LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction 2009

For personal use only and subject to the sales order agreement terms by (BP 10303644). May NOT be copied or distributed.

For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and ConstructionFor the Design, Construction and Major Renovations of Commercial and Institutional Buildings Including Core & Shell and K12 School Projects2009 Edition


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

iLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity. Breakthroughs in building science, technology, and operations are now available to designers, builders, operators, and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.

Through the LEED green building certification program, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is transforming the built environment. The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non sustainable and expensive sources of energy, and threats to human health. The work of innovative building professionals is a fundamental driving force in the green building moment. Such leadership is a critical component to achieving USGBCs mission of a sustainable built environment for all within a generation.

USGBC MeMBerShipUSGBCs greatest strength is the diversity of our membership. USGBC is a balanced, consensus-based nonprofit with more than 18,000 member companies and organizations representing the entire building industry. Since its inception in 1993, USGBC has played a vital role in providing a leadership forum and a unique, integrating force for the building industry. USGBCs programs have three distinguishing characteristics:

Committee-basedThe heart of this effective coalition is our committee structure, in which volunteer members design strategies that are implemented by staff and expert consultants. Our committees provide a forum for members to resolve differences, build alliances, and forge cooperative solutions for influencing change in all sectors of the building industry.

Member-drivenMembership is open and balanced and provides a comprehensive platform for carrying out important programs and activities. We target the issues identified by our members as the highest priority. We conduct an annual review of achievements that allows us to set policy, revise strategies, and devise work plans based on members needs.

Consensus-focusedWe work together to promote green buildings, and in doing so, we help foster greater economic vitality and environmental health at lower costs. We work to bridge ideological gaps between industry segments and develop balanced policies that benefit the entire industry.

Contact the U.S. Green Building Council 2101 L Street, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036 (800) 795-1747 Office (202) 828-5110 Fax www.usgbc.org


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

ii LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

CopyriGhtCopyright 2009 by the U.S. Green Building Council. All rights reserved.

The U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. (USGBC) devoted significant time and resources to create this LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition. USGBC authorizes individual use of the Reference Guide. In exchange for this authorization, the user agrees:

(1) to retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the Reference Guide,

(2) not to sell or modify the Reference Guide, and

(3) not to reproduce, display, or distribute the Reference Guide in any way for any public or commercial purpose, including display on a website or in a networked environment.

Unauthorized use of the Reference Guide violates copyright, trademark, and other laws and is prohibited.

The text of the federal and state codes, regulations, voluntary standards, etc., reproduced in the Reference Guide is used under license to USGBC or, in some instances, in the public domain. All other text, graphics, layout, and other elements of content in the Reference Guide are owned by USGBC and are protected by copyright under both United States and foreign laws.

NOTE: for downloads of the Reference Guide:

Redistributing the Reference Guide on the internet or otherwise is STRICTLY prohibited even if offered free of charge. DOWNLOADS OF THE REFERENCE GUIDE MAY NOT BE COPIED OR DISTRIBUTED. THE USER OF THE REFERENCE GUIDE MAY NOT ALTER, REDISTRIBUTE, UPLOAD OR PUBLISH THIS REFERENCE GUIDE IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AND HAS NO RIGHT TO LEND OR SELL THE DOWNLOAD OR COPIES OF THE DOWNLOAD TO OTHER PERSONS.

DiSClaiMerNone of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the Reference Guide, including the USGBC, its members, its contractors, or the United States government, assume any liability or responsibility to the user or any third parties for the accuracy, completeness, or use of or reliance on any information contained In the Reference Guide, or for any injuries, losses, or damages (including, without limitation, equitable relief ) arising from such use or reliance. Although the information contained in the Reference Guide is believed to be reliable and accurate, all materials set forth within are provided without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of the accuracy or completeness of information contained in the training or the suitability of the information for any particular purpose.

As a condition of use, the user covenants not to sue and agrees to waive and release the U.S. Green Building Council, its members, its contractors, and the United States government from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action for any injuries, losses, or damages (including, without limitation, equitable relief ) that the user may now or hereafter have a right to assert against such parties as a result of the use of, or reliance on, the Reference Guide.

U.S. Green Building Council 2101 L Street, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

iiiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

traDeMarkLEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction For the Design, Construction and Major Renovations of Commercial and Institutional Buildings Including Core & Shell and K12 School Projects 2009 Edition ISBN # 978-1-932444-14-8

aCknowleDGMentSThe LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009 Edition, has been made possible only through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, staff members, and others in the USGBC community. The Reference Guide drafting was managed and implemented by USGBC staff and consultants and included review and suggestions by many Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members. We especially extend our deepest gratitude to all of our LEED committee members who participated in the development of this guide, for their tireless volunteer efforts and constant support of USGBCs mission:

leeD Steering Committee Scot Horst, Chair, LSC Horst, IncJoel Ann Todd, Vice-Chair, LSC Joel Ann ToddMuscoe Martin M2 ArchitectureStuart Carron JohnsonDiversey, Inc.Holley Henderson H2 Ecodesign, LLCChristine Magar GreenformKristin Shewfelt Architectural Energy Corporation Jessica Millman Agora DCBryna Dunn Moseley ArchitectsNeal Billetdeaux JJRGreg Kats Managing Good EnergiesMark Webster Simpson Gumpertz & HegerBob Thompson EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch Malcolm Lewis Constructive Technologies Group, Inc.John Boecker 7GroupSara OMara Choate Construction CompanyAlex Zimmerman Rep Canada Green Building CouncilIan Theaker Rep Canada Green Building Council

Sustainable Sites taGBryna Dunn, Chair Moseley ArchitectsStewart Comstock, Vice-Chair Maryland Department of the EnvironmentMichele Adams Cahill AssociatesGina Baker Burt HillTed Bardacke Global Green USAStephen Benz SasakiMark Brumbaugh Brumbaugh & AssociatesLaura Case Emory University Campus ServicesZach Christeson the HOK Planning GroupJay Enck Commissioning & Green Building Services


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

iv LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

Ron Hand E/FECT. Sustainable Design SolutionsRichard Heinisch Acuity Lighting GroupMichael Lane Lighting Design LabMarita Roos HNTBZolna Russell Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.Alfred Vick Ecos Environmental Design, Inc.

water efficiency taGNeal Billetdeaux, Chair JJR John Koeller, Vice-Chair Alliance for Water EfficiencyDavid Carlson Columbia University Bill Hoffman H.W. Hoffman and Associates, LLC Geoff Nara Civil & Environmental Consultants Stephanie Tanner U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Daniel Yeh University of South Florida David Bracciano Tampa Bay Water Robert Rubin NCSU-BAE and McKim & Creed Winston Huff SSR Engineers Robert Benazzi Jaros Baum & Bolles Gunnar Baldwin TOTO USA, INC Heather Kinkade Forgotten Rain, LLCShabbir Rawalpindiwala Kohler Company Bill Wall Clivus New England, Inc.

energy and atmosphere taG Greg Kats, Chair GoodEnergiesMarcus Sheffer, Vice-Chair 7groupDrury Crawley US Department of EnergyJay Enck Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc.Ellen Franconi IPMVP and AECMark Frankel New Buildings InstituteNathan Gauthier Harvard Green Campus InitiativeRusty Hodapp Dallas/Fort Worth, Energy & Transportation ManagementJohn Hogan City of Seattle Department of Planning & DevelopmentBion Howard Building Environmental Science and TechnologyDan Katzenberger Engineering, Energy, and the EnvironmentBob Maddox Sterling PlanetBrenda Morawa BVM Engineering, Inc.Erik Ring LPA, Inc.Michael Rosenberg Oregon Department of EnergyMick Schwedler TraneGord Shymko IPMVP and G.F. Shymko & AssociatesGail Stranske CTG EnergeticsMichael Zimmer Thompson Hine LLP

Materials and resources taG Mark Webster, Chair Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.Steven Baer, Vice-chair Five Winds InternationalPaul Bertram NAIMAChris Dixon NBBJ


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

vLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

Ann Edminster Design AVEnuesLee Gros Lee Gros Architect and Artisan, IncTheresa Hogerheide-Reusch Reusch Design ServicesNadav Malin BuildingGreen, LLC.Nancy Malone Siegel & Strain ArchitectsKirsten Ritchie GenslerWayne Trusty Athena Sustainable Materials InstituteDenise Van Valkenburg MASCO Retail Cabinet GroupGabe Wing Herman Miller, Inc.

indoor environmental Quality taGBob Thompson, Chair EPA Indoor Environment Management BranchSteve Taylor, Vice-Chair Taylor EngineeringNancy Clanton Clanton and AssociatesAlexis Kurtz Ove Arup &PartnersGeorge Loisos Loisos+ UbelohdePrasad Vaidya The Weidt GroupDaniel Bruck BRC Acoustics & Tech.David Lubman David Lubman & AssociatesCharles Salter Salter AssociatesOzgem Ornektekin DMJM HarrisJude Anders Shoreline Concepts, LLCBrian Cloward Mithun Architects+Designers+PlannersLarry Dykhuis Herman Miller, Inc Francis (Bud) Offerman Indoor Environmental EngineeringChristopher Schaffner The Green EngineerDennis Stanke Trane Company

This edition of the reference guide builds on the work of those who helped create previous versions:

leeD for new Construction Version 2.2 Core Committee James H. Goldman, Chair Turner ConstructionTom Scarola, Vice-Chair Tishman Speyer PropertiesLee Burgett Trane CompanyCraig Kneeland New York State Energy Research & Development AuthorityJoe Higgins Fidelity Real Estate CompanyHarry Gordon Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann AssociatesMuscoe Martin Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLCChris Dixon MithunBill Odell HOK ArchitectsChris Schaffner The Green EngineerWayne Trusty Athena Sustainable Materials InstituteJerry Yudelson Greenway Consulting Group, LLCCharlotte Matthews Bovis Lend LeaseJohn McFarland WorkingBuildings LLCPrasad Vaidy The Weidt GroupAalok Deshmuk The Rocky Mountain Institute


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

vi LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

leeD for Core & Shell Version 2.0 Core CommitteeJerry Lea, Chair Hines CorporationChristine Magar, Vice-Chair GreenformPeter Bartels Power Construction Company, LLCClark Bisel Flack + KurtzGary Gardner Davis Gardner Gannon Pope ArchitectureArt Gensler GenslerRussell Perry SmithGroupJoe Van Belleghem BuildGreen Developments, Inc.Ken Wilson Envision DesignSally Wilson CB Richard EllisJerry Yudelson Greenway Consulting Group, LLC

leeD for Schools Core CommitteeRobert Kobet, Chair Sustainaissance International Jyoti Sharma, Vice-Chair Wake County Public Schools Anja Caldwell Montgomery County Public SchoolsGregory Churchill Oregon State Energy OfficeCharles Eley Architectural Energy CorporationDeane Evans, NJIT Center for Architecture and Building Science ResearchWilliam Orr California Integrated Waste Management BoardLarry Schoff Energy Efficient SolutionsKatrina Shum-Miller Green Building ServicesTimothy Sisson York InternationalBrenda Stokes Bibb County Public Schools

A special thanks to USGBC staff for their invaluable efforts in developing this LEED Reference Guide especially Sonia Punjabi for her technical expertise and extraordinary commitment, Lauren Riggs for her dedication and hard work, and Brendan Owens and Peter Templeton for their vision and guidance.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

viiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

preface i

introduction xii. Why Make Your Building Green? xi

ii. LEED Green Building Rating system xi

iii. overview and Process xiii

iV. LEED-online Documentation Requirements xviii

V. certification application xviii

Vi. certification strategy xix

Vii. Exemplary Performance strategies xx

Viii. Regional Priority xxi

iX. core & shell appendixes xxii

X. tools for Registered Projects xxii

Xi. How to use this Reference Guide xxiii

Sustainable Sites (SS) 1Prerequisite 1 construction activity Pollution Prevention 5

Prerequisite 2 * Environmental site assessment 11

credit 1 site selection 17

credit 2 Development Density and community connectivity 23

credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 35

credit 4.1 alternative transportationPublic transportation access 41

credit 4.2 alternative transportationBicycle storage and changing Rooms 49

credit 4.3 alternative transportationLow-Emitting and fuel-Efficient Vehicles 61

credit 4.4 alternative transportationParking capacity 71

credit 5.1 site DevelopmentProtect or Restore Habitat 77

credit 5.2 site DevelopmentMaximize open space 85

credit 6.1 stormwater DesignQuantity control 91

credit 6.2 stormwater DesignQuality control 101

credit 7.1 Heat island Effectnonroof 109

credit 7.2 Heat island EffectRoof 119

credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 129

credit 9 * tenant Design and construction Guidelines 143

credit 9 * site Master Plan 149

credit 10 * Joint use of facilities 153

water efficiency (we) 161Prerequisite 1 Water use Reduction 165

credit 1 Water-Efficient Landscaping 179

credit 2 innovative Wastewater technologies 193

*credit not applicable to all Rating systems, please refer to the credit for more details.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

viii LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

credit 3 Water use Reduction 203

credit 4 * Process Water use Reduction 207

energy and atmosphere (ea) 213Prerequisite 1 fundamental commissioning of Building Energy systems 217

Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance 237

Prerequisite 3 fundamental Refrigerant Management 251

credit 1 optimize Energy Performance 257

credit 2 on-site Renewable Energy 289

credit 3 Enhanced commissioning 299

credit 4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 305

credit 5 * Measurement and Verification 315

credit 5.1 * Measurement and VerificationBase Building 316

credit 5.2 * Measurement and Verificationtenant submetering 317

credit 6 Green Power 325

Materials and resources (Mr) 335Prerequisite 1 storage and collection of Recyclables 339

credit 1/1.1 Building ReuseMaintain Existing Walls, floors, and Roof 347

credit 1.2 * Building ReuseMaintain interior nonstructural Elements 351

credit 2 construction Waste Management 357

credit 3 Materials Reuse 363

credit 4 Recycled content 369

credit 5 Regional Materials 379

credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 387

credit 6/7 certified Wood 393

indoor environmental Quality (ieQ) 401Prerequisite 1 Minimum indoor air Quality Performance 407

Prerequisite 2 Environmental tobacco smoke (Ets) control 415

Prerequisite 3 * Minimum acoustical Performance 423

credit 1 outdoor air Delivery Monitoring 435

credit 2 increased Ventilation 443

credit 3/3.1 construction indoor air Quality Management PlanDuring construction 453

credit 3.2 * construction indoor air Quality Management PlanBefore occupancy 461

credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materialsadhesives and sealants 471

credit 4.2 Low-Emitting MaterialsPaints and coatings 481

credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materialsflooring systems 487

credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materialscomposite Wood and agrifiber Products 495

credit 4.5 * Low-Emitting Materialsfurniture and furnishings 501

credit 4.6 * Low-Emitting Materialsceiling and Wall systems 507

credit 5 indoor chemical and Pollutant source control 511

credit 6.1 * controllability of systemsLighting 519

credit 6/6.2 controllability of systemsthermal comfort 527

credit 7/7.1 thermal comfortDesign 535



For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

ixLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

credit 7.2 * thermal comfortVerification 543

credit 8.1 Daylight and ViewsDaylight 549

credit 8.2 Daylight and ViewsViews 565

credit 9 * Enhanced acoustical Performance 575

credit 10 * Mold Prevention 583

innovation in Design (iD) 591credit 1 innovation in Design 593

credit 2 LEED accredited Professional 597

credit 3 *the school as a teaching tool 601

regional priority (rp) 607credit 1 Regional Priority 609

Core & Shell appendixes 611appendix 1. Default occupancy counts 611

appendix 2. core & shell Energy Modeling Guidelines 615

appendix 3. LEED for core & shell Project scope 617

appendix 4. tenant Lease or sales agreement 619

appendix 5. LEED for core & shell Precertification Guidance 621

Glossary 623______________________________________________________________

leeD 2009 for new Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools100 base points; 6 possible innovation in Design and 4 Regional Priority points

certified 4049 points

silver 5059 points

Gold 6079 points

Platinum 80 points and above



For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

x LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

i. why Make yoUr BUilDinG Green?The environmental impact of the building design, construction, and operations industry is enormous. Buildings annually consume more than 30% of the total energy and more than 60% of the electricity used in the United States. In 2006, the commercial building sector produced more than 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, an increase of more than 30% over 1990 levels.1 Each day 5 billion gallons of potable water are used solely to flush toilets. A typical North American commercial building generates about 1.6 pounds of solid waste per employee per day2; in a building with 1,500 employees, that can amount to 300 tons of waste per year. Development alters land from natural, biologically diverse habitats to hardscape that is impervious and devoid of biodiversity. The far-reaching influence of the built environment necessitates action to reduce its impact.

Green building practices can substantially reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts through high-performance, market-leading design, construction, and operations practices. As an added benefit, green operations and management reduce operating costs, enhance building marketability, increase workers productivity, and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor air quality problems.

Examples abound. Energy efficiency measures have reduced operating expenses of the Denver Dry Goods building by approximately $75,000 per year. Students in day-lit schools in North Carolina consistently score higher on tests than students in schools using conventional lighting fixtures. Studies of workers in green buildings reported productivity gains of up to 16%, including less absenteeism and higher work quality, based on people-friendly green design. Karges Faulconbridge, Inc., renovated a former grocery store for its new headquarters and diverted 88% of the construction waste from landfills through reuse or recycling. The largest high-rise real estate project in Sacramento, the Joe Serna Jr. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building (Cal/EPA), was able to save $610,000 a year by implementing energy efficiency measures, making it 34% more energy efficient than required by Californias 1998 energy code. In short, green design, construction, and operations have environmental, economic, and social elements that benefit all building stakeholders, including owners, occupants, and the general public.

ii. leeD Green BUilDinG ratinG SySteM Background on leeD

Following the formation of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, the organizations members quickly realized that the sustainable building industry needed a system to define and measure green buildings. USGBC began to research existing green building metrics and rating systems. Less than a year after formation, the members acted on the initial findings by establishing a committee to focus solely on this topic. The composition of the committee was diverse; it included architects, real estate agents, a building owner, a lawyer, an environmentalist, and industry representatives. This cross section of people and professions added a richness and depth both to the process and to the ultimate product.

The first LEED Pilot Project Program, also referred to as LEED Version 1.0, was launched at the USGBC Membership Summit in August 1998. After extensive modifications, LEED Green Building


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xii LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

Rating System Version 2.0 was released in March 2000, with LEED Version 2.1 following in 2002 and LEED Version 2.2 following in 2005.

As LEED has evolved and matured, the program has undertaken new initiatives. In addition to a rating system specifically devoted to building operational and maintenance issues (LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance), LEED addresses the different project development and delivery processes that exist in the U.S. building design and construction market, through rating systems for specific building typologies, sectors, and project scopes: LEED for Core & Shell, LEED for New Construction, LEED for Schools, LEED for Neighborhood Development, LEED for Retail, LEED for Healthcare, LEED for Homes, and LEED for Commercial Interiors.

Project teams interact with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) for project registration and certification. GBCI was established in 2008 as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council. GBCI administers credentialing and certification programs related to green building practice. These programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as LEED.

The green building field is growing and changing daily. New technologies and products are being introduced into the marketplace, and innovative designs and practices are proving their effectiveness. The LEED rating systems and reference guides will evolve as well. Project teams must comply with the version of the rating system that is current at the time of their registration.

USGBC will highlight new developments on its website on a continual basis at www.usgbc.org.

Features of leeD

The LEED Green Building Rating Systems are voluntary, consensus-based, and market-driven. Based on existing and proven technology, they evaluate environmental performance from a whole-building perspective over a buildings life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building in design, construction, and operation.

The LEED rating systems are designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. They are based on accepted energy and environmental principles and strike a balance between known, established practices and emerging concepts. Each rating system is organized into 5 environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. An additional category, Innovation in Design, addresses sustainable building expertise as well as design measures not covered under the 5 environmental categories. Regional bonus points are another feature of LEED and acknowledge the importance of local conditions in determining best environmental design and construction practices.

the leeD Credit weightingsIn LEED 2009, the allocation of points between credits is based on the potential environmental impacts and human benefits of each credit with respect to a set of impact categories. The impacts are defined as the environmental or human effect of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the building, such as greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel use, toxins and carcinogens, air and water pollutants, indoor environmental conditions. A combination of approaches, including energy modeling, life-cycle assessment, and transportation analysis, is used to quantify each type of impact. The resulting allocation of points among credits is called credit weighting.

LEED 2009 uses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys TRACI3 environmental impact categories as the basis for weighting each credit. TRACI was developed to assist with impact evaluation for life-cycle assessment, industrial ecology, process design, and pollution prevention.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xiiiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

LEED 2009 also takes into consideration the weightings developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); these compare impact categories with one another and assign a relative weight to each. Together, the 2 approaches provide a solid foundation for determining the point value of each credit in LEED 2009.

The LEED 2009 credit weightings process is based on the following parameters, which maintain consistency and usability across rating systems:

n All LEED credits are worth a minimum of 1 point.

n All LEED credits are positive, whole numbers; there are no fractions or negative values.

n All LEED credits receive a single, static weight in each rating system; there are no individualized scorecards based on project location.

n All LEED rating systems have 100 base points; Innovation in Design (or Operations) and Regional Priority credits provide opportunities for up to 10 bonus points.

Given the above criteria, the LEED 2009 credit weightings process involves 3 steps:

1. A reference building is used to estimate the environmental impacts in 13 categories associated with a typical building pursuing LEED certification.

2. The relative importance of building impacts in each category are set to reflect values based on the NIST weightings.4

3. Data that quantify building impacts on environmental and human health are used to assign points to individual credits.

Each credit is allocated points based on the relative importance of the building-related impacts that it addresses. The result is a weighted average that combines building impacts and the relative value of the impact categories. Credits that most directly address the most important impacts are given the greatest weight, subject to the system design parameters described above. Credit weights also reflect a decision by LEED to recognize the market implications of point allocation. The result is a significant change in allocation of points compared with previous LEED rating systems. Overall, the changes increase the relative emphasis on the reduction of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with building systems, transportation, the embodied energy of water, the embodied energy of materials, and where applicable, solid waste.

The details of the weightings process vary slightly among individual rating systems. For example, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance includes credits related to solid waste management but LEED for New Construction does not. This results in a difference in the portion of the environmental footprint addressed by each rating system and the relative allocation of points. The weightings process for each rating system is fully documented in a weightings workbook.

The credit weightings process will be reevaluated over time to incorporate changes in values ascribed to different building impacts and building types, based on both market reality and evolving scientific knowledge related to buildings. A complete explanation of the LEED credit weightings system is available on the USGBC website, at www.usgbc.org.

iii. oVerView anD proCeSS The LEED Green Building Rating Systems for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools are a set of performance standards for certifying the design and construction of commercial or institutional buildings and high-rise residential buildings of all sizes, both public and private. The intent is to promote healthful, durable, affordable, and environmentally sound practices in building design and construction.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xiv LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

Prerequisites and credits in the LEED Green Building Rating Systems address 7 topics:

n Sustainable Sites (SS)

n Water Efficiency (WE)

n Energy and Atmosphere (EA)

n Materials and Resources (MR)

n Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

n Innovation in Design (ID)

n Regional Priority (RP)

LEED prerequisites and credits have identical structures; see Section XI of this Introduction.

Minimum program requirements A project must adhere to LEEDs Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), or possess minimum characteristics in order to be eligible for certification under LEED 2009. These requirements define the categories of buildings that the LEED rating systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals: (1) give clear guidance to customers, (2) protect the integrity of the LEED program, and (3) reduce challenges that occur during the LEED certification process. The MPRs will evolve over time in tandem with the LEED rating systems. In order to be eligible for certification under any LEED 2009 Rating System, projects must comply with each associated MPR. The MPRs can be found in the LEED 2009 Rating Systems. In addition, definitions and more extensive guidance on certain issues are provided in a separate document, titled Supplemental Guidance, available on the USGBC website.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) reserves the right to revoke LEED certification from any LEED 2009 project upon gaining knowledge of non-compliance with any applicable MPRs. If such a circumstance occurs, no registration or certification fees paid to GBCI will be refunded.

when to Use leeD for new ConstructionLEED for New Construction was designed primarily for new commercial office buildings, but it has been applied to many other building types by LEED practitioners. All commercial buildings, as defined by standard building codes, are eligible for certification as LEED for New Construction buildings. Examples of commercial occupancies include offices, institutional buildings (libraries, museums, churches, etc.), hotels, and residential buildings of 4 or more habitable stories.

LEED for New Construction addresses design and construction activities for both new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings. A major renovation involves major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and major interior rehabilitation. For a major renovation of an existing building, LEED for New Construction is the appropriate rating system. If the project scope does not involve significant design and construction activities and focuses more on operations and maintenance activities, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance is more appropriate because it addresses operational and maintenance issues of working buildings.

Some projects are designed and constructed to be partially occupied by the owner or developer, and partially occupied by other tenants. In such projects, the owner or developer has direct influence over the portion of the work that they occupy. For such a project to pursue LEED for New Construction certification, the owner or tenant must occupy more than 50% of the buildings leasable square footage. Projects in which 50% or less of the buildings leasable square footage is occupied by an owner should pursue LEED for Core & Shell certification.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xvLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

when to Use leeD for Core & ShellThe LEED for Core & Shell Rating System is a market-specific application that recognizes the unique nature of core and shell development. The LEED for Core & Shell Rating System acknowledges the limited level of influence a developer can exert in a speculatively developed building.

LEED for Core & Shell was developed to serve the speculative development market, in which project teams do not control all scopes of a whole buildings design and construction. Depending on how the project is structured, this scope can vary significantly from project to project. The LEED for Core & Shell Rating System addresses a variety of project types and a broad project range.

LEED for Core & Shell can be used for projects in which the developer controls the design and construction of the entire core and shell base building (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems) but has no control over the design and construction of the tenant fit-out. Examples of this type of project can be a commercial office building, medical office building, retail center, warehouse, and lab facility.

If a project is designed and constructed to be partially occupied by the owner or developer,then the owner or developer has direct influence over that portion of the interior build-out work. For these projects to pursue LEED for Core & Shell certification, the owner must occupy 50% or less of the buildings leasable square footage. Projects in which more than 50% of the buildings tenant space is occupied by a owner should pursue LEED for New Construction certification.

Because of the nature of the core and shell project type and scope, LEED for Core & Shell certification has some unique aspects. Further guidance on these can be found in the appendixes to the Reference Guide. Project teams should review these appendixes for guidance.

core & shell appendix 1 Default occupancy countsn Guidance is provided for Core & Shell projects, which typically do not know what the

actual building occupancy, for how for determining FTE and transient occupants.

core & shell appendix 2 core & shell Energy Modeling Guidelinesn Guidance is provided on how to model building systems that are beyond the developers

scope of work.

core & shell appendix 3 core & shell Project scopen This checklist is to be provided to GBCI for certification and precertification, and is

intended to show what portions of the work is within the developers control.

core & shell appendix 4 tenant Lease or sales agreementn The LEED for Core & Shell Rating System allows developers to achieve compliance with

the requirements for certain credits through a binding tenant lease or sales agreement.

core & shell appendix 5 LEED for core & shell Precertification Guidancen Precertification, signifying the developers commitment to achieving full certification

upon completion of construction, enables a Core & Shell project to market the advantages of a green building to potential tenants.

For more information about the Core & Shell appendixes, see Section IX of this Introduction.

when to Use leeD for SchoolsLEED for Schools addresses design and construction activities for both new school buildings and major renovations of existing school buildings.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xvi LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

LEED for Schools must be used for the construction or major renovation of an academic building on K12 school grounds. Other projects on a school campus may qualify under 2 or more LEED rating system project scopes; for example, nonacademic buildings on a school campus, such as administrative offices, maintenance facilities, or dormitories, are eligible for either LEED for New Construction and LEED for Schools. Projects involving postsecondary academic buildings or prekindergarten buildings may also choose to use either LEED for New Construction or LEED for Schools.

If the project scope does not involve significant design and construction activities and focuses more on operations and maintenance activities, LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M is the appropriate rating system.

Many projects neatly fit the defined scope of only 1 LEED rating system; others may be eligible for 2 or more. The project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum points required in a given rating system. If more than 1 rating system applies, the project team can decide which to pursue. For assistance in choosing the most appropriate LEED rating system, please e-mail [email protected].

registrationProject teams interested in earning LEED certification for their buildings must first register the project with GBCI. Projects can be registered on the GBCI website (www.gbci.org). The website also has information on registration costs for USGBC national members as well as nonmembers. Registration is an important step that establishes contact with GBCI and provides access to software tools, errata, critical communications, and other essential information.

leeD-onlineLEED-Online is the primary resource for managing the LEED documentation process. From LEED-Online, project teams can manage project details, complete documentation requirements for LEED credits and prerequisites, upload supporting files, submit applications for review, receive reviewer feedback, and ultimately earn LEED certification. LEED-Online provides a common space where members of a project team can work together to document compliance with the LEED rating system. All project teams pursuing LEED certification are required to use LEED-Online and its submittal documentation paths. LEED submittals are instrumental in demonstrating credit compliance because they contain all the documentation requirements for any given LEED credit. Additionally, LEED-Online contains embedded calculators and tables to ensure that the submittal package delivered to GBCI is complete and accurate.

LEED-Online also features several support capabilities. It enables team members to view and submit credit interpretation requests, contact customer service, generate project-specific reports, and consult supplementary LEED resources, such as FAQs, tutorials, offline calculators, and sample documentation. Applicants with multiple projects will have access to reporting tools that use data from projects across their entire LEED portfolio. LEED certificates for successful projects are also issued through LEED-Online.

Credit interpretation requests and rulingsIn some cases, a LEED project team may encounter challenges when interpreting the requirements of a prerequisite or credit for their project, perhaps because the reference guide does not sufficiently address a specific issue or a conflict requires resolution. To address such issues, a credit interpretation ruling process has been established for each LEED rating system. See the GBCI website for more information, at www.gbci.org.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xviiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

Credit interpretation requests must be submitted online. Provide a brief but clear description of the challenge encountered, refer to the prerequisite or credit information found in the rating system and reference guide, and emphasize the intent of the prerequisite or credit. If possible, the project team should offer potential solutions to the problem or a proposed interpretation. Follow the detailed instructions in LEED-Online.

Communications related to credit interpretation requests will be in electronic format.

review and CertificationTo earn LEED certification, the applicant project must satisfy all the prerequisites and credits worth the minimum number of points to warrant the desired project rating under LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, or Schools. Projects must comply with the version of the rating system that is current in LEED-Online at the time of project registration.

appealsAppeals may be filed after the design phase review, the construction phase review, or the full application review. Please see the GBCI website for more information on appeals.

FeesInformation on certification fees can be found on the GBCI website. GBCI will acknowledge receipt of the application and proceed with application review when all project documentation and payments have been received and processed. Registration fees, appeal review fees, and any additional fees required to expedite LEED certification are not refundable.

Updates and addendaThis is the first edition of the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009. As building science and technology continue to improve and evolve, updates and addenda will be made available. USGBC cannot be held liable for any criteria set forth herein that may not be applicable to later versions of LEED rating systems, and GBCI reserves the right to modify its policies from time to time. Updates and addenda will be accumulated between revisions and will be formally incorporated in major revisions. In the interim, between major revisions, USGBC may issue updates or addenda to clarify criteria.

The prerequisites, credits, amendments and addenda current at the time of project registration will continue to guide the project throughout its certification process

information privacy & policy GuidelinesFor more information on the privacy policy of the U.S. Green Building Counil, Inc. (USGBC), refer to the Policies and Guidelines section of the USGBC website, at www.usgbc.org. With the support of its members, volunteers, and other stakeholders, USGBC is the developer of the LEED rating systems.

Green Building Certification Institute, Inc. (GBCI) implements the LEED rating systems and carries out credentialing programs relating to LEED. For more information on the privacy policy of GBCI including the privacy policy on documentation submitted through LEED-Online, refer to the Policies and Guidelines section of the GBCI website, at www.gbci.org. Projects whose information should be treated as confidential may select this option during registration; project confidentiality status may be changed at any time through LEED-Online. Please review the GBCI privacy policy for further details.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xviii LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

iV. leeD-online DoCUMentation reQUireMentSAll LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools certification applications must include the required LEED-Online documentation: general documentation requirements, documentation requirements for all prerequisites, and documentation requirements for all pursued credits.

General requirementsLEED certification application requires the submission of an overall project narrative with the completed LEED-Online documentation requirements. The project narrative describes the applicants organization, building, site, and team. This narrative helps the LEED review team understand the major elements of the project and building performance, and it also aids in highlighting projects in future communications efforts. General documentation also requires the basic details pertaining to project site conditions, construction scope and timeline, occupant and usage data, and project team identification. Project teams must address all the elements in the general documentation requirements, providing details and clarifications where appropriate, and they may include any optional elements that are helpful in describing the project.

Credit SubstitutionThe LEED 2009 rating systems do not allow credit substitution using another version. Currently registered LEED projects that want to use LEED 2009 credits need to switch to the new version in entirety. USGBC expects that most projects will find this switch feasible and advantageous.

V. CertiFiCation appliCationleeD for Core & Shell precertification applicationPrecertification is formal recognition by GBCI that the owner or developer has established LEED for Core & Shell certification as a goal. Precertification is unique to LEED for Core & Shell, and projects may pursue it, or not, at their discretion. It gives core and shell building owners and developers a marketing tool to attract potential tenants and financiers who recognize the benefits of a LEED-certified building. Precertification generally occurs early in the design process and is based on declared goals and the intent to use green strategies, systems, and/or features, not actual achievement of these features.

Once a project is registered as a LEED Core & Shell project with GBCI, a project team that chooses to seek precertification may complete the LEED Core & Shell precertification documentation requirements and submit the project for review. Because much of the value of precertification occurs early in a projects development, the project teams documentation and GBCIs review is necessarily less rigourous and comprehensive than the LEED Core & Shell certification application. Project teams must confirm that the project intends to meet the requirements of a credit. For detailed information on Core & Shell precertification, refer to Appendix 5.

Precertificaiton is not required for a documented and completed building, nor is it confirmation of, or a commitment to achieve, LEED for Core & Shell certification. Precertification is not LEED Certification. Please see Appendix 5 for further information on LEED for Core & Shell precertification.

leeD for new Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools Certification applicationTo earn LEED certification, the applicant project must satisfy all the prerequisites and qualify for a minimum number of points to attain the established project ratings as listed below. Having satisfied the basic prerequisites of the program, applicant projects are then rated according to their degree of compliance within the rating system.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xixLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

After registration, the project design team should begin to collect information and perform calculations to satisfy the prerequisite and credit documentation requirements. Because documentation should be gathered throughout design and construction, it is helpful to designate a LEED team leader who will be responsible for managing its compilation.

LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools provides the option of splitting a certification application into two phases: design and construction. Documentation for design phase credits, identified in LEED-Online, can be submitted for review at the end of the design phase; the submittals for these credits can be fully evaluated based on documentation available during this phase of the project. For example, if a project site meets the requirements of LEED for New Construction SS Credit 3, Brownfield Redevelopment, the likelihood of credit achievement can be assessed before construction is complete. The LEED credit itself, however, is not awarded at the design review stage.

Design phase review Each project is allotted a design phase review that consists of a preliminary design phase review and a final design phase review.GBCI formally rules on the design phase application by designating each attempted credit as either anticipated or denied. Participating in a design phase review does not guarantee award of any credit and will not result in LEED certification. This process enables project teams to assess the likelihood of credit achievement and requires follow-through to ensure the design is executed in the construction phase according to design specifications.

Construction phase review At the completion of construction, the project team submits all attempted credits for review, including any newly attempted design credits. If the project team has had a design phase review and any of the design phase anticipated credits have since changed, additional documentation must be submitted to substantiate continued compliance with credit requirements. Upon receipt of the full certification application and fee, a final review will be conducted. All applicant-verified design phase credits that were designated as anticipated and have not changed since the design phase review will be declared as awarded. All other credits will be designated as either awarded or denied.

Project teams should refer to LEED-Online and the rating system scorecards to get information on credits that can be submitted for design phase review and credits that must be submitted for construction phase review.

LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools certifications are awarded according to the following scale:

certified 4049 points

silver 5059 points

Gold 6079 points

Platinum 80 points and above

GBCI recognizes buildings that achieve 1 of these rating levels with a formal letter of certification.

Vi. CertiFiCation StrateGytimeline and project Design phasesProject teams should study the principles and objectives of LEED as early in the site selection and design process as possible. The project design phases mentioned throughout this reference guide


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xx LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

correspond to the architectural design and planning steps commonly used in the construction industry:

1. Predesign entails gathering information, recognizing stakeholder needs, and establishing project goals.

2. Schematic design explores several design options and alternatives, with the intent to establish an agreed-upon project layout and scope of work.

3. Design development begins the process of spatial refinement and usually involves the first design of a projects energy systems.

4. Construction documents carry the design into the level of details for all spaces and systems and materials so that construction can take place.

5. Construction.

6. Substantial completion is a contractual benchmark that usually corresponds to the point at which a client could occupy a nearly completed space.

7. Final completion.

8. Certificate of occupancy is the official recognition by a local building department that a building conforms to applicable building and safety codes.

related CreditsWhen pursuing LEED certification, it is important to consider how credits are interconnected and how their synergies and trade-offs will ultimately affect both the project and the other credits the team may consider pursuing. Consult the Related Credits section of each prerequisite and credit to help inform design and construction decisions leading to certification.

Consistent Documentation across CreditsSeveral kinds of project information are required for consistent LEED documentation across various credits. Pay special attention to overlapping project data; doing so will help the application and review process go smoothly.

operations and Maintenance in leeD for new Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools Certified BuildingsThe LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction contains information on operations and maintenance to help project teams streamline green O&M practices once the LEED design and construction project has been completed. Although not required as part of the LEED certification process, upfront planning for green operations and maintenance can help building owners, operators, and maintenance staff ensure that the building continues to operate in a sustainable manner.

Vii. exeMplary perForManCe StrateGieS Exemplary performance strategies result in performance that greatly exceeds the performance level or expands the scope required by an existing LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, or Schools credit. To earn exemplary performance credits, teams must meet the performance level defined by the next step in the threshold progression. For credits with more than 1 compliance path, an Innovation in Design point can be earned by satisfying more than 1 compliance path if their benefits are additive. See the Innovation in Design credit section for further details.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

The credits for which exemplary performance points are available through expanded performance are noted throughout this reference guide and in LEED-Online by the logo shown below.

Exemplary performance option 2

The list for exemplary performance points available is as follows:

Sustainable Sitesss credit 2 Development Density and community connectivity

ss credit 4 alternative transportation

ss credit 5 site Development

ss credit 6 stormwater Design

ss credit 7 Heat island Effect

ss credit 10 Joint use of facilities (schools only)

water efficiencyWE credit 2 innovative Wastewater technologies

WE credit 3 Water use Reduction

WE credit 4 Process Water use Reduction (schools only)

energy and atmosphereEa credit 1 optimize Energy Performance

Ea credit 2 on-site Renewable Energy

Ea credit 3 Enhanced commissioning

Ea credit 6 Green Power

Materials and resourcesMR credit 1 Building Reuse: Maintain Existing Walls, floors, and Roof (core & shell only)

MR credit 2 construction Waste Management

MR credit 3 Materials Reuse

MR credit 4 Recycled content

MR credit 5 Regional Materials

MR credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials (new construction and schools only)

MR credit 7 certified Wood (core & shell, MR credit 6)

indoor environmental QualityiEQ credit 3 construction indoor air Quality Management Plan (core & shell only)

iEQ credit 8 Daylight and Views

iEQ credit 9 Enhanced acoustical Performance (schools only)

iEQ credit 10 Mold Prevention (schools only)

Viii. reGional priorityTo provide incentive to address geographically specific environmental issues, USGBC regional councils and chapters have identified 6 credits per rating system that are of particular importance to specific areas. Each Regional Priority credit is worth an additional 1 point, and a total of 4 additional points may be earned by achieving Regional Priority credits, with 1 point earned per credit. Upon project registration, LEED-Online automatically determines a projects Regional Priority credits


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxii LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

based on its zip code. If the project achieves more than 4 Regional Priority credits, the team can choose the credits for which these points will apply. The USGBC website also contains a searchable database of Regional Priority credits.

ix. Core & Shell appenDixeS

appendix 1Default Occupancy Counts: presents default occupancy counts for Core & Shell projects. Because of the nature of core and shell development, the project team may not know the tenant makeup and occupancy during the buildings design phase. For some credits, the team will need to refer to the default occupancy count table to determine credit compliance. The occupancy counts must be consistent across all credits.

appendix 2Core & Shell Energy Modeling Guidelines: gives guidelines for Core & Shell energy modeling. These guidelines are intended to ensure that projects in different markets approach the energy modeling requirements in a similar manner and to establish a minimum benchmark for energy optimization. Consult this appendix when modeling both the designed core and shell spaces and the tenant spaces that are not part of the project design and construction scope.

appendix 3Core & Shell Project Scope Checklist: contains a checklist for tenant interiors to help Core & Shell teams define the owner-tenant division in the project design and certification and precertification review process.

appendix 4Tenant Lease or Sales Agreement: offers a way for Core & Shell projects to earn points by making credit requirements part of a binding sales agreement or tenant lease. This expands the area of project owner and design team control from design and construction to tenant sales and lease agreement negotiation, and is designed to give Core & Shell projects with a limited scope of work the ability to achieve credits that would otherwise be beyond their control, by committing the tenant(s) to green building practices in the tenants scope of work.

appendix 5LEED for Core & Shell Precertification Guidance: explains how Core & Shell project teams can earn precertification by making a commitment to comply with the requirements for full certification. Precertification can help attract financing and enhance a buildings appeal to potential tenant.

x. toolS For reGiStereD projeCtSLEED offers additional resources for LEED project teams on the USGBC website, at www.usgbc.org/projecttools. The Registered Projects Tools website provides resources for starting the project, including rating system errata, documentation requirements, and referenced industry standards. Also consult the website for the following:

Declarant definitions and other definitions. This resource describes the team members who are required to sign off on certain documentation requirements and indicates the prerequisites and credits for which each team member is responsible. The required declarant is noted in the corresponding credit documentation section of LEED-Online.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxiiiLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

Licensed Professional Exemption Form. The Licensed Professional Exemption Form can be used by a project teams registered professional engineer, registered architect, or registered landscape architect as a streamlined path to certain credits, bypassing otherwise-required submittals. This form is used in conjunction with the declarations in LEED-Online to document any exemptions. The form is required for any eligible submittal requirements the project team wishes to waive; the exemption is invalid without a properly executed Licensed Professional Exemption Form. Licensed Professional Exemptions are noted in the corresponding credit documentation section of LEED-Online.

xi. how to USe thiS reFerenCe GUiDeThe LEED for Green Building Design and Construction Reference Guide is a supporting document to the LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools rating systems. The guide helps project teams understand the criteria, the reasons behind them, strategies for implementation, and documentation requirements. It includes examples of strategies that can be used in each category, case studies of buildings that have implemented these strategies successfully, and additional resources. It does not provide an exhaustive list of strategies for meeting the criteria or all the information that a project team needs to determine the applicability of a credit to the project.

rating System pagesThe rating system, published in its entirety on the USGBC website, is imbedded in this reference guide. Each prerequisite and credit discussion begins with a gray page that mirrors the rating systems Intent and Requirements. This Reference guide addresses the Intents and Requirements for the following Rating Systems: LEED 2009 for New Construction, LEED 2009 for Core & Shell and LEED 2009 for Schools.

In instances where a particular Rating system has a unique intent and/or requirements, the layout of the rating system pages will highlight the intent or requirements. The following is an example of where certain New Construction and Schools requirements are identical (i.e., NC & Schools), but where there are additional New Construction-specific requirements (i.e., NC: Additional Requirement):

nc & scHooLs

Achieve IEQ Credit 7.1: Thermal ComfortDesign

Agree to conduct a thermal comfort survey of building occupants (adults and students of grades 6 and above) within 6 to 18 months after occupancy. This survey should collect anonymous responses about thermal comfort in the building, including an assessment of overall satisfaction with thermal performance and identification of thermal comfort problems. Agree to develop a plan for corrective action if the survey results indicate that more than 20% of occupants are dissatisfied with thermal comfort in the building. This plan should include measurement of relevant environmental variables in problem areas in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 (with errata but without addenda).

nc additional Requirement

Provide a permanent monitoring system to ensure that building performance meets the desired comfort criteria as determined by IEQ Credit 7.1: Thermal ComfortDesign. Residential projects are not eligible for this credit.

the additional new construction-specific requirements

new construction and schools requirements


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxiv LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

prerequisite and Credit FormatEach prerequisite or credit is organized in a standardized format for simplicity and quick reference. The first section summarizes the main points regarding the green measure and includes the intent, requirements, required submittals for certification, and a summary of any referenced industry standard. Subsequent sections provide supporting information to help interpret the measure and offer links to resources and examples. The sections for each credit are described in the following paragraphs.

Intent identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit.

Requirements specifies the criteria that satisfy the prerequisite or credit and the number of points available. The prerequisites must be achieved; the credits are optional, but each contributes to the overall project score. Some credits have 2 or more paths with cumulative points. Other credits have several options from which the project team must choose. For example, Energy & Atmosphere Credit 1, Optimize Energy Efficiency Performance, has 3 options, but a project can apply for only 1, depending on the type of building.

Benefits and Issues to Consider addresses the environmental benefits of the activity encouraged by the prerequisite or credit, and economic considerations related to first costs, life-cycle costs, and estimated savings.

Related Credits acknowledges the trade-offs and synergies within the LEED rating system credit categories. Achieving a particular credit may make it worthwhile and comparatively easy to pursue related credits; the converse is also possible.

The Summary of Referenced Standards, where applicable, introduces the required standards used to measure achievement of the credit intent. Teams are strongly encouraged to review the full standard and not rely on the summary.

Implementation discusses specific methods or assemblies that facilitate achievement of the requirements.

Timeline and Team guides the project team by identifying who should lead an effort and when the tasks should begin.

Calculations offers sample formulas or computations that determine achievement of a particular prerequisite or credit. Most calculations are facilitated in LEED-Online.

The Documentation Guidance section provides the first steps in preparing to complete the LEED-Online documentation requirements.

Examples illustrates strategies for credit achievement.

Exemplary Performance, if applicable, details the level of performance needed for the award of points in addition to those for credit achievement.

Regional Variations outlines concerns specific to the geographic location of the building.

Resources offers suggestions for further research and provide examples or illustrations, detailed technical information, or other information relevant to the prerequisite or credit. The resources include websites, online materials, and printed books and articles that can be obtained directly from the organizations listed.

Definitions clarifies the meaning of certain terms relevant to the prerequisite or credit. These may be general terms or terms specific to LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools. A complete glossary is found at the end of this reference guide.

Throughout these sections, the rating system specific information is called out by enclosing the information in a gray box; the relevant rating systems are identified by NC (New Construction), CS


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxvLEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

(Core & Shell) or Schools as printed in the top left corner of the gray box. Similarly, rating system specific intents and requirements are identified in the Rating System Pages. This method provides clarity to the credit discussions and provides the relevant information needed for different project types where necessary.

Endnotes1 Energy Information Administration. Emissions of Greenhouse Gas Report. Report DOE/

EIA-0573(2006). Released 28 November 2007. http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/carbon.html#commercial

2 Office of the Federal Environmental Executive. Last modified 24 April 2008.

3 Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/std/sab/traci/.

4 Relative impact category weights based on an exercise undertaken by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) for the BEES program. http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees/.


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

xxvi LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

1LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

overviewThe selection and development of a buildings site are fundamental components of sustainable building practices. Environmental damage caused by construction may take years of work to remedy.

The Sustainable Sites credit section addresses environmental concerns related to building landscape, hardscape, and exterior building issues. The LEED Sustainable Sites credits for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools promote the following measures:

selecting and Developing the site Wisely Buildings affect ecosystems in a variety of ways. Development of a greenfield, or previously undeveloped site, consumes land. Development projects may also encroach on agricultural lands and wetlands or water bodies and compromise existing wildlife habitats. Choosing a previously developed site or even a damaged site that can be remediated reduces pressure on undeveloped land. Developing a master plan for the project site helps engrain environmental considerations as adaptations or expansions of site facilities occur over time. Planning for joint use of facilities integrates the project into the surrounding community and conserves material and land resources though optimized use of infrastructure.

Reducing Emissions associated with transportationEnvironmental concerns related to buildings include vehicle emissions and the need for vehicle infrastructure as building occupants travel to and from the site. Emissions contribute to climate change, smog, acid rain, and other air quality problems. Parking areas, roadways, and building surfaces increase stormwater runoff and contribute to the urban heat island effect. In 2006, 76% of commuters in America ages 16 and older drove to work alone. Of the remaining 24% who used alternative means of transportation (including working from home), only 5% used public transportation and 11% carpooled.1 Locating the project near residential areas, providing occupants with cycle racks, changing facilities, preferred parking, and access to mass transit and alternative-fuel fueling stations can encourage use of alternative forms of transportation. Promoting mass transit reduces the energy required for transportation as well as the space needed for parking lots, which encroach on green space.

Planting sustainable LandscapesConventional plant designs and landscape maintenance practices often require irrigation and chemicals. Sustainable practices minimize the use of irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides and can prevent soil erosion and sedimentation. Erosion from precipitation and wind causes degradation of property as well as sedimentation of local water bodiesand building sites can be major sources of sediment. Loss of nutrients, soil compaction, and decreased biodiversity of soil organisms can severely limit the vitality of landscaping. Sedimentation caused by erosion increases turbidity levels, which degrades aquatic habitats, and the buildup of sediments in stream channels can lessen flow capacity, increasing the possibility of flooding. Sustainable landscaping involves using or restoring native and adapted plants, which require less maintenance and irrigation and fewer or no applications of chemical fertilizers and pesticides compared with most introduced species. Sustainable landscaping thus reduces maintenance costs over the life of the building.

SS oVerView


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

2 LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction 2009 EDition

Protecting surrounding HabitatsDevelopment of building sites can encroach on agricultural lands and adversely affect wildlife habitat. As animals are displaced by development, they become crowded into increasingly smaller spaces, and eventually the population exceeds the carrying capacity of the area. Overall biodiversity, as well as individual plant and animal species, may be threatened. Preserving and restoring native and adapted vegetation and other ecological features on the site provide wildlife habitat.

Managing stormwater RunoffAs areas are developed and urbanized, surface permeability is reduced, which in turn increases the runoff transported via pipes and sewers to streams, rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. Impervious surfaces on the site may cause stormwater runoff that harms water quality, aquatic life, and recreation opportunities in receiving waters. For instance, parking areas contribute to stormwater runoff that is contaminated with oil, fuel, lubricants, combustion by-products, material from tire wear, and deicing salts. Runoff accelerates the flow rate of waterways, increasing erosion, altering aquatic habitat, and causing erosion downstream. Effective strategies exist to control, reduce, and treat stormwater runoff before it leaves the project site.

Reducing the Heat island EffectThe use of dark, nonreflective surfaces for parking areas, roofs, walkways, and other surfaces contributes to the heat island effect. These surfaces absorb incoming solar radiation and radiate that heat to the surrounding areas, increasing the ambient temperature. In addition to being detrimental to site habitat, this increase raises the buildings external and internal temperature, requiring more energy for cooling. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that 1/6 of the electricity consumed in the United States is used to cool buildings. By installing reflective surfaces and vegetation, the nations homes and businesses could save $4 billion a year in reduced cooling energy demand by 2015.2

Eliminating Light PollutionPoorly designed exterior lighting may add to nighttime light pollution, which can interfere with nocturnal ecology, reduce observation of night skies, cause roadway glare, and hurt relationships with neighbors by causing light trespass. Reducing light pollution encourages nocturnal wildlife to inhabit the building site and causes less disruption to birds migratory patterns. Thoughtful exterior lighting strategies may also reduce infrastructure costs and energy use over the life of the building.

SummaryThe LEED Sustainable Sites credits for New Construction, Core & Shell, and Schools promote responsible, innovative, and practical site design strategies that are sensitive to plants, wildlife, and water and air quality. These credits also mitigate some of the negative effects buildings have on the local and regional environment. Project teams undertaking building projects should be cognizant of the inherent impacts of development on land consumption, ecosystems, natural resources, and energy use. Preference should be given to buildings with high-performance attributes in locations that enhance existing neighborhoods, transportation networks, and urban infrastructures. During initial project scoping, give preference to sites and land-use plans that preserve natural ecosystem functions and enhance the health of the surrounding community.

LEED Project Boundary For single-building developments, the LEED submittal typically covers the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary. However, in some cases a project is a portion of a larger multiple-building development. In these situations, the project team may determine the limits of the project submitted for LEED certification differently from the overall site boundaries. This LEED

SS oVerView


For p

erson

al us

e only

and s

ubjec

t to th

e sale

s orde

r agre

emen

t term

s by (

BP 10

3036

44). M

ay N

OT be

copie

d or d

istrib

uted.

3LEED REfEREncE GuiDE foR GREEn BuiLDinG DEsiGn anD constRuction2009 EDition

project boundary is the portion of the project site that is submitted for LEED certification and must be used consistently across all Sustainable Sites prerequisites and credits.

CreDit title nc scHooLs cs

SS prerequisite 1 construction activity Pollution Prevention Required Required Required

SS prerequisite 2 Environmental site assessment na Required na

SS Credit 1 site selection 1 point 1 point 1 point

SS Credit 2 Development Density and community connectivity

5 points 4 points 5 points

SS Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 point 1 point 1 point

SS Credit 4.1 alternative transportationPublic transportation access


SS Credit 4.2 alternative transportationBicycle storage and changing Rooms

1 point 1 point 2 points

SS Credit 4.3 alternative transportationLow-Emitting and fuel-Efficient Vehicles


SS Credit 4.4 alternative transportationParking capacity 2 points 2 points 2 points

SS Credit 5.1 site DevelopmentProtect or Restore Habitat 1 point 1 point 1 point

SS Credit 5.2 site DevelopmentMaximize open space 1 point 1 point 1 point

SS Credit 6.1 stormwater DesignQuantity c

LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction 2009

Documents

Transcript of LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction 2009