Thanks for your help.
Julien, because this is similar to something that might already be done under IEQc6, I am doubtful that it would quality as an innovation under IDc1.
What are you thoughts?
The "encourage the occupants to open their windows" would make me nervous. The system is not automatically controlled therefore the system can not gaurantee energy savings. It relies on building occupants to monitor and adjust.
Conversely, when the external conditions are not satisfying will the occupant then close the windows? If not energy consumption needlessy rises.
I think this may be a tough sell as an Innovation credit.
In any way the occupants will be able to open their windows. I agree that in a normal case the building energy consumption could be degraded but the aim of our approach is to guide them in the best possible way to minimise energy consumption.
Moreover, accurate monitoring will be undertaken to follow their behaviour as well as the HVAC equipments performance.
In IDc1 examples section is noted: "(..) An enviromental educational program consisting of simple signage in a building would not by itself be considered a significant benefit. Conversely, a visitor`s center interactive display, coupled with an educational website and video highlighting the project`s enviromental strategies, would be eligible for an ID credit".
In my opinion yours strategy suites more to thesecond options because of educational dynamic (not static information) performance of tenants.
LEED EBOM WEc1: Water Performance Measurement denied in Core & S
We are proposing to install equipment for measuring the consumption of irrigation water, toilets and cooling towers. But it was not accepted by the Certification Body.
However, it was accepted on two other projects.
There are different ratings?
Look at the Final Review Comments:
"The project submittal indicates the intent to meet the requirements of this credit, stating that a water performance measurement plan will be developed and implemented. A narrative has been provided stating that the project will have permanently installed water submeteringSubmetering is used to determine the proportion of energy use within a building attributable to specific end uses or subsystems (e.g., the heating subsystem of an HVAC system). for irrigation systems, indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings, and process waterProcess water is used for industrial processes and building systems such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making. in order to measure water consumption. However, it appears that the project has proposed a strategy to only measure water consumption, rather than implement a strategy to reduce water consumption. Please note that there are three basic criteria that must be addressed for achieving an Innovation in Design (ID) point: quantitative performance improvements (comparing a baseline and design case), a comprehensive strategy (more than one product or process), and the strategy must be applicable to other projects. In this case, note that quantitative performance improvements for water use reduction are demonstrated in WEp1/c3: Water Use Reduction and WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping, and Innovation in Design credits are not awarded when the strategy aids in the achievement of an existing LEED credit (even if the credit was not applied in the project). In addition, the ID strategy must be significantly better thanstandard sustainable design practices. TECHNICAL ADVICE: Please attempt a different Innovation in Design strategy for the Final Review. No further information has been provided. The documentation does not demonstrate credit compliance."
Can I Appeal?
You could appeal but it would be hard to know what to do to improve your chances of earning the credit. Perhaps direct communication with GBCI would be helpful—if they would explain to you why the credit was earned on other projects but not here.
Total credits by ex exemplary performance
On CS 2.0 How many credits from the 1.1-1.4 can you earn by 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.. I know for v 2009 is three, but I don't know if this is a change between CS2.0 and V2009. Thanks.
As far as I can tell from the LEED-CS 2.0 credit requirements, you can earn 4 points for EP.
Thanks a lot
Questions Re: LEED BD+C ID credit for use of LEED-EBOM
For a LEED CS 2009 project:
1. To earn a LEED ID credit 1 credit for use of a LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. credit would that credit be classified as a LEED CS ID Path 1 (innovation) or Path 2(exemplary perfroamnce) credit?
2. Does the LEED-EBOM base credit threhold need to be achieved, or the LEED-EBOM 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. threshold?
To answer your questions:
1) This is Innovation, path 1.
2) Generally simply implemeting the EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. credit is the innovation, so the normal threshold would prevail. Keep in mind that there are no precedent-setting, guaranteed innovation credits, so I would caution against assuming at any time that you've got it in the bag.
Thanks. Do you know how an ID credit earned through the Core & Shell Sales Lease Agreement option would be classified? (Path 1 or 2)?
That is via 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. path (Path 2) per Appendix 4, page 624 of the BD&C LEED Reference Guide.
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