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Your time to shine
This credit offers talented, motivated project teams a chance to demonstrate leadership in the green building industry by presenting new and creative solutions to sustainable operations and maintenance.
Three paths to four possible points
Teams can earn up to four points under this credit. There are three standard paths to earning an IO point:
- Innovation in Operations—Deliver an environmental benefit not currently addressed in the existing LEED rating system.
- 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.—Exceed LEED performance thresholds in existing credits, typically by doubling the requirements or by achieving the next logical increment.
- Pilot Credit—Test-drive a credit from the official LEED Pilot Credit library.
Keep in mind that while you can earn up to four points through a combination of the above approaches, you can earn no more than three of those points through the exemplary performance approach. (All four points may come through the innovation or pilot approaches, however.)
Exemplary performance is well within reach
It’s fairly common for projects to earn one or two points through exemplary performance based on existing building operations practices and conditions—and there are many low- and no-cost options for achieving exemplary performance.
True innovation is more challenging
With moderate additional efforts, many teams can achieve all four of the available IO points, but it can be quite difficult to achieve points for true innovation through Option 1.
You must develop and implement a strategy that is not already covered by the rating system but meets the rigorous standards of the existing credits—and it must have a significant and demonstrable environmental benefit. Be prepared to make a very convincing case for the merits of your proposed innovation points. If your strategy will be expensive to implement, it’s wise to use 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 to establish whether LEED considers your strategy valid before going ahead with an expensive development and implementation process.
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 credit?
- Is your project undertaking any sustainable operational strategies that provide an environmental benefit not already addressed by existing LEED credits?
- What makes your project special? Are there opportunities to deliver an environmental benefit uniquely suited to your specific climate, region, building type, or project team?
Path 1: Guidelines for successful proposals for Innovation in Operations
Successful Strategies
Developing an innovation strategy under Option 1 of this credit is similar to developing a new LEED credit, though the process need not be as comprehensive as the LEED credit development process.
- Include significant environmental benefits and standards equivalent to other LEED credits.
- Clearly identify (and preferably, quantify) the environmental benefits of your proposed approach.
- Ensure that the environmental benefit delivered is not covered by established LEED credits. For example, certain 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. uses such as consumption in a commercial kitchen are not dealt with by any existing LEED credits. This presents a good opportunity for a quantifiable improvement that is not already rewarded within LEED.
- Be comprehensive, thorough, and effective.
- Highlight actions or new standards that can be applied to other buildings.
- Be willing to involve your team in extraordinary effort.
- Strive to integrate best practices across technical categories.
- Define, execute, and document your initiative.
Actions to Avoid
- Don’t include strategies that contribute to or are already addressed in existing LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. credits. For example, installing a cutting-edge, ultra-high-efficiency chiller is not an appropriate candidate for an IO credit, because the resulting energy savings are already captured by EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance. Innovation credits under Option 1 must provide environmental benefits not otherwise addressed in EBOM.
- Don’t include strategies considered standard best practices for building operations and maintenance.
- Don’t try to get “extra credit” for small-scale efforts. Marginal environmental benefit is not the goal, meaningful benefit is. For example, hosting a single electronic-waste collection for occupants is a lot less meaningful than hosting multiple events or creating an ongoing program.
- Don’t apply for credit based on one element of an overarching strategy, or apply for multiple points based on only one strategy. No more than one IO point will be awarded for any single strategy. For example, projects often try to subdivide their educational or outreach efforts into multiple points. Even if these are functionally distinct programs, you won’t earn more than one point for education-related strategies.
Path 2: Exemplary Performance
LEEDuser’s guide to earning IOc2 through Path 2, for Exemplary Performance, has its own page. Check it out here.
Path 3: Pilot Credit
LEEDuser offers pilot credit guidance and forums for innovative project teams who are pursuing the pilot credits.
The pilot credit library is more focused on design and construction rating systems compared with LEED-EBOM. A number of credits are currently available to EBOM teams.
FAQ's for LEED-EBOM IOc1
We achieved exemplary performance for more than three credits. Can we claim more than three points under IOc1?
While you can achieve the exemplary performance threshold for as many credits as you like, the maximum number of points you can receive for exemplary performance under IOc1 is three. The fourth point in this case must be earned via Path 1: Innovation in Operations or Path 3: Pilot Credit.
We didn’t claim one of our credits as an exemplary performance point under IOc1 during the preliminary review, but now we’d like to because it earned exemplary performance per the review comments. Is it possible to claim it now?
Yes, you can still get credit for meeting the exemplary performance threshold after the preliminary review is complete. You can attempt the credit as a new innovation credit or replace another innovation credit between the preliminary and final reviews.
One of the credits we used for exemplary performance didn’t actually end up earning exemplary performance in the preliminary review. Can we replace it with a different credit that did?
Yes, you can replace that credit with another one that did earn exemplary performance in the preliminary review. You can attempt the credit as a new innovation credit or replace another innovation credit between the preliminary and final reviews.
We have an idea for an innovation credit, but we’d like to get input on whether the strategy has merit before we attempt it. What should we do?
Yuo can get a lot of good tips in the LEEDuser guidance on this page, and forum discussions below. For more formal guidance, you can submit a Credit Interpretation Ruling through LEED Online to establish whether LEED considers your strategy valid. There is a fee for CIRs. Remember that CIRs do not guarantee that the credit will be awarded; you still have to demonstrate and document achievement through the LEED certification process.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
IO Credit 1: Innovation in operations
1-4 Points
Intent
To provide building operations, maintenance and upgrade teams with the opportunity to achieve additional environmental benefits achieved beyond those already addressed by the LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance 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 operations (1-4 points)
Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using an operations, maintenance or system upgrade strategy not addressed in the LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System.
One point is awarded for each innovation achieved. No more than 4 points under IOc1 may be earned through Path 1—Innovation in operations.
Identify following in writing:
- The intent of the proposed innovation credit
- The additional environmental benefits delivered
- The proposed requirements for compliance
- The proposed performance metrics to demonstrate compliance and the approaches
(strategies) used to meet the requirements - The proposed requirements met during the performance period
Path 2. Exemplary performance (1-3 points)
Achieve exemplary performance in an existing LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance prerequisite or credit that allows exemplary performance as specified in the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Operations & Maintenance, 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 IOc1 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
Implement and maintain during the performance period actions that provide added environmental benefits. These can be either actions that substantially exceed an existing LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance performance credit requirement or actions not addressed in LEED 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance that provide substantial added environmental benefits.
Technical Guides
Innovation in Design Credit Catalog
This guide is geared toward the LEED Design and Construction rating systems, so it has limited relevance to LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems.. It's one of the few official guides to approaches that have succeeded for Innovation points, however, so it may provide some background, if not concrete ideas, for EBOM.
Innovation Credit Proposal Template
Path 1: Innovation in Operations
This template is intended to help guide projects through the process of submitting a proposal for innovation in operations per Path 1 of IOc1. It includes advice on how to pursue this path, along with a basic template you can use.
Templates
Acoustical Design Credit
Innovation in Design
Enhanced acoustical design is only a prerequisite and credit in the LEED for Schools rating system only, but it is a good candidate for use as an innovation credit in other rating systems. Armstrong, a major manufacturer, pursued acoustics as an innovation path in its own LEED-EB certification in 2007. Shown here is a summary of how Armstrong earned the point.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
37 Comments
BD&C Credit
Hi, can we use a BD&C credit for apply a IO Credit on LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems.?
In principle, yes. In practice, this is not common. It is more common to go the other way, i.e. EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. credits used for ID in NC.
It will depend on the specifics. Did you have any specific credits in mind?
We are thinking in credits like: SSc2, SSc4.1, SSc4.2, SSc4.3 and SSc4.4.
Fabiano, I don't think this will fly. SSc4 already exists in EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., so you can't go for an innovation credit using a similar credit from another rating system. In NC, SSc2 is meant to encourage locating a building in a dense setting. That ship has sailed with an existing building.
What about SS 4.3? I don't see how that is addressed in EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. already. Yes, you are getting credit via the survey for those that are using alternative transportation, but by reserving parking spaces for LE/FE the building management is actually providing an incentive for alternative transportation.
What do you all think?
Nena, since EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. SSc4 has a lot of points available with it, and basically is a performance-based incentive to increase use of alternative transport (the survey gives you credit for what you are doing, so projects try to do more with measures like LE/FE parking), I don't see this working.
B Corp certification
Has anyone ever submitted an IO credit for B Corp Certification? My client is B Corp certified and wants to get an IO credit. Thanks for any thoughts on this.
Lisa, I haven't heard of this, although that doesn't mean it hasn't been tried.
However, I think you would need to establish more clearly how this meets the typical requirements for an innovation credit. One sticking point might be that LEED focuses on the building and its operations, not who is in the building and what kind of an organization they are.
Green Education
I'd like to ask if anyone can share success stories of how they successfully educated tenants about 'What is LEED.'
I am finding that in existing buildings, even though we held lunch and learns with tenant reps, e-mailed surveys (for transportation and thermal comfort), posted sings, and hung a plaque-tenants still have no idea why they should care or can explain what LEED means to them.
What am I missing?
We are considering 'desk drops' (janitorial dropping a flyer on every desk during their nightly cleaning) with a small fact sheet--but I hesitant to print hundreds of flyers. I've downloaded the USGB press kit, but it's too wordy for the average, casual user, ie. tenant who doesn't think about their building.
It's kind of like the plaque necessitates a 'please take one' flyer about why this Gold plaque is so special. The property managers and owners feel a little frustration that we work so hard to achieve certification, and it falls on dead ears.
thanks for sharing :)
Alyson,
It certainly sounds like you've tried many avenues! I have seen some success with a monitor or TV in the lobby which runs through a short slideshow of highlights of the LEED building. Something that won't take up more then 3-5 minutes of people's time. Also, having a website where people can go to learn more about what they've seen in the slideshow.
Good luck!
Hi Alyson,
I have experience working on only one project - but so far, we found that bringing people in early and asking that they vote for which credits they would like for the team to pursue worked well...people were engaged in the process, and hopefully this gave them a feeling of ownership in the project. Through asking people to vote for their favorite credits, they learned a good deal about LEED...Of course, we had to follow up and follow through by going for the highly rated credits - but we found that these were great ones to go with anyway. And friendly competition has also been a catalyst for engagement and curiosity about the process. Hope that this helps some and good luck!
More than one EP per section?
Can you have more than one EP per section.....for example for MR credit 2 AND MR credit 6?
Yes, there is no limit per category—you can earn EP for both of those.
Let me clarify for IUOM, can you earn more than one EP for the same section.
Matthew, again there is no restriction on how many EP points you can earn in one section, whether it be MR, SS, EA, etc. The only limit is on the overall number of points you can earn.
EBOM IO 2009 - SS cr 8
1. SS cr 8 - would the addition of timers and sensors for internal light fixtures in multiple zones qualify as an IO point? The credit only goes so far as to shield exterior fixtures or monitor night time illumination levels. The addition of timers and sensors would reduce the interior light pollution sources.
Salvatore, I am a bit confused by your question. Interior lighting controls are part of the requirements for SSc8, so I am not sure how you could qualify under IOc1 for having those controls.
Innovative water efficiency
A project considering LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. is looking to add a new rainwater catchment system because it will be lower-cost then replacing old sanitary ware. LEED EBOM fixtures and fittings efficiency is exactly that--there is no way to show reduction of water use through any other means (I don't want to try to input this through an alternative pathway because the credit intention is quite clearly defined). This would appear,then, to be a candidate for an innovation point. Is there any way to understand what the likely benchmark would be in terms of water use reduction? The fixtures reduction is shown in 5% increments but this seems a low benchmark for reducing water use through rainwater catchment. We have a number of small roofs potentially to collect from so the total reduction really makes a difference in terms of investment. Any advice gratefully received!
Set your baseline annual water consumption and calculate the percent savings achieved with the rainwater catchment system. If a reduction of 35% is achieved, 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 should be awarded. If the reduction is between 10% - 30% you should be awarded credits under WE Credit #2.
Possible IO Credit
I have a question about the scope of this credit. I am working with a client who has started a large amount of initiatives to educate his building occupants about sustainability; forming a green committee to discuss how to make the office more sustainable, giving employees tips on how to make their homes more efficient, placing more recycling receptacles, coordinating a group to organize carpools, he has even created a competition to see which employees can save the most amount of energy at home (winners get x months energy bills paid for).
While it would be relatively hard to quantify this credit, I believe a real effort has been made to educate the occupants that isn't addressed by EB. Would this idea of exemplary occupant education and participation in sustainability be a viable approach for obtaining a point in this category?
Thanks
Ben, that is definitely a valid way to earn an IOc1 point.
Just to be clear on terminology -- it's following the Innovation path for the credit, not 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.
LEED IOc EMS of ISO
When referring to ISO, does this credit require a new program or just highlight an existing practice that is not covered by LEED? Somewhere along the lines of regular measurement and monitoring of air quality, waste water quality, and occupational noise. This brings direct benefit to the users, and may be considered something that LEED does not cover in this much detail.
Hi Pablo,
The Reference Guide suggests implementing an Environmental Management System that conforms to ISO 14001-2004 standards. In my experience and research, LEED EB and ISO 14001 complement each other well. The ISO 14001-2004 guidance for an EMS is specific and requires that the following components be included:
- General Requirements
- Environmental Policy
- Planning
- Implementation and Operation
- Checking
- Management Review
ISO 14001 aims to lead an organization to a commitment of performance, however it is not directly related to the operation of a facility. The commitment takes shape in an organization specific Environmental Management System (EMS) that directly addresses the organization’s interaction with the environment and use of natural resources, along with other policies related to emergency preparedness. An organization should establish an EMS that is custom fit to their organization and the specifics of the program are left to be determined by the organization.
Hope that helps!
Thank you Natalie. My client does have EMS based on ISO 14001. However, what I read from the guidebook is that it has to be a new one ('create a program') not covered by LEED credit points? Not sure I'm interpreting it right. I read here above that an innovation can also be in the context of a 'suggested new credit' of sorts. If that is the case, then what LEED does not cover is the checking part (measurement and monitoring), to be specific - in my client's EMS, for the said items (air quality, occupational noise, effluent water) which they do regularly.
So I wanted to clear out the following:
1) if I read the rule right by focusing in on those three areas
2) if LEED will accept this given that it is recent practice, or
3) does it have to be a newly created program, or
4) will the existing very robust EMS (EHSMS) do - it has been in place for about a decade
Hope get some more clarification.
I would submit the established and robust EMS the client has in place. In my interpretation, the intent of this suggested innovation approach is to have an EMS in place, whether it is newly created or has been established for years. Depending on the organization and their particular EMS, there may be some overlap with LEED EB credits, which should not preclude the EMS from meeting the innovation credit requirements. Additionally, you may include a narrative that summarizes the ISO 14001-2004 Environmental Management System requirements and address how your EMS meets each requirement (including all 6 areas listed in my previous post).
I hope this helps clarify.
Exemplary Performance 2008 vs. 2009
I understand that in LEED 2009 you can achieve up to 3 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.. How is this different from LEED 2008? I had a colleague achieve multiple exemplary performance credits under 2008. However, the 2008 reference guide states: "Only one IO point can be earned for exemplary performance (page 494, Option A, last sentence). Am I reading this statement incorrectly, and can you actually achieve 4 exemplary performance credits under 2008?
I know this is a LEED 2009 forum, but unfortunately there is little to no guidance available for LEED-EB O&M (2008).
Hi Chris,
For each credit within IO you can choose to follow option A or option B. Option A allows you to get an IO point for an EP within EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., while Option B allows you to propose your own strategy (one not outlined in EBOM). You have these options for each credit and you can earn 1 IO point for the completion of each credit. I believe the line under option A is referring to you only being able to earn one point per credit. You can earn a total of 1-4 points under IO, one from each credit.
ISO14001 and EHSMS18001
The LEED Guidebook mentions environment management systems conforming to ISO 14001-2004 in the development of environmental policies and objectives as a possible path to an Innovations in Operations credit. My client has been practicing this and EHSMS 18001. They are ISO 14001-2004 certified.
Is the latest certificate sufficient as documentation or are there other documentation requirements to get this credit point?
Yes, you're referring to page 471 of the LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. Reference Guide.
I think you would have to do more than what you describe to document this credit. See the full text of the Reference Guide reference for what that might entail. Also see our guidance above under "Successful Strategies" for how to correctly approach an innovation credit.
IOc1 Innovation in Operation
Green waste management with biomethane generation on-site can be considered as an innovation point?
I would say potentially, but you have to develop this idea quite a bit more, according to the requirements discussed in the tabs above.
Thank you very much Tristan...
Can you give me an idea what would be the credit requirements for the above mentioned innovation point?
Thank you in advance.
Another queries, regarding Green Educational Program
If the project has submitted green educational program for a previous leed nc v2.2 ceritification, and now applying for a LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. v3 certification, it can be submitted again in improved version? with the proof that it is on-going education for the building occupants and the public.
Jovelyn, please read the guidance and requirements shown above under the various tabs, and let me know what specific questions you have.
The green educational program you submitted before would be eligible for IOc1 under EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., although I can't say from experience how successful that topic has been.
Shouldn't there be a 3rd path to recieve one point from a pilot credit from the usgbc website. Of the 10 pilot credits only 3 apply to EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems.. Has anyone had any luck w/ these 3 potential credits?
Yes, there is that third path, which is discussed above. This path is VERY new so I don't think anyone has completed it, particularly EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems., since those credits are just out of the gate.
IOc1 Exemplary Performance, multiple EP points for EAc4
Could you achieve multiple 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 by exceeding a credit by multiple thresholds? Or can you achieve only one EP point per existing credit?
Example: LEED EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. 2008 - EAc4 provides points for onsite renewable energy at the following thresholds:
3% - 1 point
6% - 2 points
9% - 3 points
12% - 4 points
If a project were to achieve 19% onsite, would it be eligible for 1 or 2 EP points associated with EAc4?
Ryan, good question, but you can only earn one EP point per credit, and you can only earn 3 EP points overall, even if you meet the thresholds for more than 3 credits.
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