01 - LEED GA Study Guide PDF

LEED
Green Associate Study Guide
A Study Resource for

Green Building and LEED Core Concepts
and the LEED Green Associate Exam Process
2009
LEED
2009 Edition
published: 01 January, 2011
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ii | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

2011 Studio4 LLC All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
Green Associate Study Guide i
Notice ii
Disclaimer ii
Copyright ii
CHAPTER | 1 1
Introductory conversations into sustainable design and construction and the
associated benefits of the roles of the LEED AP and LEED rating sysems
Introduction 1
About this Study Guide 2
Why Bother with LEED Certification? 3
LEED vs Green 4
Integrated Design Process 5
Green Trend Forecasting 6
CHAPTER | 2 8
An analysis between conventional construction techniques versus green building
strategies and the environmental impacts associated with each
Green Building 8
The Argument for Building Green 9
The Sustainable Parts of Green Design 10
Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost 11
The Integrated Design Approach 11
The Integrated Process 12
The Building Program 13
Credit Interactions 13
Harvard University Office of Sustainability Green Building Resource 13
Green Building Costs 15
Green Building Benefits 15
Hard Costs 15
Soft Costs 15
Life Cycle Costs 15
Economic Benefits 16
Health and Community Benefits 16
Environmental Benefits 16
ENERGY STAR 16
Final Thoughts 17
Terminology to know 17
Thoughts to keep 17

Table of Contents
CHAPTER | 3 20
A review of the U.S. Green Building Council, Green Building Certification
Institute, LEED and the processes required for, and associated with, LEED
certification
U.S. Green Building Council 20
Introduction 21
USGBCs Mission 22
USGBCs Vision 22
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) 22
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 22
The Triple Bottom Line 22
Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) 23
LEED Green Building Rating Systems 23
LEED Rating Systems: Project Types and Sustainable Categories 23
LEED Rating Systems: Summary Overview and Use Guidance 24
Multiple Certifications 26
LEED Reference Guides 26
Rating System Structure 26
Prerequisite and Credit Structure 27
LEED 2009 28
Credit Harmonization 28
Credit Weightings 28
Carbon Overlay 28
Regionalization 29
Credit Interpretation Request (CIRs) 29
Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) 30
Registration and Certification Process 31
GBCI 31
LEED Online 31
Project Checklist 31
Credit Forms and Calculators 31
Charrette 32
Project Administrator 32
LEED AP 32
LEED Certification 32
Certification Process: General 33
Certification Process: Overview 34
Certification Process: Detailed 34
LEED for Homes 39
LEED Accreditation 40
USGBC Portfolio Program 42

Table of Contents
LEED Technical Advisory Group (TAG) 42
USGBC/GBCI Trademark Guidelines 42
Final Thoughts 43
Thoughts to keep 43
Studio4 Office Project: the Program Narrative 44
CHAPTER | 4 48
The sustainable goals of the Sustainable Sites category address the following
areas: site selection; transportation related emission reduction; stormwater
management; heat island reduction; light pollution reduction; protection of
existing habitats and ecosystems
Sustainable Sites (SS) 48
Credit Matrix 49
Site Related Boundaries 49
Building Footprint 49
Development Footprint 49
Property Boundary 49
Project Boundary 49
LEED Project Boundary 49
Introduction 50
Transportation 50
Site Selection 52
Site Design 53
Low Impact Development (LID) 55
Stormwater Management 55
Heat Island Effect 57
Light Pollution Reduction 59
Development Density and Community Connectivity 60
Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) 62
Codes & Referenced Standards 63
Final Thoughts 64
Thoughts to keep - the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit) 65
Studio4 Office Project: Sustainable Sites 69
CHAPTER | 5 80
The sustainable goals of the Water Efficiency category address the following
areas: Indoor potable water reduction; outdoor potable water reduction; water
efficiency as a teaching tool
Water Efficiency (WE) 80
Credit Matrix 81
Introduction 81

Table of Contents
Water Type Definitions 81
Indoor Potable Water Use Reduction 82
Outdoor Potable Water Use Reduction 82
Additional Benefits of Potable Water Use Reduction 82
Water Efficiency as a Teaching Tool 82
Water Efficient Strategies 82
Final Thoughts 86
Studio4 Office Project: Water Efficiency 88
CHAPTER | 6 92
The sustainable goals of the Energy and Atmosphere category address the
following areas: reducing energy demand; increasing energy efficiency; building and
building systems commissioning; managing refrigerants; renewable energy; ongoing
energy performance
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) 92
Credit Matrix 93
Introduction 93
Energy Demand 94
Energy Efficiency 95
Energy Simulation 95
Renewable Energy 96
Ongoing Energy Performance 97
Building Commissioning 98
Monitoring and Verification 99
Managing Refrigerants to Eliminate CFCs 99
Final Thoughts 101
Studio4 Office Project: Energy and Atmosphere 104
CHAPTER | 7 110
The sustainable goals of the Materials and Resources category address the following
areas: sustainable construction and materials selection; waste management
Materials and Resources (MR) 110
Credit Matrix 111
Introduction 111
Life Cycle Impacts 111
Sustainable Materials 112

Table of Contents
Construction Waste Reduction 112
Source Reduction 112
Reuse and Recycling 112
Waste Management 112
Calculating Material Costs 113
Materials and Resources Credit Metrics 113
Sustainable Material Selection Strategies 113
Storage and Collection of Recyclables 113
Building Reuse: Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof 113
Building Reuse: Maintain Interior Nonstructural Elements 114
Materials Reuse 114
Recycled Content 114
Regional Materials 114
Rapidly Renewable Materials 114
Sustainable Purchasing Policies 114
Consider purchasing third party certification sustainable products 115
Final Thoughts 115
Thoughts to keep- the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit) 116
Studio4 Office Project: Materials and Resources 119
CHAPTER | 8 124
The sustainable goals of the Indoor Environmental Quality category address the
following areas: indoor air quality; thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) 124
Credit Matrix 125
Introduction 125
Ventilation 126
Contaminants 126
Material Selection 127
Occupant Control of Systems 127
Daylight and Views 128
Acoustics 128
Core & Shell (CS) 128
Schools 128
Final Thoughts 130
Studio4 Office Project: Indoor Environmental Quality 132

Table of Contents
CHAPTER | 9 140
The Innovation in Design credit category awards bonus points for projects
that use new and innovative technologies and strategies to improve a buildings
performance and for including a LEED Accredited Professional on the team
Innovation in Design (ID) 140
Credit Matrix 141
Introduction 141
ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design 142
Innovation in Design (Innovative Performance) 142
Exemplary Performance 142
Rating System ID Points 143
ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design 143
Path 1: Innovation in Design (Innovative Performance) 143
Path 2: Exemplary Performance 143
ID Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional 143
ID Credit 3: The School as a Teaching Tool 143
Studio4 Office Project: Innovation in Design 144
CHAPTER | 10 146

USGBC has identified environmental concerns that are important for every
region of the country and offers bonus points for credits that address those
regional priorities
Regional Priority (RP) 146
Credit Matrix 147
Regional Priority Credits 147
Studio4 Office Project: Regional Priority 148
Studio4 Office Project: Certification Summary 150
CHAPTER | 11 152

The LEED Green Associate accreditation is for professionals who want to
demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice denoting
basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations
LEED Green Associate Exam 152
LEED Green Associate Exam 153
Study Materials 153
4 Steps for Exam Preparation 153
Getting Started 154
Examination Eligibility Requirements 154
Applying for the Exam 154
Registration and Scheduling 155
LEED Green Associate Application and Exam Fees 155
Testing Rules & Regulations 155

Table of Contents
One Month Before Your Exam 156
One Week Before Your Exam 156
The Day of Your Exam 156
Examination Format 156
Miscellaneous 156
Passing the Exam 157
Failing the Exam 157
Certificates 157
Exam Specifications 157
LEED Credentialing 158
5 Things Every Candidate Should Know 158
CHAPTER | 12 160

A directory of the seven primary areas of study recommended for preparation of
the Green Associate examination
The Seven Domains 160
1. Synergistic Opportunities and LEED Application Process 161
2. Project Site Factors 163
3. Water Management 163
4. Project Systems and Energy Impacts 163
5. Acquisition, Installation, and Management of Project Materials 163
6. Stakeholder Involvement in Innovation 164
7. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach 164
CHAPTER | 13 166

Acronyms, abbreviations and definitions that may be unfamiliar or have specific
meanings in the context of sustainability and green building
Acronyms & Glossary of Terms 166
Acronyms & Abbreviations 167
Glossary of Terms 171
CHAPTER | 14 216

Green resource links, charts, processes, fees, credit interactions, referenced
standards and miscellaneous support information
Appendix 216
Green Resources 217
Websites 217
Publications 217
Blogs 217

Table of Contents
USGBC & GBCI Organizational Chart 219
Six Steps to Certification 220
Project Certification Fees 221
LEED Rating Systems & Reference Guides 222
LEED Rating Systems Reference Guides 223
Project Checklist Sample 224
Credit Form Sample 225
Commissioning Process 226
Commissioning Authority 226
Tasks and Responsibilities 227
Referenced Standards 228
Referenced Standards 238
Credit Interactions 242

Personal involvement with sustainable ideals is a
noble cause, regardless the philosophical differences
we may have with regard to the issues at hand
and how these issues are best addressed. Being
committed to our sustainable goals in a responsible
manner can deliver a process of educated dialog
that will help safeguard the environment for this
generation and beyond.
CHAPTER | 1
Introduction
About this Study Guide
Commentaries: the Value of LEED
Why Bother with LEED Certification
LEED vs Green
Integrated Design Process
Green Trend Forecasting
1
Introduction
About this Study Guide
The Studio4 study guide is a third party resource and recommended to be used as a supplement
to USGBC and GBCI materials. It would be nearly impossible for any third party study material
to accurately and completely convey the complete message USGBC promotes relative to green
and sustainable knowledge. As such, those who plan to take any LEED exam are encouraged
to purchase and download materials as recommended by USGBC. Much of this study guide
is focused on information and strategies contained within the Green Associate Candidate
Handbook, the Green Building and Core Concepts Guide and the 2009 LEED Reference Guide for
Green Building Design and Construction in an effort to accurately assess what LEED promotes
and teaches. USGBC has made a commitment to see that the LEED processes and information
highways are frequently updated to meet ever changing demands. Therefore, it becomes
exceedingly important to be connected in order to remain current. Throughout this guide,
including the first page of the Appendix, are links to USGBC and GBCI web sites as well as links
to additional green resource sites. You will see two terms repeated over and over and over -
Integrated Design and Synergies. These are the two most important aspects to understanding
what makes a sustainable project successful.
To assist in understanding green building and LEEDs relationship to sustainability, a LEED project
has been developed that progressively builds at the end of each sustainable category chapter.
Creating this project from site selection to credit selection will present a broad overview of
the integrated design approach for achieving credits in order to produce a cost effective, high
performance building. However, the underlying purpose for creating this project is to relate the
sustainable items discussed in the chapter to a more detailed review of the process as to how
green strategies are implemented. This content extends beyond that required for the Green
Associate exam and need not be studied in great detail, but viewed as a source to understand
how LEED is used as a tool for the development of green projects. The Studio4 Office Project
is introduced at the conclusion of the USGBC chapter and continues at the conclusion of each
sustainable category chapter.
Passing the LEED Green Associate exam, Part 1, is a requirement when continuing forward
toward a Tier II LEED AP with Specialty exam, Part 2. It would benefit all exam candidates to
consider other resources such as online tests offered by third parties. These tests offer much
more than simply answering questions correctly, as they provide a computer based experience
similar to that which will be encountered at the actual test site. One such source for online tests
is Green Building Education Services ( http://www.greenexamprep.com/ ). Also consider quality green
educational sites such as LEEDuser ( http://www.leeduser.com/ ). Blogsites like Real Life LEED offer
valuable and current insight with regards to USGBC/GBCI/LEED ( http://www.reallifeleed.com/ ). If you
encounter difficulties in understanding any aspect of LEED, sign onto the LEED section of the
ARE forum and post a question, or simply observe the ongoing dialog ( http://www.areforum.org/ ).
Commentaries: the Value of LEED
The following four pages are commentaries in support of the value LEED provides in establishing
benchmarks for achieving sustainable goals through the design and construction of our built
environments and how to protect of our natural resources, while providing more efficient and
healthier places to live, work and play.
2 | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Introduction
Why Bother with LEED Certification?
Part one: Intrinsic Benefits
Building owners often question the additional time and expense involved with registering a building
for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED (Registered)) certification through the United
States Green Building Council (USGBC), versus just simply including green features in a project. There
are several reasons why owners choose to have their buildings certified through the various LEED Rating
Systems. Some building owners feel that environmentally, it is the right thing to do. Others make the
decision to pursue LEED due to requirements of their own governing body. Still other building owners
pursue a financial incentive offered through their local government or parent organization. Essentially,
there are three general reasons why building owners should seek Certification: commitment, legitimacy,
and marketability.
Commitment. By registering your project with the USGBC you are committing to design and construct
your building to the standards and requirements outlined by the LEED Rating System. Your design
team and your buildings contractor are then committed to integrating those design features to ensure
that your building is more durable, healthy and more energy efficient. Through the rigors of budget,
programming, or other project challenges, these green features will remain because you and your
team decided to produce a building that merits LEED Certification and national recognition for its
sustainability.
Legitimacy. In the face of widespread green washing (i.e.: the attempt by businesses or individuals
to mislead consumers as to the environmental practices of a company or the environmental benefits
of a product or service), LEED Certification tells your peers, clients and customers, that your buildings
sustainable features have been verified by a third party to promote energy conservation, to ensure a
healthier indoor environment and to reduce its impact on the environment. LEED is a consensus-based
system, meaning one that was commented and voted upon by the USGBCs diverse membership. It
ensures that your project team didnt just invent the green requirements on your own or design your
project to some arbitrary definition of sustainability. Instead, thousands of professionals (there are over
100,000 LEED Accredited Professionals within the USGBC) collaborated, discussed and agreed upon
these requirements.
Marketability. A LEED Certified headquarters, branch office, retail location, or elementary school is a strong
marketing tool to show the community that your organization is committed to something greater than
itself. It demonstrates that you were willing to make the extra effort to not only include those features,
but also to have them confirmed - better yet Certified - by a nationally and internationally recognized
leader in the field. The LEED Rating System is a tool that can help create a space that will enhance your
employees, clients, or students everyday environment while reducing operating and maintenance
costs as well as decreasing its impact on the environment. LEED Certification demonstrates how it was
accomplished.
Michael Senger, LEED AP, is a Mechanical Engineer with Heapy Engineering. Involved in over 100 LEED projects
and with +50 LEED Accredited Professional on staff, Heapy Engineering is one of the leading sustainable design
firms in the country. Michael is also a Board Member of the Cincinnati Regional Chapter of the USGBC.
LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Chapter 1 | 3
Introduction
LEED vs Green
Three years ago, my team of graduate engineering students was presenting the energy, environmental,
and economic analysis for the construction of a net-zero energy building. The client patiently listened,
asked questions, and then dictated a verdict... we had the financial green light. Years of analysis, research,
and calculations had paid off.
Next, we assembled a professional design team to take the project from concept to concrete. The house
would have it all: net-zero energy use, a sustainable project site, low water use, and sustainable materials.
The idea of LEED certification was brought up and immediately dismissed by the team. Why would our
building need such a stamp of approval when we knew just how good the design was? No one knew just
how wrong we were. Throughout the various stages of design, our student team lamented as the green
features were removed. Once completed, the building would retain its net-zero energy status, but had
lost all other important green features.
My current projects are larger and more expensive than that small house. But, the values of the lessons
learned during my final years as a graduate student are greater than any that I have learned. I have come
to realize the true value of the LEED rating system as a necessity to truly attain sustainable (green)
design.
During my career, I have seen project teams make 70% of the design decisions while spending just
the first 1% of the design budget. Thus, it becomes a daunting task to retroactively set project goals ...
specifically sustainability goals. The less prominent the goal, the more likely the feature necessary to
attain that goal will fall by the wayside or be value-engineered from the project.
The LEED Rating System is a tool that a design team uses in order to insure that a projects green features
are properly designed, constructed, and accounted for. Human error pervades the construction process.
Examples of such errors include ordering the wrong product, calculation mistakes, or forgetting a step
in a process. The LEED process, by no means ensures a perfect building. However, many portions of
the LEED process act to significantly decrease such errors. One of the most prominent examples is the
Commissioning process, which is a service that all owners will benefit from, regardless of project scope,
size, or cost.
Once the entire project has been completed, the owner asks, What insures that I now own and operate
a green building? If the project has achieved LEED Certification, the team can be certain of their answer.
The entire project team knows which goals have been successfully achieved, how much energy and
water the building should save, and what type of indoor environment has been created for the building
occupants.
A holistic perspective is necessary to grasp the true impact of a third-party rating system such as
LEED. The LEED Rating system has two major components. First, LEED promotes general sustainability
oriented features such as bike racks and daylighting. Second, LEED is a group of best-practice codes
and standards compiled to influence the construction industry. When projects pursue LEED Certification,
the market is driven to provide goods and services that attain the standards that have been chosen.
Each LEED-Certified project strengthens the green building movement, pushes for products that are less
impactful on people and the environment, and enables property owners to truly know just how green
their building is.
Greg Raffio, LEED AP, is with Heapy Engineering

Introduction
Integrated Design Process
The built and natural environments are inextricably and vitally linked. To create a high performance /
sustainable facility, a collaborative design approach is essential for a successful outcome. The Integrated
Design Process fosters knowledge-sharing among significant stakeholders during the development of a
holistic design and leads to increased project value.
These stakeholders should be comprised of the owner group, key users, facilities directors, programmers,
real estate managers, architects, commissioning agents, civil engineers, planners, mechanical engineers,
interior designers, structural engineers, construction managers, electrical engineers, plumbing designers,
landscape architects, and / or key specialty consultants. The General Contractor and / or the Construction
Manager should also be included in this process to encourage the sharing of cost, scheduling and
construction knowledge. This will also familiarize the contractor with the construction intent resulting in
a more accurate bid and more efficient construction period.
During the traditional approach, design and construction professionals work somewhat independently
on their respective area of expertise. One of two things can happen when consultants are added to the
design process midstream. The new team member shares expertise that changes the project late in the
process, requiring more time, effort and money to back track; or more commonly, the team decides
not to pursue the new approach. In either case, the project and the owner suffer a consequence. Value
Engineering during design and construction becomes the norm, which leads to value loss.
The Integrated Design Process deviates from this traditional approach as it leverages the collective
expertise as early as the pre-design phase, where the highest potentials and greatest values are realized.
Value engineering tends to generate project cuts, which successfully lessen the construction costs, but
usually lessen the true value. The Integrated Design Process is vital to a successful work process, which
can lessen the damages of value engineering.
By bringing all the stakeholders to the design process early, intensive analysis and in-depth investigations
can discover complementary and innovative project goals and design strategies when change costs less.
This Integrated Design Team establishes project goals together while engaging in a productive exchange
of ideas. The team understands, applies and tests these goals throughout the design process.
Stakeholders share their knowledge in multi-day charrette (brainstorming) formats; trade-offs and
connections are recognized. Problems are reframed and better solutions are generated by creating an
innovative and collaborative environment where each opinion matters. The entire team establishes and
meets the project goals, objectives and major solutions. These charrettes frequently become rather lively
and informal without jurisdiction. They are investigatory by nature, thoughtfully critiqued and leverage
the expertise and resources of the team. Connections are made that typically are not immediately
understood, such as how paint color impacts the mechanical load or how building orientation affects
human productivity. Sometimes the most effective solutions have the lowest construction cost
implications and might be undiscovered in a traditional design process.
By utilizing the Integrated Design Process, deep curiosity, thorough analysis and strategic, technical
problem solving prevail, leading to a more comprehensive, cost effective and sustainable facility.
Chad Edwards, RA, LEED AP, is an Associate at Emersion Design and serves on the USGBC Cincinnati Regional
Chapter Board of Directors.

Chapter 1 | 5
Introduction
Green Trend Forecasting
Over the course of the last 8 years, Green talk has infiltrated everything. The number of Green Building
articles in newspapers has jumped from around 1,000 per year in 2000 to more than 9,000 in 2007. More
cities and states are adopting green building incentives and policies (like Cincinnati and Ohio). Much of
this has been attributed to the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED Rating system and its success. The
USGBC has had a huge impact on the building industry as membership in the organization has grown
by 50% every year for the last ten years. But there is something much larger at work in our world than
the impact of LEED. Companies ranging from Wal-Mart to Starbucks are touting their sustainability
initiatives, and it isnt just limited to the United States. There are now Green Building Councils in twelve
countries on five continents. Somewhere along the way, green has crossed the line between a fad and
a movement.
Motivations for companies going green vary widely, and aside from the obvious motivation of saving
the planet, many organizations have gone green to save money, or even to simply improve their public
image. Still others have started talking green just to ride the wave of dollars following as customers seek
greener products, vehicles, homes, and offices. So whats next? Amidst the green buzz, here are several
trends in the green movement that visionary businesses should be preparing for.
The first green trend and the reason LEED has been successful, is third party verification. In a time when
Chevron and BP make commercials about their sustainability missions, and green-washing claims like
all natural are everywhere, it is important to have verifiable definitions for what green really is. For
buildings, that is LEED, but there are many other important third party verifications for the rest of our lives
and businesses. The International Organization for Standardization is developing the 14000 series of ISO
standards to define vocabulary and validate processes for product manufacturing and environmental
impact management.
The second trend related to going green is rising energy costs. This should go without saying, but energy
will only get more expensive before and if it ever gets cheaper. A comparison between investing the same
amount of money in the S&P 500 or in energy efficiency for your building puts it all in perspective. Over
the last ten years, the S&P 500 Index Fund has increased 36.8% while energy costs have risen 300%.
The phrase Blue collar jobs to Green collar jobs is one of the hottest topics for politicians, and represents
the third trend. With the global push for sustainability, the need for solar panel manufacturing and
installing, wind turbine manufacturing, green product manufacturing, and an endless list of sustainable
business opportunities justifies the name the Next Industrial Revolution.
Finally, savvy businesses recognize that by embracing sustainability at their core, employees will be
proud to work there. When your job and your company is about more than just making widgets, a sense
of loyalty and pride is inevitable, and as Generation Y takes hold in the workforce, with their notorious
job-hopping tendencies, it is even more important for employers to recognize the recruitment potential
of going green before their competitors do.
Shawn Hesse, of Emersion Design, was the 2008 Chair of the USGBC Cincinnati Chapter

Annually, buildings account for 39% of the total
energy used and 72% of the electricity consumed in
the U.S. Each day 5 billion gallons of potable water
are used to flush toilets. Green building practices
can substantially reduce negative environmental
impacts through high performance, market leading
design, construction and operations practices.
Green operations and management reduces
operating costs and increases workers productivity
by improving indoor air quality.
CHAPTER | 2
Green Building
The Argument for Building Green
The Sustainable Parts of Green Design
Life Cycle Assessment & Life Cycle Cost
The Integrated Design
The Integrated Process
The Building Program
Credit Interactions
Harvard University
Green Building Costs
Green Building Benefits
ENERGY STAR
Final Thoughts
8
Green Building
The Argument for Building Green
When working on a LEED project, there are many decisions that will need to be made which
transcend conventional wisdom with respect to our thinking, designing and developing the actual
built product. Understanding the basic tenets of green building is paramount to progressing a
successful sustainable project. Conventional building methods should be generally regarded as
unfriendly assaults on the environment, our natural resources and our quality of life.
The design, construction and operation of conventional buildings:
Pre design
Lack of project team communication and coordination
Lack of sustainable support for site selection and building orientation/location
Lack of focus as a responsible member of the community
Poor stewardship of site during development
Loss of topsoil
Disregard for existing habitat and ecosystems
Lack of coordinated construction parking and material delivery storage areas
Project design
Excessive carbon dioxide emissions
Excessive use of energy and electricity
Excessive use of potable water
Excessive burden on our raw material resources
Poor indoor environmental quality
Construction practices
Poor waste management
Lack of sufficient building moisture protection
As such, conventional buildings account for:
14% of potable water consumption
30% of waste output
38% of carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions
40% of raw material use
39% of energy use
72% of electrical consumption
By definition, sustainability is the ability of the current generation to meet its own needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. With the projected population
and construction growth, coupled with the vast amount of resources that our buildings consume,
we are going to have to get a lot smarter about how we build.

Chapter 2 | 9
Green Building
Through a coordinated team effort and intelligent, educated design decisions, the goal of
sustainable design, or green design, is to create high performance buildings that reduces
life cycle costs, reduces environmental impacts related to infrastructure, increases employee
productivity and increases the efficiency of building operations. While federal, state and local
governments are adopting more sustainable building practices, government agencies, utility
companies and manufacturers increasingly offer financial incentives to developers and owners
to enhance the environmental performance of their buildings.
A GSA survey of 12 green buildings revealed the following savings and Improvements:
13% reduced maintenance costs
26% reduced energy usage
27% increased levels of occupant satisfaction
33% reduced carbon dioxide emissions
Additionally
sustainable green buildings successfully addresses the aforementioned concerns related to
conventional design and construction practices
As LEED continues to grow in acceptance and projects get on board for certification,
building codes are being rewritten to incorporate more sustainable mandates
The Sustainable Parts of Green Design
USGBC defines green building as the integrated effort of transforming the way built environments
are designed, constructed and operated and encourages involvement from early planning to
beyond the end of a structures life. Incorporating a holistic, or whole building, approach to the
design and construction, green building produces high performance by focusing on sustainable
categories as defined by LEED. With an integrated and holistic approach, the interaction, or
synergies and trade-offs, between construction strategies is managed to maximize performance
results. LEED channels green design through five sustainable categories as determined by the
environmental issues being addressed.
The five sustainable categories of LEED (except LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood
Development) plus the two categories for ID and RP:
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Materials and Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Innovation in Design (ID)
Regional Priority (RP)

Green Building
Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a cradle-to-grave analysis that examines the building along with its
materials and components. From their extraction, manufacture and transport, to their use, reuse,
recycling and assumed disposal, the process of life cycle assessment minimizes the negative
impacts on people and the environment. LCA is essential to sustainable design!
Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis assesses the total cost of ownership, taking into account all costs
related to design and construction, ownership, operations and the eventual disposal of a building
and its parts. By definition, sustainable design requires an analysis of a building over its entire life
and life cycle cost analysis identifies which high performance building systems will save money
over the life of the building. For example: Product A may cost less and have a life expectancy of
5 years whereas Product B may cost a little more but have a life expectancy of 15 years, making
Product B a better choice due to it having a better life cycle cost.
Life Cycle Costs include:
Initial project design and construction costs - cradle
Building operating costs
Building maintenance, repair and replacement costs
Building salvage value at the end its life - grave
Value Engineering (VE ), when considering sustainability, can be defined as a ratio of function to
cost, with the goal of improving performance, quality and life cycle cost. Conventionally however,
value engineering is used as a cost cutting exercise, often late in the process when costs need to
be cut from the budget, for whatever reason. When components are VEd out of the project late,
the project and the owner suffer a consequence. Value engineering tends to generate project
cuts, which successfully lessen the construction costs, but usually lessen the true value. However,
when using an integrated design process, considering value engineering with the life cycle cost
of a building will reflect the efficiency of a building long after it is built and occupied.
The Integrated Design Approach
Any design process should begin by establishing parameters that define the goals of a project.
These parameters are then transformed into rough visual representations, referred to as schematic
designs. Schematic designs then become the theme that is used as the base for developing the
final design/engineering that is eventually incorporated into the construction documents.
Architects, engineers, contractors and other stake holders traditionally work separately of each
other, with minimal coordination and communication between the team members. This type of
segregated design and limited communication restricts integration and subsequent synergistic
opportunities, often leading to under or over designed systems.
In an integrated design approach, all stakeholders are brought into the project at the onset to
discuss the project goals and requirements. At several checkpoints during the design process,
reviews are conducted to verify that the owners requirements and goals are being met.
Integrated design allows the stakeholders and design team to coordinate the design process so
that each member is aware of all decisions made. This is critical as most decisions made relative
to one discipline will have an affect on other disciplines. For instance, if the owner decides to

Chapter 2 | 11
Green Building
omit day lighting controls, this decision will most likely cause a change to the buildings heat
gain, requiring additional cooling capacity while also increasing the electrical loads and energy
consumption. Integrated and holistic design and understanding synergies are essential to
meeting the sustainable goals of a green building. All interested parties must be gathered early,
communicate often and coordinate their efforts collectively to ensure success.
The Integrated Process
The success of the integrated design process is dependant upon the makeup of the project team
and its early integration into the project. For a typical sustainable project, the team members
and their responsibilities would include:
Project Owner: defines the parameters of the project and often participates in the selection
of the project team
LEED AP: optional member of the Project Team but can play an essential role in ensuring a
successful sustainable project
Design Team:
Architect: design of the building and often coordinates the Design Team
Civil Engineer: design of the site development plan and related strategies such as storm
water management; often, civil engineering firms have Landscape Architects on staff
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) Engineers: design of the buildings mechanical
systems such as HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical and Lighting, system controls
General Contractor/Contractor: construction related activities
Commissioning Authority: oversees the commissioning process to ensure compliance
with the construction documents
Facilities/Maintenance Staff: oversees and maintains the building after occupancy and
should be a participant in the integrated design process
Building Occupants: users of the building
Another important process is the development of a timeline for design and construction phase
activities:
Predesign: Information gathering and establishing goals (charrette)
Design:
Schematic Design (SD): prepare design options to establish project layout and scope
Design Development (DD): refinement of preliminary spaces and begin design of the
buildings energy systems
Construction Documents (CD): completed detailed documents ready for permitting
Bidding: CDs sent for bids and subsequent award of contracts to prepare for construction
Construction: the processes involved with construction from beginning until occupancy
Substantial Completion: construction has been completed and could be occupied
Final Completion: all construction activities completed
Certificate of Occupancy: legal authorization by local building officials that project
conforms to applicable codes
Occupancy: buildings can only be legally occupied after the Certificate of Occupancy has
been issued.

Green Building
The Building Program
The Project Teams building program should include: the physical constraints of the project;
general room by room description; the projects environmental vision and goals and its design
criteria and priorities; criteria for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, materials selection, waste
and demolition recycling as well as other green requirements; consideration of the local cultural
and climatic factors including ease of pedestrian and mass transit access; budget; schedule
Credit Interactions
One of the most critical aspects of a successful green project strategy is to understand the
credit interactions, or synergies, that may develop when a credit is being considered. It would
be difficult, at best, to recognize all the behind-the-scenes interactions taking place without
developing an integrated project team. How one credit impacts other areas can have both
positive, synergies, and negative, trade-offs, implications. A good project team will consider the
fact that every decision they make will have, to some degree, an impact somewhere along the
chain. Recognizing the importance of understanding synergies and trade-offs is just simply
being a responsible professional.
An argument can be made that every action has an opposite and equal reaction. Certainly,
every action has some degree of reaction and the importance here is, first, to recognizing these
reactions and, second, analyzing the overall impact to the project as a whole. One of the simpler
examples to use would be the issues related with cool roofs. Obviously a cool roof with a lighter
color will be of great value in a hot environment such as Florida. The roof would reflect much of
the suns energy - allowing the building to be cooler - requiring less cooling - reducing the size of
required HVAC equipment - resulting in less energy consumption. Great! This is what were striving
for. Now take that cool roof to the upper limits of Michigan. The absolute same reactions but
NOT what we want in a colder climate. Cooler buildings equate to increased heating - requiring
additional energy. This example, obviously, plays to the extreme side of the issues, but what
about that cool roof somewhere in the middle of the country in a more moderate climate zone.
Some decisions will be, as they say, no brainers. However, many will require a careful analysis into
the pros and cons. This is why an integrated project team is important.
The Appendix has several charts listing all credits and their potential for interacting with other
credits. Reviewing these credit interactions and understanding just the basics of synergies and
trade-offs is important to understanding green LEED.
Harvard University Office of Sustainability Green Building Resource
The Harvard University Office of Sustainability Green Building Resource website is a treasure
cove of information about sustainability. From Green Building Guidelines, the Integrated Design
Approach, Implementation Tools, Credit-by-Credit LEED Roadmap, Energy Modeling, Life Cycle
Costing, Case Studies and more, few sources offer or share more than Harvard does with their
LEED projects.
The Integrated Design Approach is so critical to the success of sustainable projects that Harvard
offers the Integrated Design Checklist, Integrated Design 101 (10 page summary analysis) and
Roadmap for the Integrated Design Process (114 page Summary Guide and Reference Manual).

Chapter 2 | 13
Green Building
The following, taken from Harvards website, is a partial checklist of salient items relative to the
Integrated Design Approach and is well worth promoting in this guide.
If it is important, ask for it: Include integrated design, sustainability, occupant education &
LEED goals in RFP language, interview questions, and Owners Project Requirements.
Evaluate program needs: Work with building occupants and project team to assess an actual
building program with space needs, and consider opportunities to share resources through
adjacencies and providing communal amenities. By better understanding actual program
needs, team members are more likely to work towards a common goal and create a successful
project.
Establish measures for success: Set measurable sustainability targets for energy, water,
daylight, etc. and require reporting on progress towards goals as part of all design submissions.
For successful designs, consider financial incentives such as passing on tax credits or sharing
energy savings or coming in under GMP.
Take advantage of available expertise: Include design charrettes in Concept and Schematic
Design that include representatives from all major stakeholders including members of the
owners team, design team, construction team, and possibly vendors team. See HGCI sample
agendas.
Ask why: Question decisions made during building design and construction that were done
based on rules of thumb or business as usual. Project teams should be prepared to look to
alternatives to common strategies and develop solutions appropriate for their specific project.
Each project is unique and technologies are constantly changing, so very few decisions should
be taken for granted.
Model alternative building systems: Include energy modeling in Concept, Schematic, &
Design Development with multiple parametric runs to evaluate major design decisions.
Design for operations and maintenance: Identify & include operations representative in
charrettes, design meetings, and construction meetings. Provide comprehensive preventive
maintenance plan and ensure effective training of operations and maintenance staff.
Commission throughout project: Engage a commissioning agent in Schematic Design and
include thorough verification of building performance and plans for continuous commissioning
throughout buildings life.
Consider life cycle costs: Identify Life Cycle Costing requirements early in design prior to
selecting systems and require LCC results before making major design decisions. Utilize life
cycle costs when evaluating systems rather than strictly first costs.
Consider alternative funding mechanisms: Make project team aware of local utility rebates,
state and federal grant programs, power purchasing agreements and performance contracts
and take advantage of these programs as appropriate. If the team is made aware of these
opportunities early in the design process, they are more likely to suggest strategies to pursue
these monies.

Green Building
Meter and verify performance: Identify measurement and verification requirements for the
project and include operations staff and controls vendor in design process.
Utilize lessons learned: Provide project team with access to and training for the High
Performance Building Resource. Throughout the project, collect and share documentation
including energy model files, LCC results, evaluation of consultants and contractors, and success
stories.
Green Building Costs
The general belief that green buildings add costs to new construction projects is often
misunderstood. With a basic LEED certified building, it is possible to design and construct green
buildings at little or no additional cost. Although some studies show as little as a 2% cost increase
for green building projects, the cost differential rises commensurate with the level of certification
being sought. The more greenness a project seeks, the higher the resultant project costs.
Numerous options are available to eliminate or minimize extra costs for green buildings. In many
regions, state, local and utility company incentives are available to cover costs associated with
green design services or reducing the cost of specific energy efficiency and renewable energy
technologies and products. Importantly, by incorporating a holistic design approach that takes
advantage of the interaction of building systems by optimizing systems, other systems can
shrink or be eliminated, offsetting the optimization costs. Also, some LEED credits may address
strategies already written into local codes.
In every type of construction project, regardless if they are conventional or sustainable, there are
2 basic types of costs related to the project: the projects hard costs and soft costs. With LEED,
a third cost element, life cycle costs, are used for the purposes of factoring into the analysis the
true value of a building over its lifetime.
Hard Costs: costs for expenditures related to the actual construction phases of the project such
as sitework, concrete, masonry, roofing, interior finishes such as carpet and painting, mechanical
systems, etc. In general, these are the costs paid to the general contractor, subcontractors or
material suppliers for direct construction related activities and materials.
Soft Costs: typically costs for services outside the realm of what is done on the construction
site. Including, but not limited to, architectural and engineering fees, permit fees, legal and real
estate fees, interest paid for the cost of doing the project, insurance, closing costs, etc.
Life Cycle Costs: cradle to grave costs that go beyond the initial construction costs to include
operation and maintenance of the building after occupancy, demolition costs and reuse value
at the end of the buildings life.
Green Building Benefits
Green buildings save energy, use less water, generate less waste and provide higher levels
of indoor quality and comfort over conventional design and construction practices. Studies
conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that Americans spend, on
average, 90% of their time indoors where pollutant levels can be 2 to 100 times higher than
outdoor levels. Green buildings provide higher levels of occupant satisfaction with regards to air
quality and lighting, where studies indicate significant gains with occupant productivity.

Chapter 2 | 15
Green Building
Economic Benefits
Reduce operating costs
Enhance asset value and profits
Improve employee satisfaction and productivity
Optimize life cycle economic performance
Health and Community Benefits
Improve air, thermal and acoustic environments
Enhance occupant comfort and health
Minimize strain on local infrastructure
Contribute to overall quality of life
Environmental Benefits
Enhance and protect ecosystems and biodiversity
Improve air and water quality
Reduce solid waste
Conserve natural resources
ENERGY STAR
From the EPA ENERGY STAR website:
What is the difference between LEED and ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program that focuses on improving
energy performance in buildings as a method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY
STAR is a technical assistance and recognition program that offers owners and managers of all
buildings access to free tools and resources to help them evaluate their energy performance
and reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Organizations are encouraged to begin
by benchmarking the performance of their buildings using ENERGY STARs Portfolio Manager
online energy tracking tool. For certain types of buildings that perform in the top 25% compared
to their peers nationwide, the ENERGY STAR label is available as an indicator of superior energy
performance. Buildings carrying the ENERGY STAR label consume on average about 35% less
energy than their non-ENERGY STAR counterparts.
LEED is a building certification process that looks at various aspects of green building and
awards recognition to buildings that meet certain standards. Users of the LEED process earn
credits in several categories associated with green buildings. These differ by the type of LEED
certification, but generally include: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy & atmosphere,
materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. While each category may
have required prerequisites that must be met, for the bulk of the credits required for certification
users can choose in which categories they wish to focus based on their own priorities.
ENERGY STAR also provides labeling for home appliances, electronics, cooling and heating
equipment and for homes as an indication that the item has met certain energy efficiencies.
EPA ENERGY STAR website:
http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=4908

Green Building
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
Refer to Acronyms and Glossary of Terms chapter
Hard Costs
Integrated Design Team
Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle Costs
Soft Costs
Sustainability
Thoughts to keep
Conventional buildings account for:
14% of potable water consumption
30% of waste output
38% of carbon dioxide emissions
39% of energy use
40% of raw material use
72% of electrical consumption
Energy usage in commercial buildings (EPA, September 2008):
1% office equipment
3% personal computers
3% cooking
6% refrigeration
7% ventilation
7% cooling
8% water heating
9% other
20% lighting
38% space heating
Green building performance:
13% lower maintenance costs
26% less energy usage
27% higher levels of occupant satisfaction
33% lower carbon dioxide emissions
Green Building Benefits:
Economic
Health & Community
Environmental
Green buildings cost approximately 2% more than conventional buildings
Americans spend 90% of their time indoors where pollutant levels are higher than outdoor
levels

Chapter 2 | 17
Green Building
A holistic approach considers the analysis of the sum of a buildings parts as opposed to the
separation of these parts
The integrated design/build approach binds the individual members of the team into one
homogenous entity that collaborates as one unit
ENERGY STAR can be used to compare performance of multiple buildings
Life Cycle Assessment = LCA = Environment and People
Life Cycle Cost = LCC = Economics
Design/Construction process:
Predesign
Design:
Schematic Design (SD)
Development Design (DD)
Construction Documents (CD)
Bid
Construct
Occupy
The five categories of LEED (except LEED for Homes and LEED for ND):

T he U.S. Green Building Council promotes
sustainability in how the buildings of today are
designed, built and operated through an integrated
and holistic approach. USGBC developed the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Rating Systems and Greenbuild. LEED is a
comprehensive system of five interrelated standards
covering all aspects of the development and
construction process. Greenbuild is a green building
conference that promotes the green building
industry, including environmentally responsible
materials, sustainable architecture, techniques and
public policy.
CHAPTER | 3
U.S. Green Building Council

Introduction
USGBC, LEED and GBCI
LEED Green Building Rating Systems
Harmonization, Weightings & Carbon Overlay
CIRs & MPRs
Registration and Certification Process
Prerequisite and Credit Structure
Submittal Review
LEED for Homes
LEED Accredidation
USGBC Portfolio Program
LEED Technical Advisory Group
USGBC/GBCI Trademark Guidelines
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: the Program Narrative
20
Introduction
Sustainability in this country, and many other countries throughout the world, is benchmarked
by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). LEED defines both the accredited
professionals who work in the sustainable field and the degree of sustainability of certified
constructed projects. As such, there are two distinct parts to the LEED environment.
One part is the accreditation of professionals who possess knowledge in the field of sustainability.
There are three levels, or tiers, of accreditation based on the degree of green knowledge. Tier I
is the LEED Green Associate who demonstrates a basic knowledge and skill in practicing green
design, construction and development. Tier II is the LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty
for those who have an extraordinary depth of knowledge in green building practices and
specialization in a specific field. These professionals are designated as LEED AP+, where the +
marker indicates the designation for the area of specialization, such as LEED AP BD+C, whereas
BD+C indicates Building Design and Construction. The top level, Tier III, is reserved for the LEED
AP Fellow, a LEED AP with specialty who has held the LEED AP credential for eight cumulative
years and must document a total of at least 10 years of experience in the green building field.
Nominees for the LEED Fellow will be nominated by their peers.
Although there is currently no requirement for having a LEED Accredited Professional as a
member of the project team, it cannot be overstated the value of a LEED AP, in a responsible
position, on the project to help safeguard and direct the efforts to achieve project certification.
The second part of LEED is the certification of sustainable projects, as defined by the various
LEED rating systems. Certification is awarded based on the degree of sustainability for the rating
system selected by the project team. LEED rating systems cover a broad spectrum of building
types, with pilot programs under development for additional rating systems. The LEED New
Construction and Major Renovations rating system defines certain types of newly constructed
projects, and includes major renovations. LEED for Homes is specific for residential projects,
LEED Schools covers schools meeting certain criteria, and so on. For each rating system, there
are various levels of certification awarded as determined by the amount of green credit points
achieved.
A major source controlling these processes is the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
GBCI performs two basic functions. The first is the development and administration of the
accreditation examinations for LEED GA or AP candidates. The second responsibility of GBCI is
managing the LEED project certification process.
USGBC: Develops LEED Green Building Rating Systems; Provides and develops LEED based
education and research projects
GBCI: Provides third party LEED professional credentials; Provides third party LEED project
certification
NOTE: Given the critical importance of understanding the processes required to obtain LEED
accreditation and certification, some content in this chapter was taken directly from the USGBC and
GBCI websites and put together in an effort to develop an outlined yet cohesive description and linear
progression of the processes. It is imperative that these websites be reviewed for complete and current
information, as USGBC/GBCI updates and/or shifts location for this information .

Chapter 3 | 21
USGBCs Mission
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an
environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the
quality of life
USGBCs Vision
Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a
generation
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed in 1993
whose members represent companies and organizations across the industry and include building
owners and users, real estate developers, facility managers, architects, designers, engineers,
general contractors, subcontractors, product and building system manufacturers, government
agencies, nonprofits. USGBC:
Committee based, Member driven and Consensus focused
Provides tools and expertise, Builds community, Provides forums for industry dialog,
Educates the industry and the public and Stewards market transformation.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and was formed by
USGBC as a third party certification program to provide definitions to, and measurements
of, green buildings. LEED promotes a holistic, whole building approach to sustainability by
recognizing performance in location and planning, sustainable site development, water savings,
energy efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, innovative strategies and
regional priority issues.
The Triple Bottom Line
Nearly every LEED sustainable strategy should be analyzed by how it measures to LEEDs adoption
of the Triple Bottom Line. The triple bottom line, with regards to sustainability, establishes a
measurement to recognize performance in three areas:
Economic Prosperity: impact on a corporations bottom line
Social Responsibility: impact of a persons happiness, health and productivity
Environmental Stewardship: impact on air, water, land
and global climate
Another way to think of TBL: People, Planet, Profit

Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) was established in 2008 with the support of
the U.S. Green Building Council to independently administer credentialing programs related to
green building practices.
GBCI manages all aspects of the LEED Professional Accreditation program, including examination.
GBCI also oversees the development and implementation of a credential maintenance program
(CMP) for LEED APs.
USGBC handles the development of the LEED Rating Systems while GBCI administers all LEED AP
accreditation and LEED project certification.
LEED Green Building Rating Systems
LEED Rating Systems: Project Types and Sustainable Categories
The LEED Rating System is a versatile tool for design and construction professionals that evaluates
green buildings and neighborhoods and applies to new and existing institutional, commercial
and residential buildings.
LEED Rating Systems:
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations (NC)
LEED for Core & Shell (CS)
LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI)
LEED for Schools
LEED for Healthcare
LEED for Retail
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EB O&M)
LEED for Homes
LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)
Green building categories within each rating system:
Innovation in Design (ID); Innovation in Operation (IO)
Additionally, the following categories are specific to the rating system noted:
Location and Linkages (LL): LEED for Homes
Awareness and Education (AE): LEED for Homes
Smart Location and Linkages: LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)
Neighborhood Pattern and Design: LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)
Green Infrastructure and Buildings: LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)
Refer USGBC for current information and free download copies of all LEED Rating Systems:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222

Chapter 3 | 23
LEED Rating Systems: Summary Overview and Use Guidance
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations (NC)
New Buildings and Major Renovations
New Buildings
Offices, institutional buildings (libraries, museums, churches, etc.), hotels, and
residential buildings of 4 or more habitable stories
Major Renovations
Major HVAC replacement or modifications
Building core (major mechanical systems) & shell (building envelope and structural)
renovation
LEED for Core & Shell (CS)
Developer controls core (major mechanical systems) & shell (building envelope and
structural) but not leasable tenant spaces
Commercial office buildings, medical office buildings, retail centers, warehouses,
institutional buildings and laboratory facilities
Developer has no control over the design and construction of the tenant build-out
Due to uncertainties associated with speculative Core & Shell projects, LEED CS offers
guidance and procedures such as default occupancy counts, C&S Project Scope, etc.
LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI)
Tenant spaces primarily in office, retail, and institutional buildings
Tenant spaces that do not occupy the entire building
Supplements LEED Core & Shell projects
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
Nonacademic buildings on a school campus, such as administrative offices, dormitories
or maintenance facilities are eligible for either LEED for New Construction or 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
LEED for Healthcare
Developed to meet the unique needs of the health care market
Inpatient care facilities, licensed outpatient care facilities, and licensed long term care
facilities, medical offices, assisted living facilities and medical education & research
centers.
Addresses increased sensitivity to chemicals and pollutants, traveling distances from
parking facilities, access to natural spaces and other environmental issues

LEED for Retail
Recognizes the unique nature of the retail environment and addresses the different types of
spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines
LEED for Retail: New Construction allows for the whole building certification of free
standing retail buildings
LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors permits tenants to certify their tenant build-out and
finish without responsibility of the building envelope
Existing freestanding retailers can use LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (EB O&M)
For the ongoing operations and maintenance of existing commercial and institutional
buildings and residential buildings of 4 or more habitable stories
Solves building problems and improves building performance; maintain and improve
this performance over time
Reduces cost streams associated with building operations, reduces environmental
impacts, creates healthier and more productive employee workspaces
Encourages owners and operators of existing buildings to implement sustainable
practices and reduce the environmental impacts of their building over their functional
life cycles
Certifies the operations and maintenance of the building and creates a plan for ensuring
high performance over time
Institutionalizes a process of reporting, inspection and review over the lifespan of the
building
Applies to only single, whole buildings; if more than one building is on the same property,
each must certify; individual tenant spaces are not eligible
LEED for Homes
Promotes the design and construction of single family and small multifamily homes
Must be 3 stories or less. 4 stories and above may use LEED NC or the LEED for Homes
Mulit-Rise Pilot rating systems
Must provide permanent provisions for living, sleeping, cooking/eating and bathroom.
LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)
The first national standard for neighborhood design and mixed use communities
Certifies development performance with regards to smart growth, urbanism and green
buildings
Regulates land use planning of an entire neighborhood: buildings, infrastructure, street
design and open space
Promotes development in areas of existing infrastructure and alternative transportation
Designed for new development, but applicable to redevelopment of existing areas
As with all LEED rating systems, LEED ND promotes the protection and enhancement of
the environment, health and quality of life

Chapter 3 | 25
Multiple Certifications
Certain building types can achieve multiple rating systems:
Buildings certified under the NC, CS or Schools may also be certified under EB O&M
Buildings certified under CS may also be certified under CI
LEED Neighborhood Development may earn additional points for construction or retrofit
of certified buildings which are part of the development
LEED Reference Guides
LEED 2009 Reference Guides include detailed information on the process for achieving LEED
certification, detailed credit and prerequisite information, resources and standards for the
LEED 2009 rating systems and all other requirements as outlined in the Prerequisite and Credit
Structure section of this chapter. Refer to the Appendix for details of LEED Reference Guides and
their respective LEED Rating Systems
Rating System Structure
The LEED Green Building Rating Systems are comprised of categories, each of which contains
prerequisite and credit green building strategies.
Prerequisites: Each sustainable category in a LEED rating system contains one or more prerequisite
requirements. Although structured much the same as credits, prerequisites differ from credits in
that achievement of each and every prerequisite within the rating system is mandatory for project
certification. Failure to meet any prerequisite will render a project ineligible for certification.
Additionally, prerequisites earn no points.
Credits: Each sustainable category in a LEED rating system contains numerous credits that
represent sustainable elements that collectively create a particular category. Credits are non-
mandatory and are selected for a variety of reasons as deemed by the Project Team. However,
in addition to the mandated prerequisites, certification requires achievement of a minimum
number of credit points. Each credit is associated with a specific number of points and projects
must be awarded a minimum number of points to achieve a particular level of certification, such
as Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
All LEED Rating Systems, except LEED for Homes, have 100 base points plus 6 Innovation in
Design points and 4 Regional Priority bonus points, for a total of 110 points. LEED for Homes is
based on a 125 point scale plus 11 Innovation in Design points. Projects, except LEED for Homes,
achieve certification if they earn points according to the following levels:
Certified: 40 - 49 points
Silver: 50 - 59 points
Gold: 60 - 79 points
Platinum: 80+ points

Prerequisite and Credit Structure
Every LEED prerequisite and credit will have one or more requirements that must be met in order
to be in compliance. The first section of every prerequisite or credit summarizes the Intent, or
goals, of the credit and the Requirements, or methods, strategies and/or standards required to
achieve compliance for that prerequisite or credit. The content structure of all LEED prerequisites
and credits is as follows:
Intents:
Describes the sustainability goal
Requirements
Describes the path, or paths, that must be met for prerequisite or credit compliance.
The remainder of each prerequisite/credit section contains the following 13 components:
1. Benefits and Issues to Consider
Describes the environmental damage that is being mitigated and economic considerations
offered by the prerequisite or credit
2. Related Credits
Other credits that may be affected through synergies or tradeoffs
3. Summary of Referenced Standards
Standards, such as ASHRAE, ASTM and EPA that may be used as a requirement to achieve
prerequisite or credit compliance
For some prerequisites and credits, LEED will allow federal, state and or local laws or
codes to over rule if they are more strict.
Not all prerequisites and credits require a referenced standard
4. Implementation
Methods and strategies that can be used to achieve prerequisite or credit compliance
5. Timeline and Team
Team members involved with achieving prerequisite or credit compliance, when this
task should occur and if the prerequisite/credit can be a design or construction phase
submittal
6. Calculations
Lists formulas and calculations, if required, to achieve prerequisite or credit compliance
7. Documentation Guidance
This important section lists and explains what documents are required to be uploaded
to LEED Online demonstrating compliance and the declarant responsible for signing off
on the prerequisite or credit
8. Examples
Some prerequisites and credits have examples to demonstrate how compliance can be
achieved

Chapter 3 | 27
9. Exemplary Performance
Many credits can earn additional points for exceeding the minimum credit performance.
No prerequisites offer Exemplary Performance points
10. Regional Variations
LEED recognizes regional differences by offering bonus points based on the zipcode
identification of environmentally important credits
11. Operations and Maintenance Considerations
Methods and strategies for operational and maintenance procedures
12. Resources
Websites and print media that can offer additional relevant information beneficial to
achieving prerequisite or credit compliance
13. Definitions
Definitions for terminology specific to that prerequisite or credit
LEED 2009
In response to creating credit unity across the various LEED 2009 rating systems and addressing
the growing concerns related to threats upon the environment, USGBC has reorganized and
advanced LEED 2009 rating systems.
Credit Harmonization
Credits and prerequisites from all LEED 2009 commercial and institutional rating systems have
been consolidated and aligned, allowing credits and prerequisites to be consistent across all
LEED 2009 rating systems.
Refer USGBC for detailed and current Credit Harmonization information:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1971#harmonization
Credit Weightings
LEED 2009 credits are assigned point values based on their ability to impact various environmental
and human health issues. With revised credit weightings, LEED awards more points for strategies
that will have greater positive impacts on energy efficiency and CO2 reductions. Each credit is
evaluated against numerous environmental impact categories. As a result, LEED 2009 operates
on a 100-point scale.
Refer USGBC for detailed and current Credit Weighting information:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1971#weightings
Carbon Overlay
Carbon overlay addresses global warming by establishing the projects carbon footprint. A
buildings carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with its construction
and operation. LEED 2009 credits are prioritized by their ability to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. As such, each credit is scored by how it compares to a baseline building.

Regionalization
LEED 2009 has created the Regional Priority category that acknowledges the fact environmental
priorities may differ between different geographical regions in the U.S. For a projects location,
as determined by its zip code, 6 existing LEED credits have been prioritized because they address
environmental issues within that specific zip code. Although the project may be able to qualify
for more than 4 of the 6 Regional Priority credits available, the project team can choose only 4
credits for which they prefer the points to apply.
Refer USGBC for detailed and current Regional Priority information:
Credit Interpretation Request (CIRs)
Occasionally during the process of analyzing prerequisite or credit compliance requirements,
the Project Team may encounter instances where they are unclear whether their strategy for
achieving the credit is appropriate. The Project Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) and ruling
process is designed to allow Project Teams to obtain technical and administrative guidance on
how LEED requirements, including Minimum Program Requirements, Prerequisites, and Credits,
pertain to their projects.
In summary:
CIRs can be submitted any time after project registration and expires upon the final award
or denial of certification
CIRs must be submitted via LEED Online
CIRs are restricted to no more than one prerequisite or credit per submittal
CIRs should not be formatted in letter form, contain more than 600 words or 4000 characters
and cannot be submitted with attachments (plans, photos, etc.)
CIR language cannot be revised any time during the CIR process
CIR rulings do not guarantee MPR/Prerequisite/Credit compliance or achievement
CIR rulings submitted pre-LEED 2009 Rating System are precedent setting
CIR rulings submitted after June 26, 2009 for all rating systems including pre-LEED 2009
and current versions, will be project specific
CIR database created for pre-LEED 2009 rating systems may not be used with LEED 2009
rating systems
Only USGBC Company Members, LEED Registered Project Team Members and USGBC
Workshop Attendees have access to review CIRs
CIR fees are $220 for each application
Refer GBCI for detailed and current/updated CIR information:
http://www.gbci.org/Certification/Resources/cirs.aspx

Chapter 3 | 29
Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) are a set of 7 mandatory requirements that the project
must comply with, similar to prerequisites, in order to achieve certification. MPRs serve three
goals:
Provide clear guidance to the customer
Protect the integrity of the LEED program
Reduce complications that may occur during the LEED Certification process
MPRs are rating system specific and projects must comply with each applicable MPR for the
specific rating system it is seeking:
1. Must comply with environmental laws
Adhere to all applicable federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations
2. Be a complete or permanent building or space
A complete or permanent building or space on land that already exists
3. Use a reasonable site boundary
The LEED project boundary must include all contiguous land that is associated with the
LEED project building. Gerrymandering of the LEED project boundary is prohibited
4. Comply with minimum floor area requirements
New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, Existing Buildings: O&M
Minimum Gross Floor Area: 1,000 square feet
Commercial Interiors
Minimum Gross Floor Area: 250 square feet
5. Comply with minimum occupancy rates
New Construction, Core & Shell, Commercial Interiors, Schools
Must have at least one Full Time Equivalent occupant
Existing Buildings: O&M
Must have at least one Full Time Equivalent occupant
All building systems must be operating 12 continuous months before certifying
6. Commit to sharing whole building energy and water usage data
Must share energy and water usage data with the USGBC and GBCI for a period of five
years
7. Comply with a minimum building area to site area ratio
The gross floor area of the LEED project building must be no less than 2% of the gross
land area within the LEED project boundary
The 7 areas listed above represent a general outline of the MPR requirements and address only
the core issue relative to the MPR. Each rating system may have specific requirements which
must be met.
Refer GBCI for detailed and updated MPR requirements:

Registration and Certification Process
GBCI
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) manages the review and verification process for
projects seeking certification under the LEED Green Building Rating System.
Refer GBCI for updated Registration and Certification information:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/leed-certification.aspx
LEED Online
LEED Online is the control center where project teams manage the LEED Registration and
Certification process and is available only to registered projects. Using LEED Online you can:
Manage project details
Complete documentation requirements
Upload supporting files
Submit applications for review
Receive reviewer feedback
Earn LEED certification
Project Checklist
(aka LEED Credit Scorecard)
The LEED Project Checklist is a form used by the Project Team that lists all of the prerequisites
and credits of the rating system being pursued:
Should be initiated by the Project Team early during the charrette process
Allows the Project Team members the ability to assess and track attempted credits
Lists all prerequisites and credits for each category with columns for the Project Team to
mark as Yes, ? (Maybe), or No
A sample Project Checklist (v2.2) is available for review in the Appendix.
Credit Forms and Calculators
(aka LEED Credit Templates, Letter Templates or Submittal Templates)
Mandatory to the certification process are the Adobe interactive PDF LEED Credit Forms that
can be accessed only by the Project Administrator and invited Project Team members via LEED
Online. Credit Forms are used to upload documentation required to verify prerequisite and
credit compliance. Each Credit Form will list the requirements for achievement as well as the
documentation required for submittal and must be signed by the declarant. For credits that
require calculations, calculators are built in to indicate if the credit requirements have been met.
In part, Credit Forms:
Streamlines the preparation of LEED applications
Allows the Project Administrator to assign Project Team member responsibility
Provides automatic calculation for compliance verification when required data is entered
by a Project Team member
A sample v2.2 Submittal Template is available for review in the Appendix.

Chapter 3 | 31
Charrette
A LEED Charrette is a forum where those who can influence project decisions meet and begin
planning the project. As a gathering of all key stakeholders in the LEED certification process, a
charrette facilitates agreement on project goals. By soliciting ideas, issues, and concerns early in
the project process, it saves time and money and gives an early sense of collective enthusiasm
with realistic goals and directions.
Project Administrator
The GBCI assigns the role of Project Administrator to the person who initially registers the project
via LEED Online. This person is the main contact with the GBCI via LEED Online. Although it is
advisable to select the Project Administrator during the charrette, this person can be replaced
after registration. The roles of a Project Administrator include:
Provides project information when registering via LEED Online
Invites Team Members for access to LEED Online
Assigns credit responsibility to Team Members
LEED AP
Provides project coordination between all Project Team disciplines
Knows the responsibilities and status of each Team Member
Manages and reviews Project Team documentation prior to uploading to Credit Forms
Knows which credits each member of the Project Team is responsible for
Understands the entire certification process
Coordinates codes and standards
Must play a principle role in the project to be eligible for an Innovation in Design credit
LEED Certification
Individuals are Accredited and become LEED Accredited Professionals by successfully testing at
the level of accreditation sought.
Buildings are Certified: A registered building is in the process of implementing LEED. A certified
building is a completed project that has been awarded certification. LEED Certified is a project
that has been certified to the base level: Certified.
Certified
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Companies or products are neither accredited nor certified
Organizations can obtain membership to USGBC national organization
Individuals can become members of USGBC regional chapters

Certification Process: General
LEED certification is provided by an independent third-party to verify that a building project
meets all requirements for the level of certification being sought. Certification for any project
requires satisfying all Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), prerequisites and a minimum number
of credits. Each LEED 2009 rating system corresponds with a LEED reference guide that is the
standard document for detailing the applicable prerequisites and credits as defined by the rating
system structure.
Important to a clearer path to certification, the project should implement an integrated design
approach to evaluate and define the projects goals and certification level most appropriate
for the project. Project teams can utilize resources, such as the project checklist, to identify
individual credits and strategies that are readily achievable within the rating system. The project
team should first determine if all prerequisites can be achieved.
Timeline and Project Design Phases
Predesign
Information gathering and establishing goals (charrette)
Schematic Design
Examines design options and establishes an agreed upon layout and scope of work
Design Development
Begins the process of refining the schematic design and developing first design of the
projects energy systems
Construction Documents
Schematic design developed into detailed drawings so that construction can take place
Construction
Construction documents (CDs) completed and necessary local authority approvals
received to begin construction
Substantial Completion
Construction is nearly completed and the client could occupy the space, providing local
authorities permit occupancy prior to receipt of Certificate of Occupancy
Final Completion
All construction per the construction documents has been completed
Certificate of Occupancy
Official notice by building authorities having jurisdiction that the project conforms to
applicable building and safety codes

Chapter 3 | 33
Certification Process: Overview
For all LEED Ratings Systems
except LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development:
Step 1: Planning
Step 2: Registration
Step 3: Documentation
Step 4: Certification
LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood Development
follow different Rating Systems and Certification Processes:
LEED for Homes:
Step 1: Early Planning
Step 2: Design
Step 3: Build
Step 4: Verification and certification
Step 5: Reflection on achievements
LEED for Neighborhood Development:
Stage 1: Review prior to completion of entitlement (permitting) process
Stage 2: Certification of an approved development plan
Stage 3: Review of a completed neighborhood development
Certification Process: Detailed

except LEED for Homes & LEED for Neighborhood Development
Step 1: Planning (Charrette)
The first action toward any LEED project should be establishing a collective forum, or the charrette.
The stakeholders comprising the charrette should document the project goals, prepare a draft
of the LEED Credit Scorecard and select the Project Administrator.
Step 2: Registration
The LEED process begins with registration. The Project Administrator submits the registration
form and registration fee. Registration information required:
Account login information: name, address, company, title, e-mail address, password
Project type: select rating system type, USGBC member status, amount due
General project information: project title, project address, is project confidential
Primary contact information: name, address, organization, e-mail address
Project Owner information: name, organization, e-mail address

Project details: owner type, project scope, site conditions, occupant type, owner occupied,
gross square footage, project budget, current project phase, project type
Payment information
Registration provides:
Point of contact between GBCI and project
Access to LEED Online tools
Access to LEED Credit Forms (Credit Templates)
Ensures maximum potential for achieving certification, if done early in the design process
Registration fees (11 January 2010):
USGBC members: $900
Non-Members: $1,200
GBCI offers free registration for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance for
projects certified under LEED for New Construction, LEED for Schools, and LEED for Core & Shell
prior to January 1, 2011.
Step 3: Application Submittal
For detailed and updated submittal/review process information per rating system refer to GBCI:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/certification-guide.aspx
After project registration, the Project Administrator and Project Team should prepare the required
information for prerequisite and credit submittal. Only the LEED Project Administrator is eligible
to submit an application for review. To initiate the review process, a complete application must
be submitted via LEED Online. Requirements for a complete application vary according to the
review path, but will always include payment of the appropriate certification review fee.
Prior to certification, all project teams are required to submit completed documentation
requirements for all prerequisites and at least the minimum number of credits required to
achieve certification, as well as completed general project information forms. It is advisable to
seek a few additional credits just for safety in the event some credits are denied.
There are multiple application review paths. LEED Online automatically determines which review
paths are available for a given application based on both the LEED Rating System under which
the project is registered and the level of completeness of the application.
Application requirements vary for each LEED Rating System and review path:
LEED for New Construction
Split Design & Construction Application
Combined Design & Construction Application
LEED for Schools

Chapter 3 | 35
LEED for Core and Shell
Precertification Application
LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
O&M Application
O&M Recertification Application
The Split Design & Construction Review timeline is available to projects registered for certification
under any LEED Design & Construction Rating System. An application for Split Design &
Construction Review is submitted in up to four (4) parts, with requirements as follows:
The Design Review enables project teams to assess the likelihood of achievement for some
or all design phase credits and/or prerequisites, prior to substantial project completion
All remaining requirements are then submitted with the Construction Application
Split Design & Construction Review:
Prepare design related credit documentation and submit prior to substantial project
completion. Each prerequisite and credit states if submittal can be done during the
design phase of the project.
Prepare construction related credit documentation and submit after the design phase
review. Each prerequisite and credit states if submittal must be a construction phase
submittal. Certification fee is split and paid at the time of each phase submittal.
Combined Design & Construction Review:
Prepare and submit required documentation for all required prerequisites and credits
being pursued upon project completion. Certification fee is paid at the time of
submittal.
Certification Fees:
In addition to the project registration fees, certification fees are required, based on the
rating system the project is certifying under and the size of the building. There is also a
fee variance for USGBC membership.
Submittal Review Status
There are typically two reviews conducted: A Preliminary Review and response and a Final
Review and response. If the project team disagrees with any ruling, they have the option to
request an Appeal Review. During the review process, the GBCI responds to each prerequisite or
credit submittal with one of the following:

Anticipated: Only during a split Design Phase Review will the GBCI issue an anticipated
response. This does not guarantee credit acceptance, only that the GBCI believes the
credit does meet the requirements at this stage of the project
Pending: GBCI requires additional information
Awarded: Only during the final GBCI review will GBCI issue this response that the credit
has met the requirements and points are earned
Denied: The prerequisite/credit has not met the requirements
After the application has been completed and all fees received and processed, GBCI will perform
a final review and formally rule on the application. The project is awarded the certification level
based on the number of credits achieved.
If the Project Team decides to formally file an appeal, GBCI will issue a LEED review within
25 business days. If a final denied ruling is issued, the project is closed and can never be
reopened.
Award: Only after the Project Team accepts the final ruling is the project awarded certification
with a formal letter of certification
For complete and updated registration and important details regarding the application submittal
and application review process per rating system, refer to GBCI:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/leed-certification.aspx#
Registration Documentation
Certain documents are required when registering or submitting a project for certification:
Project Narrative describing background of the project, details of the building use, location
and surrounding area of the building and any additional attributes of the project
Project photographs or rendering
Building elevation
Building floor plans
Gross square footage of the building, building occupant counts (FTE) and boundary
descriptions. All these figures must be used consistently across applicable credits
Establishing USGBC website User Profile
1. Go to USGBC website www.usgbc.org
2. Click on Sign In along the top bar
3. If you do not have a User Profile, click on hyperlink Create a Site User Account
4. Enter personal information
5. Under Organization, enter your company
6. Enter Corporate ID for your company (if USGBC member)
7. Click Submit Your Registration at the bottom of the form and you will receive a password
to accompany your e-mail address when gaining access to member only sections of the
site
Once your User Profile is set up, team members can access LEED Online projects

Chapter 3 | 37
LEED Online Access
1. http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/leed-online/about-leed-online.aspx
2. Enter e-mail address and password in Log in Now box
3. Select project to access and click Enter
Must have a registered project to gain access
LEED Online Components
My Project Page
My Projects
Active Projects
Saved Projects
Register
Rating Project Selector
Download Scorecard
Project Dashboard (aka Home Page)
Overview
Scorecard
Timeline
Team Administrator
Registration Details
Clarification
Messages
CIR
Credit Forms
Everything is done via electronic format
LEED Online form required for every prerequisite and all credits being attempted with
access available for registered projects
Includes signature block for person responsible for credit
Includes space for narratives
Can attach numerous types, formats and examples of documentation
Six Steps to Certification: Review Summary
Step 1: Determine appropriateness of LEED
Form a charrette and gather information to determine if, and at what level, is LEED
appropriate
Step 2: Registration via LEED OnLine
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/leed-online/about-leed-online.aspx

Step 3: Prepare Application
Assign team members and prepare all documents required for prerequisites and
credits being sought (minimum number of credits are required for Certification)
Step 4: Submit Application via LEED OnLine
Upload Credit Forms with all required documentation
Step 5: Application Review
Upon receipt of a completed submittal application, a formal review will be initiated
Certification is the final step in the LEED Review Process. Once the final review is
complete, the project team can either accept or appeal the final decision. If accepted,
LEED Certified Projects::
Will receive a formal certificate of recognition
Will receive information on how to order plaques, certificates, photo submissions
and marketing
May be included in an online directory and US Dept. of Energy High Performance
Buidlings Database
LEED for Homes
Overview of LEED for Homes
The LEED for Homes process is substantially different than the other systems in both the format
and makeup of the rating system and its certification process. To begin, the structure of the
sustainable categories is different and contains 8 sections:
Innovation & Design (ID)
Location and Linkages (LL)
Sustainable Sites (SS
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
Awareness and Education (AE)
LEED for Homes has four levels of certification and point structures as follows:
Certified: 45 - 59 points
Silver: 60 - 74 points
Gold: 75 - 89 points
Platinum: 90 - 136 points

Chapter 3 | 39
How to Participate in LEED for Homes
Any project seeking LEED for Homes certification must work through a LEED for Homes Provider.
LEED for Homes Providers are under contract to USGBC to provide third party verification for the
LEED for Homes program. Another faction of this process are Green Raters, who are subordinate
to Providers. A Green Rater is part of the LEED for Homes Provider team and performs field
inspections and performance testing.
LEED for Homes Provider program:
Project registration
Directs Green Raters
Certifies LEED homes
Verifies integrity of the certification
Works with USGBC and local USGBC chapters
Five Steps to Participate
There are five basic steps for participating in LEED for Homes:
Contact a LEED for Homes Provider
Develop the project team
Build the home
Certify the project
Market and sell the LEED home
Special Features of the Rating System
The LEED for Homes rating system includes the following:
Innovation & Design Process: this category was brought up front in the LEED for Homes rating
system due to the importance of design in LEED for Homes. Integrated Design Process and
Durability Planning are vital parts of the design process
Integrated Design Process credit (ID1): requires the builder to participate in a builder orientation
program
Durability Planning prerequisite (ID2): addresses durability
LEED Accreditation
Individuals are Accredited and become LEED Accredited Professionals by successfully testing at
the level of accreditation sought:
LEED Green Associate
LEED Accredited Professionals with Specialities
LEED AP Building Design & Construction (BD&C)
LEED AP Interior Design & Construction (ID&C)
LEED AP Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
LEED AP Homes
LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND)
LEED Fellow

Accreditation is available at three (3) tier levels:
Tier I: LEED Green Associate (demonstrates knowledge and skill in practicing green design,
construction and development)
Must agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credential Maintenance
Requirements (CMP)
Must document involvement in support of a LEED project, be employed in a sustainable
field of work or be engaged in a green education program
Must agree to an application audit
LEED Green Associates must complete 15 hours of continuing education (CE) every two
years
Tier II: LEED Accredited Professional [BD&C] [ID&C] [O&M] [Homes] [ND] (extraordinary
depth of knowledge in green building practices and specialization in a specific field)
If taking a Part 2 specialty exam separately, must have passed part 1, the Green Associate
Exam
If taking both the Green Associate Exam and any one of the specialty exams at the same
time. If failing any one of the two exams, will be required to retake only the failed exam.
Must agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credential Maintenance
Requirements (CMP)
Must have documented experience in a LEED registered projected within three (3) years
of the application submittal date
Must agree to an application audit
LEED APs with specialty must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two
years
Tier III: LEED Fellow (TBD)
Tier III is currently under development
Will distinguish an elite class of sustainable professionals
Will contribute to the continuous performance with regards to policies and knowledge
Credential Maintenance
The Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) is a mandated program for everyone one taking a
LEED 2009 exam and directs a LEED Professionals continuing professional development. This
program is optional for legacy LEED APs who earned their credentials prior to the implementation
of the 2009 system.
Refer GBCI for full details and CMP current information:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/CMP/about-cmp.aspx

Chapter 3 | 41
Importance of LEED Credentials
Individual Benefits
Credibility to employer or client
Listed on GBCI website
Receive Certificate
Involved in the LEED certification process
Employer Benefits
Eligible for projects requiring a LEED AP
Strengthens LEED qualifications
Knowledge of the LEED certification process
Industry Benefits:
Higher knowledge of LEED
Transformation of the built environment
Ethics of the LEED Professional
Mandatory Disciplinary Policy Principles
Must be truthful, forthcoming and cooperative in dealing with GBCI
Be in continuous compliance with GBCI rules
Respect GBCI intellectual property rights
Abide by laws related to the profession and to general public health and safety
Conduct professional work in a competent and objective manner
USGBC Portfolio Program
The USGBC Portfolio Program is a pilot program designed for owners who want to integrate
LEED into their standard building practices. The pilot program is available for new, existing and
volume certification.
LEED Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
The LEED Technical Advisory Group is a committee of industry experts who assist in interpreting
credits and developing technical improvements to the LEED Green Building rating System.
Refer Foundations of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Environmental Rating
System, A Tool for Market Transformation:
USGBC/GBCI Trademark Guidelines
USGBC has very specific and stringent guidelines for using their logos, trademarks and registration
symbols.
Refer USGBC for updated trademark guideline information:

The Appendix
The Appendix at the rear of this study guide contains documents and charts that offer additional
or more detailed information regarding the topics presented in this chapter.
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
LEED Green Building Rating System
LEED Prerequisite
LEED Credit
LEED Intent
LEED Technical Advisory Group
LEED Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
LEED Minimum Program Requirements (MPR)
Thoughts to keep
USGBC controls LEED and Education/Research programs
GBCI controls project certification and LEED professional credentialing
Each LEED rating system (except LEED Homes) is comprised of Minimum Program Requirements,
Prerequisites and Credits
Each LEED rating system requires a minimum of 40 points for certification
LEED Online:
Project Administrator registers project
Only invited Project Team members can access LEED Online
Depository for all submittals and required documents
Submittal process (LEED NC, Schools, CS, CI):
Split submittal:
Design
Construction
Combined submittal:
Both Design & Construction credits submitted together
Project Certification:
Register project
Prepare application
Submit application
Application review
Certification
LEED for Homes Rating System:
Leed for Homes Provider
Green Rater

Chapter 3 | 43
Studio4 Office Project: the Program Narrative
The Project Location
This project will be located in a suburb north of Cincinnati, OH on property that was recently
purchased for the development of a 24,000 sf spec building in a rapidly expanding community.
The site contains 3.5 acres and is positioned inside a rezoned HT-1 (high tech light industrial)
corridor and runs perpendicular and central to a high density retail corridor with integrated
residential communities, just west of I-71. The adjacent property to the immediate south and
west is the 1.5 million square foot Proctor and Gamble global health care headquarters.
Aerial Vicinity Locator
Birdseye View (looking south)

The Project Program Narrative: Predesign
This property was required to be rezoned from residential to HT-1, where restrictions were
placed on the future development of this site. All properties along this corridor will be rezoned
HT-1 with the intent to limit use to high tech, professional and light industrial use, with no retail
or residential permitted.
Since this will be a spec development and there will be but one occupant initially, the owner/
developer Studio4, and occupying less than 25% of the total floor area, the project will be best
suited to register under the LEED for Core & Shell (CS) rating system. If the owner/developer
occupied more than 50% of the total building area, the LEED for New Construction (NC) rating
system would be appropriate.
Quickly, the project encountered the first instance where local jurisdictions govern in a way
that can be contradictory, at times, to sustainable design. The original design program required
one 2 story 24,000 sf building. However, in keeping with the surrounding architecture, a height
limitation of 1 story was mandated, with an unusual provision that two 12,000 sf buildings would
be allowed.
The initial Project Team (stakeholders) has been assembled to include the owner/developer,
occupant and LEED AP Studio4, Design Team members (architectural/civil/structural/MEP
engineers, landscape architect and certain material suppliers). Additionally, it has been the
experience of Studio4 that including local building and code officials, along with utility
representatives, is a win-win situation for all parties concerned. If there are issues encountered
related to codes, regulations and utilities, these people will generally join the team in finding
viable solutions. The Project Administrator has been selected, Studio4, and the Project Checklist
is being reviewed to determine, first, if the project can achieve each of the required prerequisites,
the Minimum Project Requirements and then a summary analysis of probable and potential
credits that should be pursued.
As with many sites located in more densely populated areas, land restrictions such as pre-
configured and limited area sites, extremely high land costs and zoning allow for little, if any,
adjustments to the building orientation.
During the pre-design charrette where project goals are established, it is agreed that the
circumstances presented by P&G as a neighbor would work to the projects advantage. As
witnessed by the aerial photos, the property immediately to the south and west will remain
protected from future development by P&G and will continue to afford opportunities for views
to natural habitat and daylight. Imposed restrictions for stormwater management may require
negotiations to permit implementation of strategies being considered such as the use of
graywater, rain gardens, downspout disconnects and pervious pavements as well as others that
currently may not be permitted by utility companies, communities or state and local laws.
The Design Team has reviewed current federal, state and local codes and regulations that may
impact the design of this project and has prepared the following program:
The project program will focus on developing this project with efficiency of time and
cost, while achieving some level of green certification. Given the opportunity to split

Chapter 3 | 45
the buildings will permit a more simple path if the project is scheduled as a two phase
development. LEED does allow a property boundary split if done in a reasonable and
justifiable method. However, splitting the site into two parcels will require close attention
to setbacks and other related zoning requirements as local zoning ordinances will consider
these as two distinct properties. A zoning variance was applied for and approved for a
revision to the side yard setback distances.
The initial building construction and envelope design will be a single story 12,000 sf
building, concrete slab on grade, conventional wood or metal stud framing, masonry
veneer, trussed and shingled roof and high performance glazing.
A preliminary budget was provided by the owner and will be the target in determining
which credits to pursue in the final analysis. A life cycle analysis will be provided by the
Design Team that will illustrate to the owner the potential payback associated with the
certification level being sought.
The Design Team will study the process from design and engineering to material selections
and coordinate a schedule that considers the associated length of time involved. Materials,
such as regional or FSC, will be investigated as they can present delivery and scheduling
issues. Also important are credits like Enhanced Commissioning and Measurement &
Verification that can extend the length of time to receive certification.
The core & shell interiors will include only a demising wall to define the initial tenant and
common area toilet facilities that will serve all tenants.
Owners Project Requirements (OPR)
Studio4 is an architectural and graphic design studio; creator/owner of a sustainable
website; provider of sustainable educational study materials and classes
A space requirement of 3,000 sf would be sufficient to fulfil present and future needs
Initial 4 FTEs and potential to expand to 8 FTEs; a potential of 15 transient occupants
General office; 2 private offices; 1 design studio; 1 classroom for 15 people; 1 break
room; 1 utility room
This concludes the pre-design stage where the Owners Project Requirements (OPR) have been
collected, codes and regulations reviewed, a cursory credit analysis conducted and basic design
goals established. The next stage will entail registering the project via LEED Online and begin
the schematic design process to achieve the Basis of Design (BOD) documents.
The next project section is located at the conclusion of the Sustainable Sites chapter.
Although this project offers more information than what is required for the Green Associate exam, use
it only as an overview study for understanding credit achievement and increasing your knowledge
about the interaction between credits that is critical to achieving a high performance building. A few
calculations are presented to illustrate how the credit can be achieved and for all credits, the submittal
phase and relative team members are listed.

T he selection and development of a buildings site
provide the most fundamental foundation for
sustainable building practices. The sustainable goals
of the LEED Sustainable Sites category address the
following areas: site selection; transportation related
emission reduction; stormwater management;
heat island reduction; light pollution reduction;
protection of existing habitats and ecosystems
CHAPTER | 4
Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit Matrix

Site Related Boundaries
Introduction
Transportation
Site Selection
Site Design
Stormwater Management
Heat Island Effect
Light Pollution Reduction
Urban Redevelopment
Development Density
Community Connectivity
Public Transportation Access
Full Time Equivalents
Codes & Referenced Standards
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: Sustainable Sites
48
Sustainable Sites
Credit Matrix
Prereq NC Schools CS
Credit Title Points
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) 26 24 28
SSp1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Reqd Reqd Reqd
SSp2 Environmental Site Assessment NA Reqd NA
SSc1 Site Selection 1 1 1
SSc2 Development Density and Community Connectivity 5 4 5
SSc3 Brownfield Redevelopment 1 1 1
SSc4.1 Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access 6 4 6
SSc4.2 Alternative Transportation - Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms 1 1 2
SSc4.3 Alternative Transportation - Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles 3 2 3
SSc4.4 Alternative Transportation - Parking Capacity 2 2 2
SSc5.1 Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat 1 1 1
SSc5.2 Site Development - Maximize Open Space 1 1 1
SSc6.1 Stormwater Design - Quantity Control 1 1 1
SSc6.2 Stormwater Design - Quality Control 1 1 1
SSc7.1 Heat Island Effect - Nonroof 1 1 1
SSc7.2 Heat Island Effect - Roof 1 1 1
SSc8 Light Pollution Reduction 1 1 1
SSc9 Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines NA NA 1
SSc9 Site Master Plan NA 1 NA
SSc10 Joint Use of Facilities NA 1 NA
Site Related Boundaries

building footprint: area of the building
structure that is defined by the perimeter of
the building plan. Pavement, landscaping
and other nonbuilding facilities are not
included in the building footprint
development footprint: the area of
the site impacted by the project, which
includes parking, landscaping, roads and
other facilities in addition to the building
property boundary: the total area within
the legal boundaries of the site
project boundary: the platted property
line of the project. For projects developed
on properties with multiple buildings, such
as a campuses or industrial complexes,
a reasonable property boundary, as
required for the project construction and
local code, is permitted
LEED (project) boundary: the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification

Chapter 4 | 49
Sustainable Sites
Introduction
One of the first and most critical decisions for the project team to make is that of site selection, as
the location of a site and the site itself can determine how the project impacts the environment.
In addition to the sustainable impacts to the project itself, the location of the project can affect
local and regional ecosystems, both positively and negatively.
Sustainable sites address these key components:
Transportation
Site selection
Site design
Stormwater
Heat Island Effect
Light Pollution
Transportation
Often when a company decides to relocate to a new area,
employees are surveyed to determine where they live, the
distance they currently travel, the distance they would travel
to the new location, their preferences, etc. In the majority of
instances, travel time and distance is the most important issue
to employees.
Sustainable sites can reduce the social, economic and
environmental impacts caused by the increased demands on
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
building related transportation. It is easy to understand the
importance of sustainable sites when you consider how the
location of the site can increase the length and frequency of vehicle trips. Especially when
transportation accounts for over 30% of the nations greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle
technology, transportation fuels and land use all contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases.
In 2006, over 75% of the commuters in the U.S. drove to work alone - one occupant per vehicle.
Owners, developers and project teams should consider locating near urban redevelopment
where mass transit and community services are readily available, and provide incentives that
encourage employees to reduce vehicle use or use alternative fuel vehicles. Promoting mass
transit or alternative fuel vehicles reduces the energy required for transportation and the space
needed for parking lots and related support facilities. The proper selection of the site is one of
the most focused areas in LEEDs effort to reduce greenhouse gases and alleviate the burden
on our natural resources by altering our current mindset with regards to transportation. The
negative environmental impacts associated with transportation cannot be overstated.

Sustainable Sites
Transportation strategies:
Provide access to mass transit networks
Commuter rail, light rail or subway system; public, campus
or private bus lines usable by building occupants
Shuttle service from project location to transit lines
Reduce employee parking
Limit parking spaces and encourage employees to consider Mass Transit
alternative transportation options to reduce pollution
and land development impacts from automobile use
Size parking not to exceed existing minimum local code
requirements
Shared parking facilities with other buildings
Alternatives to single occupant vehicles
Encourage car pooling and van pooling Limit Parking
Designated car pooling and van pooling parking spaces
Provide reserved parking spaces
conveniently located near building entrances
for building occupants who carpool
to work
Promote Low-Emission & Fuel-Efficient Vehicles (FEV)
On-site fueling stations Car/Van Pooling
Provide FEV vehicles or offer incentives for employee FEV
ownership
For Schools, investigate tradeoffs for alternative fuel
vehicles
Offer incentives
Develop an alternative commuting incentive programs Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Rideshare programs that offer fee based options
Support alternative transportation
Promote alternatives or incentives to single-
occupancy vehicle commuting
Provide secured spaces and changing rooms for
bicycle use
Reduced parking rates for carpooling or alternative
Alternative Transportation
fuel vehicles
& Incentive Programs
Assist employees with parking fees for public parking

Chapter 4 | 51
Sustainable Sites
Site Selection
The selection of the projects site is one of the most important decisions that can contribute
to the success of the projects sustainability. The sustainable site will allow for proper building
orientation, as well as reduce associated environmental impacts. Redevelopment of brownfield
sites can improve the quality of the environment. Selecting previously developed sites can
reduce the burden on greenfield sites, farmlands or encroaching on wetlands and water bodies
that compromise existing habitat and ecosystems. Developing a master plan for the project
and site can protect the environment beyond the initial construction phase in consideration of
future expansions. Projects applying for LEED Commercial Interiors should investigate occupying
existing LEED certified buildings such as LEED for New Construction or LEED for Core and Shell.
Site selection strategies:
Increase development density
Create a smaller footprint
Maximize the floor area ratio or square footage per acre by stacking floors, instead of
spreading out the building footprint, in order to maximize open spaces and protect the
habitat
Locate the project in densely populated communities
Average density of project and surrounding community should be 60,000 sf/acre min.
Redevelopment
Previously developed sites
Protects undeveloped land and is often served by existing infrastructure such as roads,
utilities and community services
Restore a brownfield site
Improves and protects the environment
Saves undeveloped land
Incentives often offered by owner or government agencies
Consider tradeoffs such as costs for environmental assessments
and remediation, time required to investigate and remediate and
potential liabilities to owner
Protect the habitat
Select sites that do not include sensitive site elements and land types such as:
Prime farmland as defined by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA)
Less than 5 feet above areas defined by FEMA as
being in the 100 year flood plain
Land that is habitat for threatened or endangered
species

Sustainable Sites
Within 100 feet of wetlands as defined by Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR)
Within 50 feet of a body of water as regulated by the
Clean Water Act (CWA)
Public parklands
Urban development
Urban areas often have infrastructures in place, such as mass transit and community
services, that provide for more sustainable sites through community connectivity and
also by reducing demands on our natural resources.
Community connectivity: must be on a previously developed site AND within 1/2 mile
of a residential neighborhood with an average density
of 10 units/acre AND within 1/2 mile of ten basic
community services such as: bank, convenience store,
place of worship, fire station, post office, restaurants
(2 permitted), etc. and has pedestrian access between
the building and services
Mass transit: unobstructed walking distance within 1/2
mile of commuter rail, light rail or subway system OR
unobstructed walking distance within 1/4 mile of one or more bus stops for two or more
public, campus or private bus lines usable by building occupants
*community connectivity and mass transit is described in more detail later in this chapter
Site Design
Sustainable site design includes the design, installation and maintenance of areas such as
landscaping and hardscapes. Green practices minimize the use of irrigation, fertilizers and
pesticides and employs strategies to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation. The use of native
plants reduces the burden on water resources due to reduced irrigation requirements and
reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Reducing the amount of hardscapes can increase
the area of open space and the use of reflective materials for pavement, walks and roofs can
reduce heat island effects.
Site design strategies:
Create and implement an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan (ESC) to reduce
construction pollution. The plan must comply with the requirements of the 2003 EPA
General Construction Permit or local codes, whichever is more
strict. The EPA General Construction Permit outlines the provisions
necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.
Prevents loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff
and wind
Prevents sedimentation of storm sewer and receiving streams
Prevents pollution of the air with dust and particulate matter

Chapter 4 | 53
Sustainable Sites
Strategies that can be used to control erosion due to construction activities are:
Mulching
Erosion control blankets
Straw bales
Berms
Silt fence
Mulch Control Blankets Straw Bales Silt Fencing
Reduce site disturbance caused by building

Reduce the footprint of the building to increase the amount of open space
Protect and restore existing habitat
Efficient hardscapes
Minimize the amount of hard surfaces such as parking lots, walkways, patios, etc
Design new or replace existing hard surfaces with permeable (pervious) surfaces
Reduced area of hardscapes also reduces the amount of exterior lighting required
Minimize water usage
Use native or adaptive landscaping that reduces, or eliminates, the need for irrigation
Use water efficient irrigation systems
Use nonpotable water for flushing toilets and urinals
Use of reflective materials
Design hard surfaces, including roofs, with high SRI materials to minimize heat island
impacts
Sustainable management plan
Consideration of the type of chemicals and other products used for cleaning exterior
surfaces
Consideration of the type of chemicals and other products used for snow and ice
removal
Develop an integrated pest management program

Sustainable Sites
Low Impact Development (LID)
Precipitation, in the forms of rainfall and snow onto impervious surfaces such as parking lots,
sidewalks and streets does not filtrate back into the earth and aquifer, but rather washes the
surfaces and sends the contaminants eventually to our waterways. This is known as nonpoint
source pollution.
Low Impact Development addresses how stormwater enters a site, is temporarily stored and how
the stormwater eventually exits the site. At its core, LID minimizes impervious surfaces, protects
soils from compaction and erosion, promotes native vegetation and manages stormwater at its
source.
As with any sustainable strategy, all aspects of synergies and tradeoffs must be considered,
particularly with LEED for Neighborhood Development projects. Managing stormwater may be
less practical, for instance, when considering street grids that promote walking. Streets can cause
interruption to the overall stormwater management plan by disrupting the preferred release of
stormwater.
Developments can reduce the natural permeability
of a site, which increases the quantity and reduces
the quality of stormwater runoff downstream to
waterways such as streams, rivers and lakes. The
replacement of permeable areas with impervious
surfaces reduces the quality due to the contaminates
carried by the runoff water, which becomes harmful to
aquatic life and recreational opportunities in receiving
waters. This also causes downstream erosion in our
waterways due to increased runoff rates. Stormwater
management involves strategies that reduce or control Permeable (pervious) pavement
the amount of increased stormwater created by the project. Pollution caused by soil erosion
during site development, increased amounts of impervious surfaces, landscaping fertilizers
and the cleansing of impervious pavements by rainwater contribute to the sedimentation and
degradation of our waterways. A Stormwater Management Plan (SWP) may include the collection
and reuse of stormwater to reduce the amount of potable water required for irrigation and
flushing of toilets. Stormwater management is often regulated by state or local codes to address
regional preferences. In certain parts of the U.S., management is generally encouraged in efforts
to reduce the impact on waterways and in communities with combined sanitary and storm
sewer systems. However, in other parts of the U.S., stormwater is committed to downstream use
for livestock, crops and municipal water supplies.
Strategy considerations for controlling and reducing the quantity and improving the quality of
stormwater runoff:
Quantity control
Design project site to maintain natural stormwater flows, promoting infiltration

Chapter 4 | 55
Sustainable Sites
Minimize impervious areas by using alternative surfaces such as pervious pavements,
open grid pavers and vegetated roofs
Pervious pavements: For hardscapes such as parking, drives, walks and other similar
surfaces, use pervious materials that will allow stormwater to penetrate through the
surface to the soils below to reduce the quantity of the stormwater runoff. Also, the
quality of stormwater that goes back into the soils and possibly to the aquifers is filtrated
and improved
Grid pavers: consider the use of open grid pavers that allow the stormwater to filtrate the
open spaces created by the grid pattern to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff
Vegetated roofs (aka green roofs): There are many synergies associated with vegetated
roofs in addition to reducing the amount of stormwater runoff. The quality of retained
stormwater is improved, the roof is better insulated which improves heat gain/loss,
reducing the amount of HVAC required and the subsequent energy consumption and
vegetated roofs increase the amount of open green space, providing an environment for
insects, birds and other habitat
Control Stormwater: Redirect the flow and rate
Design retention and detention ponds, rain gardens, bioswales, vegetated strips or
similar structures to retain or hold and slow the rate of stormwater runoff
Harvest Rainwater: Collect and reuse
Capture rainwater for reuse in such areas as irrigation, flushing toilets and urinals, and
custodial
Quality control
Most all of the strategies used for controlling the quantity of stormwater runoff can
also be implemented for improving the quality of stormwater runoff by utilizing Best
Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are methods that have been proven to be effective
and are therefore accepted measures for meeting the requirement
Pervious pavement and open grid pavers allow a certain amount of water to penetrate
the material and infiltrate to the soils below, filtering contaminants from the stormwater
Structural techniques such as vegetated roofs and non-structural techniques such as rain
gardens, bioswales and vegetated strips offer a natural filtration of the stormwater
Green Roofs Retention and Detention Ponds Rain Gardens

Sustainable Sites
Heat Island Effect
A heat island is an urban area which is significantly
warmer than its surrounding rural areas. The main cause
of the urban heat island is simply the modification of the
land surface by urban development. Heat islands can be
caused by buildings blocking surface heat from radiating
into the relatively cold night sky, the lack of sufficient wind,
changes in the thermal properties of surface materials
and a lack of evapotranspiration in urban areas. Materials
commonly used in urban areas, such as concrete and
asphalt, have significantly different properties that
store and release heat than surrounding rural areas.
These temperature differentials are generally greater
at night than during the day. Heat island effects are
also major contributors to smog in urban areas. LEED
defines heat islands as temperatures 2 to 10 degrees
greater than those of surrounding urban areas. LEED
addresses heat island elements related to roofs and
nonroof components.
Pavement and roofing materials can be huge contributors to heat islands
due to their thermal properties, acting as heat sinks that collect and store
heat. Conventional paving and roofing materials that are darker in color
exacerbate this problem by absorbing more of the suns energy.
Emissivity is the ability of a material to emit heat by radiation, solar
reflectance (albedo) is the measure of a materials ability to reflect sunlight
and Solar Reflectance Ratio (SRI) is the measure of a materials ability to
reject solar heat. The ideal relationship is lower emissivity and higher albedo and SRI. Pavement
and roofing materials that exhibit these qualities are often referred to as cool pavements and
cool roofs.
Solar Reflectance is the fraction of the solar energy that is reflected by a surface, such as a
roof or pavement, expressed as a number between zero and one. The higher the value, the
better the roof reflects solar energy. For example, a white reflective coating or membrane
has a reflectance value of 0.85 (reflects 85% of solar energy hitting it and absorbs the
remaining 15%), while asphalt has a value of 0.09 (reflects 9%)
Emittance is the amount of absorbed heat that is radiated from a surface, expressed as a
number between zero and one. The higher the value, the better the surface radiates heat
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates the ability of a surface to reject solar heat, and is the
combined value of reflectivity and emittance. It is defined so that a standard black is zero
(reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) and a standard white is 100 (reflectance 0.80, emittance
0.90). Because of the way SRI is defined, very hot materials can have slightly negative SRI
values, and very cool materials can have SRI values exceeding 100

Chapter 4 | 57
Sustainable Sites
Green roofs are becoming popular in the U.S. in larger metropolitan areas, such as Chicago.
In addition to assisting stormwater management by reducing quantity of flow and increasing
quality of release, green roofs reduce the buildings energy consumption, provides vegetated
open space and refuge for habitat. Green roofs also reduce the heat island effect of absorbing
the suns energy by providing natural vegetation and soils which also contributes to the cooling
effects of evapotranspiration, the release of water from plants into the atmosphere. Green roofs
are a great sustainable strategy for a project.
Strategy considerations for reducing heat island effects on the microclimate and human and
wildlife habitat:
Nonroofs
Reduce area of hardscapes including roads, parking lots/parking structures, walks or
courtyards
Shading: combination of any of the following strategies for 50% of the total hardscape
area
Shade from existing tree canopy or, for new trees, within 5 years of installation
Shade from structures covered by solar panels that produce renewable energy
Shade from architectural features that have a SRI of at least 29
Cool pavements: Use hardscape materials with a SRI of at least 29
Open grid pavement systems which are at least 50% pervious
Place a minimum of 50% of parking spaces under cover
Roofs used to shade or cover parking must have a SRI of at least 29
Roofs
Cool Roofs: Use roofing materials for 75% of the roof surface with controlled SRI values
78 SRI for low sloped roofs less than or equal to 2:12 slope
29 SRI for steep sloped roofs greater than 2:12 slope
Green Roofs: Install a vegetated roof that covers at least 50% of the roof area
Install high albedo (SRI) cool roof and vegetated roof surfaces that, in combination, meet
the following:
(area of roof meeting minimum SRI / 0.75) + (area of vegetated roof/0.5) = Total Roof
Area

Sustainable Sites
Outdoor lighting is important for safety, lighting passages between buildings and sidewalks,
parking lots and roadways. However, poorly designed exterior lighting can add to nighttime
light pollution which can interfere with nocturnal ecology, reduce observation of night skies
(aka Sky Glow), cause roadway glare and jeopardize relationships with neighbors by creating
light trespass.
Properly designed lighting systems can promote an appreciation for a place at night. Careful
selection of fixture types and wattage and controlling the lighting during off hours or curfew
times can avoid light pollution, maintain safety and enhance the public image of a company.
The intent of light pollution reduction is to:
Minimize light trespass from the building and site
Reduce sky glow to increase night sky access
Improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction
Reduce development impact on nocturnal environments
Satellite image of earth at night Reduce exterior lighting for nonessential use
Interior
Utilize indirect interior lighting or automated non-emergency lighting shutoff controls
Shut off non-emergency lighting:
Reduce power to all non-emergency lighting with a direct line of sight to building
envelope openings, such as windows and doors, with shutoff controls during off hours
or curfew times
Automatic shielding:
Provide automatic shielding or permanent obstructions, for all non-emergency
lighting with a direct line of sight to building envelope openings, such as windows
and doors

Chapter 4 | 59
Sustainable Sites
Exterior
Design site lighting with computer model
Use computer modeling for proper selection and location of fixture types
Accurate control of illumination levels, particularly important for maintaining
required lighting densities per ASHRAE 90.1 and light trespass at the project
property lines
Only light areas required for safety and comfort
Shut off or reduce lighting levels for non-essential lighting such as building facade
and landscaping lighting
Use full cutoff light fixtures, low angle spot lights and low reflectance surfaces
Full cutoff light fixtures prevent wasteful uplighting above a horizontal plane,
reduces glare and helps prevent light trespass
Low angle spot lights help reduce glare, lighting unnecessary surfaces and
wasting energy lighting the sky
Low reflectance surfaces reduces light reflectance and trespass
Classify project lighting zone and comply accordingly with the requirements of
IESNA RP-33
LZ1 - Dark (park and rural settings)
LZ2 - Low (residential areas and neighborhood business districts)
LZ3 - Medium (commercial/industrial and high density residential)
LZ4 - High (major city centers and entertainment districts)
School sports fields are excluded from requirements, but must have automatic
shutoffs
Development Density and Community Connectivity
In order to achieve credit for urban redevelopment, 2 options are available to the project:
Development Density and Community Connectivity.
Development Density
The requirements to meet this credit option are to construct or renovate a building
on a previously developed site and in a community with a minimum density of
60,000 sf. The density calculation is based on a 2 story building and considers
the building and the surrounding community. The first calculation required is to
determine the development density for the project by dividing the total square
footage of the building by the total site area in acres.
Development Density (sf/acre) = Gross Building Area (sf) / Site Area (acres)

Sustainable Sites
The second calculation is used to determine the density radius. Convert the site area
from acres to sf (multiply the # of acres x 43,560 sf/ac) and then multiply this number by
the square root of 3.
Density Radius (sf) = 3 x square root [Site Area (acres) x 43,560 (sf/acre)]
The third calculation adds the sum of all buildings within the density radius. Add the
square footage and property acres of all buildings within the density radius and dividing
the total square footage by the total acres. The average density of all properties inside
this radius must be 60,000 sf or greater. Exclude undeveloped public areas such as parks
and water bodies and public roads and right-of-way areas.
Average Property Density within Density Boundary = sum Square Footage / sum Site
Area
OR
Community Connectivity also requires
the construction or renovation of a
building on a previously develop site.
The intent of this option is to connect
the project to an existing infrastructure
by requiring the site to be within
1/2 mile of a residential zone with an
average density of 10 units per acres,
within 1/2 mile of at least 10 basic
services and must have unobstructed
pedestrian access between the
building and the services.. No service
type can be counted more that once in
the calculations other than restaurants,
where 2 are permitted.
Project location relative to 10 community services
within 1/2 mile walking distance from the building
Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access

Another area important to a successful urban redevelopment project is the proximity of the
project to mass transportation infrastructures usually found in densely populated urban areas.
The requirements for achieving this credit relate to the availability and proximity of rail stations
and bus stops. As with Development Density and Community Connectivity, there are 2 options
available to the project.
Rail Station
The project must be located within 1/2 mile walking distance of an existing, planned and
funded commuter rail, light rail or subway station
OR

Chapter 4 | 61
Sustainable Sites
Bus Stops
The project must be within 1/4 mile
walking distance of 1 or more stops for
2 or more public, campus or private bus
lines usable by building occupants
Bus stops within a 1/4 mile radius

with walking path from the building
Full Time Equivalents (FTEs)

There are two pieces of information and data required when registering a project with LEED Online
that are used across several credits - LEED Boundary & Full Time Equivalent (FTE). Therefore, LEED
boundary information and FTE data must be consistent when applied to each applicable credit.
The project boundary is used for storm water calculations, open space requirements and light
trespass as well as providing data for other credits. The first instance when FTEs are required is
in the Sustainable Sites category to determine the required quantities for SS credit 4.2: Bicycle
Storage and Changing Rooms.
full time equivalent (FTE): a regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the
project building. Part time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per
week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included for credits that require annual calculations, as
with annual potable water consumption and wastewater generation.
full time equivalent building occupants: a measure equal to the total number of hours all
building occupants spend in the building during the peak 8 hour occupancy period divided by
8 hours
Full Time Equivalents identify the total number of building occupants of the following occupancy
types:
Full time staff
Part time staff
Peak Transients (students, volunteers, visitors, customers, etc.)
Residents

Sustainable Sites
For full time and part time staff, the FTE occupants are based on an 8 hour occupancy period.
An 8 hour full time occupant has an FTE value of 1.0 and a part time occupants FTE is the hours
they work per day divided by 8. In buildings with multiple shifts, only the shift with the highest
volume is used. FTE calculations for each shift must be used consistently for all LEED credits.
Transient occupants and total shifts worked are particularly important in the Water Efficiency
category when determining annual wastewater and potable water calculations. Annual
calculations are determined by the total consumption or load during a 24 hour period for the
total number of days worked annually. For instance, if there are three shifts and the FTE quantities
of the shifts are 150, 100 and 50 FTEs, for most credits the highest shift with 150 FTE would be
used. However, when total annual calculations are required, the consumption or load during a
24 hour period would be that created by the combined shifts of 150, 100 and 50 - or 300 FTEs.
Refer to the Appendix for a complete listing of Referenced Standards by Credit with a description
of the intent of the standard
The Sustainable Sites category contains many standards for implementing credit strategies
regulating site disturbance, stormwater management, open space, light pollution. Important
standards to become familiar with:
2003 EPA Construction General Permit: NPDES stormwater regulations for site construction
activity
ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Assessment & ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental
Site Assessment
U.S. Department of Agriculture, United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 7, Volume 6,
Parts 400 to 699, Section 657.5: Standard that defines prime farmland
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Definition of 100 Year Flood: The flood
elevation that has a 1% chance of being reached or exceeded each year
Endangered Species List (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, List of Threatened and Endangered
Species): Addresses threatened and endangered wildlife and plants
National Marine Fisheries Services, List of Endangered Marine Species: In addition to this
federal list, state agencies provide state specific lists
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR, Parts 230 -233, and Part 22, Definition
of Wetlands: Addresses wetlands and discharges of dredge or filled material into water
regulated by states
U.S. EPA, Definition of Brownfields
ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low Rise
Residential Lighting, Section 9 (without amendments): Establishes exterior lighting power
densities (LPD) for buildings
Various ASTM standards regarding Heat Island Effect

Chapter 4 | 63
Sustainable Sites
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
Albedo
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Biodiversity
Biomass
Bioswale
Brownfield
Building Density
Building Footprint
Development Density
Emissivity
Floodplain
Floor-to-Area Ratio
Footcandle
Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Heat Island Effect
Imperviousness
Light Pollution
Native and Adapted Plants
Perviousness
Prime Farmland
Rain Garden
Site Disturbance
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
Stormwater Runoff
Street Grid Density
Transient Occupants
Transportation Demand Management
Wetland Vegetation

Sustainable Sites
Xeriscaping
Thoughts to keep - the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit)
The location of the site is of paramount importance to immediate and long term environmental
impacts. LEED sustainable sites promotes responsible and practical site design strategies relative
to local and regional communities and ecosystems in the following areas:
Transportation
Site Selection
Site Design
Stormwater
Heat Island Effect
Light pollution
Transportation
Strategies:
Locate site in an area that has mass transit
Limit parking
Encourage carpooling
Promote low emissions or fuel efficient vehicles
Offer incentives
Support alternative transportation
The Triple Bottom Line:
People: Reducing vehicle emissions also increases the quality of the air; strategies such
as mass transportation and bicycles promotes exercise
Planet: The obvious here is the reduction of vehicle emissions
Profit: Reducing vehicle travel saves operation and maintenance costs for the vehicle
owner and reduces the cost burden of construction and maintenance of highways
Site Selection
Strategies:
Increase development density
Redevelopment
Protect or restore habitat
Urban development
People: Sites should consider strategies that promote the restoration or protection of
the natural habitat, redevelopment of existing buildings or any other strategy that

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enhances the community at large
Planet: Strategies such as daylighting and natural ventilation reduces energy use;
redevelopment saves greenfield sites; protects natural ecosystems
Profit: Site location can have a direct affect on vehicle miles traveled (vmt) saving both
fossil fuels and infrastructure; can contribute to the economy of local communities;
proper site selection allows for placement and orientation of the building to reduce
energy costs providing daylighting and natural ventilation
Site Design
Strategies:
Create an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
Efficient hardscapes
Minimize water usage
Use of reflective materials
Sustainable management plan
People: Reducing light pollution shows a concern for community and safety; creating
or increasing the natural habitat serves the project as well as adjoining properties
Planet: Incorporating proper hardscape/roofing materials and regionally appropriate
landscape design will reduce heat island effects
Profit: Strategies that incorporate native landscaping will conserve both water and
energy and require less maintenance
Strategies:
Quantity control
Reduce building footprint
Reduce impervious pavement materials
Use pervious pavement materials, vegetated roofs, rain gardens, bioswales,
retention and detention ponds to hold and/or slow the rate of stormwater runoff
Quality control
Reduce building footprint
Reduce impervious pavement materials
Use pervious pavement materials, vegetated roofs, rain gardens, bioswales,
retention and detention ponds to hold and/or slow the rate of stormwater runoff
Nonpoint source pollution is one of the greatest threats to stormwater quality and
can be caused by oil leaks from vehicles, fertilizers and other contaminants washed

Sustainable Sites
across impervious surfaces during a rain.
People: Stormwater management strategies such as retention ponds, rain gardens
and wetlands promote biodiversity of native habitat which also reduces stormwater
damage to adjoining properties
Planet: Managing stormwater reduces flooding and sedimentation of downstream land
and waterways; stormwater can be used for landscape irrigation and in the interior for
flushing toilets, thereby saving potable water
Profit: A proper stormwater management plan implemented at the beginning of the
project reduces damage to the site which later must be corrected at a cost; retention
ponds, rain gardens, wetlands and other aesthetic strategies can increase the property
value
Heat Isand Effect
Strategies:
Nonroofs: reduce hardscapes, shading, cool pavements, open grid paving, cover or
shade parking
Roofs: cool roofs, green roofs, combination cool and green roofs
People: Controlling heat islands reduces the ambient temperatures in urban areas
Planet: The heat generated by heat islands are detrimental to habitat, wildlife and
animal migration corridors; green roofs provide additional structure for habitats
Profit: Cool pavements and cool or vegetated roofs reduce the heating and cooling
load of the building, thereby reducing HVAC equipment size which also reduces
energy costs
Light pollution reduction
Strategies:
Interior: indirect lighting, shut off non emergencey lighting, automatic shielding
Exterior: computer designed systems, light only for safety and comfort, shut
off non essential lighting, use full cutoff fixtures, design per LZA lighting zone
recommendations
People: Reducing light pollution shows a concern for community and safety; creating
and increasing the natural habitat serves the project as well as adjoining properties
Planet: Controlling light pollution causes less impact on the nocturnal ecosystem;
reduces night glow
Profit: Reducing the quantity of luminaires not required for safety saves initial
equipment costs as well as operating costs

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Sustainable Sites
Miscellaneous
Alternative Fuel Vehicles:
Electric; hydrogen; natural gas; ethanol, biofuel
Eligible vehicles:
Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board
(CARB)
Green Score 40 or greater listed by the American Council for an Energy Efficient
Economy (ACEEE)
Brownfields:
EPA defines brownfields as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse
of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous
substance, pollutant or contaminate.
If found to be contaminated, but remediated, the land can be reused
Schools are not permitted to be built on land that was previously used as a landfill
Heat island properties:
Understand the key elements: albedo, solar reflectance, solar reflectance index,
emittance

Sustainable Sites
Studio4 Office Project: Sustainable Sites
LEED Online Registration
Aside from the standard issue of questions about the Project Administrator, Project Owner and
general project details, there are two pieces of information LEED Online requires from the Project
Administrator that will serve as a standard of accounting across several credits that uses the
same information and, therefore must be used consistently throughout the certification process.
One is project boundary information and the other is the FTE count.
The project boundary for this project, as well as most sites with a single building, will simply
be the legal property description that is generally shown on a survey drawing that defines the
metes and bounds. Also, the civil engineers drawings will indicate the property lines as well as
defining the scope of the project relative to work outside the building proper.
Project Boundaries
Another area that needs to be checked by the Project Team is an analysis of the Minimum
Program Requirements (MPR). This project meets the mandatory requirements, however, one
calculation does need to be made to ensure that the minimum building area to site area ratio is
in compliance. This requires that the gross floor area of the LEED project building must be no
less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary. The site area is 3.5 acres
and the gross floor area is 12,000 sf. Therefore:
(3.5 acres x 43,560 sf/acre) x 0.02 = 152,460 x 0.02 = 3,049.2 sf minimum required
Although the project was zoned for two buildings with the agreement that there would be an
eventual lot split, for the sake of expediency, the split will occur after the completion of the
project and certification approved. Also needed to consider is the fact that this is a speculative
project and Phase II may never be developed.
FTE requirements refer to occupant loads, and occupant loads have different meanings
depending on the requirements being met. In the case of zoning, occupant loads deal with life
safety issues and addresses areas such as the minimum width of egress corridors and number of

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Sustainable Sites
required emergency exit doors based on the building use group. LEED, on the other hand, views
occupants from a different perspective, allowing two options for determining occupant counts,
or FTEs. If the actual FTE is not known, LEED provides a matrix based on the type of occupancy
use. For general office use such as this project, this would be 1 FTE per 250 sf of the gross square
footage. Therefore:
12,000 sf / 250 = 48 FTEs
Schematic Design
The Civil Engineer has taken the data collected during the initial charrette and prepared a
preliminary schematic site development plan where the owner, architect, engineers, landscape
architect, contractor and other stakeholders can review and discuss in more detail the strategies
to achieve the credits being sought. They will also determine what synergies are apparent and
perhaps uncover hidden issues in the form of adverse tradeoffs that may affect their credit
selections.
Conceptual Site Development Plan
Sustainable Sites Category

Sustainable Sites deal with issues outside of the building, including portions of the building
exterior, the land that is being developed, and the surrounding community. Choosing a
buildings site and managing that site during construction are important considerations for
the sustainability of any project. The Sustainable Sites category discourages development on
previously undeveloped land; minimizes a buildings impact on ecosystems and waterways;
encourages regionally appropriate landscaping; rewards smart transportation choices; controls
stormwater runoff; and reduces erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction
related pollution.
SSp1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention: This prerequisite requires the creation and
implementation of an erosion sediment control (ESC) plan, in accordance with the 2003
EPA Construction General Permit or local standards if more strict, to prevent loss of soil,
sedimentation and air pollution during the course of construction. Soil erosion on building
sites is a major source of sediment pollution in waterways and the runoff of sediment

Sustainable Sites
carries pollutants and excessive nutrients that enter the water systems at concentrated
levels. Many communities require strict adherence to EPA regulations or local ordinances
concerning both the protection of the site and the effects of site disturbance downstream.
Additionally, a mandated requirement for this site is that of monitoring the effectiveness
of control measures after storms that have delivered a set amount of rainfall within a given
period. Construction submittal: civil engineer, landscape architect, contractor
SSc1 Site Selection: This is an easy credit to achieve given the fact that this site fits perfectly
with the goals of sustainable sites. This site: does not infringe on any of the sensitive or
protected site elements such as wetlands, flood plains, endangered species, farmland, etc.;
is a previously developed site, thereby preserving greenfields; and is situated in a location
with a substantial amount of community connectivity. Design submittal: owner, civil
engineer, environmental engineer, ecologist
SSc2 Development Density and Community Connectivity: The intent of the Development
Density option is to drive development towards high density neighborhoods that have a
60,000 sf/acre density ratio. However, in the past this has been a difficult task to achieve.
Recently, LEED added the Community Connectivity option to this credit in a successful
effort to make it a much easier path to compliance. With regards to Development Density,
a precedent had been established through a legacy CIR for a project of comparable size
to this project, but located in an area where the average density was over 125,000 sf per
acre. This avenue could possibly have been pursued, but is unnecessary at this point.
There is the intent of the Project Team not to apply for CIRs in an effort to expedite the
project. Community Connectivity is virtually at the projects doorstep. There is available the
required 10 community services and high density residential units (10 units/acre) within a
1/2 mile radius with sidewalks that provide a direct and unobstructed link. This will meet
the requirements of the Community Connectivity option of the credit. Each of the 10
basic services have to be identified and the information uploaded via LEED Online. Design
submittal: owner, developer, design team
Community Connectivity (10 basic services and high density residential within 1/2 mile)

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Sustainable Sites
SSc3 Brownfield Redevelopment: Brownfields have the potential to be renewed with proper
remediation that removes possible hazardous materials from the sites soil and groundwater
that may be present. Redevelopment on brownfields prevents development on undeveloped
greenfields that may serve as a habitat for wildlife and brownfields are usually located
in areas having existing infrastructure necessary for the new development. Reclaiming a
potentially contaminated site can provide economic support to the surrounding area and
initialize further development. Unfortunately, with regards to this credit, a condition of sale
required the previous owners to demolish and remove the existing buildings and accessory
structures. The age of those buildings revealed asbestos siding on the main structure.
Asbestos has previously been permitted by the EPA as an environmentally hazardous
material sufficient to classify a site as a Brownfield. This project would most likely have
qualified as a brownfield. Design submittal: owner, civil engineer, environmental engineer,
ecologist, EPA
SSc4 Alternative Transportation: There are 4 sub-credits within SSc4, and the project will
pursue SSc4.3 Alternative Transportation - Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles and
SSc4.4 Alternative Transportation - Parking Capacity.
SSc4.1 Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access: The use of public
transportation decreases air pollution in urban areas and reduces the building footprint by
requiring only a minimum of parking space. Choosing a site close to public transportation
gives building occupants the option to use public transportation to and from work. There
is no public transportation available to this project. Design submittal: owner, architect,
design team
SSc4.2 Alternative Transportation - Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms: Select a site that
provides convenient biking paths, safe bike storage, and close shower facilities to building
occupants where the showering facilities must be within 200 yards of the entrance to
the building. Design submittal: architect, civil engineer, landscape architect, plumbing
engineer
SSc4.3 Alternative Transportation - Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles: This credit
allows achievement by reserving 5% of the total parking capacity for the use of low
emitting and fuel efficient vehicles. 5% x 60 spaces = 3 spaces to be reserved close to the
building entrance for these types of vehicles. Design submittal: owner, architect, design
team
SSc4.4 Alternative Transportation - Parking Capacity: Option 1 permits no more parking
capacity than that required by code. Local zoning regulations for this type of use requires
1 parking space per 200 sf of gross building area. Therefore, 12,000 sf/200 = 60 parking
spaces. Phase I of this project has the 60 spaces as required. Design submittal: owner,
architect, design team
SSc5 Site Development and SSc6 Stormwater Design
Sustainable Sites credits SSc5 and SSc6, with their 2 sub-credits each, afford the project many
synergetic opportunities throughout the sustainable categories and allows many of the same
strategies for credit compliance. Most projects governed by local, state and federal regulations

Sustainable Sites
require some degree of stormwater control and landscaping/open space requirements.
Implementing strategies for a path to compliance for one credit can be used successfully for
strategies related to other credits. Constructed wetlands, for instance, dont have to be large in
size, yet can serve to control the quantity and quality of stormwater, stormwater reuse for irrigation
and toilet flushing, graywater reuse and reducing heat island effects while providing a natural
and much needed refuse for local habitat. Rain gardens, vegetated swales and strips, bioswales,
detention/retention areas, wetlands and similar strategies can singularly, or collectively, be used
to achieve most, if not all, of the credit opportunities offered.
SSc5 - Site Development credits are important for the enhancement of the natural elements
of the project site such as native plants and trees, soils, and watersheds. On greenfield sites, a
key strategy to credit achievement is to minimize the building footprint as much as possible.
Utilize strategies such as sharing facilities, and stacking the parking with the building and during
construction, create construction boundaries that minimize land disturbance. Open space is
beneficial in urban environments to wildlife whose habitats are rapidly disappearing. Smaller
development footprints and more greenspace helps with the urban heat island effect and
provides for better stormwater retention. The goal of SSSc6 - Stormwater Design is to decrease the
amount of stormwater runoff that leaves the site. The options depend on the pre-development
conditions on the site. If it is a greenfield, prevent an increase in stormwater runoff on site after
development. If the site has existing impervious surfaces, decrease the amount of stormwater that
exits the site by 25% after development. Where SS Credit 6.1 is about the quantity of stormwater
that leaves the site, SS Credit 6.2 is about the quality of the water that leaves the site. To meet the
requirements of the credit, create and implement a stormwater management plan (SWMP) that
is designed to capture and treat runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall. Also, the best
management practices (BMPs) used to treat runoff must remove 80% of the average annual post
development total suspended solids (TSS) load.
With the design of any project, a well qualified Project Team will understand how to best
maximize the strategies and synergies available in the Sustainable Sites category.
Constructed wetland, habitat,

rain garden, vegetated strip
and pervious pavements

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Sustainable Sites
SSc5.1 Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat: This credit addresses two site
conditions, Case 1 as applied to greenfield sites and Case 2 for
previously developed areas or graded sites. This is an important
credit to pursue because of the synergies involved and, in the sites
current configuration, an easy credit to achieve. Option 2 requires
protecting or restoring the greater of 50% of the site (excluding
building footprint) or 20% of the site (including building footprint)
with native or adaptive vegetation. Considering the fact that a lot
split is not planned during Phase I, combined with the extensive
landscape requirements of the local zoning ordinance, there is sufficient land available to
meet the requirements of this credit. The landscape architect will coordinate with the civil
engineer on this credit to design and engineer rain gardens, vegetated swales, constructed
wetlands and other strategies that can contribute to many Sustainable Site and Water
Efficiency credits. Construction submittal: civil engineer, landscape architect, environmental
engineer, ecologist, local professional
SSc5.2 Site Development - Maximize Open Space: This credit has three cases that address
existing local zoning ordinance provisions regarding open
space requirements. Open space is the property area minus the
development footprint and must be vegetated and pervious.
This project falls under the case where there is local zoning but
without any requirement for open space. Although the local
ordinance has no provision for a percentage of open space, it does
include an extensive and aggressive landscaping policy requiring
all unpaved and undeveloped portions of the site be vegetated.
This is an instance where local codes are more stringent than
those requirements necessary to comply with the credit. On this
site, all property lines, right of ways, interior pavement islands, mandated spaces between
sidewalks and buildings will be landscaped with plants, shrubs and trees and landscaped
berms constructed to protect visibility from adjacent residential properties. Since c5.1 & c5.2
go hand-in-hand with each other, the civil engineer and landscape architect will coordinate
the design and construction documents. Design submittal: civil engineer, landscape
architect, environmental engineer, ecologist, local professional
SSc6.1 Stormwater Design - Quantity Control: The intent of this credit is to limit disruption of
natural water hydrology by reducing impervious cover, increasing
on-site infiltration, reducing or eliminating pollution from
stormwater runoff, and eliminating contaminants. On building
sites where the existing imperviousness is greater than 50%, this
credit requires reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff by
25%. On building sites where the existing imperviousness is less
than 50%, the requirement specifies that the post-development
discharge rate and quantity from the site shall not exceed the pre-development rate and
quantity. This site had no improvements, as there are no existing impervious surfaces and

Sustainable Sites
requires either 1) a stormwater management plan that prevents the post-development peak
discharge rate and quantity from exceeding the predevelopment peak discharge rate and
quantity for the 1 and 2 year 24 hour design storms OR 2) implementation of a stormwater
management plan that protects receiving stream channels from excessive erosion and
the stormwater management plan must include stream channel protection and quantity
control strategies. This credit is actually mandated by local zoning regulations that require
stormwater to be held and released for the purpose of downstream protection. Design
submittal: civil engineer, landscape architect
SSc6.2 Stormwater Design - Quality Control: The intent of this credit is to limit the disruption
of natural stormwater and clean the stormwater that becomes
contaminated as it passes through the site. To do this, the project
must implement a stormwater management plan that reduces
the amount of impervious cover, promotes infiltration and then
captures and treats the remaining stormwater runoff for 90% of
the average annual rainfall. For this credit, LEED promotes Best
Practice Methods (BMPs) as long as they remove 80% of the
post-development Total Suspended Solids (TSS). This credit is
achievable through the implementation of strategies and techniques provided by credits
SSc5.1, SSc5.2 and SSc6.1. The wetland area, rain gardens and vegetated swales will hold
and retain stormwater, allowing some passage through the structures into the subgrade
for filtration. The remaining stormwater that does eventually pass through to the public
storm sewer, or waterways, will have been cleansed by the vegetation while being held. In
calculating the amount of stormwater to treat, climatic data is used for the specific region
where the project is located. There are 3 distinct climates in the U.S. that influence the
amount of annual rainfall. Humid watersheds that receive at least 40 of annual rainfall,
semiarid watersheds which receive between 20-40 per year and arid watersheds that
will receive less than 20 of annual rainfall. Treating 90% of the annual rainfall is equal to
the following: 1 for humid watersheds, 0.75 for semiarid watersheds and 0.50 for arid
watersheds. Design submittal: owner, architect, civil engineer, landscape architect
SSc7.1 Heat Island Effect - Nonroof: This credit requires shade (within 5 years of occupancy),
materials with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least 29, and/
or open-grid pavement for at least 50% of the sites non-roof
impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, courtyards, and
parking lots. A second option requires placing a minimum of
50% of parking spaces underground or under a deck, a roof, or
a building. Any roof used to shade or cover parking must also
have a SRI of at least 29. This credit will be achieved by using
concrete for the parking lot, which accounts for more than 50%
of the hardscaped areas. Ordinary concrete has an SRI value
range between 38 and 52. Construction submittal: architect, civil
engineer, landscape architect

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Sustainable Sites
SSc7.2 Heat Island Effect - Roof: In general, there are 2 configurations used for conventional
roof designs - flat roofs and sloped roofs. This shingled roof will
have a slope of 6:12. LEED considers a steep sloped roof as one
having a slope greater than 2:12 and requiring an SRI index of 29
or higher. Low sloped roofs have a slope of 2:12 or less and require
an SRI index of 78 or higher. LEED allows vegetated roofs, high SRI
roofs and roofs that use a combination of the two and provides
formulas for the amount of area of each material to use in order
to comply with the credit. For the roof on this project, 75% of the
roof surface must be covered with a shingle that has a minimum
SRI value of 29. Fortunately, there are many colors available to
select from the manufacturers of cool shingles. Design submittal: architect, civil engineer,
landscape architect, mechanical engineer
SSc8 Light Pollution Reduction: Reducing light pollution relative to the site requires
regulating the light sources inside and outside of the building.
On the interior, all non-emergency light must be regulated when
trespassing beyond translucent surfaces (windows) between the
hours of 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This can be accomplished by
installing automatic devices with manual overrides that will turn off
the interior lights during this time period. Addressing the exterior
light pollution requires a determination of the proper lighting zone and using shielded
light fixtures where there exists the potential for these fixtures to produce glare, trespass,
etc. There are two possible candidates to consider for the lighting zone - LZ2 Low and LZ3
Medium. If using the more strict LZ2, the footcandle (fc) level at the property (boundary)
line can be no greater than 0.10 fc horizontal and vertical. However, this is another instance
where local codes and ordinances are more stringent than the requirements to achieve the
credit. The local zoning ordinance mandates 0.00 fc at the property line. Although argued
for some time as being impractical and nearly impossible to achieve, the 0.00 fc ordinance
is still in effect. Design submittal: architect, civil engineer, electrical engineer, landscape
architect, lighting designer
SSc9 Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines: This credit is specifically targeted to
C&S projects and requires the publication of an illustrated document written to educate
tenants about implementing sustainable design and construction features in their tenant
improvement build-out and how to use LEED for Commercial Interiors. Design submittal:
owner, architect, design team

Sustainable Sites
Schematic Site Development Plan
Design Site Development Plan

The civil engineer has taken the preliminary site development sketch and coordinated with the
landscape architect to prepare a refined Site Development Plan for distribution to the team to
review. This design and subsequent review comments will be used to begin the final site related
construction documents. The sustainable elements incorporated into this plan include:
Pervious sidewalk pavement
SRI 29 concrete parking and drive pavement
SRI 29 roofing materials
Vegetated swales to collect, hold, filter and release stormwater runoff
Rain gardens between vegetated swale and parking lot, between building and sidewalk
and in 2 parking islands
Landscaped berm along east property line
Native and/or adaptive landscaping
Wetland for stormwater, habitat and potential reservoir for stormwater reuse
In summary, the credits being pursued in the Sustainable Sites category have come at little
additional cost to the project budget. Often referred to as the low hanging fruit, many of these
credits are either mandated by local codes and ordinances or were available due to the location
and existing condition of the site. Also, the sanitary and storm sewer authority that services
several cities and surrounding counties has initiated an aggressive campaign to expedite the
study and implementation of sustainable and green practices. As such, they will make available
funding on this project the cost for the rain gardens and constructed wetlands for inclusion
into their pilot program. An agreement to allow the Metropolitan Sewer District to monitor
performance is required.

Chapter 4 | 77
Sustainable Sites
Project Checklist Analysis

Not bad! 19 probable points out of 28 available with only 40 required for LEED certification. What
does this mean? We are halfway to certification and the cost so far for being green has been
minimal.
The next session will begin at the end of the Water Efficiency chapter.
Please note, the Project Checklist is a tool that allows the Project Team to check off the credits
during the charrette they believe to be achievable and also check those credits the project will
not pursue. For the purposes of this exercise, the checklist is being used as an analysis of the
project credit standing as it progresses through the categories.

W ater is finite and the Earths most precious
resource. The sustainable goals of the Water
Efficiency category address the following areas:
Indoor potable water reduction; outdoor potable
water reduction; water efficiency as a teaching
tool
CHAPTER | 5

Credit Matrix
Introduction
Water Type Definitions
Indoor Potable Water Use Reduction
Outdoor Potable Water Use Reduction
Additional Benefits of Potable Water Reduction
Water Efficient Strategies
Water Efficiency as a Teaching Tool
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: Water Efficiency
80
Water Efficiency
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) 10 11 10
WEp1 Water Use Reduction Reqd Reqd Reqd
WEc1 Water Efficient Landscaping *2-4 *2-4 *2-4
WEc2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 2 2 2
WEc3 Water Use Reduction *2-4 *2-4 *2-4
WEc4 Process Water Use Reduction NA 1 NA
Introduction
Water is a finite and precious resource. A recent international poll determined that clean water
shortages top the worlds most urgent issues. As the demand for development increases, the
burden on our limited water resources also increases, making it increasingly important for
corporations and individuals to understand the dire ramifications associated with neglecting
this impending crisis.
Another important concern is the direct correlation between the water we use and the resultant
wastewater that is generated. The continued increase in the use of public potable water also
creates an increase in the amount of wastewater being generated, thereby threatening the
capabilities of our wastewater treatment facilities. The vast majority of the water we use is
treated and discharged into our waterways. In turn, treatment facilities that are being taxed run
the danger of releasing untreated wastewater into our waterways. The use of water can also be
directly related to energy consumption. Considering many water conservation measures can be
done at no cost or at a rapid payback, it just seems prudent to make water efficiency a priority.
Water Type Definitions
potable water: water that meets or exceeds EPAs drinking water quality standards and is
approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction
graywater: domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom and laundry
sinks, tubs and washers; the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) defines graywater as untreated
household wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste; the International
Plumbing Code (IPC) defines graywater as wastewater discharged from lavatories, bathtubs,
showers, clothes washers and laundry sinks; some states will allow kitchen sinks to be included
with graywater
blackwater: wastewater from toilets and urinals; definitions vary where wastewater from
kitchen sinks, showers and bathtubs are considered as blackwater under some jurisdictions
wastewater: the spent or used water from a home, farm, community or industry that contains
dissolved or suspended matter
stormwater: runoff water resulting from precipitation that flows over surfaces and usually to
storm sewers or waterways

Chapter 5 | 81
Water Efficiency
Indoor Potable Water Use Reduction
Reducing indoor potable water consumption can be achieved by using nonpotable water sources
and installing water efficient fixtures. Water treatment and reuse of stormwater and graywater
for toilet flushing and custodial purposes can be alternative options to potable water. Another
alternative option in some areas is reclaimed water available through local municipalities.
Outdoor Potable Water Use Reduction
Landscape irrigation, the primary user of outdoor water consumption, accounts for a substantial
percentage of our daily water consumption. The use of native plants provides a landscape that
will require minimal supplemental water while providing additional environmental benefits such
as attracting native wildlife, requiring less fertilizers and pesticides which in turn reduces water
quality degradation.
Additional Benefits of Potable Water Use Reduction
With the projected shortage of fresh water in this country, concerns for human health become
more real as reservoirs and groundwater aquifers become depleted. As this occurs, lower water
levels can concentrate natural contaminants. However, two of the most often overlooked, but
more important, aspects of increased water efficiency are the reduction of energy consumption
and energy related pollution. Water that must be treated, heated, cooled and distributed requires
energy.
Water Efficiency as a Teaching Tool
LEED promotes water efficiency education in our school systems. Children can study biological
systems, nutrient cycles, habitats and our impact on natural resources.
Water Efficient Strategies
Strategies implementing water efficiency can be categorized into three primary areas of usage:
Indoor Water
Water closets, urinals, lavatories, showers, sinks
Outdoor Water
Landscape irrigation
Process Water
Building equipment such as cooling towers, boilers, chillers, certain business operations
such as dishwashers and washing machines. Process water is not addressed by all LEED
ratings systems.
Plumbing fixtures are categorized as either flush or flow fixtures. Flush fixtures are toilets
and urinals and are rated in gallons per flush (GPF). Flow fixtures are primarily faucets such as
lavatories, sinks and showerheads and are rated in gallons per minute (GPM). Standard plumbing
fixtures used today are regulated by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct).

Water Efficiency
gallons per flush (gpf): measurement of water used by flush fixtures (water closets and urinals).
Per EPAct 1992, baseline rates for water closets is 1.6 gpf and urinals is 1.0 gpf
gallons per minute (gpm): measurement of water used by flow fixtures (faucets, showerheads,
aerators, sprinkler heads)
Blackwater generating fixtures and fittings for both conventional and High Efficiency Toilets
(HET):
Conventional toilets: 1.6 gpf
HET single flush: 1.28 GPF
HET single flush pressure assist: 1.0
HET dual flush (full flush): 1.6 gpf
HET dual flush (low flush): 1.1 gpf
HET foam flush: 0.05 gpf
Nonwater toilets: 0.0 gpf
Conventional urinals: 1.0 gpf
Nonwater urinals: 0.0 gpf
Low Flow Toilet Composting (nonwater) Toilet Dual Flush Toilet
Residential fixtures, faucets and appliances

Conventional toilets: 1.6 gpf
Conventional lavatory (bathroom) faucets: 2.2 gpm
Conventional kitchen faucets: 2.2 gpm
Conventional showerheads: 2.5 gpm
When considering toilets account for 25% of our daily water consumption and a waterless urinal
in a shopping mall saves 40,000 gallons of water annually, the benefits of installing efficient
plumbing fixtures becomes readily apparent.
Conserving water for irrigation can be less costly when coordinating strategies with stormwater
management such as capturing, filtering and holding rainwater.

Chapter 5 | 83
Water Efficiency
Process water, typically, is used by industries for purposes such as fabrication, processing,
washing and cooling, and is obtained from a public supply or through self supplied sources.
Examples of equipment using process water are cooling towers, boilers and chillers installed for
heating and cooling air for building operations. Process water also includes washing machines
and dishwashers used in businesses. Water efficiency concerns related to process water can be
addressed by installing submeters to determine where the major users of process water.
Strategy considerations for indoor water use reduction:
Install water efficient plumbing fixtures
Use low flow fixtures: lavatories, sinks, showerheads
Use low flow flush type fixtures: dual flush toilets, waterless toilets and urinals, composting
toilets
Dual flush water closets use a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste
Waterless urinals all use basically the same science of passing urine through a liquid
seal. There are two varieties of waterless urinal: cartridge based and non cartridge
based units
WaterSense fixtures:
WaterSense is an EPA sponsored partnership program that promotes water efficiency
for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. WaterSense helps consumers
identify water efficient products and programs that meet WaterSense water efficiency
and performance criteria. HET waterclosets are available with the WaterSense label
Use nonpotable water
Captured rainwater, graywater or municipally claimed wastewater for flush type fixtures
Install submeters
Meter indoor water systems to monitor consumption and locate leaks
Strategy considerations for outdoor water use reduction:
Install locally adaptive landscaping
Native or adaptive landscaping reduces or eliminates irrigation demands by using
indigenous plants that have acclimated to the climate characteristics of the region
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is a landscape concept that considers the whole of the landscaping design in
an effort to produce landscaping that requires little or no Irrigation
The concept includes an analysis of existing soil conditions and the use, if needed, of
water efficient irrigation systems, native or adaptive planting, mulch and maintenance
considerations
Zoned landscaping
Zone planting regions according to the irrigation requirements of each type of plant

Water Efficiency
Mulching
Mulch retains moisture which provides water to the plants root system and helps prevent
evaporation of the plants water
Turf grass
Reduce or eliminate turf grasses that require large amounts of water
Use non potable water for irrigation
Captured rainwater, graywater or municipally claimed wastewater for irrigation
Efficient irrigation systems
Drip and bubbler irrigation systems are the most efficient by providing more water to the
root systems and less surface water to the leaves for evaporation or runoff
Weather based controllers use weather and soil conditions to determine irrigation
requirements
Properly schedule irrigation times for appropriate times and quantities
Install submeters
Meter irrigation systems to monitor consumption and locate leaks
Maintenance
Develop a maintenance program that establishes procedures for cutting, caring for and
routine maintenance of lawn and landscaping
Strategy considerations for indoor process water use reduction:
Use non potable water
Captured rainwater, graywater of municipally claimed wastewater for building processes
such as water chillers
Install submeters
Meter process water systems to monitor consumption and locate leaks
The Water Efficiency category references three standards:
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and 2005 (2005 is date statute became law)
Uniform Plumbing Code 206, Section 402.0, Water Conserving Fixtures and Fittings:
UPC defines water conserving fixtures and fittings for water closets, urinals and metered
faucets
International Plumbing Code 2006, Section 604, Design of Building Water Distribution
System: Defines maximum flow rates and consumption for plumbing fixtures and
fittings, including public and private lavatories, showerheads, sink faucets, urinals and
water closets

Chapter 5 | 85
Water Efficiency
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
Adaptive and Native Plants
Baseline versus Design
Blackwater
Composting Toilet
Drip Irrigation
Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Gallons per Flush (GPF)
Gallons per Minute (GPM)
Graywater
Harvested Rainwater
Invasive Plants
Irrigation Efficiency
Nonpotable Water
Potable Water
Rainwater Harvesting
Stormwater
Wastewater
Wetland Vegetation
Our demand for fresh water is reducing our supplies at an alarming rate and the drop in fresh
water levels will cause many areas of the country to run short within a few years. Many water
conservation strategies are no cost or at a low cost that provides a rapid payback. However, other
strategies, such as biological wastewater treatment systems and graywater plumbing systems
often require more substantial investments.
Water efficiency addresses one environmental issue and that is water conservation. The
Triple Bottom Line applies consistently across all uses.
People: Conserving water is our obligation to future generations
Planet: Using less water has a profound affect on our infrastructure as it relates to water
supply and sanitary sewer treatment facilities

Water Efficiency
Profit: Reducing large amounts of water reduces maintenance and life cycle costs for
building operations; reduction in consumers costs for additional supply and treatment
facilities; reduced water usage also conserves energy
Indoor Water Use
Strategies:
Install water efficient plumbing fixtures
Install submeters
Outdoor water use
Strategies:
Install locally native and adaptive landscaping or Xeriscaping
Zoned landscaping
Mulching
No turf grass
Efficient irrigation systems
Install submeters
Maintenance program
Process water use
Strategies:
Install submeters
Miscellaneous
Strategy Pros and Cons:
Although some water saving strategies may save water, consideration should be
given to detect strategies implemented that may consume more energy. Wastewater
treatment, for example, may increase energy consumption through the use of
pumping systems. Remember also that any device using electricity must go through
the commissioning process.
Water savings are calculated by calculating the percentage reduction from the baseline
case to the design case
Process Water:
Process water is not addressed by all LEED ratings systems

Chapter 5 | 87
Water Efficiency
Studio4 Office Project: Water Efficiency
Water Efficiency Category
Water Efficiency addresses the use of potable water at the site and the discharge of wastewater
from the site. Reducing these will help limit the amounts of freshwater drawn from our water
bodies and aquifers, and then treated for distribution and use, which strain our freshwater
supplies and our water infrastructure. It also serves to reduce the wastewater volumes discharged
to these receiving bodies.
WEp1 Water Use Reduction: This prerequisite requires a potable water use reduction of 20%
from regulated flush and flow fixtures - fixtures as regulated by a standard such as EPAct - and
excludes water used for irrigation and process equipment. A baseline needs to be established
and compared to the design case in order to determine the amount of reduction. A quick outline
of how this is done:
Determine the FTE load for all occupants, including transient occupants (students, visitors
and retail customers)
We determined earlier that the default FTE load was 48 for the use type, and for this use
type, the default transient load = 0 FTE
Unless known otherwise, LEED establishes an equal split between men and women, 24
men and 24 women
Determine the fixture usage
These calculations deal with occupant usage and not number of fixtures, as the number
of fixtures is irrelevant. If you have 10 FTEs, the total daily usage will remain the same
whether there are 2 fixtures or 200 fixtures.
Women, by default, are calculated at 3 uses per day for toilets and 3 uses per day for
lavatories
Men, by default, are calculated at 3 uses per day also, but 1 use for toilets, 2 uses for
urinals and 3 uses for lavatories
Determine the baseline case for the total annual potable water consumption
Since we are looking for annual consumption, this calculation includes the total FTE
count for all shifts during a 24 hour period x the number of days worked per year, using
the default EPAct figures for flush and flow fixtures. These include only toilets, urinals,
lavatory faucets, showers, kitchen sink faucets and pre-rinse spray valves. Per EPAct,
a toilet uses 1.6 gpf, a urinal 1.0 gpf and a lavatory faucet 2.2 gpm at a duration of 15
seconds (15 sec = 0.25 min). We will assume 5 days per week x 50 weeks per year = 250
days worked per year.
24 women x 3 = 72 toilet uses per day; 24 women x 3 = 72 lavatory uses per day
24 men x 1 = 24 toilet uses per day; 24 men x 2 = 48 urinal uses per day; 24 men x 3 = 72
lavatory uses per day

Water Efficiency
72 + 24 = 96 toilet uses per day total men & women
48 urinal uses per day total men
72 + 72 = 144 lavatory uses per day total men & women
Toilets = 96 uses x 1.6 gal = 153.6 gals per day
Urinals = 48 uses x 1.0 gal = 48.0 gals per day
Lavatories = 144 x (2.2 gpm x 0.25 min) = 144 x 0.55 = 79.2 gals per day
153.6 + 48.0 + 79.2 = 280.8 gals per day total potable water use
280.8 gal/day x 250 days/year worked = 70,200 gals baseline total annual potable water
Determine the design case for the total annual potable water consumption
Same exercise, only substitute the EPAct flush and flow rates
with the flush and flow rates for water efficient fixtures. Well
use the following: 1.0 gpf HET toilets; 0.0 gpf waterless urinals
and 1.5 gpm for lavatory faucets
Toilets = 96 uses x 1.0 gal =96.0 gals per day
Urinals = 48 uses x 0.0 gals = 0 gals per day
Lavatories = 144 uses x (1.5 gpm x 0.25) = 144 x 0.375 = 54.0
gals per day
96.0 + 0 + 54.0 = 150.0 gals per day total potable water use
150.0 gal/day x 250 days/year worked = 37,500 gals design total annual potable water
Determine the percentage annual potable water volume savings
1 - (37,500 design case/70,200 baseline case) = 1 - 0.5342 = 0.4658 or 47% annual potable
water volume savings per year
This is a huge savings in the respect it not only meets the prerequisite by changing out
standard fixtures with water efficient fixtures, it eliminates the need to reuse stormwater
to achieve the task. Furthermore, this is such a large annual savings, it sets the stage nicely
for the remaining Water Efficiency credits. 47% qualifies for Exemplary Performance.
Design submittal: owner, architect, engineers
WEc1 Water Efficient Landscaping: Approximately 30% of the 26 billion
gallons of water consumed daily goes into outdoor use, primarily
landscaping. The goals of WEc1 is to reduce potable water consumption
for irrigation by 50% or use no potable water for irrigation.
Since we have developed our landscaping in and around rain gardens,
vegetated swales and the wetland area, we will pursue Option 2 and install
no irrigation simply by planting indigenous plants that require little or no
irrigation and take advantage of the stormwater we are directing toward
the rain gardens, vegetated swales and wetland areas. Using this option,
LEED will allow temporary irrigation for a period of 12 months. Although

Chapter 5 | 89
Water Efficiency
located in a moderate climate, well install a temporary irrigation system using the potable
water supply. If we were to reuse stormwater, we would likely need to install pumps and other
equipment. If this were done, this equipment would have to be included in EAp1 Fundamental
Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems. Design submittal: owner, landscape architect,
civil engineer, plumbing engineer
WEc2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies: This credit requires a 50% reduction of potable
water used for building sewage (blackwater) conveyance produced by flush fixtures. This can
be accomplished by using water conserving fixtures, stormwater reuse, recycled graywater
or by treating 50% of the wastewater on-site to tertiary standards. Treating wastewater is not
universally permitted throughout the U.S. and if it is locally permitted, can be an expensive
strategy to implement. Therefore we will consider the first option and see how water conserving
fixture compliance for WEp1 helps to achieve this credit.
NO Yes Yes
Most of the work has been done considering the calculations are identical to WEp1, except
the flow fixtures are removed from the equation because we are only considering wastewater.
Therefore:
Determine the baseline case
153.6 gals per day for toilets + 48.0 gals per day for urinals = 201.6 gals wastewater
generated per day x 250 days/year worked = 50,400 gals wastewater generated per year
Determine the design case
96.0 gals per day for HET toilets + 0.0 gals per day for waterless urinals = 96.0 gals wastewater
generated per day x 250 days/year worked = 24,000 gals wastewater generated per year
Determine the percentage of annual wastewater volume savings
1 - (24,000 design case/50,400 baseline case) = 1 - 0.4762 = 0.5238 or 52% annual
wastewater volume savings
The project has just collected 2 more points. Design submittal: owner, architect, engineers
WEc3 Water Use Reduction: An extension of WEp1, this credit awards points for achieving savings
above the prerequisite 20%. We dont need to incorporate additional strategies so the work has
already been done. All we need to do now is see how many points were entitled to pick up.
Points based on % annual potable water volume savings
30% savings = 2 points
At 47% savings, weve picked up 4 points. Design submittal: owner, architect, engineers
WEc4: Process Water Use Reduction - N/A

Water Efficiency

In the Water Efficiency category, a total of 10 points are available for credits applicable to this
project and we have collected all 10 through the use of water conserving fixtures and smart
landscaping strategies.
Before we go any further, a review of our credit status shows we have done exceedingly well and at
a minimal cost. If we take the 29 points and add the IDc2 credit point for having a LEED AP on the
project we have 30 points - 75% of that needed for certification.
This gives us the opportunity to continue through the remainder of the project with the intent to cherry
pick the most easily obtainable and least expensive credits. At the end of the process, we can see how
much, or how little, it costs to obtain LEED certification. However, we will run through the credits to
show how compliance could have been achieved if we had decided to do so.
The project needs 10 more points plus a few additional added as a safety factor. Its never known for
certain how the credits will be interpreted during the submittal review process.
The next session will begin at the end of the Energy and Atmosphere chapter.

Chapter 5 | 91
A ccording to the U.S. Department of Energy,
buildings account for 39% of the energy
and 72% of the electricity consumed each year in
the United States. The sustainable goals of the
Energy and Atmosphere category address the
following areas: reducing energy demand; increasing
energy efficiency; building and building systems
commissioning; managing refrigerants; renewable
energy; ongoing energy performance
CHAPTER | 6

Credit Matrix
Introduction
Energy Demand
Energy Efficiency
Renewable Energy
Ongoing Energy Performance
Managing Refrigerants to Eliminate CFCs
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: Energy and Atmosphere
92
Energy and Atmosphere
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE (EA) 35 33 37
EAp1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems Reqd Reqd Reqd
EAp2 Minimum Energy Performance Reqd Reqd Reqd
EAp3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management Reqd Reqd Reqd
EAc1 Optimize Energy Performance *1-19 *1-19 *3-21
EAc2 On-Site Renewable Energy *1-7 *1-7 4
EAc3 Enhanced Commissioning 2 2 2
EAc4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management 2 1 2
EAc5 Measurement and Verification 3 2 NA
EAc5.1 Measurement and Verification - Base Building NA NA 3
EAc5.2 Measurement and Verification - Tenant Submetering NA NA 3
EAc6 Green Power 2 2 2
Introduction
Generating electricity from fossil fuels has profound affects on the environment when considering
extraction, transportation, refining, distribution and subsequent consumption. The importance
of green building energy conservation can be easily defended when understanding buildings
consume approximately 39% of the energy and 72% of the electricity produced in the U.S.
Burning fossil fuels produces combustion that releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases that contribute to climate change. Coal fired plants account for more than half of the
electricity generated in the U.S. Also, natural gas is a major source of nitrogen oxide and
greenhouse gases as well. Sustainable, green buildings can reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by implementing sustainable strategies that decreases energy demand and increases energy
efficiency.
Two important areas a project team focuses on when designing a sustainable project are elements
related to the site and energy demand/energy efficiency. The successful increase in a buildings
energy efficiency is best achieved by implementing a whole building holistic design approach as
practiced by an integrated project team. The orientation of the building, construction methods,
building envelope, material selections, water efficiency, HVAC and lighting systems all determine
how efficiently the building uses energy and requires careful team coordination.
Energy is addressed by focusing on four key elements:
Energy demand
Energy efficiency
Renewable energy
Ongoing energy performance
The atmosphere portion of Energy & Atmosphere has to do with protecting the earths ozone
layer by managing the types of refrigerants used in the buildings mechanical systems.
Managing refrigerants to eliminate CFCs

Chapter 6 | 93
Energy Demand
Green building energy savings come from reducing the amount of electricity that is purchased.
Therefore, the most logical place to begin assessing energy is to reduce the projects demand for
energy. For green buildings, several steps that require little more than a fundamental knowledge
and understanding of sustainable site and building design practices can be implemented to
reduce energy consumption. Fundamental to those with sustainable experience and this is where
an experienced team can be of enormous benefit to the successful start of a project.
Collect data: Every project team should develop a program that outlines the parameters that
will be used for guidance throughout the course of the project. Typically this begins with the
collection of data from the owner, during a charrette, to describe their needs. In LEED this is
referred to as the Owners Project Requirements (OPR). With this information in hand, the project
team can then create their Basis of Design (BOD) documents which will formulate a project
program that translates the owners requirements into design and construction language.
Design process: To begin the design process, the project team should analyze the owners
requirements to ensure the building area is no larger than necessary. Next the project team
should prepare an assessment of the projects infrastructure to see that site related components
such as sustainable hardscapes and landscaping concepts are coordinated within the scope of
the project itself and also, perhaps, with adjoining properties to provide an efficient, compact
design that is sensitive to site related synergies and tradeoffs. In the case of these first two
design processes - less is more - the less constructed product, the more energy demand is
reduced. Along with a schematic site program, the building envelope itself must be planned
in accordance with regionally appropriate techniques, including exterior material selections,
insulation, roofing, weatherproofing, fenestration, etc. Consider strategies that can produce
free energy such as available solar options and natural daylighting. Also, natural ventilation
will reduce demands on HAVC equipment, which in turn will require less electricity. The next
preliminary design step is to develop the conceptual interior spaces and required mechanical
systems, including HVAC, plumbing, power and lighting.
Analyze design and data: With the projects program determined and a schematic design
completed, the project team can evaluate the building and building systems such as HVAC,
power and lighting, process water heating, water use, etc. This can best be done by utilizing
a building simulation model that analyzes and compares the energy consumption of the
design case against a baseline case for a similar building which is designed to conventional
building and engineering standards. This simulation model will be used to determine the
effects of building orientation and building envelope components, solar heat gains and losses,
mechanical system controls, water efficiency power demand reductions and all other sources
that affect the demands on energy consumption.

Energy Efficiency
One of the goals of integrated design is discovering any underlying synergies and tradeoffs
associated with collective design strategies. When looking at project costs, particularly life cycle
costs, the costs related to building operations receive a great deal of attention. The project
team understands that decisions they make with regards to the site and building envelope to
the mechanical equipment, and even interior finishes, have an impact on the cost of building
operations. Energy represents a substantial cost of building operations. Therefore, reducing the
demand for energy becomes an important consideration and equally important to ensure that
the energy is used efficiently. Energy use per square foot and use per capita are metrics for
measuring energy intensity.
Energy efficiency strategies:
Passive and thermal design
Positioning and orientation of the building on a site are of critical importance in being
able to take advantage of nature to reduce energy and improve the quality of the indoor
environment. Proper building orientation will allow for the use of natural resources like
the sun and wind to heat, cool, ventilate and illuminate a building. These strategies along
with thermal energy storage, the selection of materials and location of windows will allow
the building to be heated in the winter, cooled in the summer and naturally lit
High performance building envelope and building systems
Selection of high performing materials such as roofing, insulation and glazing systems
should be appropriate to the regional climate
HVAC, plumbing, electrical and lighting systems should be considered on their efficiency
and life cycle attributes
Verify and monitor
Two key elements to energy efficiency is verifying the building and building systems were
constructed and installed per the construction documents and the continued monitoring
of these systems after occupancy
Energy Simulation
LEED for NC requires new buildings to exceed baseline energy performance standards that:
Baseline complies with Appendix G of ASHRAE Standard 90.1
Must distinguish between regulated energy and process energy.
Regulated energy powers lighting, HVAC and service water heating.
Process energy runs office equipment, computers, elevators,
escalators, kitchen cooking and refrigeration, laundry washing and
drying, lighting that is exempt from the lighting power allowance
and miscellaneous items
Providing an energy simulation analysis allows the design team to see the effects of changes
made to the building and the building systems and determine the most efficient building
design based on related synergies and tradeoffs

Chapter 6 | 95
Renewable Energy
The use of renewable energy sources reduces the demand for conventional energy such as
coal, oil and natural gas which also alleviates their associated environmental impacts. LEED
distinguishes between onsite energy generation and offsite energy purchases.
Renewable energy sources include:
photovoltaic
wind energy
solar thermal: active and passive
biofuels: from organic materials such as wood by-products and agricultural waste
geothermal heating
low impact hydroelectric
wave and tidal
Wind Biomass Geothermal
Wave & Tidal Photovoltaic Off-Site
Strategy considerations for meeting energy demand with renewable energy:

Generate onsite renewable energy
Based on energy costs, not energy consumption
Energy cost savings; possible utility rebates and net metering (selling excess energy to
the utility)
investigate appropriateness: climate; geographical; regional factors
Purchase offsite renewable energy
Based on quantity of energy consumption, not energy costs
Must be at least a 2 year contract for 35% of the buildings electricity consumption

There are 3 approaches to achieve this credit:
Open electricity market: governing utility company may be able to select a Green-e
certified provider
Closed electricity market: governing utility company may be a Green-e certified
provider
If local utility company cannot provide Green-e certified power, Owner may purchase
renewable energy certificates (RECs)
Green-e is a certification program for renewable energy that has been certified by the
Center for Resource Solutions
Green-e equivalency is renewable energy that is not Green-e certified but is equivalent
for the 2 major criteria for Green-e certification
The energy source meets the requirements for renewable resources detailed by the
Green-e standard
The renewable energy provider has undergone an independent third party verification
that the standard has been met
RECs, also known as Green tags, Renewable Electricity Certificates, or Tradable Renewable
Certificates (TRCs), are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities in the United States
that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an
eligible renewable energy resource (renewable electricity)
Another critical component of a successful sustainable project is to ensure that the project
continues to perform after occupancy to the established specifications. The standards for
accomplishing this are handled by the prerequisite for building commissioning and the credit for
monitoring and verification of the commissioned systems.
Strategy considerations for maintaining energy efficiency:
Owners Project requirements (OPR)
Prepare OPR at the beginning of the design process
Conduct commissioning throughout the life cycle of the building
Staff training
Train facilities team to maintain building performance
Preventative maintenance
Develop a preventative maintenance program
Incentives for occupants and tenants
Involve occupants in energy efficient strategies
Promote usage of energy efficient electronic equipment and appliances

Chapter 6 | 97
Bill tenants from submeter readings to encourage energy conservation
Educate occupants to shut down equipment and turn out lights
Provide occupants feedback on energy performance
Building Commissioning
Commissioning is a mandated quality control process that should be
initiated at the beginning of the project. The benefits of commissioning
include reduced energy use, lower operating costs, fewer contractor
callbacks, better building documentation, improved occupant
productivity and verification that the commissioned systems perform
in accordance with the owners project requirements.
Consideration should be given to a commissioning program for the
building after occupancy. Commissioning can also be applied to
existing buildings.
At a minimum, the systems to be commissioned are:
HVAC&R systems and related controls
Lighting and daylighting controls
Domestic hot water systems
Renewable energy systems
In the prerequisite EAp1 and credit EAc3, the commissioning steps include:
Predesign, Design Phase
Designate the commissioning authority (CxA)
Document owners project requirements (OPR) and develop the basis of design (BOD)
Review OPR and BOD
Develop and implement a commissioning plan
Incorporate commissioning requirements into the construction documents
Conduct commissioning design review prior to midconstruction documents
Construction Phase
Review contractor submittals applicable to systems being commissioned
Verify installation and performance of commissioned systems
Develop systems manual for commissioned systems
Verify that requirements for training are completed
Complete a summary commissioning report
Occupancy
Review building operation within 10 months after substantial completion
Charts explaining the Commissioning Process Commissioning Authority and Commissioning
Process Tasks and Responsibilities can be located in the Appendix

Monitoring and Verification
Monitoring and verification tracks energy performance by comparing actual building
performance measurements against predictions from energy simulations or industry standard
benchmarks.
Programs such as EPAs Energy Star Portfolio Manager uses project data on electricity and natural
gas consumption to compare against a benchmark building to arrive at a buildings energy
performance.
Other methods for measurement and verification are Option D: Calibrated Simulation or Option
B: Energy Conservation Method as specified by the International Performance Measurement
& Verification Protocol (IPMVP) Volume III. The Measurement & Verification plans must cover a
period of at least 1 year of post construction occupancy and provide a process for corrective
action if the results indicate that energy savings are not being achieved.
Managing Refrigerants to Eliminate CFCs
Since the 1970s, evidence has suggested that the release of chlorofluorcarbons (CFCs) destroys
the ozone layer. In 1995, the U.S. joined the Montreal Protocol in banning the production of
CFCs and establishing a phase out date for the use of hydochlorofluorcarbons (HCFCs). CFCs and
HCFCs are categorized as ozone depleting substances (ODSs) and used as refrigerants in cooling
systems.
A refrigerant is a working fluid that flows through a machine that is designed to pump heat
from a lower temperature to a higher temperature. Most refrigerants are in the halogen family,
and typically hydrogenated hydrocarbons. This family of chemicals fall into the following
categories:
CFC (ChloroFluorCarbons)
Stability and long life with greatest Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) caused the
production to be banned in this country in 1995
HCFC (HydoChloroFluorCarbons)
Stable and short life, not as great ODP as CFCs, allowing a phase out plan
HFC (HydoFluorCarbons)
Negligible impact on the ozone layer but significant Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Halocarbons
Used in the cells of foamed insulation and fire fighting systems
Natural Refrigerants
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Water (H2O)
Ammonia (NH3)
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Air (78% N2; 21% O2; 1% H2O2; + trace gases)

Chapter 6 | 99
The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international treaty
designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances
believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was entered into force on January 1,
1989. It is believed that if the international agreement is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected
to recover by 2050.
The Montreal Protocol bans production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and phases out
hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants. Over 50% of the water chillers in existing buildings
still use CFC-11 and many are old, inefficient, leaky and retrofitting is not cost effective. For newer
systems using CFC-11, replacement with HCFC-123 is encouraged. Replacement refrigerants are
less efficient, making the cooling systems consume more energy per unit of cooling output. The
choice of replacement refrigerants considers the tradeoffs between performance, depletion of
stratospheric ozone (ODP) and contribution to global climate change (DWP). An alternative to
these refrigerants is the use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, water or
propane. To achieve certification, new buildings may not use CFC based refrigerants and existing
buildings must complete a total CFC phase out prior to project completion.
For new construction, LEED offers several options to address these issues:
Install HVAC&R systems using no refrigerants
Install HVAC&R systems using non CFC refrigerants
Install HVAC&R systems using refrigerants that minimize their effects on ozone depletion
and global climate change
Install fire suppression systems and equipment that use no CFCs, HCFCs or halons
For existing buildings, LEED requires a phase out plan:
Existing CFC based HVAC&R and fire suppression systems must be replaced or retrofitted to
phase out the use of CFC refrigerants prior to project completion
For existing chiller systems, a plan to phase out CFC based refrigerants within 5 years of
project completion
An alternative compliance path for chillers is permitted if replacement or conversion is not
economically feasible. If a third party audit determines that payback would be greater than
10 years for replacement or conversion, a reduction in annual leakage of 5% is required.
The Energy & Atmosphere category references some of the most important standards that
are vital to LEED. ASHRAE standards establish minimum and optimized energy performance
and the EPA Clean Air Act regulates the use of refrigerants. Also included are standards for
measurement & verification and Green-e power. Important standards to become familiar
with:

ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficient
design of buildings. ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and ASHRAE 62.1-2007 are two of the most
important standards to LEED
U.S. EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Section 608, regulates the use and recycling of ozone
depleting compounds
International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol, IPMVP Volume
III describes best practice techniques for verifying the energy performance of new
construction projects
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
Building Envelope
Halons, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Climate Change
Commissioning (Cx); Commissioning Agent (CxA); Comm. Plan; Comm. Report
Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Energy Efficient Products and Systems
Energy Management System
ENERGY STAR Rating
Fossil Fuel
Geothermal Energy Systems
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Greenhouse Gas
Green Power
HVAC Systems
Lighting Power Density
Nonrenewable Resource
Offsite Renewable Energy
Onsite Renewable Energy
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Photovoltaic (PV) Energy
Refrigerants
Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy Certificate
Wind Energy
Wave and Tidal Energy Systems

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Buildings use 39% of the energy and 72% of the electricity produced each year in the United
States and the cost to the environment with respect to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels
is enormous.
The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of HCFCs is much smaller than the ODP of CFCs. However,
the ODP of HFCs is nearly zero, but their global warming potential (GWP) is much higher.
Therefore, the dilemma created is that ODP friendly refrigerants are enemies of GWP and GWP
friendly refrigerants are enemies of ODP.
Energy
Strategies:
Energy Demand
Energy Efficiency
Renewable Energy
Energy demand, energy efficiency, ongoing energy performance and renewable energy
address strategies that reduce our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources.
People: Efficient use of energy reduces demand on the local energy infrastructure;
using renewable energy resources shows the community a commitment to responsible
environmental stewardship
Planet: Reducing energy consumption reduces the many profound environmental
effects of using fossil fuels and other nonrenewable energy sources; reduces
greenhouse gas emissions
Profit: Reducing energy demand will reduce energy and operating costs which are
major cost components of operating a business or home budgets
Atmosphere
Strategies:
Manage refrigerants to eliminate CFCs
People: Reducing the impact of ozone depletion contributes, globally, to overall health
and well being
Planet: The elimination of certain refrigerants can reduce the depletion of the ozone
layer and associated impacts to global warming
Profit: Passive cooling strategies can reduce the costs associated with active cooling
systems; upgrading existing CFC refrigerant based equipment to more efficient
equipment can reduce energy demand and maintenance costs

Miscellaneous
Regulated & Process Energy
Regulated energy: generally includes items regulated by building regulations such as:
lighting (interior, parking garage, surface parking, facades and building grounds), HVAC
(space heating, cooling, fans, pumps, toilet exhaust and parking garage ventilation)
and service water heating (domestic or space heating)
Process energy: generally includes items not regulated by building regulations such as
plug-in items: office equipment, computers, elevators, escalators, kitchen cooking and
refrigeration, laundry washing and drying and miscellaneous items
Building Commissioning
The Commissioning Agent (CxA) represents the interests of the Owner to verify that
the design, installation and performance of the building systems are in accordance
with the Construction Documents based on the Owners Project Requirements (OPR)
and the & Basis of Design (BOD)
Energy Audits
LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance: Energy audits should begin with
determining the major energy resource users and determining strategies to improve
energy efficiencies
LEED for Homes: Home Energy Saver is a government program used for performing
energy audits on residential projects
LEED for Homes
The LEED for Homes rating system manages energy demand on resource consumption
by adjusting the point thresholds for Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum ratings based
on the size of the home. Depending on location, size and number of occupants, a
100% increase in home size yields an increase in annual energy use of 15% to 50% and
increase in material usage of 40% to 90%
Download The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants:

http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_References/The-Treatment-by-LEED-of-the-
Environmental-Impact-of-HVAC-Refrigerants.sflb.ashx
Download Guide to Purchasing Green Power:
http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_References/Guide-to-Purchasing-Green-Power.sflb.
ashx
Download Cost of Green Revisited:
http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_References/Cost-of-Green-Revisited.sflb.ashx
U.S. Doe Energy Building Codes:
http://www.energycodes.gov/

Chapter 6 | 103
Studio4 Office Project: Energy and Atmosphere
Energy and Atmosphere Category
Energy and Atmosphere deals with practices and policies that reduce the use of energy at the
site, reduce the use of nonrenewable energy both at the site and at the energy source, and
reduce the impact on the global climate, atmosphere, and environment from both activities at
the site and energy sources offsite.
Energy and Atmosphere are combined because a significant portion of the air pollution and
global climate impacts come from energy sources. Therefore reducing or changing these energy
sources has a large impact on the atmosphere, particularly on a more regional or global scale.
EAp1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems: Projects that achieve any level of
LEED certification must perform to a higher level than conventional buildings. The building must
first be designed to perform at a higher level, then it must be verified that the required systems
were installed and function in accordance with the documented design. Commissioning (Cx) is
the process of verifying and documenting that a building and related
systems and assemblies were planned, designed, installed, tested,
operated and maintained to meet the owners project requirements
(OPR). The Commissioning Authority (CxA) is the individual who is in
charge of the entire commissioning process.
Depending on the building size, there are different members of the
Project Team, Design Team, Construction team, owner or owners
employees and, of course, the CxA who are permitted to perform
certain activities. Two charts are provided in the Appendix that list the
activities required for commissioning and the persons permitted to perform CxA activities per
building size. Regardless of building size, there are two tasks that only the Cx can perform. The
first is verifying the installation and performance of commissioned systems and the second is
completing a summary commissioning report. The Cx is a consultant to the project in the respect
that their purpose is to protect the owner and acts, essentially, as an oversight entity. This is the
reason the all important verification and summary report tasks can only be done by the CxA.
The energy related systems that must be commissioned:
HVAC&R
Lighting and daylighting controls
Domestic hot water systems
Renewable energy systems
Commissioning is essential to the successful delivery of any high performing green building. A
LEED AP needs to be very familiar with both the tasks required and who is permitted to perform
those tasks. Construction submittal: owner, design team, CxA

EAp2 Minimum Energy Performance: As stated in EAp1, projects that achieve any level of LEED
certification must perform better than a standard building and this prerequisite establishes that
level for energy performance. According to a DOE report in January 2008, all but nine states
use some iteration of ASHRAE 90.1 as their state energy code. All buildings must meet both the
mandatory provisions and the prescriptive requirements as required by ASHRAE/IENSA Standard
90.1-2007 (without amendments). Determining compliance for the envelope components
is relatively straightforward using the tables in the ASHRAE standard. LEED for Schools must
establish energy performance goals using EPAs Target Finder rating tool.
There are three options provided for establishing minimum energy performance:
Option 1 Whole Building Energy Simulation: Requires energy
simulation software to establish a baseline building and then compares
that to the designed building. The baseline building uses a set of
preestablished conventional building materials and components while
the design building uses materials and components selected by the
Design Team. This determines how the designed building compares to
a standard building. This option is more complex, but yields advanced
and more accurate results and also provides the potential for increased
points based on the models predicted savings.
Option 2 Prescriptive Compliance Path - ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide: This
option has four compliance paths, all directed towards certain building types:
Path 1 Small Office Buildings 2004: must be less than 20,000 sf and office occupancy
Path 2 Small Retail Buildings 2006: Must be less than 20,000 sf and retail occupancy
Path 3 Small Warehouses and Self Storage Buildings 2008: Must be less than 50,000 sf
and warehouse or self storage occupancy
Option 2 K-12 School Buildings: Must be for K-12 schools
The Advanced Energy Design Guide series provides a sensible and easy approach to achieving
advanced levels of energy performance without the need for calculations or simulation analysis.
Prescriptive compliance simply means designing to a set of preestablished building components
and systems that have been shown to produce energy savings. Each path is regulated by the
climate zone where the project is located.
Option 3 Prescriptive Compliance Path - Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide:
This option complies with all the measures of the Advanced Energy Design Guide series but
permits same type buildings larger than those under Paths 1, 2 and 3, but less than 100,000 sf.
Being an office building less than 20,000 sf, this project will use Option 2 Path 1. Compliance
requires little more than using basic, proven building components and systems. Design submittal:
design team
EAp3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management: The intent of this prerequisite is to reduce ozone
depletion by zero use of ChloroFluoroCarbon (CFC) based refrigerants used in HVAC&R and fire
suppression systems in new buildings, or phasing out CFCs in existing buildings prior to project
completion. Though CFCs are no longer available in new equipment, due to the Montreal
Protocol banning the production of CFCs in this country in 1995, CFC based systems are still
found in existing buildings. If the new building is connected to an existing building, that system
must also be CFC free. Design submittal: owner, mechanical engineer

Chapter 6 | 105
EAc1 Optimize Energy Performance: This credit is awarded if energy cost savings can be shown
compared to a base building that meets the requirements of ASHRAE/IENSA 90.1-2007. The
method of determining energy cost savings must meet the requirements of Appendix G of the
standard.
Option 1 Whole Building Energy Simulation: 1-19 points for NC and Schools; 3-21 points
for CS
Option 2 Prescriptive Compliance Path - ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide: 1 point
for each path and option 2 Schools
Path 1 Small Office Buildings 2004: Must be less than 20,000 sf and office occupancy
Path 2 Small Retail Buildings 2006: Must be less than 20,000 sf and retail occupancy
Path 3 Small Warehouses and Self Storage Buildings 2008: Must be less than 50,000 sf
and warehouse or self storage occupancy
Option 2 K-12 School Buildings: Must be for K-12 schools
Option 3 Prescriptive Compliance Path - Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide:
1-3 points
Design submittal: design team
EAc2 On-Site Renewable Energy: Achievement of this credit is
determined by the percentage of the buildings energy use that is
provided by on-site renewable energy generation systems. For this
credit, the project can use the annual energy cost calculated in EAc1
or the U.S. Department of Energys Commercial Buildings Energy
Consumption Survey (CBECS) database for the building type to
determine the amount of energy cost offset. LEED provides points
based on the percentage of renewable energy contributed.
Since no energy performance calculation has been performed for the project, well use
the CBECS median electrical intensity budget for an office building at 11.7 kWh/Sf-yr for
electrical and 58.5 kBtu/sf-yr for non-electrical fuel and the Default Energy Costs by State
from EIA 2003 Commercial Sector Average Energy Costs by State at $0.0723 $/kWh for
electricity and $0.00789 $/kBtu for natural gas (State of Ohio):
Default Annual Electrical Costs
12,000 sf x 11.7 kWh/sf-yr x $0.0723/kWh = $10,150.92/yr
Default Annual Fuel Costs
12,000 sf x 58.5 (kBtu/sf-yr) x $0.00789$/kBtu = $5,538.78/yr
Default Total Annual Energy Costs
$10,150.92 Electricity + $5,538.78 Fuel = $15,689.70
The project would need to meet 1% of its annual energy costs - $1,568.97 - with renewable
energy systems in order to earn 4 points under EAc2. 1% and 4 points is the only option available
for Core & Shell projects. Design submittal: owner, architect, electrical engineer

EAc3 Enhanced Commissioning: Enhanced commissioning requires the CxA to be on the project
earlier and stay on the project later than what is necessary with Fundamental Commissioning
by requiring 3 additional tasks to be added to the scope. Again, these tasks are explained on the
charts included in the Appendix and in the order they are to be performed. The 3 tasks, in order,
are:
Perform a design review prior to midconstruction documents
Review contractor submittals applicable to the systems being commissioned
Review building operation within 10 months after substantial completion
Construction submittal: owner, design team, CxA
EAc4 Enhanced Refrigerant Management: The intent of this credit is
not to use refrigerants. Buildings that comply with this credit eliminate
the use of HVAC&R systems that damage the atmosphere with CFCs,
HCFCs and Halons. Select refrigerants with low ozone depletion (ODP)
and global warming potential (GWP) and prevent leakage of these
compounds into the atmosphere. Select equipment with efficient
refrigerant charge and long service life potential. Projects that have
naturally ventilated buildings with no active cooling systems or natural refrigerants including
water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia are eligible for this credit. Design submittal: mechanical
engineer
EAc5 Measurement and Verification: NC & Schools
EAc5.1 Measurement and Verification - Base Building: Core & Shell
EAc5.2 Measurement and Verification - Tenant Submetering: Core & Shell
The M&V series of credits are designed to provide ongoing accountability of building energy
consumption.
Both EAc5 and EAc5.1 require the development and implementation of a measurement and
verification (M&V) plan consistent with either Option D: Calibrated Simulation as specified
by the International Performance Measurement & Ventilation Protocol (IPMVP), Volume III or
Option B: Energy Conservation Measure Isolation as specified by the International Performance
Measurement & Ventilation Protocol (IPMVP), Volume III. Construction submittal: design team,
operations & maintenance
EAc5.2 requires a central monitoring electronic metering network. Also required is a M&V plan
that documents and advises future tenants of this opportunity and the means of achievement.
The intent of submetering is to give tenants an incentive to save energy. However, project teams
should verify that local utilities and municipalities will permit a second party to charge for
electricity based on submetering.
This project will provide separate meters for each tenant. Construction submittal: design team,
operations & maintenance

Chapter 6 | 107
EAc6 Green Power: Green power is derived from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass or low-impact
hydro sources and helps increase renewable sources of energy on the grid, rather than fossil
based electricity. This credit offers 2 points for supporting the
development and use of grid source, renewable energy technologies
on a net zero pollution basis - off site renewable energy. The credit
requires a 2 year contract to provide 35% of the buildings electricity
from renewable off site sources based on the quantity of energy
consumed, not the energy cost. Renewable energy sources are
defined by the Center for Resource Solutions Green-e certification
requirements.
The power purchased to comply with this credits requirements do not have to be Green-e
certified. Other sources of green power are eligible if they satisfy the Green-e programs technical
requirements such as renewable energy certificates (RECs), tradable renewable certificates
(TRCs) and green tags. Green tags equate to paying a subsidy to encourage renewable power
generation somewhere on the grid, even if the electricity does not supply your building.
Two options are available for establishing a baseline energy use. Option 1 determines the baseline
by using the results obtained from EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance. Option 2 estimates a
baseline using the DOEs Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) database.
Quantities per square foot are based on the building type.
There are guidelines for establishing area calculations for Core & Shell projects based on the %
of occupancy. However, to illustrate the cost of green power, well assume the building is fully
occupied and use the total 12,000 sf.
Since we havent determined the quantity based on an energy simulation model, well be
using Option 2, where the CBECS median electrical intensity budget for an office building
is 11.7 kWh/sf-yr.
12,000 sf x 11.7 kWh/Sf-yr = 140,400 kWh total electricity usage
140,400 (kWh/yr) x 35% x 2 yrs = 98,280 kwh required Green-e certified green power
or RECs to purchase
If the project obtained a quote from a REC provider of $0.02/kwh, the cost would be:
98,280 kWh x $0.02/kWh = $1,965.60
Construction submittal: owner


In the Energy and Atmosphere category, a total of 37 points are available for credits applicable
to this project and we have collected 2 by signing on to EAc3 Enhanced Commissioning. Not the
intent here, but many projects skirt around the important Energy and Atmosphere credits due
to the initial cost for credit achievement.
EAc2 On-Site renewable energy seemed reasonable at $1,568.79, but that does not include
the cost of the renewable energy systems which must be designed, purchased, installed and
commissioned.
EAc6: Green Power requires a renewable contract with no direct benefit to the project or
surrounding neighbors.
The next session will begin at the end of the Materials and Resources chapter.

Chapter 6 | 109
D uring both the construction and operations
phases, buildings generate 30% of the countrys
waste and uses 40% of our raw materials. The
sustainable goals of the Energy and Atmosphere
category address the following areas: sustainable
construction and materials selection; waste
management
CHAPTER | 7

Credit Matrix
Introduction
Life Cycle Impacts
Sustainable Materials
Construction Waste Reduction
Source Reduction
Reuse and Recycling
Waste Management
Sustainable Material Selection Strategies
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: Materials and Resources
110
Materials and Resources
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
MATERIALS & RESOURCES (MR) 14 13 13
MRp1 Storage and Collection of Recyclables Reqd Reqd Reqd
MRc1.1 Building Reuse - Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof *1-3 *1-2 NA
MRc1 Building Reuse - Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof NA NA *1-5
MRc1.2 Building Reuse - Maintain Interior - Nonstructural Elements 1 1 NA
MRc2 Construction Waste Management *1-2 *1-2 *1-2
MRc3 Materials Reuse *1-2 *1-2 1
MRc4 Recycled Content *1-2 *1-2 *1-2
MRc5 Regional Materials *1-2 *1-2 *1-2
MRc6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 1 1 NA
MRc7 Certified Wood 1 1 NA
MRc6 Certified Wood NA NA 1
Introduction
Managing waste is a vital component of sustainable building. Materials and Resources offers
many options for reducing the amount of waste generated by the demands of building through
a coordinated waste management plan and by implementing a sustainable purchasing program.
Materials procurement, recycling programs and waste management can divert huge amounts
of materials from our landfills while improving the overall building environment. Sustainable
design gives consideration to material selections as they relate to natural resources, occupant
health and productivity and life cycle impacts.
The Materials and Resources category addresses environmental concerns relating to:
Sustainable materials
Minimizing the environmental impact of the buildings materials
Life Cycle Assessment (Cradle-to-Grave)
Waste management
Waste disposal
Waste reduction
Life Cycle Impacts

Life cycle impacts are fundamental for the proper selection of sustainable materials. The
performance of materials from extraction until the end of their life, also known as cradle to grave,
is a measure of their sustainability. Preferred, however, are cradle to cradle materials that are
recycled at end of their original use.

Chapter 7 | 111
Sustainable Materials
The harvesting, processing, delivery and disposal of building materials can have many adverse
environmental impacts. Therefore, the importance of a sustainable procurement policy uses
strategies to reduce the destruction of habitat and ecosystems, pollution of water and air and
a focus on the preservation of our natural resources. These goals can be achieved by reusing
materials or selecting materials that are rapidly renewable, regional, manufactured with recycled
content or harvested from responsible foresters.
Construction Waste Reduction
Construction and demolition waste account for a large percentage of the total solid waste in
the U.S. and the EPA is at the forefront in establishing guidelines related to Waste Management,
Reuse and Recycling. The strategy rankings of the EPA for solid waste management are, in order
of importance:
Source reduction: reduces environmental impacts throughout the materials life cycle
Reuse of materials: diverts materials from the waste stream
Recycling: diverts waste from landfills and incinerators and reduces the demand for virgin
materials
Source Reduction
By definition of the EPA, source reduction is the practice of designing, manufacturing, purchasing,
or using materials (such as products and packaging) in ways that reduce the amount or toxicity
of trash created. Reusing items is another way to stop waste at the source because it avoids that
items entry in the waste collection and disposal system.
Reuse and Recycling
An effective strategy for minimizing environmental impacts related to construction, if available,
is the reuse of existing buildings, for the obvious reason that reusing building components
diverts waste from the waste stream. The fact this is also important for budgetary reasons, reuse
of exterior and interior materials should be incorporated into the construction documents. It is
also becoming popular to collect salvaged materials from buildings being demolished and put
back into the marketplace.
Recycling includes collecting recyclable materials that would otherwise be considered waste,
sorting and processing recyclables into raw materials, manufacturing raw materials into new
products, and purchasing recycled products.
Waste Management
A good waste management program focuses on waste diversion strategies that reduce the
amount of waste during demolition, construction and occupancy.
Strategy considerations for reducing waste:
Building size
aside from other more obvious reasons, a smaller building also produces less waste

Construction waste management
develop a policy that establishes a target diversion rate for the general contractor
develop a waste management plan that includes disposal of any asbestos and PCBs
waste can be collected in one container - commingled - and sent to an offsite facility
to be separated. This practice allows for easier compliance and requires less space for
containers. The second option is to provide marked and protected containers onsite to
separate waste materials to be recycled. This requires more space and monitoring to
ensure compliance.
Recycling
develop a policy to reduce waste during operations and maintenance
provide a convenient and accessible location to occupants for collection of recyclables
monitor the effectiveness of the recycling programs
Calculating Material Costs
Material costs for the Materials and Resources credits are determined by the actual costs of
the projects materials (with the exception of LEED NC, Schools and CS rating systems). For MR
calculations, the project team is permitted to use 45% of the total construction costs (labor and
equipment) instead of the actual costs. The costs are selected from Construction Specification
Institute (CSI) MasterFormat Divisions 3 through 10 and Division 12. In all instances, plumbing,
HVAC, electrical components and specialty items such as elevators are excluded from the cost
calculations. Additionally, the costs for Furniture and Furnishings, Division 12, can be used as
long as they are used consistently across all Materials and Resources credits.
Materials and Resources Credit Metrics
The Materials and Resources credit characteristics used to determine compliance are
measured by area, weight or cost, depending on the credit.
Sustainable Material Selection Strategies
The Materials and Resources category offers several credit options for sustainable methods
of selecting materials such as rapidly renewable materials, regional materials and certified
wood products in addition to materials reuse and recycled content materials. Sustainable
materials consider the life cycle of the material.
Storage and Collection of Recyclables
Provide an easily accessible dedicated area for the collection and storage of materials for
recycling for the entire building. Materials must include, at a minimum, paper, corrugated
cardboard, glass, plastics and metals. This is a prerequisite required of the Materials and
Resources category.
Building Reuse: Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof
Maintain threshold percentages of the building structural elements. Window assemblies
and remediated hazardous materials are excluded from consideration.

Chapter 7 | 113
For NC: 55%, 75% and 95%;
For schools: 75% and 95%
For CS: 25%, 33%, 42%, 50% and 75%
Building Reuse: Maintain Interior Nonstructural Elements
Reuse at least 50% of the interior nonstructural elements (interior walls, doors, floor coverings
and ceilings)
Materials Reuse
Use certain percentages of salvaged, refurbished or reused materials. These can be materials
found on or off the project site. For on site reuse, these items must no longer serve their
original function and must be installed for a different purpose. Off site materials qualify if
they had been previously used.
For NC and Schools: 5% and 10%
For CS: 5%
Recycled Content
Use certain percentages of preconsumer and postconsumer recycled content materials.
Preconsumer waste is generally process waste from industry while postconsumer waste
is generally consumer waste left at curbside for recycling programs. ISO 14021 defines
preconsumer and postconsumer materials.
For NC, Schools and CS: 10% and 20%
Regional Materials
Use certain percentages of building materials that have been extracted, harvested or
recovered and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. Using indigenous local
resources supports the community and reduces the negative environmental impacts
associated with transportation.
For NC, Schools and CS: 10% & 20%
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Use rapidly renewable materials (materials that are typically harvested within a 10 year cycle)
for a minimum 2.5% of the building materials and products used in the project. Certified
Wood
Use FSC certified wood for a minimum 50% of the wood based materials and products for all
permanently installed wood building components. Requires chain of custody (CoC) proof
Sustainable Purchasing Policies
Strategies:
Sustainable Construction purchasing policy
Green materials
Green interiors
Sustainable Operations purchasing policy
Green materials
Green electronic equipment

Consider purchasing third party certification sustainable products
Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International
Food Alliance Products
Marine Stewardship Council
USDA Organic
Rainforest Alliance Certification
The Materials & Resources categorys standards regulates only two prime areas for credit
compliance. One for certified wood products (FSC) and the other which defines recycled
content
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) gives the seal of approval awarded to forest managers
who adopt environmentally and socially responsible forest management practices
and to companies that manufacture and sell products made from certified wood
ISO 14000 product oriented standards include Environmental Labels and Declaration,
Life Cycle Assessment and Design for Environment. These standards are intended to
be applicable to assess environmental performance of products and services, and to
provide guidance on improving their environmental performance
ISO 14020 series standards (includes ISO 14021), Environmental Labels and Declaration,
are communication tools that convey information on environmental aspects of a
product or service to the market. Three different types of environmental labels and
declarations are currently in use. They include: Type I environmental labeling, Type II
self-declared environmental claims, and Type III environmental declaration
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
Certified Wood
Chain of Custody (CoC)
Construction and Demolition Debris
Construction Waste Management Plan
Landfills
Postconsumer Content
Preconsumer Content
Regional Materials

Chapter 7 | 115
Recycled Content
Recycling
Reuse
Salvaged Material
Sustainable Forestry
Waste Diversion
Thoughts to keep- the Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit)
Sustainable buildings require policies for effective waste management as well as responsible
construction and materials selection. The intent of the Materials and Resources category is to
establish a foundation for developing, implementing and documenting these policies through
waste management and the use of sustainable materials selection.
Sustainable Materials Selection
Strategies:
Building Reuse: Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof
Building Reuse: Maintain Interior Nonstructural Elements
Materials Reuse
Recycled Content
Regional Materials
Certified Wood
Sustainable Construction and Operations purchasing policies
Products that have third party certification
The successful selection of sustainable materials is directly affected by life cycle analysis
People: Selecting sustainable materials that have long life cycle impacts will reduce
health issues related to source extraction, manufacture and transportation
Planet: Enormous amounts of our natural resources go into the construction of
buildings; careful selection of sustainable materials such as recycled content and reuse
can reduce the depletion of our natural resources associated with buildings
Profit: Sustainable materials policies promote strategies such as regional harvesting
and manufacturing which contributes to local economies and reduces costs associated
with transportation

Waste Management
Strategies:
Reduce building size
Construction waste management
Recycling
People: Landfills are sources of groundwater contamination and methane gas emissions
which can create health issues within surrounding communities
Planet: Waste management reduces the burden on landfills which in turn saves land
due to expanded needs
Profit: Waste management reduces dependency on landfills that pass through the high
and rising cost of landfill ownership through the costs for dumping waste, referred to
as tipping fees; encouraging recycling and materials reuse instead of placing in the
waste stream can be a source of profit
Miscellaneous
So what is Materials and Resources really about?
The credits in Materials and Resources can be categorized into two areas. The first
applies to dedicated efforts for reducing waste generated by buildings. This can be
done by implementing a waste management and diversion plan that sends only the
minimum materials into the waste stream. Many materials we would normally see as
waste can be sent to recycle centers. For existing buildings, we can reuse sections or
individual components or purchase from recycle or salvage centers where materials
are available for sale from other projects. Also, we can use materials made from
recycled content. All of these are effective strategies that encourage waste diversion.
Secondly, new materials need to be selected on the merits of a life cycle assessment
to ensure the highest degree of sustainability feasible. New materials, products and
components that had not previously existed draw upon our natural resources and
should be selected on the basis of regional materials, rapidly renewable materials and
certified wood products.
Recycled Content are materials classified as preconsumer and postconsumer content.
Preconsumer content would include materials that can no longer be used for their
original purpose. Process waste that an industry has sold or traded to another through the
marketplace. A composite board manufacturer may obtain sawdust from a lumber mill
or a landscaper buying wood chips from a lumber mill. These materials never made it to
the marketplace as originally intended. Flyash and magazine overruns are considered as
preconsumer content materials also. Postconsumer content are materials that have been
manufactured and sold, but no longer of value to the consumer. Remodeling a kitchen
and setting the old cabinets along side the curb. Aluminum, paper, plastic and glass are
also postconsumer content. Recycled content products generally contain a percentage
of both preconsumer and postconsumer content materials.

Chapter 7 | 117
Waste prevention, also know as source reduction, is the practice of designing,
manufacturing, purchasing, or using materials in ways that reduce the amount of trash
created. Reusing items is another way to stop waste at the source because it delays or
avoids that items entry in the waste collection and disposal system. Source reduction,
including reuse, can help reduce waste disposal and handling costs, because it avoids the
costs of recycling or municipal landfilling. Source reduction also conserves resources and
reduces pollution, including greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Waste Management = the 3 Rs = Reduce, then Reuse, then Recycle
The 5 minimum materials to recycle: paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastic, metal
Rapidly renewable materials: cork, bamboo, natural rubber, wheat, cotton, straw, linseed
(linoleum)

Studio4 Office Project: Materials and Resources
Materials and Resources Category
Materials and Resources deals with issues that reduce the use of new materials and resources,
encourages the use of materials and resources that have a smaller impact on the environment,
and promotes the reuse or recycling of materials so that more virgin materials and resources are
not used on LEED certified projects. The life cycles of many products and materials are taken
into account also to reduce the impact on the environment. This may include transportation
impacts, harvesting impacts, manufacturing impacts, and the benefit of using recycled materials
in the production of the product. Materials and Resources Credit Characteristics: Most MR credits
require the percentage of material to be calculated based on area, weight, volume or cost and
what materials can and cannot be included into the calculated percentages.
LEED permits 2 options to use for the total material cost of the project. The first is to calculate
and use the actual project costs (excluding labor and equipment) and the second is to apply a
45% factor (including labor and equipment) to total construction costs. This project has been
budgeted at $65/sf. If we calculate 12,000 sf x $65/sf we get a total construction cost of $780,000
and we would then need to back out the cost for labor and equipment. Or we can take the
$780,000 x 0.45 and arrive at a $351,000 cost for our default total materials cost for the project.
MRp1 Storage and Collection of Recyclables: Any responsibly sustainable building design is
important. However, a building and its occupants also impact the environment after construction.
This prerequisite saves land and reduces the environmental impacts
to water and air pollution. As the average waste is 3 pounds per
day per employee, it is important that the building occupants have
the option to maintain good recycling programs throughout the
lifespan of the building. LEED requires an area dedicated to recycling
that is easily accessible, so occupants can recycle, at the minimum,
paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metals. By recycling these basic
items, there is a reduction in the need for virgin resources as well
as a significant reduction in the amount of waste going to landfills.
Design submittal: owner, architect
MRc1 & MRc1.1 Maintain Existing Walls, Floor and Roof: The purpose of this credit is to leave
the main portion of the building structure and shell in place when renovating. The building
shell includes the exterior walls, roof, and framing but excludes
window assemblies, interior walls, floor coverings, non-structural
roofing material, and ceiling systems. Points are awarded based
on the percentage (by area) of the structural elements retained.
Construction submittal: owner, architect
MRc1.2 Maintain Interior Nonstructural Elements: The intent of
this credit is to reuse the nonstructural elements such as interior
walls, doors, floor coverings and ceiling systems of an existing
building. Points are awarded based on the percentage (by area) of the interior nonstructural
elements retained. Construction submittal: owner, architect. The MRc1 credits are not applicable
to this project.
Chapter 7 | 119
MRc2 Construction Waste Management: The goal of this credit is to divert as much construction
waste from the landfill as possible. Develop a construction waste management plan that
identifies the materials that can be reclaimed and determines if
the projects waste materials will be sorted separately on-site or
commingled and separated by a third party at an off-site facility. The
construction waste management plan identifies a location on the
construction site where the materials to be diverted can be stored,
as well as a hauler who will accommodate the designated materials.
Materials that should be considered for recycling include concrete,
glass, wood, plastic, gypsum, tile, drywall, insulation, and carpet.
Excavated soil and land clearing debris are excluded and any PCBs or asbestos materials found
on site need to be properly addressed in the waste management plan. Donations of materials to
charities contribute to the credit. Monitor these materials for 50%, 1 point or 75%, 2 points, by
weight or volume. Construction submittal: contractor
MRc3 Materials Reuse: The intent of this credit is to reuse materials from existing buildings or
find new uses for products that would otherwise go into the landfill. Building materials such
as masonry, flooring, roofing and ceiling materials collected from
deconstructed buildings are being warehoused and sold for use on
new projects. For credit compliance, reused or salvaged materials
(by cost) must be equal to a percentage of the total value of the
project. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and specialty items such
as elevators are excluded. LEED awards 1 point for 5% and 2 points
for 10% purchase of Reused Materials. With our default materials
cost of $351,000 we would need to purchase $351,000 x 0.05 =
$17,550 to receive 1 point or $351,000 x 0.10 = $35,100 to receive 2 points. Construction submittal:
architect, contractor
MRc4 Recycled Content: By including more recycled content into the building, there is less
solid waste and less impact of materials on the environment. Recycled content products are
made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded.
There are two types of recycled materials: pre-consumer and
post-consumer. Pre-consumer content is material that might have
come from excess or damaged (scrap) items generated during
manufacturing processes that are not reused for the same purpose.
Post-consumer content is a material that has served its intended
use and instead of being set alongside the curb to be picked up
and disposed of, it is being recycled and reused in a different
product. For credit compliance, use materials with recycled content such that the sum (by cost)
of post-consumer content plus 1/2 of the pre-consumer content is equal to a percentage of the
total value of the project. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and specialty items such as elevators
are excluded. LEED awards 1 point for 10% and 2 points for 20% purchase of Recycled Content
materials. With our default materials cost of $351,000 we would need to purchase $351,000 x
0.10 = $35,100 to receive 1 point or $351,000 x 0.20 = $70,200 to receive 2 points. Construction
submittal: architect, contractor

MRc5 Regional Materials: This credit supports the use of local materials and reduced
transportation distances. The requirements are
the use of building materials or products that
have been extracted, harvested or recovered,
as well as manufactured, within 500 miles of
the project site. The percentage of materials
is calculated on a cost basis. LEED awards 1
point for 10% and 2 points for 20% purchase of
Regional Materials. With our default materials
cost of $351,000 we would need to purchase
$351,000 x 0.10 = $35,100 to receive 1 point or
$351,000 x 0.20 = $70,200 to receive 2 points. 500 Mile Radius
Construction submittal: architect, contractor
MRc6 Rapidly Renewable Materials: The intent of this credit is to reduce the use and depletion
of finite raw materials and long cycle renewable resources by replacing them with materials (by
cost) that have a harvest rate of ten years, or less. Because rapidly renewable resources have a
shorter harvesting cycle than traditional materials, there are many environmental benefits. Often
the use of rapidly renewable resources can save land as well as other resources that usually go
into conventional materials. Also by virtue of their shorter harvesting cycles, rapidly renewable
materials can sustain a community for a longer period than more finite sources. LEED awards 1
point for 2.5% use of Rapidly Renewable materials and products. With our default materials cost
of $351,000 we would need to purchase $351,000 x 0.025 = $8,775 to receive 1 point. This credit
is not available for Core & Shell projects. Construction submittal: architect, contractor
Wheat Bamboo (U.S.) Wheat Cork

MRc6 & MRc7 Certified Wood: Use wood based materials and products that have been certified
in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and encourage
environmentally responsible forest management. At a minimum, these
components include structural framing and general dimensional lumber,
flooring, sub-flooring, wood doors and finishes. MRc6 is directed to Core
& Shell projects while MRc7 applies to NC and Schools. LEED awards 1
point for MRc6 & MRc7 for 50% (by cost) of the purchase of Certified Wood
materials and products on the project. With our default materials cost of
$351,000 we would need to purchase $351,000 x 0.50 = $175,500 to receive
1 point. Construction submittal: architect, contractor

Chapter 7 | 121
Credit Checklist Analysis

In the Materials and Resources category, a total of 13 points are available and we have collected
6 points. A sufficient quantity of points were not available simply because there was no existing
structure for the project to have access to those credits.
We now have gathered 37 points, 38 with the LEED AP not yet entered, so we are 2 points shy
of reaching the certification level. With the IEQ category remaining, we should have no problem
collecting 40 before we look at the ID and RP categories for additional safety net points.
The next session will begin at the end of the Indoor Environmental Quality chapter.

T he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
estimates that Americans spend about 90%
of their day indoors, where the air quality can be
significantly worse than outside by as much as 2
to 100 times. The sustainable goals of the Indoor
Environmental Quality category address the
following areas: indoor air quality; thermal comfort,
lighting and acoustics
CHAPTER | 8

Credit Matrix
Introduction
Indoor Air Quality
Ventilation
Contaminants
Material Selection
Occupant Control of Systems
Daylight & Views
Acoustics
Core & Shell and Schools
Final Thoughts
Studio4 Project: Indoor Environmental Quality
124
Indoor Environmental Quality
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ) 15 19 12
IEQp1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance Reqd Reqd Reqd
IEQp2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control Reqd Reqd Reqd
IEQp3 Minimum Acoustical Performance NA Reqd NA
IEQc1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 1 1 1
IEQc2 Increased Ventilation 1 1 1
IEQc3.1 Construction IEQ Management Plan - During Construction 1 1 NA
IEQc3 Construction IEQ Management Plan - During Construction NA NA 1
IEQc3.2 Construction IEQ Management Plan - Before Occupancy 1 1 NA
IEQc4.1 Low-Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants 1 1* 1
IEQc4.2 Low-Emitting Materials - Paints and Coatings 1 1* 1
IEQc4.3 Low-Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems 1 1* 1
IEQc4.4 Low-Emitting Materials - Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products 1 1* 1
IEQc4.5 Low-Emitting Materials - Furniture and Furnishings NA 1* NA
IEQc4.6 Low-Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems NA 1* NA
IEQc5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1 1 1
IEQc6.1 Controllability of Systems - Lighting 1 1 NA
IEQc6.2 Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort 1 1 NA
IEQc6 Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort NA NA 1
IEQc7.1 Thermal Comfort - Design 1 1 NA
IEQc7 Thermal Comfort - Design NA NA 1
IEQc7.2 Thermal Comfort - Verification 1 1 NA
IEQc8.1 Daylight and Views - Daylight 1 *1-3 1
IEQc8.2 Daylight and Views - Views 1 1 1
IEQc9 Enhanced Acoustical Performance NA 1 NA
IEQc10 Mold Prevention NA 1 NA
Introduction
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) focuses on the quality of the air and environment inside
buildings. Pollutants, temperature, relative humidity, light and sound are factors that can affect
occupant health, comfort and performance. Improving IEQ involves designing, constructing,
commissioning, operating, and maintaining buildings that remove indoor pollutants while
ensuring that fresh air is continually supplied and properly circulated.
Personnel costs are typically larger than a buildings operating costs and increased occupant
satisfaction and productivity gains due to improved IEQ make these improvements a viable
investment. The owner and project team must also be concerned with the liability related to
health issues such as asthma, Sick Building Syndrome and other illnesses that can be attributed
to poor air quality. Therefore, IEQ should be an essential consideration of any sustainable building
design.

Chapter 8 | 125
The Indoor Environmental Quality category addresses environmental concerns in these areas:
Indoor environmental quality
Occupant health, safety and comfort
Energy consumption
Air change effectiveness
Air contaminant management
The quality of the indoor environment is improved by implementing the following strategies:
Improved ventilation
Managing contaminants
Low VOC material selection
Occupant controllability of systems
Increased daylight and views
Acoustics (Schools)
Ventilation
Improving the quality of indoor air can be accomplished by increasing ventilation to remove
pollutants from the indoor environment. There are three types of ventilation systems:
Mechanical ventilation (active)
Natural ventilation (passive)
Mixed mode ventilation (active and passive)
Contaminants
Managing indoor pollutants is the foundation for proper indoor air quality. LEED addresses three
basic contaminants:
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
no smoking in the building or within 25 feet of entrances, operable windows and air
intakes
smoking permitted inside must be confined to spaces built per ASTM E779-03
no smoking in and around schools
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
install carbon dioxide monitors integrated into the ventilation systems that supply
proper amounts of ventilation to occupants based on occupant loads
Particulate Matter
develop a plan to reduce the contaminants entering the building
cover return and supply air ducts to prevent contaminants from recirculating
through the HVAC systems
practice good housekeeping; clean spills immediately

during construction
prevent mold by protecting all materials from moisture;
prevent dust and particulate infiltration and buildup
after construction and prior to occupancy
flush out the existing air by exhausting it out of the building and replacing with
fresh outdoor air
test air to ensure acceptable contaminant levels
Proper ventilation
size ventilation systems to provide adequate outside air to building occupants;
follow industry standards such as ASHRAE Standard 62, Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality; the more outside air introduced into the space, the more diluted
contaminants become.
Better air filters:
install high efficiency filters with high MERV ratings to reduce smaller particulates
during construction and replace prior to occupancy
Material Selection
LEED offers a very comprehensive matrix covering low emitting volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
regulating interior finish materials within the building envelope. These materials and products
release fewer and less harmful chemical compounds.
VOC materials
specify green materials (e.g., sealants, paints and coatings, flooring, furnishings, etc.)
with low Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs); prevents or reduces off gassing
Occupant Control of Systems
Permitting individual occupants control over lighting and temperature within their workspace
improves satisfaction and productivity. Individual lighting controls allow occupants to adjust
lights to the task and thermostats permit temperature adjustment according to clothing and
activity. Additionally, energy consumption is often reduced.
Individual occupant thermal comfort control
temperature and ventilation control - for 50% of the building occupants
provide individual occupant controls in mechanically ventilated spaces that allow
individuals to adjust temperature and ventilation to meet individual needs and
preferences
provide operable windows for individual ventilation control
Individual occupant lighting control
lighting control - for 90% of the building occupants
provide individual occupant lighting control for the building occupants to allow
adjustments to suit the individual task or occupant preference

Chapter 8 | 127
Daylight and Views
As with individual occupant control over lighting and temperature, daylighting and access to
outside views have been shown to improve occupant satisfaction, productivity and reduce
energy consumption. Daylighting and views are dependant on the building design and proper
orientation to the sun.
Increased daylighting
design the building to allow for occupant access to daylight and views by placing
workstations around the perimeter walls of the building, keeping service areas toward
the interior core spaces
skylights, roof monitors, light tubes, light shelves to reflect light into the building
windows with glazing minimum 7-6 above the floor
Increased views
provide a direct line of sight to exterior; window vision glazing heights to be 2-6
above the floor to 7-6 above the floor. Glazing above 7-6 is referred to as daylight
glazing
Acoustics
Acoustics: required for LEED for Schools
provide classrooms with better teacher-to-student and student-to-teacher
communications through effective acoustical and sound transmission design
reduce background noise level to 40 DBA or less from HVAC systems in classrooms and
other core learning spaces
Core & Shell (CS)
For Core & Shell projects, the building design and construction influences indoor environmental
quality in 2 ways:
The design team can influence the quality of interior common area spaces
The decisions of the design team relative to the building core and shell can affect indoor
environmental quality of tenant spaces
Schools
By the very nature of the tasks and occupants, school projects bring unique challenges to the
design team. From special lighting, noise and sound control engineering to the frailties of youth
with regards to pollutant control.
Reference Material for IEQ Strategies
The EPA, AIA, ASHRAE) BOMA, SMACNA and USGBC have collaborated to provide guidance for
IAQ by developing 40 strategies for achieving critical objectives related to moisture management,
ventilation, filtration and air cleaning and source control. It also highlights how design and
construction teams can work together to ensure good IAQ strategies are incorporated from
initial design through project completion.

A summary document of the Indoor Air Quality Guide ideal for a general understanding of the
importance of major IAQ issues - can be downloaded at no charge at: www.ashrae.org/iaq
The Indoor Environmental Quality category contains the most extensive collection of
standards regulating the very complex issues addressed by IEQ. As with the Energy &
Atmosphere category, important ASHRAE standards are imposed. Ventilation, thermal
comfort, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, VOCs and other issues are also included. Important
standards to become familiar with:
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Specifies
minimum standard ventilation rates and IAQ levels
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007: Ventilation Rate for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Standard
providing minimum requirements for operable openings at 4% of the net habitable floor
area
ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999: Method of Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices
for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size: Standard for methods for testing air cleaners for
2 performance characteristics: the devices capacity for removing particles from the air
stream and the devices resistance to airflow
ASHRAE Standard 55-2004: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy:
Identifies the factors of thermal comfort and the process for developing comfort criteria
for a building space and its occupants. Indoor space environmental and personal factors
that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to 80% of the occupants
within a space. The environmental factors addressed are: temperature, thermal radiation,
humidity and air speed. The personal factors are: activity and clothing
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus identifies low VOC carpets
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label identifies low VOC carpet cushions
FloorScore program identifies low VOC vinyl, linoleum, laminate flooring, wood flooring,
ceramic flooring, rubber flooring and wall base
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, VOC limits for paints
and coatings
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168, VOC limits for
adhesives, sealants and sealant primers
Green Seal Standard GC-03, VOC limits for anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints
Green Seal Standard GS-11, VOC limits for commercial flat and nonflat paints
Green Seal Standard GC-36, VOC limits for aerosol adhesives
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) minimize
indoor air quality issues during demolitions, renovations and construction; do not confuse
with SCAQMD

Chapter 8 | 129
Final Thoughts
Terminology to know
Air Quality Standards
Ambient Temperature
ASHRAE
Bake-Out
Carbon Dioxide Concentration
Construction IAQ Management Plan
Contaminant
Controllability of Systems
Daylighting
Flush-Out
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Mechanical Ventilation
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
Mixed Mode Ventilation
Natural Ventilation
Off-Gassing
Particulates
Pollutant
Regularly Occupied spaces
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Thermal Comfort
Ventilation Rate
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

When considering the fact that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors where air quality
is 2 - 10 times worse than it is outdoors and occupant comfort and satisfaction is critical, it is
easy to understand the importance of improving the indoor environment. As such, Indoor
Environmental Quality deals with improving the quality of air, thermal comfort (temperature
and humidity), lighting and acoustics (Schools). The strategies used to address any one issue can
have a positive impact to each area of the Triple Bottom Line.

Strategies:
Proper ventilation
Contaminate control
VOC material selection
Controllability of systems
Daylight
Views
Acoustics
The Triple Bottom Line is impacted similarly by all aspects of the IEQ category
People: improving the indoor air quality to a degree that occupant health is improved
increases productivity, reduces illness which lessens the burden on the health industry
and improves the overall quality of health throughout the community
Planet: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, natural ventilation, daylighting, green
cleaning products and integrated pest control are all environmental issues being
successfully addressed; natural ventilation and daylighting can also reduce the HVAC
and lighting loads which reduces the demand on power which in turn reduces the
environmental issues associated with energy production
Profit: improving the quality of the environment indoors improves occupant comfort
and satisfaction, which in turn increases productivity and reduces absenteeism
Miscellaneous
It is important to understand the major ASHRAE standards and the intent of each
standard:
ASHRAE 90.1-2007: energy efficiency (not required in IEQ category)
ASHRAE 52.2-1999: ventilation air filters - MERV
ASHRAE 55-2004: thermal comfort - Air and radiant temperatures, air speed, humidity
ASHRAE 62.1-2007: ventilation rates
The success of any indoor environmental quality program depends on the effect it has on
the building occupants. IEQ addresses this by offering the Thermal Comfort - Verification
credit, a survey that collects anonymous responses about thermal comfort. If more
than 20% of the occupants are dissatisfied with the thermal comfort they experience, a
program must be developed for corrective action.

Chapter 8 | 131
Studio4 Office Project: Indoor Environmental Quality
Indoor Environmental Quality Category
The IEQ category is unique with regards to the environmental issues addressed,
as this category is all about the occupants. It is about creating and maintaining
an environment that promotes the well being of people. Simply stated, a healthy
employee is a happy employee - and a happy employee is a productive employee.
Three prerequisites in the Indoor Environmental Quality category represent the
very minimum IEQ efforts that must be addressed in order to proceed with
obtaining credits.
IEQp1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance: This prerequisite
establishes a minimum indoor air quality (IAQ) performance to
enhance the comfort and well being of the building occupants.
As ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is synonymous with establishing minimum
energy performance, ASHRAE 62.1-2007 establishes minimum IAQ
performance by addressing the buildings ventilation. The three
basic methods for ventilating buildings and how each are addressed
by ASHRAE 62.1-2007:
Mechanical ventilation (active): determines the minimum
required ventilation rates for various applications using either the
ventilation rate procedure or the indoor air quality procedure
Natural ventilation (passive): provides requirements on the size
and location of ventilation openings
Mixed mode ventilation (active + passive): can use any acceptable engineering calculation
methodology that meets the minimum ventilation rates required by 62.1-2007
Design submittal: architect and mechanical engineer
IEQp2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control: For NC and CS projects, the intent of the
prerequisite is to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces and
ventilation distribution systems to ETS. For Schools, the intent is to
eliminate exposure to ETS. For NC & CS, there are 2 cases. Case 1 is for
all buildings and Option 1 prohibits smoking in the building. Option
2 prohibits smoking in the building except in designated spaces.
Case 2 for NC & CS addresses residential and hospitality projects and
prohibits smoking in all common areas of the building. Case 2 for
Schools prohibits smoking in the building. If smoking is permitted
in the building or on the property grounds, designated smoking areas should be established
and in all cases not permitted within 25 feet of entries, outdoor air intakes or operable windows.
Design submittal: facilities manager
IEQp3 Minimum Acoustical Performance: This prerequisite applies to LEED for Schools only
and provides for classroom environments that are quiet and allow teachers and students the
ability to communicate effectively. Design submittal: architect, mechanical engineer, electrical
engineer, contractor

IEQc1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring: For this credit, the installation of permanent monitoring
systems of building ventilation is required. By monitoring the
ventilation systems performance, the building operator will be able
to stay informed of the deficiencies in the system. The monitoring
system should be designed to generate an alarm when the conditions
vary by at least 10% from the setpoint. One way to achieve this is by
installing carbon dioxide (CO2) and airflow measurement equipment.
The equipment should feed the information to the HVAC system,
Building Automation System (BAS) or building operator to signal for adjustment when varying
beyond the setpoint. Design submittal: mechanical engineer
IEQc2 Increased Ventilation: In order to achieve this credit for
mechanically vented spaces, the outdoor ventilation rates to all
occupied spaces must be increased by 30% above the minimum rates
required by ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007. One approach is to use heat
recovery in order to minimize the additional energy consumption
associated with higher ventilation rates.
For naturally ventilated spaces, first determine if natural ventilation
is an effective strategy for the project, then follow the design
recommendations set forth in the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)
Applications Manual 10. Use flow diagrams and calculations to show that the design of the
natural ventilation systems meets the recommendations outlined in the CIBSE Applications
Manual 10. Another option is to use a macroscopic, multi-zone analytic model to predict room-
by-room airflows that will effectively naturally ventilate, providing the minimum ventilation
rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2007 for at least 90% of the occupied spaces. Design submittal:
mechanical engineer
IEQc3 & IEQc3.1 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan - During Construction:
This management plan is directed towards eliminating as many indoor air problems during
construction as possible and requires the development and implementation of a plan for the
construction and preoccupancy phases that addresses the following:
During construction, comply with the control measures of
the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors
Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings
Under Construction
Protect absorptive materials that are installed or stored on-site
from moisture damage
If permanently installed air handlers are used during construction,
filtration media with a minimum efficiency reporting value
(MERV) of 8 must be installed at each return air grille per ASHRAE
52.2-1999
For School projects, no smoking is permitted inside the building and within 25 feet of
building entrances once the building has been enclosed
Construction submittal: contractor

Chapter 8 | 133
IEQc3.2 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan - Before Occupancy: Compliance with
this credit will reduce the IAQ problems resulting from construction or renovation activities.
There are 2 options for achieving this credit. The first is to conduct a
building flush-out prior to building occupancy by supplying a total
volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of floor area,
while maintaining an internal temperature of 60 degrees and up to 60%
relative humidity. The flush-out is often used where occupancy is not
required immediately upon substantial completion of construction. The
second option is to conduct baseline IAQ testing after construction ends,
but prior to occupancy to demonstrate that the contaminant maximum
concentrations are not exceeded. Construction submittal: contractor
EQc4 Low-Emitting Materials: The selection of IEQc4 credits are constructed as a practical way
to prevent IEQ problems by specifying materials that release fewer and less harmful chemical
compounds, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), for adhesives, paints, carpets, composite wood
products and furniture. The delivery and installation of these materials and products should be
coordinated so that they are not exposed to moisture and absorption of off-gassed contaminants.
These rules apply to materials and products inside the building (inside the weatherproofing
system and applied on-site). Construction submittal: architect, contractor
IEQc4.1 Low-Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants: Adhesives, sealants and sealant primers
must comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
Rule #1168. Aerosol adhesives must comply with Green Seal Standard
for Commercial Adhesives GS-36. LEED for School projects must comply
with the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for
the Testing of Volatile Organic Compounds from Various Sources Using
Small Scale Environmental Chambers. Construction submittal: architect,
contractor
IEQc4.2 Low-Emitting Materials - Paints and Coatings: Paints and coatings applied inside the
building must comply to the following:
Architectural paints and coatings applied to interior walls and ceilings
must not exceed the volatile organic compound (VOC) limit established
by Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints
Anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints applied to interior ferrous metal must
not exceed the VOC limit of 250g/L established by Green Seal GS-03,
Anti-Corrosive Paints
Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers and shellacs must not
exceed the VOC limits established by South Coast Air Quality Management
District (SCAQMD) Rule #1113, Architectural Coatings
LEED for School projects must comply with the California Department of Health Services
Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Compounds from Various Sources
Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers

IEQc4.3 Low-Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems: All flooring must comply to the following:
Option 1
Carpet to meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet
and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus program
Carpet cushion to meet the testing and product requirements of
the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label program
Carpet adhesives must meet the requirements of IEQc4.1 including
the VOC limit of 50 g/L
All hard surface flooring must be certified as compliant with the
FloorScore standard by an independent third party. Hard surface
flooring includes: vinyl; linoleum, laminate, wood, ceramic and
rubber flooring and wall base
An alternative compliance path using FloorScore is acceptable for
credit compliance if 100% of the non-carpet finished flooring is
equal to at least 25% of the finished floor area. Unfinished flooring
areas are mechanical rooms, electrical rooms and elevator service
rooms
Concrete, wood, bamboo and cork floor finishes such as
sealer and stain must meet the requirements of South
Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule
#1113, Architectural Coatings
Tile setting adhesives and grout must meet South Coast
Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #1168
Option 2
All flooring elements in the building must comply with the California Department of
Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Compounds from
Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers
IEQc4.4 Low-Emitting Materials - Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products:
Composite wood and agrifiber products are defined as particleboard,
medium density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, wheatboard, panel substrates
and door cores. These materials and products must contain no added urea-
formaldehyde resins. LEED for School projects must comply with the California
Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile
Organic Compounds from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental
Chambers. Construction submittal: architect, contractor

Chapter 8 | 135
IEQc4.5 Low-Emitting Materials - Furniture and Furnishings: This credit applies to LEED for
Schools projects only. Classroom furniture that was manufactured, refurbished or refinished
within 1 year prior to occupancy must comply with one of the following options:
Option 1
Furniture and seating must be Greenguard Children and
Schools certified
Option 2
Indoor air concentrations must be less than or equal to those
listed for furniture and seating determined by a procedure
based on the EPA Environmental Technology Verification
(ETV) Large Chamber Test Protocol for Measuring Emissions
of VOCs and Aldehydes
Option 3
Indoor air concentrations must be less than or equal to those listed for furniture and
seating determined by a procedure based on ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007 and ANSI/BIFMA
X7.1-2007
IEQc4.6 Low-Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems: This credit applies to
LEED for Schools projects only and must comply with the California Department of
Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Compounds
from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers. Construction
submittal: architect, contractor
IEQc5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control: This credit is designed to minimize and
control pollutant entry to the building and addresses three areas necessary for compliance:
Install a permanent entryway system at each outdoor to indoor
entry to prevent occupant-borne contaminants from entering
the building. The system must be at least ten feet long in the
primary direction of travel in order to capture dirt and particulates
before they can enter the building. Acceptable systems include:
grates, grilles or slotted systems that allow for regular cleaning
underneath. Roll-out mats are only acceptable if scheduled to
have cleaning on a weekly basis by a contracted service
Design facility cleaning and maintenance areas where hazardous gases or chemicals
may be present with isolated exhaust systems for contaminants, and exhaust each space
sufficiently to create a negative pressure with respect to the adjacent spaces. This includes
garages, housekeeping and laundry areas, as well as copying and printing room areas.
Physical isolation must be maintained from regularly occupied areas in the building
In mechanically ventilated buildings, install MERV 13, or higher, filters in air handling units
on both return air and outside supply air.
Provide containment for appropriate disposal of hazardous liquid wastes in places where
water and chemical concentrate mixing occurs
Design submittal: architect, mechanical engineer, contractor

IEQc6.1 Controllability of Systems - Lighting: The intent of this credit is to design the building
interior with a high level of lighting system control for the individual occupants, as well as lighting
system controllability for multi-occupant spaces. Include integration of
lighting systems controllability into the overall lighting design in order
to provide both ambient and task lighting that will promote occupant
comfort and productivity. For Case 1, provide individual lighting controls
for 90% of the building occupants and provide lighting system controls
for all learning spaces. Case 2, in classrooms, provide a lighting system that
operates in 2 modes: general illumination and audio/visual (A/V). Design
submittal: owner, architect, electrical engineer, lighting engineer
IEQc6.2 Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort: This credit requires that thermal comfort be
controllable by 50% of the building occupants. Building design should include individual comfort
controls, as well as comfort controls for groups in multi-occupant spaces.
Individual adjustments may involve individual thermostat controls,
local diffusers at floor, desk or overhead levels, or control of individual
radiant panels. There may also be other means of control integrated
into overall thermal comfort and energy systems in the building design.
Thermal comfort systems may by strictly mechanical, or may integrate
both mechanical and operable windows in order to provide the comfort
criteria needed for this credit. ASHRAE 55-2004 identifies the factors of
thermal comfort (air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed and humidity) and a process
for developing building spaces that suit the needs of the occupants involved in their daily
activities. ASHRAE 62.1-2007, paragraph 5.1 for Natural Ventilation details how operable windows
can be used in lieu of comfort controls. Design submittal: owner, architect, mechanical engineer,
electrical engineer, contractor
IEQc7 & IEQc7.1 Thermal Comfort - Design: There are three variables that can affect thermal
comfort of building occupants: activity, clothing, and environmental factors. Environmental
factors include air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity and air speed. To qualify for
this credit, the design of the buildings HVAC system and building envelope must comply with
ASHRAE 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy. During the design and
planning phase, the owner and designer should evaluate the buildings needs based on the
building size, type, location, and nature of the operations, as well as climate conditions. Once
determined, use load calculations to determine size and selection of HVAC equipment to
accomplish the thermal comfort goals and refer to the Chartered Institution of Building Services
Engineers (CIBSE) Application Manual 10 for strategies involving natural ventilation. Design
submittal: owner, architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer
IEQc7.2 Thermal Comfort - Verification: The first step of this programs is to have the occupants fill
out a survey to ensure that their comfort level is being met. ASHRAE 55-2004 provides guidance
for establishing thermal comfort criteria and the documentation and validation of building
performance to the criteria. Second, after the survey, develop a plan for corrective action if
greater than 20% of those surveyed are dissatisfied with the comfort level of the building. Design
submittal: owner, architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, Cx

Chapter 8 | 137
IEQc8.1 Daylight and Views - Daylight: The goal of this credit is to increase the
connection that people have between indoor and outdoor spaces in order to
provide increased comfort and productivity. There are several strategies that can be
used to increase the amount of daylight entering a building. Many are designed to
bring daylight into interior areas that would otherwise be inaccessible to window
light. Others are designed to maximize the sunlight coming in, while preventing
discomfort due to glare that can be caused by direct sunlight. Daylight provided
by south facing windows should incorporate a light shelf designed to block the
summer sun from directly entering the building and reflect it onto the ceiling of
the interior. In the winter, the suns path is at a lower position in the Southern sky
and is allowed to enter the building in order to provide light and an additional heat
source for the cooler season. Other strategies include light tubes and skylights that
allow light to enter from overhead. 1 point is awarded for providing 75% daylight
and an additional 2 points for 90% daylight in School projects. Design submittal:
owner, architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer
IEQc8.2 Daylight and Views - Views: This credit requires a direct line of sight
for 90% of the occupants to view the outdoor environment through windows
placed between 30 and 90 above the finished floor. Measures should be taken
for both IEQc8.1 and IEQc8.2 to insure proper design and energy modeling to
avoid increased heat gain due to the lower insulating nature of glass compared to
standard walls, while maximizing energy efficiency and reduced need for artificial
lighting. Core & Shell projects must incorporate a feasible tenant layout using the
default occupancy counts. Design submittal: architect, civil engineer, landscape
architect
IEQc9 Enhanced Acoustical Performance: This credit applies to LEED for School projects and
provides classrooms better teacher-to-student and student-to-student communications through
effective acoustical design in two ways:
Sound Transmission: Design the building shell, classroom partitions and other core learning
space partitions to meet the Sound Transmission Class (STC) requirements of ANSI S12.60-
2002, Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements and Guidelines for Schools,
except windows which must meet an STC rating of at least 35
Background Noise: Reduce background noise level to 40 dBA or less from HVAC systems in
classrooms and other core learning spaces
Design submittal: owner, architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, acoustical
consultant, contractor
IEQc10 Mold Prevention: This credit applies to LEED for School projects and reduces the
potential for mold through preventive design and construction by requiring achievement of
these credits:
IEQc3.1: Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan - During Construction
IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort - Design
IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort - Verification
Construction submittal: mechanical engineer


In the Indoor Environmental Quality category, a total of 14 points are available for credits
applicable to this project and we have collected 4 points.
We now have gathered 41 points, enough to receive certification, if all are accepted during the
final review.
The next session will begin at the end of the Innovation in Design chapter.

Chapter 8 | 139
T he LEED Innovation in Design credit category
awards bonus points for projects that use
new and innovative technologies and strategies to
improve a buildings performance well beyond what
is required by other LEED credits or in green building
considerations that are not specifically addressed
elsewhere in LEED. This credit category also
rewards projects for including a LEED Accredited
Professional on the team to ensure a holistic,
integrated approach to the design and construction
phase.
CHAPTER | 9

Credit Matrix
Introduction
Innovation in Design
Exemplary Performance
LEED Accredited Professional
The School as a Teaching Tool
Studio4 Project: Innovation in Design
140
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
INNOVATION IN DESIGN (ID) 6 6 6
IDc1.1 Innovation in Design 1 1 1
IDc2 LEED Accredited Professional 1 1 1
IDc3 The School as a Teaching Tool 0 1 0
Introduction
The Innovation in Design credits IDc1.1 - IDc1.5 provide bonus points for projects that incorporate
innovative and sustainable building features that improve performance above and beyond the
LEED Rating System requirements as directed in each credit. With the Innovation in Design
credit series there are two strategies available to receive points. The first is to exceed a credits
requirements and is referred to as exemplary performance, where the general rule is that the ID
requirements meet the next incremental increase or double if incremental levels do not exist.
The second option is to address a sustainable topic not covered in the LEED Rating System, and
this is referred to as innovative performance.
For IDc2, a LEED Accredited Professional is an important member in the makeup of the project
team for a coordinated path toward a projects certification efforts and LEED rewards the project
that has a LEED AP involved as a principle participant.
IDc3 is available only to EB O&M and School projects.
The credit structure for Innovation is Design is as follows:
ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design
ID Credit 2: LEED AP
ID Credit 3: The School as a Teaching Tool
Some confusing aspects of the ID category arise given the fact that the category is titled Innovation
in Design, ID Credit 1 is also titled Innovation in Design and 1 of the 2 compliance paths for
ID Credit 1 is titled Innovation in Design. For the specific ID Credit 1, there are 2 compliance
paths allowed, either for all Innovation in Design credits or for Innovation in Design credits in
combination with Exemplary Performance credits.
Download Guidance on Innovation & Design (ID) Credits :
http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/LEEDdocs/IDcredit_guidance_final.pdf

Chapter 9 | 141
Innovation in Design (Innovative Performance)
Innovation in Design points are awarded for innovative strategies that introduce new ideas not
covered in the 5 LEED categories under prerequisites and credits and must meet three criteria:
The strategy must demonstrate a quantifiable environmental performance benefit
The strategy must be applied comprehensively across the project
The strategy must be transferable to other projects and be significantly better than standard
sustainable practices
Types of strategies that are indicative of Innovation in Design are:
Developing an educational outreach program
Using a greenhouse gas budget to demonstrate carbon neutral design and operations
Incorporating high levels of fly ash in concrete to divert waste materials from landfills
The terms Exceptional Performance and Exemplary Performance are used interchangeably and
are for strategies exceeding credit requirements.
Exemplary Performance strategies are not available for every LEED credit.
These points, when available, are awarded for going to the next higher incremental level of credit
performance. For example, if the credit threshold percentage requirements are 10% and 20%, an
ID point may be awarded for achieving a 30% level of performance. Incrementally, 30% would
be the next threshold. For credits with more than 1 compliance path, an ID point can be earned
by satisfying more than 1 compliance path if their benefits are additive.
Points may also awarded for doubling the level of credit performance. For example, if the credit
requires a 2 year contract at 35%, an ID point may be awarded for providing a 4 year contract at
35%, or a 2 year contract at 70%. ID points may be awarded for doubling the percentage of credit
performance. For example, if 10% and 20% thresholds are required, an exemplary point may be
awarded when a performance achievement of 40% is provided. 40% would be doubling the
20% threshold.

Rating System ID Points
Path 1: Innovation in Design (Innovative Performance)
NC, CS & CI: 1 - 5 points
EB O&M and Schools: 1 - 4 points
Each Innovation in Design strategy achieved is allowed one (1) point
Each strategy must identify, in writing:
The intent of the proposed innovation credit
The proposed requirement for compliance
The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance
The design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements
Path 2: Exemplary Performance
NC, CS, CI, EB O&M & Schools: 1 - 3 points
Each Exemplary Performance strategy achieved is allowed one (1) point
ID Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional
NC, CS, CI, EB O&M and Schools: 1 point is allowed for one member of the Project Team
being a LEED Accredited Professional and performing as a principal participant
Required submittal information:
Name of the LEED AP
Name of the LEED APs company
Brief description of the LEED APs project role(s)
Copy of the LEED AP certificate
ID Credit 3: The School as a Teaching Tool
EB O&M: 1 point for Documenting Building Costs Impacts
Schools: 1 point for The School as a Teaching Tool
Total ID Points Available
NC, CS & CI: 6 points: 5 points for ID Credit 1 & 1 point for ID Credit 2
EB O&M & Schools: 6 points: 4 points for ID Credit 1, 1point for ID Credit 2 & 1 point for ID
Credit 3

Chapter 9 | 143
Studio4 Office Project: Innovation in Design
Innovation in Design Category
During the course of developing this project, we have not looked at the ID points available to
selected credits. Section 9 Exemplary Performance under each credit will state if an ID Exemplary
Performance point is available and if so, what the requirement or threshold is for achieving
compliance. Since Exemplary Performance requires achievement, we will concentrate on the
other option and see if we can gather any points for Innovative Performance.
Innovative Performance is, in a sense, granted to strategies and programs that exhibit unique
performance. The USGBC website offers guidance on these types of strategies. In part, they include
comprehensive strategies which demonstrate quantifiable environmental benefits. Examples
are: Educational Outreach Programs; Green Housekeeping; High Volume Fly Ash; Low-Emitting
Furniture & Furnishings; Organic Landscaping / Integrated Pest Management Program.
The project will attempt to achieve the following:
IDc1.1 Green Building Education: Studio4 provides educational services
related to sustainable development ideals and conducts classes for
individuals and employees of companies interested in receiving
accreditation. Studio4 has a website that promotes sustainability and
being located in an excellent public school system, will develop a
childrens Green Educational Program.
IDc1.2 Green Housekeeping: Cleaning products can be harmful to the
environment and human health and have the potential to off-gas volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals also harm water systems
by the way they are carelessly disposed. Reverting to an environmental
cleaning program is a cost effective alternative to conventional cleaning
programs that should be considered by all projects seeking certification.
IDc2 LEED Accredited Professional (AP): The intent of this credit is to support and encourage the
design integration required by a LEED green building project and to streamline the application
and certification process. The requirement for compliance is that at least one principal participant
of the project team be a LEED Accredited Professional. Construction Submittal


We picked up 3 of the 6 points available in the Innovation in Design category. The project team
could have collected additional points by looking at the Exemplary Performance credits and
other Innovative Performance option such as the use of fly ash in our concrete mix. However, we
already have the point total necessary - 44 - for certification and a small safety net of 4 points,
with the Regional Priority category remaining.
The final session will begin at the end of the Regional Priority chapter.

Chapter 9 | 145
U SGBCs regional councils, chapters and
affiliates have identified the environmental
concerns that are locally most important for every
region of the country, and six LEED credits that
address those local priorities were selected for
each region. A project that earns a regional priority
credit will earn one bonus point in addition to any
points awarded for that credit. Up to four extra
points can be earned in this way.
CHAPTER | 10

Credit Matrix
Regional Priority Credits
Studio4 Project: Regional Priority
Studio4 Project: Certification Summary
146
Regional Priority
Credit Matrix
Credit Title Points
REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP) 4 4 4
RPc1.1 Regional Priority 1 1 1
Regional Priority Credits

Since environmental priorities may differ between different geographical regions in the U.S.,
the Regional Priority category tackles the unique challenges and opportunities for addressing
critical environmental issues for various regions throughout the country.
The challenges in the Northeast differ tremendously from those in the Southwest, from the
usage of heating oil to the urgency of water conservation. Densely populated urban locations
often feature credits related to stormwater management or heat island reduction, while site
protection and building reuse credits are frequently prioritized in rural locations with low
population densities.
Through USGBCs regional councils, chapters and affiliates, regionally specific environmental
issues were identified. For a projects location, as determined by its zip code, 6 existing LEED
credits have been prioritized because they address environmental issues within that specific zip
code.
Each Regional Priority credit is based on an existing credit and, if achieved, worth an additional 1
point. A total of 4 additional points may be earned from the pool of 6 Regional Priority credits.
Upon project registration, LEED Online automatically determines a projects Regional Priority
credits, based on the projects zip code.
Although the project may be able to qualify for more than 4 of the 6 Regional Priority credits
available, the project team can choose any 4 credits for which they prefer the points to apply.
Regional Priority Credits are available only in the U.S. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet by state is
available for download from the USGBC website.
For current Regional Priority information, refer:

Chapter 10 | 147
Regional Priority
Studio4 Office Project: Regional Priority
Regional Priority Category
Upon project registration, LEED Online automatically determines a projects Regional Priority
credits, based on the projects zip code.
Each Regional Priority credit is based on an existing credit and, if achieved, worth an additional 1
point. A total of 4 additional points may be earned from the pool of 6 Regional Priority credits.
Shown is a capture of the spreadsheet for the zip code 45242, the credits available for Regional
Priority points are:
SSc6.1 Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
EAc2 On-Site Renewable Energy
MRc1.1 (75%) Building Reuse - Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof
MRc2 (75%) Construction Waste Management
MRc3 Materials Reuse
IEQc8.1 Daylight and Views - Daylight
Two Regional Priority points are applicable, based on previous credit achievement:
SSc6.1 Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
MRc2 Construction Waste Management.

Regional Priority

2 of the 4 points available in the Regional Priority category provides the project team with 46
points.
We will take an overview look at the final Credit Checklist to determine if this is the path to
certification we want to focus on and then prepare a Summary Report.

Chapter 10 | 149
Studio4 Office Project: Certification Summary
Project Certification Summary

The project team has analyzed the preliminary credit count and determined basic certification
can be achieved by complying with local codes and ordinances, implementing good design and
construction techniques and prioritizing which limited sustainable credits to pursue.
A review by category indicates the credits achieved in the Sustainable Sites category were
assisted by, in large part, the location and condition of the site, the demands of local codes and
ordinances and an aggressive Pilot Program by the local storm and sanitary sewer authority.
The Water Efficiency credits were achieved primarily through the use of water efficient plumbing
fixtures and credits previously achieved in the Sustainable Sites category.
Energy and Atmosphere took the hit that is indicative of many projects seeking certification. The
credits within this category represent a substantial initial cost and although credible evidence
exists that indicate attractive payback periods, budgets are often tight and cannot handle this
financial burden.
With each LEED project that receives certification, in addition to federal, state and local
governments beginning to mandate some degree of certification in government and educational
facilities, new products become available that make the Materials and Resources category an
easy mark for collecting credits.

The Indoor Environmental Quality category doesnt address sustainable elements the same
as any of the other categories. Yet it is an extremely important part of certification because it
deals directly and immediately with human health, well being and occupant productivity. Low
VOC products are available in every category for little, if any, additional cost nor at a sacrifice to
design. The Daylight and Views credits can be difficult if the site and floor plan are not suitable
for considering these credits on their face. Revising the building floor plan and fenestration along
with the interior office layout can come at the sacrifice of the Owners Project Requirements
or site conditions and are not always attainable. Every project should look closely at increased
ventilation, monitoring and chemical and pollutant control at the source.
In all likelihood, the project team will probably go back and reconsider some of the credits
passed over. The direction of this project changed, however, to focus on achieving certification
at minimal cost only to illustrate how little cost basic LEED certification can contribute to the
overall budget. Granted, this project is small although typical of many projects in size and
site attributes. Not discussed are the costs for compliance of the prerequisites, though all
but Fundamental Commissioning and Water Use Reduction are mainly a step above code or
standards implemented in construction today such as providing space for recycling, a smoke
free environment, construction pollution activity and refrigerant management.
In summary, many attributes of green building have already been put in place through federal,
state and local laws, codes and ordinances. Combined with proper design and good construction
practices and BMPs inherent in the industry today, NOT being green would be difficult to
defend!
Studio4 Office Project

Chapter 10 | 151
T he LEED Green Associate accreditation is
for professionals who want to demonstrate
green building expertise in non-technical fields
of practice denoting basic knowledge of green
design, construction, and operations. The LEED
Green Associate examination is also required for all
candidates who plan to continue forward with one
of the Tier II credentialing examinations.
CHAPTER | 11
LEED Green Associate Exam

Study Materials
4 Steps for Exam Preparation
152
A LEED Green Associate is an individual who has passed the exam and possesses the knowledge
and skill to understand and support green design, construction and operations. The LEED Green
Associate exam is a Tier I exam that is constructed towards those who want a basic understanding
of sustainability but not in need of the technical knowledge required to obtain a Tier II exam for
a LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty. For those who wish to obtain any of the Tier II
credentials, they must also pass the Green Associate exam. This can be taken prior to a Tier II
exam or at the same time as a Tier II exam.
Study Materials
The primary sources for the development of the core references are the LEED Rating Systems.
The LEED Green Associate examination is designed to test your general knowledge of green
building practices and how to support other professionals working on LEED projects.
The two primary resources for the Green Associate exam as recommended by USGBC/GBCI
are the Green Associate Candidate Handbook and the Green Building and LEED Core Concepts
Guide.
The GBCI Green Associate Candidate Handbook is a free download and is frequently updated,
therefore it is critical to review the most current edition of this document for any revisions. All
LEED Candidate Handbooks can be located at:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/resources/candidate-handbooks.aspx
LEED Reference Guides (Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide) are published by the
U.S. Green Building Council and are available for purchase at:
http://www.usgbc.org/Store/PublicationsList_New.aspx?CMSPageID=1518
The Green Associate Candidate Handbook lists a dozen or so additional reference materials. These
are free sources that assist in the understanding of important LEED strategies in addition to third
party subject matter relevant to basic but crucial aspects of green design and construction.
4 Steps for Exam Preparation

Download the Green Associate Candidate Handbook to determine if eligibility requirements
are met
Register for and schedule the exam per instructions in the Green Associate Candidate
Handbook
Gather study materials as listed above plus additional reference materials available on the
web
Study the collected resources until you feel comfortable with your degree of green
awareness and knowledge

Chapter 11 | 153
Getting Started
Note: Check the GBCI website frequently as GBCI updates the LEED Green Associate Candidate
Handbook on a monthly schedule, often with major revisions to the exam process.
The first thing you should to do is download and study the LEED Green Associate Candidate
Handbook, available as a free download. This handbook is the default source for information
regarding the specifics for the LEED Green Associate exam process. The information contained
in the Studio4 LEED Green Associate study guide is an outline description of the exam process.
A review of the LEED Green Associate Handbook will acquaint you with the specifics regarding
exam rescheduling, hours of operation of the test site, contact numbers, etc.
Detailed within the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook is, in part, the following
information:
5 Things Every Candidate Should Know (includes study links)
Study Materials (includes sample exam questions)
Applying for Your Exam (includes eligibility requirements)
Scheduling Your Exam (days, dates and times available)
Pre-Exam Checklist (one month & one week checklists)
The Day of Your Exam (ID and name requirements)
After Your Exam (passing, failing, credentialing and certificates)
Contact information
Examination Eligibility Requirements
To take the LEED Green Associate exam, you must have experience in the form of involvement
on a LEED registered project, employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable field of
work, or engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building
principles. You only have to meet one of these criteria to demonstrate eligibility.
For candidates who have attended, or are attending, an education program that addresses
green building principles, GBCI will accept a certificate of completion or an official transcript in
lieu of a letter of attestation. Any other eligibility documentation must be in the form of a letter
of attestation.
Candidates must also agree to the disciplinary policy and credential maintenance requirements
and submit to an application audit.
Applying for the Exam
The process necessary to take the LEED Green Associate exam requires three (3) steps. First, you
must apply for the exam and receive approval from the GBCI, the second step is to register for the
exam with Prometric and third, upon successful registration, you can schedule your exam with
Prometric. Registration is valid for a period of one (1) year from date of application approval. You
are permitted to have one pending registration at any one time, but can take the examination
three times during one year of the application approval. After three unsuccessful attempts, you
must wait three months before you can register again.

Go to www.gbci.org and click My Credentials. Create an account with GBCI, if you do not
have one. Create, or update, your profile and upload the required document for proof of
eligibility. Verify that your name matches the identification you will present at the test
center
GBCI will review the application and approve, request additional information or deny
After application approval by GBCI, you can register and schedule the exam with
Prometric
Registration and Scheduling
GBCI contracts with Prometric to administer all LEED credentialing examinations. After you have
been approved by GBCI and received your eligibility ID, you can register and schedule your exam
with Prometric. After registering and scheduling, you will receive a confirmation number via
e-mail. It is recommended that this be printed in the event you need to contact Prometric in the
future. Candidates may register at any point during their one year application period through
My Credentials at www.gbci.org. Available Prometric test sites can be located by visiting www.
prometric.com/gbci
LEED Green Associate Application and Exam Fees
$50 non-refundable LEED Green Associate application fee
$150 examination fee for USGBC national members and full time students
$200 examination fee for all other exam applicants
Payment can be made electronically by credit or debit card
For test sites within the U.S., the fee is charged at the time the exam is taken
For test sites outside the U.S., the fee is charged at the time the exam is scheduled
Testing Rules & Regulations
It is important to note that USGBC and Prometric adhere to these rules, almost without exception,
and are explained in full detail in the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook.
You must provide a valid government issued photo ID (Drivers License, Passport or Military
ID). The name on your photo ID must match the name you used when registering for the exam
The test site will have available small lockers for you to place your personal items which are
not permitted to be taken into the examination room. These items include wallets, purses,
watches, keys, cell phones, calculators, paper, pens/pencils, computers, beverages, food,
books, bags
You must receive approval from the testing proctor prior to leaving the examination room.
If you need to leave the examination room for any reason, make certain you have your
photo ID with you. If you leave the building during the examination, the test proctor will
terminate your exam

Chapter 11 | 155
One Month Before Your Exam
Ensure that your name in My Credentials matches the identification you will present at the test
center
One Week Before Your Exam
Confirm that the exam scheduled with Prometric is for the correct date, time, and location
Ensure that your name in My Credentials matches the identification you will present at the test
center
The Day of Your Exam
You must provide a valid, unexpired ID with a signature and a photograph
Examination Format
Raw exam scores are converted to a scaled score that ranges from a minimum of 125 to a
maximum of 200 with a passing score set at 170. The scaled score is reported on screen at the
end of the exam
You will have 10 minutes to review a tutorial on how to use the computer. Any time remaining
can be used to write memorization notes on the scrap paper provided at the test site
There are 100 randomly delivered questions on the exam and you will have 2 hours to complete
the 100 question exam, not including the 10 minute tutorial
Questions are multiple choice with some having more than one answer, such as choose 3 of 5
Miscellaneous
Make certain you know where the test center is located and get there 15 - 30 minutes early
You are permitted to move through the questions and either answer, leave unanswered or mark.
At the conclusion of the exam, you will be shown a summary of the 100 questions showing
which have been answered, marked or unanswered and given the opportunity to go back to
address the marked or unanswered questions. You can also elect to review all of the questions
at this time
No credit is given for providing partial answers, such as answering 2 of 5 when 3 of 5 is
required
No credit is given for unanswered questions. Therefore it is recommended that you answer all
questions on the first try and mark those you are unsure of. Marked questions count as being
answered
Take your time and read each question carefully. Pay particular attention to words such as not,
may, prerequisite, may be required, etc.. Not seeing these words can have an effect on the correct
answer
Certain questions and answers may remind you of something that can provide assistance in
answering other questions you were previously unsure of

Passing the Exam
If you receive a score of 170 or higher, you earn the LEED Green Associate designation
You will receive a print out of your examination results which will indicate your performance on
each section
You will receive an automatic e-mail from GBCI notifying you when your results have posted
Two to three months after you pass the exam, you will receive formal notification from GBCI,
including a congratulatory letter and a certificate recognizing you as a LEED Green Associate
Failing the Exam
If you receive a score of 169 or lower you will be denied the LEED Green Associate credential
You will receive a print out of your exam results which will indicate your performance on each
section
If you decide to retake the exam, you can use the report to focus your studies on your weakest
areas as indicated by your exam print out
You will receive an automatic e-mail from GBCI notifying you when your results have posted
Certificates
Certificates will be mailed directly from GBCI headquarters two to three months after the test
date
Exam Specifications
The specifications for each section of the LEED Green Associate exam are organized to include
a list of seven (7) domains and their corresponding knowledge areas. This structure assesses
whether a candidate is capable of performing specific tasks and services.
The following outline provides a general description of exam content areas for the LEED Green
Associate exam:
1. Synergistic Opportunities and LEED Application Process
2. Project Site Factors
3. Water Management
4. Project Systems and Energy Impacts
5. Acquisition, Installation, and Management of Project Materials
6. Stakeholder Involvement in Innovation
7. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach

Chapter 11 | 157
LEED Credentialing
There are three tiers to the LEED Credentialing system:
Tier I: LEED Green Associate
Tier II: LEED AP+ (with Specialty)
Building Design & Construction (BD&C)
Interior Design & Construction (ID&C)
Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
Homes
Neighborhood Development (ND)
Tier III: LEED Fellow (Under Development)
A LEED Green Associate is someone who has passed the LEED Green Associate examination
by demonstrating an understanding of basic green building knowledge, construction and
operations and has a general knowledge of green building practices and how to support other
professionals working on LEED projects.
5 Things Every Candidate Should Know
1. Ensure that your name in My Credentials matches the identification you will present at the test
center
2. In order to receive member pricing for your examination, you must enter your Corporate
Access ID into your USGBC account prior to registration. (To update your member status, go to
www.usgbc.org > Your Account > Membership) The member discount is not automatically applied
retroactively to exam registrations that are submitted under non-member pricing
3. To change or cancel your exam appointment you must do so through Prometric no later
than midnight on the third day before your scheduled exam. All exam appointments cancelled/
rescheduled 30 days or less before the exam date are charged a $30 fee. If you do not receive
a new confirmation number from Prometric, contact them immediately to confirm that your
appointment has been successfully cancelled/rescheduled
4. The only field you cannot edit in your My Credentials account is the name. (If you need to
change your name, contact GBCI credentialing staff at www.gbci.org/contact > Name Changes
or at 1-800-795-1746, within the US, or at +1-202-828-1145, outside the US.) Every other field,
including username, e-mail address, password, street address, company affiliation, etc., can be
changed, so there is no reason to create a new account when you change jobs, locations, or job
titles
5. If you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking a LEED Professional
Credentialing exam under standard conditions, you may request a reasonable accommodation
as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prometric certifies that it shall comply
with the provisions of the ADA.

T he specifications for each section of the LEED
Green Associate examination are organized
to include a list of seven (7) domains and their
corresponding knowledge areas. This structure
provides the framework to guide the development
of the examination items to assess whether a
candidate is capable of performing specific tasks
and services.
CHAPTER | 12
The Seven Domains

Synergistic Opportunities and LEED
Project Site Factors
Water Management
Project Systems & Energy Impacts
Project Materials
Stakeholder Involvement in Innovation
Project Surroundings & Public Outreach
Miscellaneous Recommended Resources
USGBC/GBCI Resources
160
The Seven Domains
As outlined in the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, the content of the Green Associate
exam is categorized into seven sections, or domains. Each domain contains various topics relative
to a specific areas to study. The seven domains are:
3. Water Management
5. Acquisition, Installation and Management of Project Materials
It is important that the study material links included in the LEED Green Associate Candidate
Handbook be downloaded and reviewed. The Green Associate Candidate Handbook lists a dozen
or so additional reference materials. These are free sources that assist in the understanding of
important LEED strategies in addition to third party subject matter relevant to basic but crucial
aspects of green design and construction. Also, it is important to read the Glossary and become
familiar with the terminology. All current rating system candidate handbooks can be located on
the GBCI website:
Project Requirements (site; program; budget; schedule)
The project requirements are generally established by a charrette during the predesign
and design phases when the site is selected, the building program written, preliminary
design sketches prepared, preliminary budget and preliminary schedules written for
review. Refer to the Green Building Chapter
Costs (hard costs; soft costs; life-cycle costs)
For information on these types of costs, refer to the Green Building Chapter
Green Resources (USGBC; Environmental Building News)
For a listing of Green Resources, refer to the Appendix
Standards that support LEED Credit (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-
conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE]; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National
Association [SMACNA] guidelines; Green Seal)
For a listing of Referenced Standards, refer to the Appendix
Credit Interactions (energy and IEQ; waste management)
For a listing of Credit Interactions, refer to the Appendix
Credit Interpretation Rulings/Requests and precedents that lead to exemplary performance
For information on Credit Interpretation Rulings, refer to the USGBC chapter
For information on Exemplary Performance, refer to the Innovation in Design chapter

Chapter 12 | 161
The Seven Domains
Components of LEED Online and Project Registration
For information on LEED Online, refer to the USGBC chapter
For information on the Project Registration process, refer to the USGBC chapter
Components of LEED Scorecard
For information on the LEED Scorecard, refer to the USGBC chapter
Components of Letter Templates (project calculations; supplementary docs)
For information on Letter Templates, refer to the USGBC chapter. To review a sample of
the Letter Template, refer to the Appendix
Strategies to Achieve Credit
Strategies to Achieve Credit are defined by the LEED rating system that applies to the
project. The appropriate reference guide will list all credits and the requirements to
achieve the credit. For a free download copy of LEED rating systems (not reference guides):
Project Boundary; LEED Boundary; Property Boundary
For a description of the various boundary types, refer to the Sustainable Sites chapter
Prerequisites and/or Minimum Program Requirements for LEED Certification
For information on Prerequisites, refer to the USGBC chapter
For information on Minimum Program Requirements, refer to the USGBC chapter
Preliminary Rating (target certification level)
A preliminary rating is the target rating level as determined by the total credit count of
the credits the project initially sets out to pursue. Ideally, during the predesign (charrette)
phase. The project team uses the Scorecard to evaluate each credit and its requirements
to determine if the credit is achievable, and at what cost to the project budget or its
interaction with other credits. The total of these credits will be the target certification
level.
Multiple Certifications for Same Building (Operations & Maintenance for certified building
new construction; core and shell and commercial interior; certified building in neighborhood
development)
For information on Multiple Certifications, refer to the USGBC chapter
Occupancy Requirements (existing building -- building must be fully occupied for 12
continuous months as described in minimum program requirements)
For information on Minimum Program Requirements, refer to the USGBC chapter
USGBC Policies (trademark usage; logo usage)
USGBC Logo Guidelines: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1835&
Requirements to Earn LEED AP Credit
For information on the LEED AP credit, refer to the Innovation in Design chapter

The Seven Domains
Community Connectivity: Transportation (public transportation; bike storage; fuel efficient
vehicle parking; parking capacity; car pool parking; car share membership [Zipcar];
shuttles; carts); Pedestrian Access (circulation and accessibility such as cross walks; ramps;
and trails)
For Community Connectivity information, refer to the Sustainable Sites chapter
Zoning Requirements: density components such as calculations, site area and floor area
ratio; construction limits; open space; building footprint; development footprint; specific
landscaping restrictions
For Zoning information, refer to the Sustainable Sites chapter
Development: Heat Islands (non-roof; roof; Solar Reflectance Index [SRI]; emissivity; albedo;
heat island effect; green roofs)
For Heat Island information, refer to the Sustainable Sites chapter
3. Water Management
Types and Quality of Water (potable; graywater; blackwater; stormwater)
For water type definitions, refer to the Water Efficiency chapter
Water Management (water use reduction through fixtures such as water closets; urinals;
sinks; lavatory faucets; showers; harvesting; baseline water demand; calculations of Full
Time Equivalent; irrigation)
For water use reduction strategies, refer to the Water Efficiency chapter
For FTE information, refer to the Sustainable Sites chapter
Environmental Concerns (chlorofluorocarbon [CFC] reduction, no refrigerant
option, ozone depletion, fire suppressions without halons or CFCs, phase-out plan,
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons [HCFC])
For refrigerant management information, refer to the Energy & Atmosphere chapter
Green Power (off-site generated, renewable energy certificates, Green-e providers)
For green power information, refer to the Energy & Atmosphere chapter
5. Acquisition, Installation, and Management of Project Materials
Recycled Materials (pre-consumer, post-consumer, collection requirements, commingled)
For sustainable materials information, refer to the Materials & Resources chapter
Locally (regionally) Harvested and Manufactured Materials
For sustainable materials information, refer to the Materials & Resources chapter
Construction Waste Management (written plan; accounted by weight or volume; reduction
strategies; polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) removal and Asbestos-containing materials
(ACM) management)
For construction waste management information, refer to the Materials & Resources
chapter

Chapter 12 | 163
The Seven Domains
Integrated Project Team Criteria (architect, heating-ventilation-air-conditioning [HVAC]
engineer, landscape architect, civil engineer, contractor, Facility Manager)
For information integrated design, refer to the Green Building chapter
The 4 conversations in the Introduction provide an excellent analysis of the roles and
values of an integrated project and design team
Durability Planning and Management (material lifecycle, building re-use)
This subject promotes durability and high performance of the building enclosure and
its components and systems through appropriate design, materials selection and
construction practices. Although this can be applicable to all green projects through the
sustainable procurement policies, Durability Planning and Management is a LEED for
Homes mandated prerequisite and can be reviewed in the LEED for Homes Reference
Guide
Innovative and Regional Design (regional green design and construction measures as
appropriate and established requirements)
For information on regionalization, refer to the USGBC chapter
For information on regional priority credits, refer to the Regional Priority chapter
Codes (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection)
Every construction project in this country will most likely be governed, to some degree,
by local, state and/or federal regulations, laws and codes. They include local zoning
and building codes that are concerned with building setbacks, parking requirements,
landscaping and open space ordinances, fire protection and, most importantly, life safety
issues. The Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II provides additional information
regarding Laws, Codes and Standards. The Appendix provides a link to this manual
Miscellaneous Recommended Resources
The Green Associate Candidate Handbook lists a dozen or so additional reference materials. These
are free sources that assist in the understanding of important LEED strategies in addition to third
party subject matter relevant to basic but crucial aspects of green design and construction.
It is important to understand that in an effort to keep LEED current, USGBC/GBCI frequently
updates their information. Therefore, it is recommended to use the current edition of the LEED
Green Associate Candidate Handbook and download these documents for current information
and directions. Currently, GBCI updates Candidate Handbooks on a monthly schedule.

A cronyms and definitions that may be unfamiliar
or have specific meanings in the context
of sustainability and green building, as defined
by USGBC, EPA, ASHRAE, ANSI, SCAQMD,
UPC, IPC, IECC and other universally accepted
standards
CHAPTER | 13
Acronyms & Glossary of Terms

Acronyms & Abbreviations
Glossary of Terms
166
Acronyms & Abbreviations
ACCA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America
ACEEE: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
AE: Awareness and Education Section
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
AIA: American Institute of Architects
AFV: Alternative Fueled Vehicle (hybrid-electric, electric, natural gas, bio-diesel, fuel cell)
ALP ENERGY STAR: Advanced Lighting Package
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials
BIPV: Building Integrated Photovoltaics (integrated with roof, spandrels, glazing, shading
devices)
BOD: Biological Oxygen Demand (that which is created by the release of nitrogen rich
wastewater)
CAE: Combined Annual Efficiency
CDVR: Corrected Design Ventilation Rate (design ventilation rate divided by the air change
effectiveness)
CFA: Conditioned Floor Area
CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon (ozone depleting HVAC refrigerants)
CFL: Compact Fluorescent Light
CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute
CFR: U.S. Code of Federal Regulations
CGP: Construction General Permit
CIBSE: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers
CIR: USGBC Credit Interpretation Request
CIWMB: California Integrated Waste Management Board
CO: Carbon Monoxide
CO2: Carbon Dioxide
COC: Chain of Custody
COP: Coefficient of Performance
CRI: Carpet & Rug Institute

Chapter 13 | 167
CRS: Center for Resource Solutions
CSI: Construction Specifications Institute
CWA: Clean Water Act (formerly referred to as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Federal
Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972)
CZ: Climate zone
DHW: Domestic Hot Water
DOE: U.S. Department of Energy
DU: Distribution Uniformity
EA: LEED Energy and Atmosphere section
ECB: Energy Cost Budget (ASHRAE 90.1 compliance path)
ECM: Energy Conservation Measure (design strategies intended to reduce energy use)
EEM: Energy Efficient Measure (interchangeable with ECM, term used in energy modeling
tools
EER: Energy Efficiency Rating
EERE: U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
EF: Energy Factor
EPA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ETS: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (includes that which is spread through ventilation
systems)
FEMA: U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
FSC: Forest Stewardship Council
GBCI: Green Building Certification Institute
GPF: Gallons Per Flush
GPM : Gallons Per Minute
GWP: Global Warming Potential (rating of a gaseous substances contribution to greenhouse
effects)
HCFC: Hydrochloroflourocarbon (alternative refrigerant that has reduced ozone depleting
effects
HFC: Hydroflourocarbon (alternative refrigerant with no ozone depleting effects but some
tradeoff)
HEPA: High-Efficiency Particle Absorbing
HERS: Home Efficiency Rating Standards
HET: High-Efficiency Toilet
HOA: Homeowners Association

HSPF: Heating Season Performance Factor
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
HVAC&R: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
IAP: ENERGY STAR with Indoor airPLUS
IAQ: Indoor Air Quality (with respect to human occupancy of a building)
ICC: International Code Council
ICF: Insulated Concrete Form
ID: LEED Innovation & Design section
IDR: Innovative Design Report
IECC: International Energy Conservation Code
IEQ: LEED Indoor Environmental Quality section
IESNA: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
IPLV: Integrated Part Load Value (chiller efficiency including part load operation for a given
cycle)
IPMVP: International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol, Inc.
IRC: International Residence Code
ISO: International Organization for Standardization
KW: Kilowatt
KWH: Kilowatt-hour
LCA: Life Cycle Assessment (a full assessment of a materials cradle-to-grave environmental
impacts)
LED: Light-Emitting Diode
LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
LEED AP: LEED Accredited Professional
LL: LEED Location and Linkages section (Homes)
MEF: Modified Energy Factor
MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (a measure of the effectiveness of air filtration
media)
MR: LEED Materials & Resources section
MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet (provides essential information on composition and
hazards)
NFRC: National Fenestration Rating Council
NPDES: National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Chapter 13 | 169
NPS: Non-point Source
O&M: Operation and Maintenance
ODP: Ozone Depleting Potential (rating of a gaseous substances ability to destroy stratospheric
ozone)
OSB: Oriented Strand Board
OSWER: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste & Emergency Response
RESNET: Residential Energy Services Network
SCAQMD: South Coast Air Quality Management District
SCS: Scientific Certification Systems
SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating
SHGC: Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the fraction of solar radiation admitted through a particular
glazing)
SIP: Structural Insulated Panels
SMACNA: Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association
SWPPP: Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
SRI: Solar Reflectance Index
SS: LEED Sustainable Sites section
TASC: Technical Advisory Subcommittee
TP: Total Phosphorous (phosphates, polyphosphates and orthophosphates in stormwater)
TSS: Total Suspended Solids (particles too small or light to be removed from a liquid by gravity
settling
UL: Underwriters Laboratory
UBC: Uniform Building Code: The International Conference of Building Officials model building
code
UPC: Uniform Plumbing Code
USGBC: U.S. Green Building Council
VAV: Variable Air Volume (ventilation system configuration differentiated from Constant Air
Volume)
VOC: Volatile Organic Compound (hazardous substances that offgass from certain chemicals
WE: LEED Water Efficiency section
WF: Water Factor
WFA: Window-to-floor ratio

Glossary of Terms
acid rain: precipitation of dilute solutions of strong mineral acids, formed by the mixing of the
atmosphere of various industrial pollutants (e.g., primarily sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide)
with naturally occurring oxygen and water vapor
active ventilation: synonymous with mechanical ventilation
adapted (introduced) plants: non-native plants that survive in a habitat while requiring
minimal winter protection, pest control, fertilization or irrigation and are considered low
maintenance and non-invasive
adaptive reuse: renovating a space to use for a different purpose
adhesives: any chemical substance that is applied for the purpose of bonding two surfaces
together other than by mechanical means
accessory dwelling unit: a subordinate dwelling unit that is attached to a principal building or
contained in a separate structure on the same property as the principal unit
adjacent site: a site having at least 25% of its boundary bordering parcels that are each at
least 75% previously developed; a street or other right-of-way does not constitute previously
developed land; instead, it is the status of the property on the other side of the street or right-
of-way that matters; any fraction of the boundary that borders waterfront other than a stream
is excluded from the calculation; a site is still considered adjacent if the 25% adjacent portion
of its boundary is separated from previously developed parcels by undeveloped, permanently
protected land averaging no more than 400 feet in width and no more than 500 feet in any one
place; the undeveloped land must be permanently preserved as natural area, riparian corridor,
park, greenway, agricultural land, or designated cultural landscape; permanent pedestrian paths
connecting the project through the protected parcels to the bordering site may be counted to
meet the requirement of SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 2 (that the project be connected to the
adjacent parcel by a through-street or nonmotorized right-of-way every 600 feet on average,
provided the path or paths traverse the undeveloped land at no more than a 10% grade for
walking by persons of all ages and physical abilities)
aerosol adhesive: an adhesive packaged as an aerosol product in which the spray mechanism
is permanently housed in a non-refillable can designed for hand-held application without the
need for ancillary hoses or spray equipment
agrifibre: agricultural fibers such as wheat, straw, cereal straw, sugarcane bagasse, sunflower
husk, walnut shells, coconut husks
agrifibre board: a composite panel product derived from recovered agricultural waste fiber
and mixed together with a resin; to meet credit requirements, the products must be inside
the buildings weatherproofing system, composite components used in assemblies must be
included and the product must be part of the base building system

Chapter 13 | 171
alley: a publicly accessible right-of-way, generally located midblock, that can accommodate
slow-speed motor vehicles, as well as bicycles and pedestrians; an alley provides access to the
side or rear of abutting properties for loading, parking, and other service functions, minimizing
the need for these functions to be located along streets. It may be publicly dedicated or privately
owned and deeded in perpetuity for general public use
air conditioning: the process of controlling the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and
distribution of the air of a conditioned space
air handling units (AHUs): an air handler, or air handling unit (AHU), is a device used to condition
and circulate air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system
airborne pollutant: airborne chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause
harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms or damages the natural environment
albedo: (aka Solar Reflectance); the reflectance of sunlight; higher values equal higher
reflectivity, lower values equal lower reflectivity
alternative daily cover: materials other than soil used as a temporary overlay on an exposed
landfill face; generally, these materials must be processed so that they do not allow gaps in the
face surface, which would provide breeding grounds for insects and vermin
alternative fuel vehicle: a vehicle that runs on a fuel other than traditional petroleum fuels
(petrol or diesel); also refers to any technology of powering an engine that does not involve
solely petroleum (e.g., electric car, hybrid electric vehicles, solar powered)
ambient temperature: temperature of the surrounding air
anticorrosive paint: a paint formulated with a corrosive-resistant pigment (e.g., lead chromate,
zinc chromate, red lead) and a chemical and moisture resistant binder; used to protect iron and
steel surfaces
applicant: the entity that prepares the LEED-ND project submission and is responsible for
project implementation. An applicant may be the developer or another cooperating entity
aquatic ecosystems: a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities
and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit within water
aquifer: a subsurface water-bearing layer that will yield water in a usable quantity to a well or
spring
architectural porous sealant primer: any material intended for application to a substrate,
prior to the application of a sealant, to enhance the bonding surface substances or coatings on
porous materials
area median income: the median income of a county as determined by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development
area weighted SRI: area calculation of roofs with more than one surface type to determine
if the actual total roof area has an average SRI equal to or greater than that of a baseline roof
where 75% of the surfaces have an SRI value of 78 and 25% have an SRI value of 30%

assembly recycled content: includes the percentages of post-consumer and pre-consumer
content; the percentage is calculated by dividing the weight of the recycled content by the
overall weight of the assembly
attendance boundary: determines which students attend what school based on where they
live within the school district
audiovisual (A/V) media: relating to materials, such as films, slides, video, and sound recordings,
that present information in audible and pictorial form
automatic fixture sensors: hard wired or battery operated motion sensors that automatically
turn on/off water using fixtures; (e.g., lavatories, sinks, water closets, urinals)
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers
bake out: process of removing VOCs from a building by elevating the temperature in order to
accelerate off-gassing
balancing damper: an adjustable plate that adjusts the air flow in HVAC ducts
baseline building performance: annual energy costs of a building for use as a baseline and
compared to design options for determining energy savings
baseline case versus design case: amount of design case water saved over the baseline case
amount; the baseline case is based on the Energy Policy Act or 1992 (EPAct 1992) for flush and
flow rates
baseline irrigation water use: the quantity of conventional irrigation system water used
basis of design (BOD): information gathered to document the owners project requirements
bay: a component of a standard, rectilinear building design that is an open area defined by a
building element such as columns
bedroom: a room used primarily for sleeping; in LEED for Homes it is any room or space that is
intended to be used, or could be used, for sleeping purposes and meets local fire and building
code requirements
Best Management Practice (BMP): a method, activity, maintenance procedure, or other
management practice for reducing the amount of pollution entering a water body; the term
originated from the rules and regulations developed pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act
bicycle network: a continuous network consisting of any combination of physically designated
on-street bicycle lanes at least 5 feet wide; off-street bicycle paths or trails constructed before
2010 that are at least 8 feet wide for a two-way path and at least 5 feet wide for a one-way
path; off-street bicycle paths or trails constructed in or after 2010 that are at least 10 feet wide
for a two-way path and at least 5 feet wide for a one-way path; residential streets designed for
a target speed of 25 miles per hour or slower; commercial or mixed-use streets designed for a
target speed of 30 miles per hour or slower
bicycle racks: indoor or outdoor bicycle racks, bicycle lockers and indoor bicycle storage
rooms

Chapter 13 | 173
biochemical oxygen demand: a chemical procedure for measuring the rate of dissolved
oxygen by the biological organisms in a body of water; widely used as an indication of the
quality of water
biodegradable: capable of being decomposed by bacteria
biodiversity: the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, or in the world as a
whole; (e.g., ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity)
biofuel based energy systems: electrical power systems that run on a mixture of volatile,
flammable hydrocarbons derived from plant material or animal waste and used as fuel derived
from organic materials such as untreated wood waste, agricultural crops and residues, animal
wastes, landfill gas and other organic waste
biological control: used for chemical or physical water treatment to inhibit bacterial growth
in cooling towers; in agriculture, a method of controlling pests (e.g., insects, mites, weeds and
plant diseases) that relies on predation, parasitism, herbivory, or other natural mechanisms; it
can be an important component of integrated pest management programs used for chemical
or physical water treatment to inhibit bacterial growth in cooling towers
biomass: a renewable energy source, is biological material derived from living, or recently living
organisms, such as wood, waste, and alcohol fuels; commonly plant matter grown to generate
electricity or produce heat
bioswale: stormwater control feature that uses a combination of engineered basin, soils and
vegetation to slow and detain stormwater
blackwater: wastewater from toilets and urinals; definitions vary where wastewater from
kitchen sinks, showers and bathtubs are considered as blackwater under some jurisdictions
bleed off or blow down: removal of solids in a cooling tower by releasing the towers
recirculating water
bleed off rate: the frequency of which bleed off occurs
block: land bounded by the project boundary, transportation or utility rights-of-way that may
be publicly dedicated or privately owned and deeded in perpetuity for general public use,
waterfront, and/or comparable land division features
borate: a chemical used as an insecticide to inhibit insect infestations in wood and used as a
nontoxic wood preservative
breathing zone: part of an occupied room from 3 to 6 feet off the floor and more than 2 feet
from walls or fixed air conditioning equipment
brownfield: normally sites which have previously been developed or used for some purpose
which has ceased and whose former use resulted in potential pollution or the presence of
hazardous substances
British thermal unit (Btu): amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of
liquid water from 60 F to 61 F

build-out: the time at which all habitable buildings on the project are complete and ready for
occupancy
buildable land: the portion of the site where construction can occur, including land voluntarily
set aside and not constructed upon; when used in density calculations, buildable land
excludes public rights-of-way and land excluded from development by codified law or LEED
for Neighborhood Development prerequisites; an applicant may exclude additional land not
exceeding 15% of the buildable land base defined above, provided the following conditions are
present: the land is protected from residential and nonresidential construction by easement,
deed restriction, or other enforceable legal instrument AND either 25% or more of the boundary
of each contiguous parcel proposed for exclusion borders a water body or areas outside the
project boundary that are protected by codified law; or ownership of, or management authority
over, the exclusion area is transferred to a public entity
Building Automation Systems (BAS): systems that use computer controls to monitor and
control building subsystems for maximum operating efficiency and reporting
building density: the total floor area of the building (all levels) divided by the total area of the
site (sf per acre)
building engineer: engineering professional experienced in the operation and maintenance
of the buildings plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems
building envelope: exterior surfaces of a building (e.g., walls, roof, windows, floor); also referred
to as the building shell
building footprint: area of the building structure as determined by the perimeter of the building
plan, which is typically the foundation walls; hardscapes, landscaping and other nonbuilding
facilities are not included in the building footprint
building operating plan: document covering the intended operation of each building base
system (aka Owners Operating Requirements); uses a daily schedule that encompasses Monday
thru Sunday plus holidays
built environment: man-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity,
ranging in scale from personal shelter to neighborhoods to the large-scale civic surroundings
byproduct: material, other than the principal material, that is generated as a consequence of
an industrial process or as a breakdown product in a living system
bus rapid transit: an enhanced bus system that operates on exclusive bus lanes or other transit
rights-of-way; it is designed to combine the flexibility of buses with the efficiency of rail
campus or private bus: privately owned and operated bus or shuttle service providing non-
public transportation; in LEED, a campus or private bus line operating within 1/4 mile of the
project site can contribute to earning points
cap and trade system: regulatory or management system that sets a target level for emissions
or natural resource use and, after distributing shares in that quota, lets trading in those permits
determine their price

Chapter 13 | 175
carbon dioxide (CO2): a heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the
decomposition of organic substances; absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis
carbon dioxide levels (CO2): CO2 levels that indicate indoor ventilation effectiveness; compared
to outdoor CO2 levels, concentrations above 530 ppm indicate inadequate ventilation, while
concentrations above 800 ppm indicate poor air quality
carbon footprint: measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity; a
comprehensive carbon footprint includes building construction, operation, energy use,
building related transportation and the embodied energy of water, solid waste and construction
materials
carpool: carpooling (also known as car-sharing or ride-sharing), is the shared use of a car by the
driver and one or more passengers, usually for commuting
catchment: any structure or land feature which catches and holds stormwater
central vacuum system: also known as ducted vacuum cleaners, move the suction motor and
bag to a central location in the building and provide vacuum inlets throughout the building:
only the hose and pickup head need be carried from room to room; plastic piping connects the
inlets to the central unit
certified wood: wood that has been issued a certificate from an independent organization
with developed standards of good forest management, verifying harvesting from responsibly
managed forests
chain-of-custody (CoC): certified chain-of-custody systems are used to ensure that wood
comes from certified forests; they are established and audited according to rules set by the
relevant forest certification system, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
chain of custody certification: method of verifying the possession, location, movements and
of materials and products from their creation or collection through any point; verifies proper
accounting of material flows and proper use of the FSC name and logo
charrette: collaborative session in which the project team discusses design and construction
options
chemical runoff: water that takes chemicals from the project, including landscaping and the
surrounding hardscape, to local waterways
chemical treatment: chemicals used to control rusting, biological growth and scaling in cooling
towers; other treatments such such as applying ultra-violet light, are considered healthier for
humans
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): chemical compounds (halocarbons) made up of carbon, fluorine,
and chlorine; CFCs have been used as propellants in spray cans, coolants in refrigerators and air
conditioners, and in foam, plastics, and cleaning solvents; they are very stable in the troposphere,
but are broken down by strong ultraviolet light in the stratosphere and release chlorine atoms
that then deplete the ozone layer
churn: the movement, or reorganization, of people and workspaces within a space

circulation loop: a structured plumbing system where cold water is returned to the water
heater until hot water reaches the source
clear wood coatings: clear and semi-transparent coatings, including lacquers and varnishes
applied to wood substrates to provide a transparent or translucent solid film
climate change: significant change to a given climate over 10 years or more
climate zone: in the U.S., one of eight regions defined by the International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC) that characterizes the temperature of an area of the country; climate zone 1 is the
hottest and climate zone 8 is the coldest; LEED for Homes awards credit to projects that use
strategies appropriate to the projects climate zone
closed combustion: furnace and water heater designs where the supply air is ducted from the
outside and exhaust is ducted to the outdoors: LEED for Homes requires all elements of the
systems to be sealed in order to prevent combustion exhaust leakage into the home
coating: a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the
substrate; in many cases coatings are applied to improve surface properties of the substrate (e.g.,
appearance, adhesion, wetability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, scratch resistance)
combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration: the use of a heat engine or a power station
to simultaneously generate both electricity and useful heat from one fuel source; it is one of the
most common forms of energy recycling
combustion exhaust gases: exhaust gas or flue gas emitted as a result of the combustion
of fuels such as natural gas, gasoline/petrol, diesel fuel, fuel oil or coal; most common gases
resulting from fossil fuel combustion include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide
and nitrogen oxides
comfort criteria: conditions that account for human comfort based on temperature, humidity,
clothing and anticipated activity
commingling recycling: places materials to be recycled (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic, metal)
into one container that will be sorted for recycling at a sorting facility
commissioning (Cx): process of ensuring that a buildings complex array of systems are
designed, installed, and tested to perform according to the design intent and the owners
operational needs
commissioning authority (CxA): person designated to organize, lead and review the
completion of commissioning process activities; ensures that systems are installed and function
in accordance with the owners project requirements (OPR)
commissioning cycle: schedule of commissioning phases
commissioning plan: document that describes the organization, schedule, distribution of
resources and documentation requirements of the commissioning process
commissioning process: holistic process to ensure building systems are designed, installed
and function in accordance with the owners intent

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commissioning report: document prepared by the commissioning authority that details the
final results of the commissioning process
commissioning specification: details the objective, scope and implementation of the
construction and acceptance phases of the commissioning process developed during the
design phase; is recorded by adding to the construction documents
commissioning team: project team members responsible for working together to conduct the
commissioning process
community connectivity: amount of connection between a site and the surrounding
community; the physical location of the site relative to homes, schools, retail, restaurants,
medical and other services
community-supported agriculture (CSA): a farm operation for which a community of
individuals pledges support so that the farmland becomes, either legally or informally, the
communitys farm; the growers and consumers provide mutual support, sharing the risks and
benefits of food production; consumers receive portions of the farms harvest throughout the
growing season
compact fluorescent lamp (CFL): small fluorescent lamp used as a more efficient alternative
to incandescent lamps
compensating shower valves: maintains constant water temperatures when the hot or cold
water pressure changes
completed design area: total area of the finished area that includes ceilings, floors, full height
walls and demountable partitions, interior doors and built-in case goods; exterior doors and
windows are excluded
composite wood: also known as engineered wood, man-made wood includes a range of
derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles,
fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials (e.g., particle
board, medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), wheatboard,
strawboard, panel substrates, door cores)
composting (or nonwater) toilets: an aerobic processing system for dry plumbing fixtures
and fittings that treats excreta, typically with no water or small volumes of flush water, via
composting or managed aerobic decomposition
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA): a tax
on the chemical and petroleum industries to clean up abandoned or historic waste sites
compressed work week: alternative work arrangement where a standard work week is reduced
to fewer than five days, and employees make up the full number of hours per week by working
longer hours; most common options in a compressed workweek are: four 10 hour days, three
12 hour days, or a week of five 9 hour days followed by a week of four 9 hour days
concentration: the strength of a solution; in cooling towers, ir is the ratio of the level of dissolved
solids in the recirculating water to the level found in the entering makeup water

concentration ratio (cycles of concentration) : in cooling towers, a measure of the degree to
which dissolved solids are being concentrated in the circulating water, it is in effect the inverse
of blowdown
conditioned space: the part of the building that is designed to be thermally conditioned,
normally for the comfort of occupants but at times for other reasons
conductivity meter (EC meter): measures the electrical conductivity in a solution; commonly
used in hydroponics, aquaculture and freshwater systems to monitor the amount of nutrients,
salts or impurities in the water
connectivity: the number of publicly accessible street intersections per square mile, including
intersections of streets with dedicated alleys and transit rights-of-way, and intersections of streets
with nonmotorized rights-of-way (up to 20% of total intersections); if one must both enter and
exit an area through the same intersection, such an intersection and any intersections beyond
that point are not counted; intersections leading only to culs-de-sac are also not counted; the
calculation of square mileage excludes water bodies, parks larger than 1/2 acre, public facility
campuses, airports, rail yards, slopes over 15%, and areas nonbuildable under codified law or
the rating system; street rights-of-way may not be excluded
conservation: the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural
resources
constructed wetland: an artificial marsh or swamp, created for anthropogenic discharge such
as wastewater, stormwater runoff or sewage treatment, and as habitat for wildlife, or for land
reclamation after mining or other disturbance; designed to simulate the water treatment effects
of wetlands and remove any pollutants
construction and demolition debris (C&D): waste and recyclable materials from construction,
demolition, deconstruction or renovation of existing buildings; excludes land clearing debris
construction, demolition and land clearing debris (CDL): everything included in construction
and demolition debris plus soil, vegetation and rock from land clearing
construction IAQ management plan: plan to minimize air contamination caused by building
construction; includes procedures to remove contaminants before occupancy
construction impact zone: the projects development footprint plus the areas around the
improvement where construction crews, equipment, and/or materials are staged and moved
during construction
construction waste management plan: a plan that diverts construction debris from landfills
or incinerators through recycling, salvaging and reusing
contaminant: unwanted airborne element that may reduce indoor air quality
controllability of systems: providing occupants direct control over temperature, airflow and
lighting in their spaces
controls: operating mechanisms that enable an occupant to turn devices on or off or adjust
intensity levels

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conventional irrigation: commonly used types of irrigation where the project is located
conventional turf: a spreading or stoloniferous grass, as opposed to a tufted ornamental grass;
turfgrass endures, and typically requires regular mowing, considerable watering and fertilizers
cool pavements: pavement materials with an SRI value of at least 29
cool roofs: roofing materials with an SRI value of at least 29 for steep sloped roofs (> 2:12) and
with an SRI value of at least 78 for low sloped roofs (< or = 2:12)
cooling tower: equipment using water to absorb heat from other sources, such as air
conditioning systems; typically used on large buildings or building complexes
core learning spaces: spaces for educational activities where the primary purpose is teaching
or learning; includes classrooms, instructional pods or activity areas, conference rooms, libraries,
offices, speech clinics, offices used for educational purposes and music rooms for instruction,
practice and performance
covenants, conditions, and restrictions: limitations that may be placed on a property and its
use and are made a condition of holding title or lease
critical visual tasks: visual tasks conducted by the buildings occupants
cul-de-sac: a street segment that terminates without intersecting another street segment
cultural landscape: an officially designated geographic area that includes both cultural and
natural resources associated with a historic event, activity, or person or that exhibits other
significant cultural or aesthetic values
curfew hours: locally imposed times when lighting restrictions go into effect; default time is
10 p.m.
daylight factor: % of daylight entering a room compared with that provided by an unobstructed,
uniformly overcast sky; variables include floor area, window area, window design, visible
transmittance and window height
daylight glazing: vertical windows located 7-6 above the floor that are designed to provide
interior illumination deeper into the space
daylighting: use of controlled sunlight for daytime lighting needs; daylighting strategies used
to reduce or eliminate artificial lighting include solar orientation of windows as well as the use
of skylights, clerestory windows, solar tubes, reflective surfaces, and interior glazing to allow
light to move through a structure
daylighting zone: total floor area that meets the performance requirements for daylighting
daylight responsive lighting controls: photosensors used to control the amount of artificial
light; used with other switching and dimming devices; adjusts according to quantity and quality
of natural light
declarant: LEED AP team member qualified to verify the content of a LEED credit submittal
template and is authorized by the project administrator to sign the template and upload to
LEED Online; the declarant must have a significant degree of responsibility for the credit and
may play a restricted or unrestricted role on the project team

degree day: a measure of heating or cooling, computed as the integral of a function of time that
generally varies with temperature; equal to the number of degrees that the mean temperature,
for a 24 hour day, is below the base temperature, often 65 F; a unit used in estimating the fuel
consumption for a building
demand controlled circulation: the automatic circulation of water through a closed looped
system that ensures hot water is delivered immediately; keeps unused cold water in the system
in order to save water and energy
demand controlled ventilation: ventilation provided in response to the actual number of
occupants and to occupant activity
density: the amount of building structures constructed on the project site, measured for
residential buildings as dwelling units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses,
and for non-residential buildings as the floor-area ratio of buildable land area available for
nonresidential uses; in both cases, structured parking is excluded
densely occupied spaces: areas with 25 or more occupants per 1,000 square feet, or 40 square
feet or less of floor space per occupant
density factor (kd): accounts for the number of plants and the total leaf area of a landscape;
coefficient used in the calculation of the landscape coefficient; adjusts the evapotranspiration rate
of plants to reflect the water used by a specific plant to calculate the landscape coefficient
design light output: considered to be 40% of the useful life output of a lamp
designed landscape: the design of softscape and hardscape features on a site, excluding areas
under roof, driveways and preserved natural areas; softscapes (e.g., grasses, flowers, shrubs)
and hardscapes (e.g., patios, decks, fountains)
developer: a public and/or private entity that controls a majority of the projects buildable
land and is committed to making a majority of the investments required for the project
implementation described in the LEED-ND submission
development density: total area of all buildings within a particular area and expressed in
square feet per acre or residential units per acre
development footprint: the total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets,
parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project
distribution uniformity (DU): metric for estimating how water is applied uniformly to an area;
DU ranges from 0 and 1, where 1 indicates the irrigation system is providing equal coverage
and 0 indicates over or under watering
district energy system: thermal energy supplied to a group of buildings that is provided by
a central energy conversion plant and transmission and distribution system; central energy
systems that provide only electricity are not included
disturbed lot area: all portions of the project site that are affected by construction activities

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dew point: the temperature to which a given parcel of air must be cooled, at constant barometric
pressure, for water vapor to condense into water; the condensed water is called dew; the dew
point is a saturation point
direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing: method used to determine the calculated
area of regularly occupied areas with direct line of sight to perimeter vision glazing
displacement ventilation: a method of space conditioning where conditioned air is supplied
at or near the floor; since the air is supplied at very low velocities, a cool layer of air collects in
the occupied zone resulting in comfortable conditions for the occupants
diversity of uses or housing types: number of spaces or housing types, offices, homes, schools,
parks, stores, per acre
diverted waste: synonymous with waste diversion
downstream equipment: heating or cooling systems, equipment and controls associated with
providing thermal energy into heated or cooled spaces for the project
drip irrigation: uses low pressure to deliver water through a series of tubes directly to plant
root systems; uses less water than standard means and supplies water only to selected plants,
not weeds or hardscape surfaces
dry ponds: elevated areas that detain stormwater and slow runoff but are dry between rain
events
dry urinals: also known as nonwater urinals; a water flush is replaced with a trap full of buoyant
liquid that blocks sewer gas and odors from escaping
dry wells: underground structures that dispose of unwanted water, most commonly stormwater
runoff, by dissipating it into the ground where it merges with the local groundwater
drywall clips: typically metal or plastic devices that support or secure drywall at corner
connections; reduces amount of metal or wood framing members required
dual flush toilet: a toilet that provides two flush levels; one for solid waste and a reduced
volume flush for liquid and paper waste only
durability: indicates how well a product stands up after a sustained period of use
durable goods: goods which do not quickly wear out and yield services or utility over time
rather than being completely used up when used once; 2 years or more useful life; (e.g., furniture,
office equipment, appliances)
durable goods waste stream: fully depreciated durable goods that have reached the end of
their useful life and have been removed from the project site
dwelling unit: living quarters intended for long-term occupancy that provide facilities for
cooking, sleeping, and sanitation; this does not include hotel rooms
ecological restoration: altering, or rehabilitating, an area in such a way as to reestablish an
ecosystems structure and function, usually bringing it back to its original (pre-disturbance)
state or to a healthy state close to the original

ecologically appropriate features: natural and inanimate elements of the landscape (e.g.,
rocks, water features)
ecologically appropriate site features: natural landscape elements that maintain, restore or
enhance the ecological integrity of the site while providing value to the habitat (e.g., exposed
rocks, native and adaptive vegetation, bodies of water or water features)
ecological restoration: the process of using ecological principles and experience to return a
degraded ecological system to a more ecologically functional state; the goal of this process is
to emulate the structure, function, diversity, and dynamics of the specified ecosystem
economizer: mechanical devices intended to reduce energy consumption, or to perform
another useful function like preheating a fluid; devices such as HVAC enthalpy controls used to
make building systems more energy efficient
ecosystem: a biological community and its physical environment; a biological environment
consisting of all the organisms living in a particular area, as well as all the nonliving, physical
components of the environment with which the organisms interact, such as air, soil, water, and
sunlight; it is all the organisms in a given area, along with the nonliving factors with which they
interact
edge development: construction that extends an existing community beyond its borders but
remains a part of, and connected to, the community; in LEED for Homes, at least 25% of an edge
developments perimeter must border land that has been previously developed
electrical conductivity meter (EC): measures the electrical conductivity in a solution;
commonly used in hydroponics, aquaculture and freshwater systems to monitor the amount of
nutrients, salts or impurities in the water
elemental mercury: pure mercury (aka quicksilver) that is a silver-white liquid at room
temperature; mercury vapor is commonly used in fluorescent and other types of lamps
embodied energy: energy used during the entire life cycle of a product; amount of energy
required to extract, process, transport, and install a given building element
emissions reduction reporting: calculation, tracking and documentation of the greenhouse
gas emissions that are associated with the energy usage of a building
emissivity: ratio of energy emitted from a material to the energy radiated from a black body at
the same temperature
employment center: a nonresidential area of at least 5 acres with a job density of at least 50
employees per net acre
endangered species: species threatened with extinction
energy audit: a comprehensive assessment of a companys energy use throughout its
operations; will identify the most cost effective opportunities for energy savings
Energy Conservation Measures (ECM): an individual building component or product that
directly impacts energy use in a building; methods or strategies that use less energy

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energy or greenhouse gas emissions per capita: total greenhouse gas emissions of a
community divided by the total resident count
energy efficient products and systems: building components and appliances that use less
energy
energy management system: HVAC control monitoring system that adjusts equipment to
conserve energy
energy simulation model (or energy model): a computer representation that permits users to
estimate the energy use of the building; allows various systems to be compared for performance
to a baseline
ENERGY STAR home: Energy Star is a United States government program created in 1992
by the US Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to reduce energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emission by power plants; certifies homes built to a standard of energy
efficiency that is at least 15% more efficient than the International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC)
ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air package (IAP): a certification program that recognizes homes
designed and built with integrated systems design and installations that ensure high standards
of indoor air quality and rated as an ENERGY STAR qualified home
ENERGY STAR rating: one of the main goals of the ENERGY STAR program is to develop
performance based specifications that determine the most efficient products in a particular
category; products that meet these specifications earn the ENERGY STAR label; a buildings
energy performance compared to those with similar characteristics; a 50 score represents
average building performance
energy use intensity: energy consumption divided by the area in square feet in a building;
energy consumption is usually expressed as British thermal units (Btus) per square foot or as
kilowatt-hours of electricity per square foot per year (kWh/sf/yr)
enhanced commissioning: a set of best practices extending responsibility beyond fundamental
commissioning such that the process requires the commissioning authority to be on the job
earlier and stay later; includes designating a commissioning authority prior to the construction
documents phase, conducting commissioning design reviews, reviewing contractor submittals,
developing a systems manual, verifying operator training and performing a post occupancy
operations review
entryway systems: mats, open floor grates or other devices designed to capture potential
pollutants from people entering a building; considered a point source pollutant control
strategy
environmental attributes of green power: emissions reduction through the use of renewable
energy sources as opposed to the use of conventional methods of producing energy
environmental sustainability: meeting the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS): (aka secondhand smoke) includes all forms of tobacco
smoke exhaled or released into the air
erosion: condition in which the earths surface is worn and carried away by the action of water,
wind or other natural agents
eutrophication: excessive nutrients in a lake or other body of water, usually caused by runoff
of nutrients (e.g., animal waste, fertilizers, sewage) from the land, which causes a dense growth
of plant life; the decomposition of the plants depletes the supply of oxygen, leading to the
death of animal life; increase in chemical nutrients, such as nitrogen found in fertilizers
evapotranspiration: the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration from the Earths land
surface to atmosphere; evaporation accounts for the movement of water to the air from sources
such as the soil, canopy interception, and water bodies
evapotranspiration rate (ET): amount of water lost from a vegetated surface in units of water
depth per unit of time
exfiltration: air leakage from a buildings interior to the environment; air leakage through
cracks in walls, floors and ceiling
exhaust air: the removal of air from a building through the design and use of mechanical or
natural ventilation systems
existing: present on the date of submission of LEED-ND certification documents; similarly, an
element or condition that exists is present on the date that LEED-ND certification documents
are submitted
existing area: total existing area of a building at the time the project area was selected; excludes
exterior doors and windows
extraction, recovery or harvest point: location of raw materials prior to manufacturing of the
building material or product that is furnished and installed in the project building
facility alteration or addition: building work done on an existing building; facility alterations
refers to changes made to the building that do not alter the original design character of the
building; facility additions are structures added to the original building smaller than the original
building in scale
facility manager: facility management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines
to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and
technology; International Facility Management Association (IFMA)
Fairtrade: Fairtrade certification (Fairtrade, known as Fair Trade Certified in the United States
and Canada) is a product certification system designed to allow people to identify products
that meet agreed environmental, labour and developmental standards
flat coating: a coating that registers gloss less than 15 on an 85-degree meter or less than five
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floodplain: a floodplain, or flood plain, is flat or nearly flat land generally adjacent to a stream
or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding; land that has a likelihood of being
flooded within a given storm cycle, such as a 100 year storm
floor-area ratio (FAR): the density of nonresidential land use, exclusive of parking, measured
as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area available
for nonresidential structures; for example, on a site with 10,000 square feet of buildable land
area, an FAR of 1.0 would be 10,000 square feet of building floor area; on the same site, an FAR
of 1.5 would be 15,000 square feet of built floor area; an FAR of 2.0 would be 20,000 built square
feet and an FAR of 0.5 would be 5,000 built square feet
floor coatings: an opaque coating that is labeled and formulated for application to flooring,
including, but not limited to, decks, porches, steps, and other horizontal surfaces which may be
subjected to foot traffic
fly ash: fine particles of ash produced from the burning of fuels, particularly from power stations;
can be used in concrete
flush out: operation of mechanical systems for two weeks, using 100% outside air, at the end
of construction and prior to occupancy to ensure safe indoor air quality
Food Alliance: non-profit organization that promotes sustainable agriculture by recognizing
and rewarding farmers who produce food in environmentally friendly and socially responsible
ways; certifies farms and ranches produce natural products, ensures quality control and
food safety, responsibly manages water and energy resources, stresses recycling and waste
management, provides a safe work environment and commits to a continuous improvement of
sustainable practices
formaldehyde: a VOC compound found naturally occurring in the environment in animals and
materials like wood; a chemical used in various binders and adhesives
fossil fuel: energy derived from ancient organic remains such as peat, coal, crude oil and natural
gas
freight village: a cluster of freight-related businesses located inside a secure perimeter operated
under single management structure; freight Villages usually offer intermodal transfer options,
logistics services, integrated distribution, warehousing capabilities, showrooms, and support
services; such support services might include: security, maintenance, mail, banking, customs
and import management assistance, cafeterias, restaurants, office space, conference rooms,
hotels, and public or activity-center transportation. (Houston-Galvenston Area Council)
fuel efficient vehicles: vehicles earning a score of 40 or more on the American Council for an
Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual rating guide
full cutoff luminaire: light source where the light distribution does not exceed 0% at 90 degrees
above nadir and 10% above 80 degrees

full disclosure: for products that are not formulated with listed suspect carcinogens has two
components: (1) disclosure of all ingredients (both hazardous and nonhazardous) that make up
1% or more of the undiluted product and (2) use of concentration ranges for each of the disclosed
ingredients; full disclosure for products that are formulated with listed suspect carcinogens has
three components: (1) disclosure of listed suspect carcinogens that make up 0.1% or more of
the undiluted product (2) disclosure of all ingredients (both hazardous and nonhazardous) that
make up 1% or more of the undiluted product and (3) use of concentration ranges for each of
the disclosed ingredients; suspect carcinogens are those that are listed on authoritative lists
(IARC, NTP or California Proposition 65) for MSDS preparationfull time equivalent (FTE): a regular
building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the project building; FTE values for part
time or overtime occupants are based on their hours per week divided by 40; multiple shifts are
included or excluded depending on their intent and the specific requirements of the credit
full time equivalent building occupants: a measure of the total number of hours all building
occupants spend in the building during the peak 8 hour occupancy period divided by 8 hours
fully shielded exterior light fixtures: attached to outside light sources and built so the lower
edge of the shield is at or below the lowest edge of the lamp, such that light is distributed
downward only
functional entry: a building opening designed to be used by pedestrians and open during
regular business hours; this does not include any door exclusively designated as an emergency
exit, or a garage door not designed as a pedestrian entrance
fundamental commissioning: set of essential best practices used to ensure that building
performance requirements have been identified early in the projects development and to
verify that the designed systems have been installed in compliance with those requirements;
included responsibilities are the process of designating a commissioning authority, documenting
the owners project requirements and basis of design (BOD), incorporating commissioning
requirements into the construction documents, establishing a commissioning plan, verifying
installation and performance of specified building systems and completing a summary
commissioning report
furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE): non-fixed items not part of the base building
components (e.g., desks, chairs, electronics, portable lights, lamps, etc.)
gallons per minute: measurement of water used by flow fixtures (faucets, showerheads,
aerators, sprinkler heads); Per EPAct 1992, baseline rates for faucets, showerheads and aerators
is 2.5 gpm
gallons per flush: measurement of water used by flush fixtures (water closets and urinals); per
EPAct 1992, baseline rates for water closets is 1.6 gpf and urinals is 1.0 gpf
geothermal energy: the heat of the earth; where this heat occurs close to the earths surface,
and is able to maintain a temperature in the surrounding rock or water at or above 150 degrees
C, it may be tapped to drive steam turbines

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geothermal heating systems: systems that use pipes for transferring heat from subsurface
steam or hot water for heating, cooling and hot water; functions by extracting heat during
winter months and returning heat during summer months
glare: harsh bright source of light that creates visual discomfort or loss of visibility
glazing factor: ratio of interior light at a specific point on a specific plane under known overcast
skies; the variables used by LEED area the floor area, window areas, window geometry, visible
transmittance and window height
global warming: increase in the temperature near the surface of the earth
graywater (or greywater): domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen,
bathroom and laundry sinks, tubs and washers; the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) defines
graywater as untreated household wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste;
the International Plumbing Code (IPC) defines graywater as wastewater discharged from
lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers and laundry sinks; some states allow kitchen
sinks to be included with graywater
green cleaning: the use of cleaning products and practices that have lower environmental
impacts and more positive indoor air quality impacts than conventional products and
practices
green power: electricity generated from renewable energy sources (e.g.; solar, wind, biomass,
geothermal; hydroelectric)
green-e: program established by the Center for Resource Solutions to promote green electricity
products made with certified renewable energy, including but not limited to wind energy, solar
power, low impact hydropower and biomass
Green Rater: individual that performs field inspections and performance testing of LEED for
Homes measures for the LEED for Homes Certification Provider; a HERS rater with additional
training can become a Green Rater
greenfields: sites not previously developed, graded or polluted that could support open space,
habitat or agriculture
greenwashing: term playing off whitewash that is used to describe projects that are labeled
as energy efficient and sustainable when theyre really not; its also a term sometimes used to
describe the distribution of misleading information by a business or an organization to conceal
its abuse of the environment
greenhouse effect: warming that results when solar radiation is trapped by the atmosphere;
caused by atmospheric gases (e.g.; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane) that
allow sunshine to pass through but absorb heat that is radiated back from the warmed surface
of the earth
greenhouse gas (GHG): gasses such as carbon dioxide or methane that reflects infrared
radiation emitted by the earth, thereby helping to retain heat in the atmosphere

group multi occupant spaces: group occupant use spaces such as classrooms, conference
rooms and training rooms where common tasks are engaged; typically these spaces share
temperature and lighting controls
groundskeeper: groundskeeping is the activity of tending an area of land for aesthetic
or functional purposes; typically in an institutional setting; it includes establishment and
maintenance responsibilities (e.g., mowing grass, trimming hedges, pulling weeds, pest
control, planting flowers, etc.); a person or professional who engages in this work is called a
groundskeeper
habitable building: a structure intended for living, working, or other types of occupancy;
habitable structures do not include stand-alone garages and utility structures such as pump
stations
halons: ozone damaging chemicals used in fire fighting systems and extinguishers
hard costs: project costs directly related to construction and development activities such as
contractor costs, labor and material costs, and costs related to direct service and material costs
for the project; not included are soft costs such as legal fees, closing fees, architectural and
engineering fees, interest costs, etc.
hardscape: refers to non-vegetated elements of the project landscape plan; (e.g., roads, patios,
decks, concrete, gravel, brick, tile and other hard surfaces outside the building shell)
hard surface flooring: includes ceramic or marble tile, decorative concrete, vinyl, linoleum,
laminate, wood, rubber, wall base and associated sundries
harvested rainwater: precipitation captured and used for indoor and irrigation needs
heat island effect: the tendency of urban and suburban areas to be warmer than adjacent
rural areas; such built environments are 2 to 10F warmer; a function of less vegetation, reduced
airflow, and large areas of roofs, asphalt, concrete, and paved surfaces that absorb the suns
heat
Hertz (Hz): unit of frequency defined as the number of cycles per second of a periodic
phenomenon; one of its most common uses is the description of sinusoidal waves, particularly
those used in radio and audio applications; 1 Hz equals 1 cycle per second
high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA): filters for removing at least 99.97% of particulates
such as dust, animal dander, smoke, mold and other allergens that are 0.3 microns or larger,
from the air and thus improving air quality
high efficiency toilet: a toilet with an average water consumption of 1.28 gallons per flush,
when tested in accordance with a standard or product specification, such as the United States
Environmental Protection Agencys WaterSense program
high performance green building: structure designed to conserve water and energy; uses
space, materials and resources efficiently; minimizes construction waste; creates a healthful
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historic district: a group of buildings, structures, objects, and sites, of varying sizes, that
have been designated as historically and architecturally significant and categorized as either
contributing or noncontributing
Home Energy Rating System (HERS): The HERS Index is a scoring system in which a home
built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC)) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a
HERS Index of 0
horizontal footcandle: the amount of light on a horizontal surface
hospitality: the business of providing temporary residence to customers, such as a hotel
hospitality industry: companies within the food services, accommodations, recreation and
entertainment sectors
HVAC systems: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems equipment, distribution
systems and terminals that provide the processes of heating, ventilating and air conditioning
inside a building
HVAC&R systems: heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems equipment,
distribution systems and terminals that provide the processes of heating, ventilating, air
conditioning and refrigeration inside a building
hybrid vehicles: a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle;
the term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an internal
combustion engine and one or more electric motors
hydro energy: a form of electricity produced from the downhill flow of water from rivers and
lakes
hydronic system: includes baseboard heaters (convectors) and radiant flooring that uses
recirculating warm water as the heat transfer source
hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs): cooling chemicals used in building equipment; they
damage the ozone layer, but not to the extent of CFCs
hydroflourocarbons (HFCs): cooling chemicals that do not damage the ozone layer but may
contribute to global warming potential
hydrology: the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout Earth,
and thus addresses both the hydrologic cycle and water resources
hydro energy or hydropower: power that is derived from the force or energy of moving water,
which may be harnessed for useful purposes
impervious surfaces: primarily artificial surfaces (e.g.; roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking
lots) that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, stone and
rooftops; soils compacted by urban development are also highly impervious; generally, having
a perviousness of less than 50% will promote runoff of water instead of infiltration into the
subsurface
imperviousness: resistance of a material to penetration by a liquid such as water

incinerator: a furnace used in a waste treatment technology that involves the combustion of
organic materials and/or substances
individual occupant spaces: standard workspaces used to conduct individual tasks
indoor adhesive, sealant or primer: adhesive or sealant products that are applied on-site and
within the buildings weatherproofing system
indoor air quality (IAQ): term referring to the air quality within buildings and structures,
especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants; IAQ is considered
acceptable when there are no known contaminants at harmful concentrations and when the
majority (80%) of the occupants do not express dissatisfaction
indoor carpet systems: carpet, carpet adhesive or carpet cushion products installed on-site
and within the buildings weatherproofing system
indoor paints or coating products: paints and coatings applied on-site and within a buildings
weatherproofing system
indoor composite wood or agrifibre: composite wood and agrifibre products installed on-
site and within the buildings weatherproofing system
infill site (LEED Building Design & Construction and Interior Design & Construction rating
systems): a site where at least 75% of the land area, exclusive of rights-of-way, within a mile
distance from the project boundary is previously developed; a street or other right-of-way does
not constitute previously developed land; it is the status of property on the other side or right-
of-way of the street that matters
infill site (LEED for Neighborhood Development): a site that meets any of the following
four conditions: a) at least 75% of its boundary borders parcels that individually are at least
50% previously developed, and that in aggregate are at least 75% previously developed; b)
the site, in combination with bordering parcels, forms an aggregate parcel whose boundary is
75% bounded by parcels that individually are at least 50% previously developed, and that in
aggregate are at least 75% previously developed; c) at least 75% of the land area, exclusive of
rights-of-way, within a mile distance from the project boundary is previously developed; d)
the lands within a mile distance from the project boundary have a preproject connectivity
of at least 140 intersections per square mile; a street or other right-of-way does not constitute
previously developed land; it is the status of property on the other side or right-of-way of the
street that matters. For conditions (a) and (b) above, any fraction of the perimeter that borders
waterfront other than a stream is excluded from the calculation
infiltration: infiltration is sometimes called air leakage; the unintentional or accidental
introduction of outside air into a building, typically through cracks in the building envelope or
through use of doors for passage; also applies to air leakage into conditioned spaces through
cracks in floors, ceilings and walls from unconditioned spaces or the outdoors
infiltration degree days (IDD): quantifies the climatic conditions that influence infiltration; the
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infiltration basins: water impoundment facilities constructed over highly permeable soils to
achieve diverse stormwater management objectives
infiltration trenches: constructed to temporarily store runoff from small drainage areas where
a large open basin would be impractical
infrared (or thermal) emittance: a parameter between 0 and 1 that indicates the ability of a
material to shed infrared radiation
innovative design request: credit requests for strategies that meet the intent of the credit but
are not defined in the rating system
insulated concrete form (ICF): formwork for concrete that stays in place as permanent building
insulation for energy-efficient, cast-in-place, reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs
in situ remediation: the clean up or remediation of a polluted site performed by using and
simulating the natural processes in the soil, in contrast to ex situ where contaminated soil is
excavated and cleaned elsewhere off-site
installation inspection: the examination of the building system components to determine
whether they are installed properly; usually a precursor to performance testing
integrated design team: includes all the stakeholders involved in a building project beginning
from early in the design process
integrated pest management (IPM): a pest management strategy that focuses on methods
that are least injurious to the environment; pesticides are applied in such a way that they pose
the least possible hazard, and are used as a last resort when other controls are inadequate
interior lighting power allowance: the maximum lighting power allowed for the interior
spaces within a building; expressed in watts
interior nonstructural components reuse: the area of a buildings retained nonstructural
components divided by the larger area of the prior existing condition or the area of the
completed design
intermodal facility: a venue that includes the movement of goods in one and the same loading
unit or road vehicle, using successively two or more modes of transportation without handling
the goods themselves in changing modes
invasive plants: non-native plants which tend to spread aggressively; non-indigenous plants
that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically
irrigated land: refers to the land area that is artificially supplied with water
irrigation efficiency: percentage of water used by irrigation equipment that is effective for
irrigation that does not evaporate, blow away or fall on hardscape surfaces
ladder blocking: framing where interior partition walls intersect and are reinforced by
horizontal framing members in the walls that are perpendicular; saves materials and also allows
for additional insulation if and where needed
laminate adhesive: adhesives used in wood or agrifibre products

lamp life: the useful life span of a lamp; an average rating, in hours, indicating when 50%
of a large group of lamps have failed, when operated at nominal lamp voltage and current;
manufacturers use 3 hours per start for fluorescent lamps and 10 hours per start for HID lamps
lamps: a replaceable component such as an incandescent light bulb, which is designed to
produce light from electricity
landfills: disposal site where waste is buried
landscape area: total site area used for landscaping purposes excluding the building footprint,
paved surfaces, water bodies, patios and areas that have been left in their natural state
landscape coefficient (KL): coefficient used to calculate the evapotranspiration rate considering
the species factor, density factor and microclimate factor of the area
leakage rate: the measurement of the rate that an appliance loses refrigerant; measured
between refrigerant changes or over 12 months, whichever is shorter
least toxic chemical pesticide: pesticide products that meet the least toxic Tier 3 hazard
criteria under the City and County of San Franciscos hazard screening protocol; also applies
to any pesticide product, not including rodent bait, applied in an accessible, self-contained,
enclosed bait station, or applied in a non-visible or non-accessible gel
LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP): a candidate who has passed a LEED professional
examination
LEED credit: an optional LEED Green Building Rating System component where achievement
results in the earning of points toward certification
LEED Credit Interpretation Request (CIR): formal USGBC process in which a project team
experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit can seek and receive
clarification
LEED intent: primary environmental goal of each LEED prerequisite or credit
LEED Green Building Rating System: voluntary, consensus based, market driven green
building rating system based on existing proven technology
LEED prerequisite: required LEED Green Building Rating System component whose
achievement is mandatory and does not earn any points
LEED project boundary: the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification and
remains constant for all required credit calculations; for single building developments, this is
the entire project scope and is limited to the site boundary which is usually the legal property
description; for multiple building developments (e.g.; campus settings, industrial complexes),
the LEED project boundary may be a reasonable portion of the development as determined by
the project team
LEED Technical Advisory Group (TAG): committee consisting of industry experts who assist in
interpreting credits and developing improvements to the LEED Green Building Rating System
legionella pneumophilia: a waterborne bacterium that causes Legionnaires disease

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life cycle assessment (LCA): a process of evaluating the effects that a product has on the
environment over the entire period of its life (cradle-to-grave) thereby increasing resource-use
efficiency and decreasing liabilities
life cycle cost analysis (LCC): the comparison of different materials to examine anticipated
useful life and the cost of using a specific material or building component; calculates expected
future operating, maintenance and replacement costs of designs and features to assist owners
in developing a realistic design and budget estimate
light pollution: light that produces glare or is wasted by being directed into the night sky or
off-site
light trespass: troublesome light entering areas or premises outside the boundary of the
premises to be illuminated (aka spill light)
lighting power density (LPD): a measure of the amount of installed lighting in a given area;
often used to set a limit on the brightness of external lights
local zoning requirements: laws issued by local governments to regulate the size, type,
structure, and use of land or building in designated areas to promote orderly development of
private lands and prevent land use issues
lodging: facilities that provide overnight accommodations to customers or guests, including
hotels, motels, inns and resorts
lot: in LEED for Homes an individual parcel of land on which a home is built
Low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicle: vehicles that are either classified as Zero Emission
Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score
of 45 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating
guide
lumen: a unit of luminous flux equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle of 1
steradian by a point source of 1 candela intensity radiating uniformly in all directions
luminaire: an electrical device used to create artificial light and/or illumination; a luminaire is a
lighting fixture complete with the light source or lamp, the reflector for directing the light, an
aperture (with or without a lens), the outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection,
an electrical ballast and/or power supply (if required), and connection to a power source, and
usually a light socket to hold the lamp and allow for its replacement
luminaire opening: part of the luminaire that allows light to be emitted
makeup water: water feed needed to replace that which is lost by evaporation or leakage in a
closed-circuit, recycle operation (e.g., cooling tower system)
management staff: personnel involved in operating and maintaining a project building and
site
manufacturing: final assembly of components into the building product that is furnished and
installed by the trade workers

Marine Stewardship Council Blue Eco-Label: applies to products meeting certain principles
and criteria for sustainable fishing
market transformation: systemic improvements in the performance of a market or market
segment
market value: connotes what a property is actually worth and for what market price it might
sell; value presumed to be less than the replacement value
mass transit: public transport (aka public transportation, public transit, or mass transit)
comprises passenger transportation services which are available for use by the general public,
as opposed to modes for private use such as automobiles or vehicles for hire; designed to
transport large groups of people in a single vehicle
master plan: with regards to LEED, the overall design or development concept for the school
and associated buildings and site
Material Data Safety Sheets (MSDS): a form with data regarding the properties of a particular
substance; an important component of product stewardship and workplace safety, it is intended
to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with
that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (e.g., melting
point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal,
protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures
measures of energy use: three primary measures of energy consumption associated with
buildings expressed in kilowatt hours of electricity, therms of natural gas and gallons of liquid
fuel
mechanical (active) ventilation: ventilation provided through mechanically powered
equipment (e.g., motor operated fans and blowers)
metering controls: limits the amount of water flowing through plumbing fixtures (e.g.;
bathroom faucets and showers); typically manual-on and automatic-off devices
methylmercury: toxic compounds of mercury containing the complex CH3HG-; often occurs in
pollutants and bioaccumulates in living organisms; found in higher levels of a food chain
metropolitan (metro) and micropolitan (micro) statistical area: a geographic entity
defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for use by federal statistical agencies in
collecting, tabulating, and publishing federal statistics; a metro area contains a core urban area
with a population of 50,000 or more, and a micro area contains an urban core with a population
between 10,000 and 50,000; each metro or micro area consists of one or more counties and
includes the counties containing the core urban area, as well as any adjacent counties that have
a high degree of social and economic integration (as measured by commuting to work) with
the urban core; core-based statistical area (CBSA) encompasses both metro and micro areas
microclimate factor (kmc): coefficient used for calculating the landscape coefficient by adjusting
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microirrigation: the frequent application of small quantities of water as drops, tiny streams, or
miniature spray through emitters or applicators placed along a water delivery line; microirrigation
encompasses a number of methods or concepts such as bubbler, drip, trickle, mist or spray
minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV): mechanical system air filter efficiency rating
ranging from 1 to 16
mixed (active and passive) mode ventilation: a hybrid approach to space conditioning
that uses a combination of natural ventilation from operable windows (either manually or
automatically controlled), and mechanical systems that include air distribution equipment and
refrigeration equipment for cooling
mixed use: the practice of allowing more than one type of use in a building or set of buildings
In planning zone terms, this can mean some combination of residential, commercial, industrial,
office, institutional, or other land uses
multiunit residential: consisting of four or more residential units sharing a common entry
mycotoxins: any substance, produced by a mold or fungus, that is injurious to vertebrates upon
ingestion, inhalation or skin contact
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): permit program to control water
pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into the waterways
native (or indigenous) plants: plants native to the locale; indigenous plants are sometimes
allowed to co-exist with lawn grass, exotic ground covers or garden plants, especially if they are
not aggressive growers or noxious weeds
natural areas: softscape areas that are constructed with native or adaptive vegetation or other
ecologically appropriate features
natural (passive) ventilation: air which enters a building controlled, through open windows
or other openings, due to wind pressure or temperature differences between the outdoor and
indoor air
negative pressure smoking rooms: rooms with mechanical airflow devices (exhaust fans) to
lower the air pressure below that of surrounding spaces; the negative pressure causes the air to
flow from surrounding areas into the space to provide ventilation
neighborhood: synonymous with residential area
net metering: an electricity policy for consumers who own renewable energy facilities (e.g.;wind,
solar power, home fuel cells); metering allows excess electricity be sent to the regional power
grid
net present value: the present value of a project or an investment decision determined
by summing the discounted incoming and outgoing future cash flows resulting from the
decision
net project material value: the value of the construction materials added to the value of
the furniture and furnishings, the lesser of the material values for mechanical and electrical
components and the salvage value identified in the MR credits

no-disturbance zone: an area that is protected during construction, typically by erecting
physical barriers and signs
noise reduction coefficient (NRC): scalar representation of the amount of sound energy
absorbed upon striking a particular surface; an NRC of 0 indicates perfect reflection; an NRC
of 1 indicates perfect absorption; the arithmetic average of absorption coefficients at 250, 500,
1,000 and 2,000 Hz for a material
nonflat coating: a coating that registers a gloss of 15 or greater on an 85-degree meter and five
or greater on a 60-degree meter
nonoccupied spaces: rooms not open for use by occupants (e.g.; closets, storage, janitorial,
mechanical)
nonporous sealant: substance used as a sealant on nonporous materials
nonpotable water (aka gray water): water unfit for human consumption that has not come
into contact with human waste, but is adequate for other uses such as irrigation
nonregularly occupied spaces: spaces where people do not work or spend extended periods
of time (e.g., hallways, corridors, lobbies, break rooms)
nonrenewable resource: resource that can be depleted over time
nonwater (or composting) toilet systems: dry plumbing fixtures that use a microbiological
process to treat human waste
nonwater (or dry) urinal: nonflushing urinal where the trap contains a layer of buoyant liquid
that floats above the urine
occasional furniture: furniture located in nonregularly occupied spaces such as lobbies and
conference rooms
occupants: workers in a commercial building who either have a permanent office or workstation
in the building or typically spend a minimum of 10 hours per week in the building; in residential
building, occupants include all people who live in the building; in schools, occupants include
students, faculty, support staff, administration and maintenance employees
off gassing: the process by which volatile chemicals evaporate and release chemicals into the
air; materials such as paints, stains, varnishes, carpet, insulation, flooring, kitchen cabinets and
countertops, plywood, particleboard, and paint strippers can produce significant offgassing in
buildings
off-site renewable energy: energy generated from renewable sources located off-site;
purchased through agreements with the entity generating the renewable energy
off-site salvaged materials: reused materials that are salvaged from off-site sources
on-demand (tankless) heaters: tankless water heaters are also called on-demand water
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ongoing commissioning: this process incorporates monitoring and analysis of building
performance data provided by permanently installed metering equipment to verify building
performance, the satisfaction of the facilities management and staff, and the extent of actual
savings; ongoing commissioning involves regularly scheduled sessions with the building
occupants along with operation and maintenance personnel; ongoing commissioning is
continual retro-commissioning focusing on the persistence of completed improvements
ongoing consumables: low unit cost products that are regularly used and replaced during the
course of business (e.g., paper, batteries, ink cartridges)
on-site renewable energy: energy generated from renewable sources located on-site
on-site salvaged materials: materials that are salvaged and reused at the same project site
on-site wastewater treatment: uses localized treatment systems to transport, store, treat and
dispose of wastewater volumes generated on the project site
open grid pavement: pavement that is pervious to water; is less than 50% impervious and
generally accommodates vegetation between the open cells; it consists of an open-graded
material (e.g., asphalt, brick, concrete) over a course ground stone aggregate where water is
able to pass through the open-graded material and stored in the aggregate until it is able to
percolate deeper into the soil
open space area: LEED defines open space as the property area minus the development
footprint, if no local open space zoning requirements exist; otherwise, open space can be
defined as either 1) any land area zoned for open space by a comprehensive land use plan
adopted by a city or county legislative authority or 2) any land area in which the preservation in
its present use would: a) conserve and enhance natural or scenic resources, protect streams or
water supply, b) promote conservation of soils, wetlands, beaches or tidal marshes, c) enhance
the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forest, wildlife preserves, nature
reservations or sanctuaries or other open space, d) enhance recreation opportunities
outdoor air: air that is taken from the external atmosphere and not previously circulated
through the system; air that enters a building through a ventilation system or by infiltration
owner: person or organization holding title to the project and recognized by law as having
rights, responsibilities and ultimate control over the project building
owners project requirements (OPR): written document that details function requirements of
a project and how it will be used and operated
ozone: a chemically unstable and highly reactive gas (each molecule of which consists of three
atoms of oxygen in contrast with the usual two) found mainly at ground level in cities and in
the stratosphere; at ground level, ozone can be a lung irritant; in the stratospheric ozone layer,
the gas plays an important role in protecting the Earths surface from high levels of biologically
damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is known to be a significant risk factor for skin
cancers, eye cataracts, and the suppression of mammalian immune systems
ozone layer: region of the stratosphere (lying approximately 15-40 km above the Earths
surface) that contains the bulk of the worlds atmospheric ozone

paint: a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface, especially a mixture of
pigment suspended in a liquid; dries to form a hard coating
park: a publicly accessible area that is permanently maintained in a seminatural condition
for human recreation and relaxation; it has soil, grass, water, flora, and/or recreation
improvements
parking footprint: site areas dedicated to parking areas or parking structures
partially shielded light fixtures: outside light fixtures designed and built with shields to
minimize light distribution above the horizontal plane
particulates: alternatively referred to as particulate matter (PM) or fine particles, are tiny
subdivisions of solid or liquid matter suspended in a gas or liquid
paseo: a publicly accessible pedestrian path, at least 4 feet wide and no more than 12 feet wide,
that provides shortcuts between buildings and through the block, connecting street frontages
to rear parking areas, midblock courtyards, alleys, or other streets; a paseo may be roofed for
up to 50% of its length and may be privately owned or publicly dedicated
passive ventilation: using the convective nature of warm air and the ability to control windows
and vents as the environment changes to control air flow in a structure without the use of
mechanical ventilation equipment
pedestrian access: permits people to walk to services without being hindered by walls,
freeways or other barrier obstructions
pedestrian oriented design: features incorporated into urban development that encourage
walking; (i.e., wide shaded sidewalks and street level building access); promoting walking
reduces the environmental effects related to transportation
percentage improvement: establishes the energy savings (cost) for the proposed building
performance compared to the baseline building performance
perviousness: percentage of a paved area that is open and allows water to soak into the
ground
phenol formaldehyde: an adhesive (used in softwood plywood and oriented-strand board) that
releases little, if any, formaldehyde; therefore, products with phenol formaldehyde are widely
recommended as substitutes for board products using urea formaldehyde; oriented-strand
board is widely used for flooring, sheathing and roof decking; off-gasses at high temperatures
photovoltaic cell: device incorporating a semiconductor that generates electricity when
exposed to (sun) light; the technology may be further sub-divided into crystalline, multi-
crystalline, thin-film and concentrator variants
photovoltaic energy (PV) or solar: energy from the sun converted by photovoltaic cells into
electricity
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picograms per lumen hour: measure of the amount of mercury in a lamp per unit of light
delivered over its useful life; the lower the weighted average pico grams of mercury per lumen
hour of light output for the light bulbs in the building, the less mercury is being brought into
the building in light bulbs
planned diverse: use a shop, service, or facility outside the project boundary that has received
a building permit and is under construction at the time of the first certificate of occupancy is
issued for any building in the LEED-ND project
planned occupancy: the highest estimate of building occupants based on planned use(s)
and industry standards for square foot requirements per employee; the minimum planned
occupancy for multiunit residential buildings is 1 person for a studio unit, 1.5 persons for a one-
bedroom unit, and 1.25 persons per bedroom for a two- bedroom or larger unit
plaza: a publicly accessible gathering space that is integrated into the street network and
allows vehicular, bicycle, and/or pedestrian travel; a plaza is generally paved, is spatially defined
by building fronts paralleling at least two-thirds of its perimeter, and may be privately owned
or publicly dedicated
plug load: synonymous with receptacle load
plumbing fixtures and fittings: devices which are part of a system to deliver and drain away
water, but which are also configured to enable a particular use such as to receive liquid or
liquid borne wastes and discharge wastewater, liquid borne waste materials, or sewage to the
drainage system; (e.g., water closets, urinals, lavatories, sinks, showers, drinking fountains)
pollutant: pollution is the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes
instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem (i.e. physical systems or living
organisms); pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat,
or light; common pollutants include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide
(NOx), mercury (Hg), small particulates (PM25) and large particulates (PM10)
porous materials (aka permeable): materials containing pores (voids) which can absorb or
discharge fluids
porous pavements and permeable surfaces: pavements or surfaces that allow air and water
to permeate through the material, therefore filtering pollutants as they pass into the ground
postconsumer fiber: pulp fiber derived from postconsumer recovered paper
postconsumer material: a material or finished product that has served its intended use and
has been discarded for disposal or recovery having completed its life as a consumer item
postconsumer recycled content: a product composition that contains some percentage of
material that has been reclaimed from the same or another end use of its former, useful life;
includes construction and demolition debris, materials collected from recycling programs
(e.g., decking, furniture, cabinets) and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree
trimmings)

postconsumer waste: recovered material that has served its intended use as a consumer item
and has been discarded for disposal or recovery; postconsumer waste is recycled material
collected after people have tossed it in the blue bin; office recycling programs and household
recycling programs are the main source of post-consumer waste
potable water: water of sufficiently high quality that it can be consumed or used without risk
of immediate or long term harm; water is considered safe to drink if it meets or exceeds all of
the federal, state, and provincial standards that are legally enforceable (i.e., EPAs drinking water
quality standards)
power vented exhaust: power vents are commonly found in water heaters and fireplaces and
are an efficient and practical method to vent combustion gases from the space or building
PPM: parts per million; a measure of concentration in solution
preconsumer recycled content (also known as post-industrial content): materials generated
in manufacturing, such as damaged or obsolete products, overruns and trimmings; excludes
reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap capable of being reclaimed within
the same process
predevelopment: before any development occurred on the site; predevelopment conditions
describe the natural conditions of the site prior to any human alteration, such as development
of roads or buildings
predicted mean vote: average comfort vote predicted by a theoretical index for a group of
subjects when subjected to a particular set of environmental conditions
predevelopment: the conditions that existed prior to the initiation of the project, but not
necessarily before any development or disturbance took place; predevelopment conditions
describe conditions on the date the owner acquired rights to a majority of the buildable land
on the project site through purchase or an option to purchase
preferred parking: the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project
(exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons). For employee parking, preferred
parking refers to the spots that are closest to the entrance used by employees
preventive maintenance: the routine care and servicing by personnel for the purpose of
maintaining equipment and facilities in satisfactory operating condition by providing for
systematic inspection, detection, and correction of incipient failures either before they occur or
before they develop into major defects
previously developed: altered by paving, construction, and/or land use that would typically
have required regulatory permitting to have been initiated (alterations may exist now or in the
past); previously developed land includes a platted lot on which a building was constructed if
the lot is no more than 1 acre; previous development on lots larger than 1 acre is defined as
the development footprint and land alterations associated with the footprint; land that is not
previously developed and altered landscapes resulting from current or historical clearing or
filling, agricultural or forestry use, or preserved natural area use are considered undeveloped
land; the date of previous development permit issuance constitutes the date of previous
development, but permit issuance in itself does not constitute previous development

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previously developed site: a site that, preproject, consisted of at least 75% previously
developed land
preproject: before the LEED-ND project was initiated, but not necessarily before any
development or disturbance took place; preproject conditions describe the state of the project
site on the date the developer acquired rights to a majority of its buildable land through
purchase or option to purchase
prime farmland: a designation assigned by U.S. Department of Agriculture, is land that has
the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage,
fiber, and oilseed crops and is also available for these uses
prime soil: earth with chemical, hydrographic, and topological properties that make it especially
suited to the production of crops, as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation
Service
primer: a preparatory coating put on materials before painting; priming ensures better
adhesion of paint to the surface, increases paint durability, and provides additional protection
for the material being painted
prior condition: state of the project site, building or space at the time it was selected
prior condition area: the condition of the area before the project was selected; includes the
total area of the finished ceilings, floors and full height walls; excludes exterior doors and
windows
private or private use: plumbing fixtures intended for private use in residences, apartments,
and dormitories, (non-public) bathrooms in transient lodging facilities (hotels and motels), and
private bathrooms in hospitals and nursing facilities
process water: water used for industrial processes and building systems such as boilers, cooling
towers and chillers and commercial processes such as dishwashing, clothes washing and ice
making
project: the land, water, and construction that constitutes the project application; a project
applicant does not have to own or control all land or water within a project boundary, but all
the area within the project boundary must comply with prerequisites and attempted credits
project boundary: the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it;
projects located on publicly owned campuses that do not have internal property lines must
delineate a sphere-of-influence line to be used instead; project site is equivalent to the land and
water inside the project boundary.; the project must not contain noncontiguous parcels, but
parcels can be separated by public rights-of-way; projects may also have enclaves of nonproject
properties that are not subject to the rating system, but such enclaves cannot exceed 2% of the
total project area and cannot be described as certified
project building: the real property, including buildings and the associated grounds, that is
registered for LEED certification
property area: total area of constructed and non-constructed areas within the legal property
boundaries of a site

property manager: owners employee or contract service in charge of building operations and
maintenance
proposed building performance: the calculated annual energy cost for a proposed design
Protected Harvest certification standards: crop and region specific standards that address
production, toxicity and chain-of-custody
Provider: a third party organization that recruits, trains and coordinates LEED for Homes Green
Raters to serve as third party verifiers of LEED Homes; LEED for Homes Certification Providers
are under contract to USGBC
public transportation: bus, rail, light rail and other services designed to move large numbers
of people on a regular basis and route
public or public use: all buildings, structures, or uses that are not defined as private or private
use
radon: colorless, odorless, short-lived radioactive gas that vents from the ground and can seep
into buildings and result in lung cancer risk; radon and its decay products emit cancer-causing
alpha, beta, and gamma particles
Rainforest Alliance certification: the Rainforest Alliance is a non-governmental organization
with the published aims of working to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods
by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior; the Rainforest
Alliances sustainable forestry division works to reconcile the growing demand for trees and
other forest flora with a shrinking supply by encouraging better on the ground practices
rain garden: a depressed area of the ground planted with vegetation, allowing runoff from
impervious surfaces such as parking lots and roofs the opportunity to be collected and
infiltrated into the groundwater supply or returned to the atmosphere through evaporation
and evapotranspiration; considered a stormwater management strategy
rainwater harvesting: the on-site capture, storage and use of rainwater; harvested rainwater
may be stored in cisterns, tanks or rain barrels for non-potable domestic use, irrigation, or water
features where a high level of water purity is not required
rapidly renewable materials: resources that can be rapidly replenished (within a ten year
cycle) as they are used; (e.g., certain woods, grasses and cork)
rated power: the nameplate rating on equipment, representing the maximum draw
receptacle (aka plug) load: plug loads consist of any electrical equipment that is plugged into
a wall outlet or electrical plug; (e.g., appliances, TVs, VCRs, pop machines, drinking fountains,
and office equipment such as fax machines, computers, printers, and copiers)
recirculated air: air that has been used, reconditioned and redistributed for further use
reclaimed material: building materials that have been recovered from a demolition site to be
reused in their original state; also referred to as salvaged or reused materials, but not recycled

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reclaimed water: sometimes called recycled water, is former wastewater (sewage) that has
been treated to remove solids and certain impurities, and then allowed to recharge the aquifer
rather than being discharged to surface water; wastewater that has been treated and purified
for reuse
recommissioning: applies to previously commissioned buildings undergoing new construction
or renovation; repetition of part of all of the commissioning test requirements for the purpose
of reconfirming process reliability
recovered fiber: postconsumer and waste fiber from the manufacturing process; paper
products that are collected for re-use in recycled products
recycled content: the portion of a product that is made from materials diverted from
the waste stream, usually stated as a percentage by weight, and used to manufacture new
materials; manufacturing waste stream (preconsumer) and/or the consumer waste stream
(postconsumer)
recycling: involves processing used materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of
potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy
usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing
the need for conventional waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared
to virgin production; recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third
component of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle waste hierarchy
recycling collection area: a dedicated area located in an occupied space in the building for
the collection of recyclable materials
refrigerants: a compound used in a heat cycle that reversibly undergoes a phase change from
a gas to a liquid; traditionally, fluorocarbons, especially chlorofluorocarbons, were used as
refrigerants, but they are being phased out because of their ozone depletion effects
refurbished materials: products that are repaired or refurbished for reuse instead of disposing
into the waste stream
regenerative design: sometimes referred to as Cradle to Cradle, a process-oriented systems
theory based approach to design; the term regenerative describes processes that restore,
renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials, creating sustainable systems that
integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature
regional materials: percentage (total material costs of the building) of a buildings materials
that have been extracted, processed and manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the project
site
regionally harvested or extracted materials: materials taken from within a 500 mile radius
of the project site
regionally manufactured products: materials assembled as finished products within a 500
mile radius of the project site
regular building occupants: people who spend 10 hours or more per week in a building,
including those who live in a residential building

regularly occupied spaces: in non-residential applications, they include workspaces where
people perform their duties; in residential applications, these spaces include all living and
family rooms, excluding bathrooms, closets or other storage or utility areas; in schools, they are
the areas where students, teachers or administrators work or study
relative humidity: the ratio of the amount of water in the air at a given temperature to the
maximum amount it could hold at that temperature; expressed as a percentage
remanufactured materials: items made into other products, such as cotton remanufactured
for use as insulation
remediation: removal of contamination at a site to levels that do not exceed pre-established
goals, such as federal or state standards or alternate concentration limits that are protective of
human health and the environment
renewable energy (aka green power): energy generated from natural resources such as
sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished)
renewable energy certificates (RECs): tradable commodities that verify electricity was
generated by a renewable resource
renewable resource: any natural resource (e.g., wood, solar energy) that can be replenished
naturally with the passage of time; solar radiation, tides, winds and hydroelectricity are perpetual
resources that are in no danger of a lack of long-term availability
replacement value: refers to the amount that an entity would have to pay to replace an asset
at the present time
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): legislation that allows the EPA to control
hazardous waste from cradle to grave
residential area: land zoned primarily for single or multi-family housing at a density of 10 units
per acre, or greater
retail project: a space or building dedicated to the sale of goods or commodities directly to
consumers who come onto the premise for the purpose of obtaining those goods or commodities;
includes (but not limited to) banking, restaurants, stores of any kind, spas, shopping centers
(open air and enclosed), etc.; includes both direct customer service areas (showroom) and
preparation or storage areas that support the customer service; circulation spaces shared with
other building uses must be attributed to the separate spaces proportionally
retained components: the amount of finished ceilings, finished floors and full height walls,
interior doors and built in case goods that preexisted and will be retained in the completed
design
retention ponds: human-made ponds where stormwater is directed and retained until it can
be absorbed into the water table or slowly released without flooding downstream property
owners; the current trend is to prefer absorption into the natural water table, so many local
governments impose retention pond requirements as a condition of development, even if
storm sewer facilities are available

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retrofit: changes to an existing building
return air: air that has circulated through a building as supply air and has been returned to the
HVAC system for additional conditioning or release from the building
reuse: extends the life of materials by salvaging and reusing for the same or similar use
reused area: total area of the existing building structure, core and envelope that preexisted
and will be retained in the completed design
reverberation: the persistence of sound in a particular space after the original sound is
removed
reverberation time (RT): sound after it is ended at the source will continue to reflect off surfaces
until the sound wave loses energy by absorption to eventually die out; the time required for the
level of a steady sound to decay by 60dB after the sound has stopped
ridesharing: synonymous with carpooling
R value: measure of the thermal resistance of a material or assembly; R=1/U; the inverse of U
value
safety and comfort light levels: lighting levels that meet local code requirements; must be
adequate to provide a safe path of egress
salvaged materials or reused materials: construction materials or decorative items recovered
from existing buildings or construction sites and reused
school: a kindergarten, elementary, or secondary institution for the academic instruction of
children
sealant: sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of
paint or varnish used to size a surface)
sealant primer: material applied to a substrate to enhance the bonding surface prior to the
application of a sealant
sealers: coatings labeled and formulated for application to a substrate for one or more of the
following purposes: to prevent subsequent coatings from being absorbed by the substrate, or
to prevent harm to subsequent coatings by materials in the substrate
seating: chairs or other seating types used with systems furniture
secure bicycle storage: secured locations for keeping bikes safe from theft; can be located
interior or exterior
sedimentation: sediment is naturally occurring materials that are broken down by processes
of weathering and erosion and is subsequently transported by the action of fluids such as wind,
water, or ice, and/or by the force of gravity acting on the particle itself; generally decreases the
quality of the water and can age streams, rivers and lakes
sensors: devices that measure a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be
read by an observer or by an instrument

sequence of operations: a documented system level detail of operation and maintenance
procedures; determines (e.g., reset temperature and occupancy schedules, idle versus running
systems, room air temperatures, etc.)
setpoints: the target value that an automatic control system will aim to reach; (ie., a boiler
control system might have a temperature setpoint, that is a temperature the control system
aims to attain)
shellac: a clear or opaque coating formulated solely with the resinous secretions of the lac
beetle (Laciffer lacca), thinned with alcohol and formulated to dry by evaporation without a
chemical reaction
shielding: devices or techniques used as part of a luminaire to limit glare, light trespass or sky
glow
sick building syndrome (SBS): a combination of ailments (a syndrome) associated with an
individuals place of work (office building) or residence
siltation: the depositing and subsequent sedimentation of particles in streams, rivers and lakes;
generally decreases the quality of the water in streams, rivers and lakes
simple payback: a simple indicator of how long it takes to get out the money you put in
single-family residential: any residential unit other than multiunit residential, including single,
duplex, triplex, row house, townhouse and semiattached residential building types
site area: synonymous with property area; the total area within a project boundary that includes
both the constructed and non-constructed areas
site assessment: the process of determining whether there is contamination present at a site,
the source and extent of that contamination, and the potential pathways of exposure to the
public and the environment; investigation of a sites above ground and subsurface characteristics
including its structures, geology and hydrology
site disturbance: the areas of the site that have been disturbed due to the projects scope and
requirements
site energy: the energy consumed at a building location or other enduse site
sky glow: wide scale illumination of the sky or parts of the sky at night; the most common
cause of sky glow is man-made lights that give off light pollution that accumulates into a vast
glow that can be seen from miles away and from high in the sky
smart growth: an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in
the center of a city to avoid urban sprawl; and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable,
bicycle-friendly land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use
development with a range of housing choices
soft costs: cost items excluded from the direct construction cost; soft costs generally include
architectural and engineering, legal, permits and fees, financing fees, construction Interest and
operating expenses, leasing and real estate commissions, advertising and promotion. etc.

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softscape: elements of a landscape that comprise live, horticultural elements; softscaping can
include, flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): the fraction of radiation coming through the window
compared to the amount hitting the outside of the window; common in the performance rating
of manufacturers; a lower SHGC transmits less solar heat than higher SHGC values
solar reflectance (albedo): is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight
including the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths; solar reflectance is also called
albedo.; black has a solar reflectance of 0; white has a solar reflectance of 1
solar reflectance index (SRI): is a measure of materials ability to reject solar heat; black is 0
and white is 100; with the index ranging from 0, black and less reflective, to 100, white and
highly reflective; materials with highest SRI are cooler choices
solar thermal systems: systems that collect or absorb sunlight via solar collectors to heat
water; typically circulated to the buildings hot water tank
solar window screen: a material or device, such as an architectural screen mesh, with the
design intent of blocking heat and light from the sun
sound absorption: a process in which sound energy is reduced when sound waves pass
through a medium or strike a surface; also known as acoustic absorption
sound absorption coefficient: the fraction of energy striking a material or object that is not
reflected (i.e., if a material reflects 70% of the sound energy incident upon its surface, then its
Sound Absorption Coefficient would be 0.30)
sound absorption class (STC): is an integer rating of how well a building partition attenuates
airborne sound; in the U.S., it is widely used to rate interior partitions, ceilings/floors, doors,
windows and exterior wall configurations
source energy: all the energy used in delivering energy to a site, including power generation and
transmission and distribution losses, to perform specific functions, such as space conditioning,
lighting or water heating
source reduction: refers to any change in the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials
or products (including packaging) to reduce their amount or toxicity before they become
municipal solid waste; reduces the amount of materials brought on-site
species factor (ks): coefficient used to adjust the Evapotranspiration Rate to reflect features of
a specific plant species
spores: a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for extended
periods of time in unfavorable conditions; spores form part of the life cycles of many bacteria,
plants, algae, fungi and some protozoans
square (also green): a publicly accessible open area for gatherings that is wholly or partially
bounded by segments of the street network; a square can be landscaped or landscaped and
paved, is spatially defined by building fronts paralleling at least 45% of its perimeter, and may
be privately owned or publicly dedicated

square footage: total area of a building including all regularly and non-regularly occupied
spaces and common areas (e.g., corridors, elevators, stairwells, restrooms)
stain: a clear semi-transparent or opaque coating labeled and formulated to change the color
of a surface but not conceal the grain pattern or texture
standard operating procedures (SOP): a set of instructions having the force of a directive,
covering those features of operations that lend themselves to a definite or standardized
procedure
stewardship: refers to our responsibility to care for our natural resources - land, air, wildlife and
water - sustainably, so future generations can enjoy them
stormwater: water that originates during precipitation events rain and snow); is not absorbed
into soil and rapidly flows downstream, increasing the level of waterways
stormwater pollution prevention plan: a plan for stormwater discharge that includes erosion
prevention measures and sediment controls that, when implemented, will decrease soil erosion
on a parcel of land decrease off-site nonpoint pollution; required for major construction projects
under the US Environmental Protection Agency National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination
System (NPDES) general permit for construction activities
stormwater runoff: precipitation (rain and snow) that does not infiltrate into the ground
or evaporate due to impervious land surfaces but instead flows into storm sewer systems,
waterways or onto adjacent land
stratified random sampling: a sampling procedure for which the population is first divided
into strata or subgroups based on designated criteria and then the sample is drawn, either
proportionately or disproportionately, from each subgroup
stratosphere: the region of the uppermost atmosphere where temperature increases along
with the altitude due to the absorption of solar UV radiation by ozone; extends from 10 km to
about 50 km above the earth
street: a dedicated right-of-way that can accommodate one or more modes of travel, excluding
alleys and paseos; a street is suitable for primary entrances and provides access to the front
and/or sides of buildings and lots; a street may be privately owned as long as it is deeded
in perpetuity for general public use; a street must be an addressable thoroughfare (for mail
purposes) under the standards of the applicable regulating authority
street grid density: a measurement of circulation permeability and multi-modal travel
feasibility; it is expressed in centerlines miles per square mile, often within a 1-mile radius
around a project boundary
subdivision: the act of dividing land into pieces that are easier to sell or otherwise develop,
usually via a plat; the former single piece as a whole is then known as a subdivision
submetering: utility submetering is the implementation of a system that allows a landlord,
property management firm, condominium association, homeowners association, or other
multi-tenant property to bill tenants for individual measured utility usage

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substantial completion: the point when construction is sufficiently complete in accordance
with the contract documents, that the owner can occupy or utilize the building or space
supply air: air delivered in a conditioned space through ducts or plenums from the heat
exchanger of a heating, cooling or ventilation system
sustainable development: development which seeks to produce sustainable economic growth
while ensuring future generations ability to do the same by not exceeding the regenerative
capacity of the nature; in other words, its trying to protect the environment
sustainable forestry: sustainable forest management (SFM) is the management of forests
according to the principles of sustainable development
sustainable purchasing policies: the purchase of environmentally preferable products
sustainability: meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs
sustained yield forestry: management of a forest to produce in perpetuity a high level annual
or regular periodic output through a balance between increment and cutting
systemic sampling: surveys every xth person in a population using a constant skip interval
systems furniture: panel based workstations
systems narrative: a generalized description of each major building system (e.g., heating,
cooling, ventilation, humidification/dehumidification, lighting)
systems performance testing: the process of determining the ability of commissioned systems
to perform in accordance with OPR, BOD, and CDs
technical advisory subcommittee: a committee based group of professionals who rule on
credit interpretation requests (CIR) and innovative design requests (ID)
telecommuting: telecommuting, e-commuting, e-work, telework, working from home (WFH),
or working at home (WAH) is a work arrangement in which employees enjoy flexibility in
working location and hours; in other words, the daily commute to a central place of work is
replaced by telecommunication links
termite: whitish soft-bodied ant-like social insect that feeds on wood
tertiary treatment: treatment of wastewater to a level beyond secondary treatment but below
potable
thermal bridge: the part of a building envelope where heat is transferred at a much higher rate
than the surrounding area; exterior doors and windows are two common examples of thermal
bridging areas; adding insulating spacers is one way to remedy the problem and minimize rapid
heat loss or heat gain
thermal comfort: human thermal comfort is defined by ASHRAE as the state of mind that
expresses satisfaction with the surrounding environment (ASHRAE Standard 55); maintaining
thermal comfort for occupants of buildings or other enclosures is one of the important goals of
HVAC design engineers

thermal envelope: in contrast to the building envelope; it sets the boundaries for the insulation
and airtightness line between the inside and outside of a building; components of a building
that ensure maximum retention and minimal loss of heat
tipping fees: price charged to deliver municipal solid waste to a landfill, waste-to-energy
facility, or recycling facility
topsoil: the upper layer of soil that has the highest concentration of organic matter and
microorganisms and where most of the Earths biological soil activity occurs
total phosphorus (TP): the total concentration of phosphorus found in the water; phosphorus
is a plant nutrient found in many fertilizers, increasing the growth of plant life such as algae
total suspended solids (TSS): measure of the amount of non-dissolved solid material present
in water or waste water; it is listed as a conventional pollutant in the U.S. Clean Water Act
traffic analysis: zone a statistical entity delineated by state and/or local transportation officials
for tabulating traffic-related data (especially journey-to-work and place-of-work statistics) from
a decennial census; a TAZ usually consists of one or more census blocks, block groups, or census
tracts
transient users: occupants who do not use a facility on a consistent, regular, daily basis
transportation demand management: transportation demand management or travel
demand management (both TDM) is the application of strategies and policies to reduce travel
demand (specifically that of single-occupancy private vehicles), or to redistribute this demand
in space or in time
tree and plant preservation plan: formal assessment of the site and the subsequent
development of a landscape plan whose intent is to preserve existing trees and plants
two year, 24-hour design storm: the largest amount of rainfall expected over a 24 hour period
during a 2 year interval
undercover parking: parking that is placed underground, under a deck, roof or building; also
applies to on-grade parking where the hardscape surfaces are shaded
underground parking: parking beneath a stacked structure such as a building
unique soil: earth with chemical, hydrographic, and topological properties that make it especially
suited to specific crops, as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service
universal notification: providing occupants not less than 72 hours notice before a pesticide is
applied in a building or on surrounding grounds under normal conditions and within 24 hours
after application in emergency conditions
upstream equipment: heating or cooling systems, equipment and controls that are associated
with a district energy system but are not part of the project buildings thermal connection
or do not interfere with the district energy system; includes the central energy plant and all
transmission and distribution equipment associated with transporting thermal energy to the
project building and site

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urea formaldehyde: combination of urea and formaldehyde that is used in glues and may emit
formaldehyde at room temperature
USDA organic: a certification process for producers of organic food and other organic
agricultural products for products that contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients
U value: a measure of air-to-air heat transmission (loss or gain) of a material or assembly due
to thermal conductance and the difference in indoor and outdoor temperatures; U=1/R; the
inverse of R value
vapor barrier: used to refer to any material, typically a plastic or foil sheet, that resists diffusion
of moisture through wall, ceiling and floor assemblies of buildings and of packaging
vegetation containing artifices: planters, gardens or other constructions that hosts flora
vegetated roofs (green roofs): the roof of a building that is partially or completely covered
with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane; it may also
include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems
vehicle miles traveled (vmt): the number of miles driven by vehicles within a given time
period and geographic area; it is influenced by several factors, typically increasing with a higher
numbers of car trips and distance traveled as well as poorly-planned development
ventilation: the intentional movement of air by removing air from a space for the purpose of
controlling air contaminant levels, humidity or temperature within the space
ventilation rate: the rate at which indoor air enters and leaves a building; expressed as the
number of changes of outdoor air per unit of time (air changes per hour (ACH)), or the rate at
which a volume of outdoor air enters in cubic feet per minute (CFM)
verification: the act of verifying by conducting a range of checks and tests carried out to
determine whether components, subsystems, systems and interfaces between systems operate
in accordance with the contract documents
vertical footcandles: light on a vertical surface
visible light transmittance (Tvis): the percentage of light that is transmitted through glass in
the visible light spectrum; the higher the number the higher the percentage of visible light
transmitted through the window
vision glazing: windows that provide a connection to the outdoors; typically vertical windows
between 2.5 ft and 7.5 ft above the floor
volatile organic compounds (VOC): compounds that evaporate easily at room tempurature
and often have a sharp smell; they can come from many products, such as office equipment,
adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, paints, solvents, and cleaning products
walk off mats: mats placed inside the building entrances to address pollution point source
control by capturing dirt, water and other materials tracked inside by people and equipment

walk distance: the distance that a pedestrian must travel between origins and destinations
without obstruction, in a safe and comfortable environment on a continuous network of
sidewalks, all-weather-surface footpaths, crosswalks, woonerfs, or equivalent pedestrian
facilities
waste: any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted that flow from the building
to final disposal
waste disposal: proper handling and removal of any material no longer appropriate for further
use by means of burial in a landfill, combustion through incineration or any other way that is
not reuse or recycling
waste diversion: the process of diverting waste from landfill; a waste reduction strategy
focused on the recycling or composting of materials, thereby recovering what would otherwise
have been waste for use in new products
waste reduction program: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; a program developed to address source
reduction and increase material reuse and recycling; includes tracking and review procedures
to monitor waste production and improve performance
waste stream: the flow or movement of waste from the point of generation to final disposal
wastewater: any water that has been used by some human domestic or industrial activity
and, because of that, now contains waste products; the spent or used water from residential,
business or industrial sources
water body: the surface water of a stream (first-order and higher, including intermittent
streams), arroyo, river, canal, lake, estuary, bay, or ocean, excluding irrigation ditches
water meters: devices that measure water volume usage
water and wastewater infrastructure: publicly owned water and wastewater infrastructure;
this excludes septic and mound wastewater treatment systems
waterproofing sealer: a coating labeled and formulated for application to a porous substrate
for the primary purpose of preventing the penetration of water
wave and tidal energy systems: energy captured by wave and tidal action that is turned
into electricity and primarily used for desalination, water pumping and electricity generation;
wave energy technology uses the movement of ocean surface waves to generate electricity,
tidal power; is based on extracting energy from tidal movements and the water currents that
accompany the rise and fall of the tide
weighted decibel (dBA): a single-number measurement based on the decibel but weighted to
approximate the response of the human ear with respect to frequencies
wet ponds: a stormwater facility constructed through filling and/or excavation that provides
both permanent and temporary storage of stormwater runoff

Chapter 13 | 213
wetland: an area that is inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions; wetlands generally include
swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas, but exclude irrigation ditches unless delineated as
part of an adjacent wetland
wetland vegetation: vegetation that is adapted to hydric soils and hydrologic conditions
normally found in wetlands; plants that require saturated soils to survive or can tolerate
prolonged wet soil conditions
wind energy: the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind
turbines to make electricity, wind mills for mechanical power, wind pumps for pumping water
or drainage, or sails to propel ships
window-to-floor ratio (WFR): the ratio of total, unobstructed window glass area to total floor
area served by the windows, expressed as a percentage; measured vertically from 30 inches
above the finished floor to the top of the glass, multiplied by the width of the glass divided by
the floor area
woonerf: a street, also known as a home zone, shared zone, or living street, where pedestrians
have priority over vehicles and the posted speed limit is no greater than 10 miles per hour;
physical elements within the roadway, such as shared surfaces, plantings, street furniture,
parking, and play areas, slow traffic and invite pedestrians to use the entire right-of-way
wood preservative: a coating labeled and formulated to protect exposed wood from decay
or insect attack
xeriscaping: landscaping technique which employs native and drought-tolerant plants in order
to reduce water needs and help preserve native species
yard jockey: a vehicle used primarily on the site to facilitate the movement of truck trailers and
other types of large shipping containers from one area of the site to another; fFork lift trucks are
not considered a type of yard jockey

CHAPTER | 14
Appendix
Green Resource Links: Websites, Publications & Blogs
USGBC & GCBI Organizational Chart
Six Steps to Certification Flow Chart
LEED Rating Systems & Reference Guide Chart
Certification Fee Chart
Project Checklist Sample
Credit Form Sample
Commissioning Process
Tasks & Responsibilities for EAp1 & EAc3
CxA Qualifications
Credit Charts
Referenced Standards
216
Green Resources
Websites
Please report broken links to studio4: rookwood@msn.com
USGBC Home Page www.usgbc.org/
Green Building Research www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1718
LEED resources www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=75
LEED rating systems http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222
USGBC green building education http://www.greenbuild365.org/
USGBC education and training courses www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=283
USGBC Green Building resource links http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=76&
USGBC Trademark and Logo Guidelines http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1835
USGBC Technical Advisory Groups (TAG) http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1795
LEED MPRs http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2102
LEED sample credit forms www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1447
GBCI Home Page www.gbci.org/

GBCI Green Associate Candidate Handbook (required primary and ancillary resource links)
Credentialing resources http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/professional-credentials/resources.aspx
GBCI Glossary http://www.gbci.org/glossary.aspx
LEED CIRs http://www.gbci.org/Certification/Resources/cirs.aspx
LEED Sustainable Building Design Technical Manual, Part II http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_
References/Sustainable-Building-Technical-Manual-Part-II.sflb.ashx
LEED The Treatment by LEED on the Environmental Impact of Refrigerants http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/
Credential_Exam_References/The-Treatment-by-LEED-of-the-Environmental-Impact-of-HVAC-Refrigerants.sflb.
ashx
Guide to Purchasing Green Power http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_References/Guide-to-
Purchasing-Green-Power.sflb.ashx
Cost of Green Revisited http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Credential_Exam_References/Cost-of-Green-Revisited.
sflb.ashx
USGBC Regional Chapters

Find a Chapter http://www.usgbc.org/FindaChapter/ChapList.aspx/
Colorado Regional Chapter http://usgbccolorado.org//
Cincinnati Regional Chapter http://www.usgbc-cincinnati.org/
CaGBC (Canada Green Building Council) Home Page http://www.cagbc.org//
Miscellaneous Resource Websites

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov/
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO); Uniform Plumbing Code http://
www.iapmo.org/Pages/splash.aspx
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) http://www.ashrae.
org/

Chapter 14 | 217
International Code Council (ICC); Internation Plumbing Code http://www.iccsafe.org/Pages/default.aspx
Stormwater Glossary of Terms www.stormwaterauthority.org/glossary.aspx
ENERGY STAR http://www.energystar.gov
Brownfields and Land Revitalization http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Code of Federal Regulations (Definitions of prime agricultural land and wetlands) http://www.gpoaccess.gov/
cfr/index.html
FEMA (Definition of 100 year flood) http://www.fema.gov/
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Endangered Species Program) http://www.fws.gov/endangered/
NOAA Office of Protected Resources (Endangered Species Act) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/esa/
Harvard Green Building Resource www.green.harvard.edu/theresource/
LEEDuser www.leeduser.com/
Real Life LEED http://www.reallifeleed.com/
McGraw-Hill green website www.greensource.construction.com/Default.asp
HOK green website http://hoklife.com/category/archives/sustainable-design/
Sustainable Connections resource website www.sustainableconnections.org/
Inhabitat sustainable website www.inhabitat.com
Studio4 sustainable website www.studio4llc.com
Publications
Environmental magazine lists
http://www.deb.uminho.pt/Fontes/enviroinfo/publications/
http://local444.caw.ca/docs/enviromaglist-may2008.pdf
http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/naturally/envmag.asp
Environmental Design + Construction www.edcmag.com/
Green Builder www.greenbuildermag.com/
Blogs
Green blog directory www.bestgreenblogs.com//

USGBCand
USBGC & GBCI
GBCIOrganizational Chart
Organizational Chart
GBCI USGBC
Professional Building LEED Online LEED

Accredidtaion Certification
Reference Rating Education

Guides Systems Programs
Professional Accreditation: Reference Guides:

Tier I: Green Building Design and Construction Reference Guide
LEED Green Associate Green Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide
Tier II: Green Building Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide
LEED AP (BD+C): Building Design + Construction Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide
LEED AP (ID+C): Interior Design + Construction
LEED AP (O+M): Operations + Maintenance Rating Systems:
LEED AP Homes New Construction and Major Renovations
LEED AP (ND): Neighborhood Development Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
Tier III: Commercial Interiors
LEED Fellow Core & Shell
Schools
Building Certification: Retail*
LEED for New Construction Healthcare*
LEED for Schools Homes
LEED for Core & Shell Neighborhood Development*
LEED for Existing Buildings * : Pilot Program
LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Homes Education Programs:
100 Level: Awareness
200 Level: Understanding
300 Level: Application & Implementation
GBCI USGBC
Organization: The Green Building Certification Organization: The The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Institute (GBCI) was established in January 2008 to is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity composed of leaders from
provide third party certification and professional every sector or the building industry working to promote
credentials for recognition of excellence in green buildings and communities that are environmentally respon-
building practice and performance sible, profitable and healthy places to live and work
Mission: To support a high level of competence in Mission: To transorm the way buildings and communities
building methods for environmental efficiency are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmen-
through the development and administration of a tally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous
formal program of certification and recertification environment that improves the quality of life
Primary Functions: Primary Functions:

Provides third party LEED project certification Developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ-
Provides third party LEED professional credentials mental Design) Green Building Rating System. The LEED
Green Building Rating Sustem is the nationally accepted
benchmark for the design, construction and operation of
high performance green buildings
Provides and develops LEED based education and research
programs

Chapter 14 | 219
Six Steps to Certification
Six Steps to Certification
LEED 2009: New Construction & Major Renovations, Schools and Core&Shell
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6
Is LEED Prepare Submit Application

Registration Certification
Right for You Application Application Review
Step 1: Determine appropriateness of LEED

Form a charrette and gather information to determine if, and at what level, LEED is appropriate
Step 2: Registration via LEED OnLine

www.gbci.org
Step 3: Prepare Application

Assign team members and prepare all documents required for prerequisites and credits being sought
(minimum number of credits are required for Certification)
Step 4: Submit Application via LEED OnLine

Upload Credit Forms with all required documentation
Step 5: Application Review

Upon receipt of a completed submittal application, a formal review will be initiated
Certification is the final step in the LEED Review Process. Once the final review is complete,
the project team can either accept or appeal the final decision. If accepted, LEED Certified Projects:
will receive a formal certificate of recognition
will receive information on how to order plaques, certificates, photo submissions and marketing
May be included in an online directory and US Dept. of Energy High Performance Bldgs. Database
NOTE: Project certification requires all Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) and prerequisites in each
sustainable category be met along with a minimum total number of credit points
For current
For current Steps
StepstotoCertification process:
Certification:
http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=211

Project Certification Fees
PROJECT CERTIFICATION FEES
LEED 2009: New Construction, Schools, Core and Shell
Project Certification Rates: Effective 11 January, 2010

Project Certification fees depend on USGBC membership status and the sf of the building
Project Registration fees not included
50,000 - Appeals
< 50,000 sf > 500,000 sf
500,000 sf (if applicable)
LEED 2009: NC, CS &CI Fixed Rate Based on sf Fixed Rate Per Credit
Design Review
USGBC Members $2,000 $0.040 $20,000 $500
Non-Members $2,250 $0.045 $22,500 $500
Expedited Fee $5,000 regardless of sf $500
Construction Review
USGBC Members $500 $0.010 $5,000 $500
Non-Members $750 $0.015 $7,500 $500
Combined Design & Construction Review
USGBC Members $2,250 $0.045 $22,500 $500
Non-Members $2,750 $0.055 $27,500 $500
LEED 2009: EB O&M Fixed Rate Based on SF Fixed Rate Per Credit
Initial Certification Review

USGBC Members $1,500 $0.030 $15,000 $500
Non-Members $2,000 $0.040 $2,000 $500
Recertification Review
USGBC Members $750 $0.015 $7,500 $500
Non-Members $1,000 $0.020 $10,000 $500
LEED 2009: Core & Shell Fixed Rate Per Credit
Precertification
USGBC Members $3,250 $500
Non-Members $4,250 $500
CIR's for all rating systems $220
For current Project Registration and Certification Fees:

http://www.gbci.org/Certification/Resources/Registration-fees.aspx
For current Project Certification Fees:
http://www.gbci.org/main-nav/building-certification/resources/fees/current.aspx
https://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=127

Chapter 14 | 221
LEED
LEEDRating
Six Systems
RatingsSteps
Systems && Reference
to Certification Guides
Reference Guides
LEED 2009: New Construction & Major Renovations, Schools and Core&Shell
LEED for New Construction LEED for Schools LEED for Core & Shell LEED for Healthcare LEED for Retail
Total Possible Points** 110* Total Possible Points** 110* Total Possible Points** 110*
Sustainable Sites 26 Sustainable Sites 24 Sustainable Sites 28
Water & Efficiency 10 Water & Efficiency 11 Water & Efficiency 10
Energy & Atmosphere 35 Energy & Atmosphere 33 Energy & Atmosphere 37
Materials & Resources 14 Materials & Resources 13 Materials & Resources 13 Under Under
Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Indoor Environmental Quality 19 Indoor Environmental Quality 12 Development Development
* Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts * Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts * Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts
** Certified 40-49 pts; Silver 50-59 pts; ** Certified 40-49 pts; Silver 50-59 pts; ** Certified 40-49 pts; Silver 50-59 pts;
Gold 60-79 pts; Platinum 80+ pts Gold 60-79 pts; Platinum 80+ pts Gold 60-79 pts; Platinum 80+ pts
Innovation in Design 6 Innovation in Design 6 Innovation in Design 6
Regional Priority 4 Regional Priority 4 Regional Priority 4
LEED for Commercial Interiors LEED for Retail Interiors

Total Possible Points** 110*
Sustainable Sites 21
Water & Efficiency 11
Energy & Atmosphere 37
Rating System Reference Guide
Materials & Resources 14 Under
Indoor Environmental Quality 17 Development
* Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts LEED for New Construction & Major Renovations
** Certified 40-49 pts; Silver 50-59 pts;
Gold 60-79 pts; Platinum 80+ pts
Innovation in Design 6 LEED for Core & Shell
Regional Priority 4
LEED for Existing Buildings LEED for Existing Schools LEED for Schools The LEED 2009 Reference Guide for
Green Building
Total Possible Points** 110* Design & Construction
Sustainable Sites 26 LEED for Healthcare*
Materials & Resources 10 Under LEED for Retail*
Indoor Environmental Quality 15 Development
* Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts
Gold 60-79 pts; Platinum 80+ pts LEED for Commercial Interiors
The LEED 2009 Reference Guide for
Innovation in Operations 6
Green Interior
Regional Priority 4 Design & Construction
LEED for Retail Interiors*
ND for Neighborhood Development
LEED for Existing Buildings
Smart Location & Linkage 27 Operations & Maintenance The LEED 2009 Reference Guide for
Neighborhood Pattern & Design 44 Green Building
Green Infrastructure & Buildings 29 Operations & Maintenance
LEED for Existing Schools*
* Out of a possible 100 pts + 10 bonus pts

The LEED for Homes
** Certified 40+ pts; Silver 50+ pts; LEED for Homes
Gold 60+ pts; Platinum 80+ pts Reference Guide
Innovation & Design Process 6
Regional Priority 4
The LEED 2009 Reference Guide for
LEED for Neighborhood Development
Neighborhood Development
LEED for Homes
* These rating systems are under development
Innovation & Design Process 11
Location & Linkages 10
Sustainable Sites 22
Materials & Resources 16
Indoor Environmental Quality 21
Awareness & Education 3
* Out of a possible 136pts
Gold 75-89 pts; Platinum 90+ pts
www.studio4llc.com studio 4 2009.11.02

LEED Rating Systems Reference Guides
LEED Rating System Applies To Reference Guide
New Buildings and Major Renovations

New Buildings: Offices, institutional buildings (libraries, museums,
churches, etc.), hotels, and residential buildings of 4 or more habitable
LEED for stories
New Construction (NC) Major Renovations: Major HVAC replacement or modifications;
Building core (major mechanical systems) & shell (building envelope and
structural) renovation;
Project occupies greater than 50% of leasable space
Developer controls core (major mechanical systems) & shell (building

envelope and structural) but not leasable tenant spaces
LEED for LEED 2009 Reference
Commercial office buildings, medical office buildings, retail centers,
Core & Shell (CS) Guide for
warehouses, institutional buildings and laboratory facilities;
Green Building Design
Project occupies 50% or less of leasable area
and Construction
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:
LEED for Nonacademic buildings on a school campus, such as administrative
Schools offices, maintenance facilities or dormitories are eligible for either LEED for
New Construction or 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
LEED 2009 Reference

LEED for Tenant spaces primarily in office, retail, and institutional buildings:
Guide for
Commercial Interiors Tenant spaces that do not occupy the entire building
Green Interior Design
(CI) Designed to work hand in hand with LEED Core & Shell projects
and Construction
LEED for LEED 2009 Reference
Existing Buildings: For the ongoing operations and maintenance of existing commercial and Guide for
Operations & institutional buildings Green Building
Maintenance (EB Also used for buildings certified under NC, Schools or C&S Operations &
O&M) Maintenance
New Residences
Single Family: Attached and Detached
LEED 2009 Reference
LEED for Multifamily: Low rise 1 to 3 stories and include 2 or more dwelling units
Guide for
Homes Rehabilitation
Green Homes
Manufactured and Modular
Mixed Use if at least 50% of the floor area is residential

Chapter 14 | 223
Project Checklist Sample

Credit Form Sample
(v3 Credit Forms were not available at time of printing)

Chapter 14 | 225
COMMISSIONINGPROCESS
LEED2009:NewConstruction,Schools,CoreandShell
Commissioning Authority
COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY
Fundamental Enhanced
Party Acting as Commissioning Authority (CxA) Commissioning Commissioning
Prerequisite 2 4 5 Credit 3 4 5
< 50,000 (sf) >= 50,000 (sf)
Employee or subcontractor of general contractor with

Yes
construction responsibilities
Employee or subcontractor, with construction

responsibilities, of construction manager who holds Yes
construction contracts
Employee or subcontractor, with project design

Yes
responsibilities, of the architect or engineer of record
Disinterested employee or subcontractor of general

Yes Yes
contractor or construction manager 1
Disinterested employee of architect or engineer 1 Yes Yes
Disinterested subcontractor to architect or engineer 1 Yes Yes Yes
Construction manager not holding construction contracts Yes Yes Yes
Independent consultant contracted to Owner Yes Yes Yes
Owner employee or staff Yes Yes Yes
1 "Disinterested" means an employee or subcontractor who has no project responsibilities other than
2 EAp1 requirements
3 EAc3 requirements (the CxA must review the owner's project requirements (OPR), basis of design (BOD) and
design documents prior to midconstruction documents phase and perform a back check)
4 The came CxA overseeing the enhanced commissioning tasks must also oversee the fundamental
5 Regardless of who employees the CxA, the CxA "shall have documented commissioning authority
experience in at least two building projects" and ideally meet the minimum qualifications of having "a high
level of experience in energy systems design, installation and operation, commissioning planning and process
management, hands on field experience with energy systems performance, interaction, startup, balancing,
testing, troubleshooting, operation and maintenance procedures and energy systems automation control


COMMISSIONINGPROCESS
LEED2009:NewConstruction,Schools,CoreandShell
Tasks and Responsibilities
TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Commissioning Tasks Rating Fundamenta
Enhanced
Phases 1 - 12 System l
Predesign/Design Phase
Request for
EAp1, Task 1 Owner or Owner or
proposal Architect 1 Designate commissioning authority (CxA)
EAc3, Task 1 Project Team Project Team
and engineer
Owner's project
Owner or Owner or
requirements Document owner's project requirements
2 EAp1, Task 2 CxA* CxA*
(OPR); basis of (OPR); Develop basis of design (BOD)
Design Team Design Team
design (BOD)
Review owner's project requirements EAp1, Task 2
Schematic design 3 CxA** CxA
(OPR) and basis of design (BOD) EAc3, Task 2
Project Team Project Team
Design Develop and implement commissioning
4 EAp1, Task 4
or or
development plan
CxA* CxA
Project Team Project Team
Construction Incorporate commissioning requirements
5 EAp1, Task 3 or or
documents into construction documents
CxA* CxA
Construction Conduct commissioning design review

6 EAc3, Task 2 N/A CxA
documents prior to midconstruction documents
Construction Phase
Equipment
Review contractor submittals applicable
procurement 7 EAc3, Task 3 N/A CxA
to systems being commissioned
Equipment
Functional testing
Test and balance Verify installation and performance of
8 EAp1, Task 5 CxA CxA
Performance commissioned systems
testing acceptance
Operations and Project Team
Develop systems manual for
Maintenance 9 EAc3, Task 4 N/A or
commissioned systems
(O&M) manuals CxA
Project Team
Verify that requirements for training are
O&M training 10 EAc3, Task 5 N/A or
completed
CxA
Substantial Complete a summary commissioning
11 EAp1, Task 6 CxA CxA
completion report
Occupancy
Systems Review building operation within 10

12 EAc3, Task 6 N/A CxA
monitoring months after substantial completion
* Although EAp1 does not require the CxA to be on the project team until just before the equipment
installation phase, if brought in earlier the CxA can also help the owner develop the project requirements and
** Some commissioning tasks can be performed by the owner or other project team members. However, the
review of the owner's project requirements (OPR) and basis of design (BOD) must be performed by the CxA.
For EAp1, Fundamental Commissioning, this may be performed at any time before verification of equipment
installation and acceptance.
RED indicates EAc3, Enhanced Commissioning, tasks only

Chapter 14 | 227
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS)
2003 EPA Construction General Permit: A set of provisions construction operators must follow to
SSp1
comply with NPDES stormwater regulations
Construction Activity
OR
Pollution Prevention
Local Codes if more stringent
ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Assessment: A report prepared that identifies potential or
existing environmental contamination liabilities but does not collect physical samples or chemical
SSp2
analysis
Environmental
Site Assessment
ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment: An investigation that collects samples of
soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants
U.S. Department of Agriculture, United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 7, Volume 6,
Parts 400 to 699, Section 657.5: Standard that defines prime farmland
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Definition of 100 Year Flood: The flood
elevation that has a 1% chance of being reached or exceeded each yea
SSc1 Endangered Species List (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, List of Threatened and Endangered
Site Selection Species): Addresses threatened and endangered wildlife and plants
National Marine Fisheries Services, List of Endangered Marine Species: In addition to this federal
list, state agencies provide state specific lists
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR, Parts 230 -233, and Part 22, Definition of
Wetlands: Addresses wetlands and discharges of dredge or filled material into water regulated by states
SSc2
Development Density and No Referenced Standards
U.S. EPA, Definition of Brownfields (EPA Sustainable Redevelopment of Brownfields Program)
ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: A report prepared that identifies potential
SSc3
or existing environmental contamination liabilities but does not collect physical samples or chemical
Brownfield
analysis
Redevelopment
ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment: An investigation that collects samples of
soil, groundwater or building materials to analyze for quantitative values of various contaminants
SSc4.1
Alternative Transportation No Referenced Standards
Public Transportation
Access
SSc4.2
No Referenced Standards
Bicycle Storage &
Changing Rooms
SSc4.3
Low-Emitting &
Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

SSc4.4
Institute of Transportation Engineers, Parking Generation Study, 2003: Database of studies for
various types of parking demands
Parking Capacity
SSc5.1
Site Development No Referenced Standards
Protect or Restore Habitat
SSc5.2
Site Development No Referenced Standards
Maximize Open Space
SSc6.1
Stormwater Design No Referenced Standards
Quantity Control
SSc6.2
Stormwater Design No Referenced Standards
Quality Control
ASTM E408-71(1996) e1, Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using
Inspection Meter Techniques: Describes how to measure total normal Emittance of surfaces
ASTM C1371-04a, Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near
Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers: Technique for determination of the emittance of
typical materials
SSc7.1 ASTM E903-96, Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance and Transmittance
Heat Island Effect of Materials Using Integrating Spheres: Energy Star roofing standard for initial reflectance
Nonroof measurement
ASTM E1918-97, Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low
Sloped Surfaces in the Field: Measures solar reflectance in the field
ASTM C1549-04, Standard Test Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near Ambient
Temperatures Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer: Technique for determining the solar
reflectance of flat, opaque materials
ASTM E1980-01, Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and
Low Sloped Opaque Surfaces: Describes how surface reflectivity and emissivity are combined to
calculate solar reflectance index (SRI) for a roofing material or other surface
ASTM E408-71(1996)e1, Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using
Inspection Meter Techniques: Describes how to measure total normal Emittance of surfaces
ASTM E903-96, Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance and Transmittance of
Materials Using Integrating Spheres: Energy Star roofing standard for initial reflectance
SSc7.2 measurement
Heat Island Effect
Roof ASTM E1918-97, Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low
Sloped Surfaces in the Field: Measures solar reflectance in the field
ASTM C1371-04a, Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near
Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers: Technique for determination of the emittance of
typical material
ASTM C1549-04, Standard Test Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near Ambient
Temperatures Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer: Technique for determining the solar
reflectance of flat, opaque materials

Chapter 14 | 229
SSc8 ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low Rise Residential
Light Pollution Lighting, Section 9 (without amendments): Establishes exterior lighting power densities (LPD) for
Reduction buildings
SSc9
Tenant Design & No Referenced Standards
Construction Guidelines
SSc9
Site Master Plan
SSc10
Joint Use of Facilities
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE)

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 (and as amended): Addresses energy and water use in
commercial, institutional and residential facilities
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005: Statute that became U.S. law in August 2005
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Publication/American National

WEp1
Standards Institute IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1-2006, Uniform Plumbing Code 206, Section 402.0,
Water Use
Water Conserving Fixtures and Fittings: PC defines water conserving fixtures and fittings for water
Reduction
closets, urinals and metered faucets
International Code Council, International Plumbing Code 2006, Section 604, Design of
Building Water Distribution System: Defines maximum flow rates and consumption for plumbing
fixtures and fittings, including public and private lavatories, showerheads, sink faucets, urinals and water
closets
WEc1
Water Efficient No Referenced Standards
Landscaping
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 (and as amended): Addresses energy and water use in
WEc2 commercial, institutional and residential facilities
Innovative
Wastewater The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005: Statute that became U.S. law in August 200
Technologies
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Publication/American National
Standards Institute IAPMO/ANSI UPC 1-2006, Uniform Plumbing Code 206, Section 402.0,
Water Conserving Fixtures and Fittings: UPC defines water conserving fixtures and fittings for water
WEc3 International Code Council, International Plumbing Code 2006, Section 604, Design of
Water Use Reduction Building Water Distribution System: Defines maximum flow rates and consumption for plumbing
fixtures and fittings, including public and private lavatories, showerheads, sink faucets, urinals and water
closets
WEc4
Process Water No Referenced Standards
Use Reduction

ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE (EA)
EAp1
Fundamental
Commissioning of
Building Energy Systems
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low Rise
Residential: Establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of buildings using
mandatory provisions and additional prescriptive requirements
California T-24-2005: granted parallel equivalency to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2007
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings, 2004: Achieves advanced
levels of energy savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for office buildings up to
20,000 sf
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouses and Self Storage Buildings,
EAp2 2008: Achieves advanced levels of energy savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for
Minimum Energy warehouses up to 50,000 sf and self storage buildings that use unitary heating and air conditioning
Performance equipment
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Guide for K-12 School Buildings: Achieves advanced levels of energy
savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for elementary, middle and high school
buildings
New Building Institute, Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide: Provides a predictable
alternative to energy performance modeling and a simple set of criteria for increasing building energy
performance
Energy Star Program, Target Finder Rating Tool: A government partnership managed by the EPA
and DOE as an online tool that can establish energy performance goals for a project
EAp3
Fundamental U.S. EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Section 608, Compliance with the Section 608 Refrigerant
Refrigerant Recycling Rule: Regulations on using and recycling ozone depleting compounds
Management

Chapter 14 | 231
ENERGY & ATMOSPHERE (EA)
mandatory provisions and additional prescriptive requirements
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings, 2004: Achieves advanced
levels of energy savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for office buildings up to
20,000 sf
EAc1
Optimize ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouses and Self Storage Buildings,
Energy 2008: Achieves advanced levels of energy savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for
Performance warehouses up to 50,000 sf and self storage buildings that use unitary heating and air conditioning
equipment
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Guide for K-12 School Buildings: Achieves advanced levels of energy
savings without having to perform calculations or analysis for elementary, middle and high school
buildings
New Building Institute, Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide: Provides a predictable
alternative to energy performance modeling and a simple set of criteria for increasing building energy
performance
EAc2
On-Site
mandatory provisions and additional prescriptive requirement
Renewable
Energy
EAc3
Enhanced No Referenced Standards
Commissioning
EAc4
Enhanced
Refrigerant
Management
International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol, Volume III, EVO 30000.1-
EAc5
2006, Concepts and Options for Determining Energy Savings in New Construction, effective
Measurement
January, 2006: IPMVP Volume III describes best practice techniques for verifying the energy performance
& Verification
of new construction projects
EAc5.1 International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol, Volume III, EVO 30000.1-
Measurement 2006, Concepts and Options for Determining Energy Savings in New Construction, effective
& Verification January, 2006: IPMVP Volume III describes best practice techniques for verifying the energy
Base Building performance of new construction projects
EAc5.2 International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol, Volume III, EVO 30000.1-
Measurement 2006, Concepts and Options for Determining Energy Savings in New Construction, effective
& Verification January, 2006: IPMVP Volume III describes best practice techniques for verifying the energy
Tenant Submetering performance of new construction projects
Center for Resource Solutions, Green-e Product Certification Requirements: Certifies products
that meet environmental and consumer protection standards developed un conjunction with
EAc6
environmental, energy and policy organizations. Three types of renewable energy are eligible for Green-e
Green Power
certification: renewable energy certificates, utility green pricing programs and competitive electricity
products

MATERIALS & RESOURCES (MR)
MRp1
Storage & Collection No Referenced Standards
of Recyclables
MRc1.1
Building Reuse
Maintain Existing
Walls, Floors and Roof
MRc1
Building Reuse
Maintain Existing
Walls, Floors and Roof
MRc1.2
Building Reuse
Maintain Interior
Nonstructural Elements
MRc2
Construction No Referenced Standards
Waste Management
MRc3
Materials Reuse
International Standard ISO 14021-1999, Environmental Labels and Declarations - Self

MRc4
Declared Environmental Claims (Type II Environmental Labeling): Specifies requirements for self
Recycled Content
declared environmental claims including statements, symbols and graphics for products
MRc5
Regional Materials
MRc6
Rapidly Renewable No Referenced Standards
Materials
MRc7
Certified Wood Forest Stewardship Council Principles and Criteria: Seal of approval awarded to forest managers
who adopt environmentally and socially responsible forest management practices and to companies that
MRc6 manufacture and sell products made from certified wood
Certified Wood
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ)

IEQp1
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007: Ventilation for
Minimum Indoor
Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Specifies minimum standard ventilation rates and IAQ levels
Air Quality Performance
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASTM-E779-03, Standard Test Method for

Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization: Standard for measuring air leakage rates
IEQp2 through a building envelope under controlled pressurization and depressurization
Environmental Tobacco
Smoke (ETS) Control Residential Manual for Compliance with California's 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards (For Low
Rise Residential Buildings),Chapter 4: Standard for the quality of design and construction of
mechanical ventilation systems and air distribution systems

Chapter 14 | 233
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard S12.60-2002, Acoustical

IEQp3 Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools: Standard for acoustical
Minimum performance criteria and design requirements for classrooms and other learning spaces
Acoustical
Performance ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47, Sound and Vibration Control, 2003 HVAC Applications:
Addresses sound and vibration from mechanical equipment
IEQc1
Outdoor Air
Delivery Monitoring

IEQc2
Increased Ventilation Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Application Manual 10-2005,
Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings: CIBSE Applications Manual 10-2005 provides
guidance for implementing natural ventilation in nonresidential buildings
IEQc3.1
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines
Construction IAQ
for Occupied Buildings under Construction, 2nd edition, Chapter 3, November 2007: Guidelines
Management Plan
for maintaining healthful indoor air quality during demolitions, renovations and construction
During Construction
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999: Method of

IEQc3
Testing General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size:
Construction IAQ
Standard for methods for testing air cleaners for 2 performance characteristics: the device's capacity for
Management Plan
removing particles from the air stream and the device's resistance to airflow
During Construction
IEQc3.2
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Compendium for the Determination of Air
Construction IAQ
Pollutants in Indoor Air: Provides regional, state and local environmental regulatory agencies with
Management Plan
step-by-step sampling and analysis procedures for the determination of selected pollutants in indoor air
Before Occupancy
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Amendment to South Coast Rule
IEQc4.1
1168, VOC Limits, effective January 7, 2005: VOC limits for adhesives, sealants and sealant primers
Low Emitting Materials
Adhesives and Sealants
Green Seal Standard GC-36, effective October 19,2000: VOC limits for aerosol adhesives
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings:
VOC limits for paints and coatings
IEQc4.2
Green Seal Standard GC-03: VOC limits for anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints
Paints and Coatings
Green Seal Standard GS-11: VOC limits for commercial flat and nonflat paints

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus and Green Label Testing Program: CRI is a trade
organization representing the carpet and rug industry. Green Label Plus is an independent testing
program that identifies carpet and carpet cushions with low VOC emissions. Green Label addresses carpet
cushions
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1168, VOC Limits: VOC limits for
adhesives
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings :
VOC limits for paints and coatings
IEQc4.3
FloorScore Program: Tests and certifies flooring products for compliance with indoor air quality
emission requirements. Products include vinyl, linoleum, laminate flooring, wood flooring, ceramic
Flooring Systems
flooring, rubber flooring and wall base
California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic
Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004
Addenda: Testing practice that applies to any newly manufactured material generally used within an
enclosed indoor environment. Excluded is testing of all products that cannot be tested whole or by
representative sample in small scale environmental chambers
State of California Standard 1350, Section 9, Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile
Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers, Testing
Criteria : Specifies testing criteria for carpet emissions that will satisfy the credit requirements
FOR SCHOOLS:
IEQc4.4 California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic
Low Emitting Materials Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004
Composite Wood Addenda: Testing practice that applies to any newly manufactured material generally used within an
& Agrifiber Products enclosed indoor environment. Excluded is testing of all products that cannot be tested whole or by
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Business and Institutional Furniture Makers

Association (BIFMA) X7.1-2007 Standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC Emissions of Low
Emitting Office Furniture Systems and Seating: Standard for Formaldehyde and TVOC Emissions of
Low Emitting Office Furniture and Seating
BIFMA International: Defines the criteria for office furniture VOC emissions to be classified as low
IEQc4.5 emitting products
Furniture and Furnishings Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Large Chamber Test Protocol for Measuring
Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes, effective September 1999: Protocol that requires the
placement of the seating product or furniture assembly to be tested in a climatically controlled chamber
Greenguard Certification Program: Performance based standards to define goods with low
chemical emissions for use indoors, primarily for building materials; interior furnishings; furniture;
electronics; and cleaning, maintenance and personal care products

Chapter 14 | 235
California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic
IEQc4.6 Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004
Low Emitting Materials Addenda: Testing practice that applies to any newly manufactured material generally used within an
Ceiling and Wall Systems enclosed indoor environment. Excluded is testing of all products that cannot be tested whole or by
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999: Method of Testing

IEQc5
General Ventilation Air Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size: Standard for
Indoor Chemical
methods for testing air cleaners for 2 performance characteristics: the device's capacity for removing
& Pollutant Source Control
particles from the air stream and the device's resistance to airflow
IEQc6.1
Controllability of Systems No Referenced Standards
Lighting
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007: Ventilation Rate

IEQc6.2
for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality: Standard providing minimum requirements for operable openings
at 4% of the net habitable floor area
Thermal Comfort
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard 55-2004: Thermal
Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy: Identifies the factors of thermal comfort and the
process for developing comfort criteria for a building space and its occupants. Indoor space
IEQc6
environmental and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to
80% of the occupants within a space. The environmental factors addressed are: temperature, thermal
Thermal Comfort
radiation, humidity and air speed. The personal factors are: activity and clothing

IEQc7.1 process for developing comfort criteria for a building space and its occupants. Indoor space
Thermal Comfort environmental and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to
Design 80% of the occupants within a space. The environmental factors addressed are: temperature, thermal
Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Application Manual 10-2005,

Natural Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings: CIBSE Applications Manual 10-2005 provides
guidance for implementing natural ventilation in nonresidential building
IEQc7
Thermal Comfort SCHOOLS:
Design ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, 2003 edition, Chapter 4 (Places of Assembly), Typical
Natatorium Design Conditions: ASHRAE handbook to help design engineers use equipment and
systems

IEQc7.2
process for developing comfort criteria for a building space and its occupants. Indoor space
Thermal Comfort
environmental and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to
Verification
80% of the occupants within a space. The environmental factors addressed are: temperature, thermal

IEQc8.1 ASTM D1003-07e1, Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of
Daylight and Views Transparent Plastics: Tests the specific light transmitting and wide angle light scattering properties of
Daylight planer sections of materials
IEQc8.2
Daylight and Views No Referenced Standards
Views
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard S12.60-2002, Acoustical

Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools: Standard for acoustical
IEQc9
performance criteria for classrooms and other learning spaces
Enhanced
Acoustical Performance
ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47, Sound and Vibration Control, 2003 HVAC Applications:
Addresses sound and vibration from mechanical equipment
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers, EPA Reference
IEQc10
Number 402-F-91-102, effective December 1991:Provides information on factors affecting IAQ and
Mold Prevention
how to develop and manage an IAQ profile
INNOVATION in DESIGN (ID)

IDc1.1
IDc1.2
IDc1.3
IDc1.4
IDc1.5
IDc2
LEED No Referenced Standards
Accredited Professional
IDc3
The School No Referenced Standards
as a Teaching Tool
REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP)

RPc1.1
Refer project zip code applicable Regional Priority credits
Regional Priority
RPc1.2
Regional Priority
RPc1.3
Regional Priority
RPc1.4
Regional Priority

Chapter 14 | 237
REFERENCED STANDARDS
LEED 2009: New Construction and Major Renovations, Schools and Core and Shell
REFERENCED STANDARD ADDRESSES CREDITS

ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999 ventilation air filters; MERV IEQc3.1; IEQc5
thermal comfort (air temperature, radiant temperature, air IEQc6; IEQc6.2;
ASHRAE Standard 55-2004
speed and humidity) IEQc7.1; IEQc7.2
IEQc1; IEQc2;
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 minimum standards for ventilation rates
IEQc6
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 Sections 4 - 7 mechanical ventilation IEQp1
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 Paragraph 5.1 natural ventilation IEQp1; IEQc6.2
minimum requirements for energy efficient design in
buildings:
Section 5: Building envelope
Section 6: HVAC
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007
Section 7: Service water heating
Section 8: Power
Section 9: Lighting
Section 10: Other equipment
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 NC Schools & CS: uses energy modeling per Appendix G EAp2; EAc1;
Appendix G performance rating method to calculate baseline energy EAc2
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 granted parallel equivalency to baseline energy standard of EAp2; EAc1;
California T-24-2005 ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 EAc2
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007,
Section 9 establishes allowable lighting power densities SSc8
Section 9 (w/o amendments)
ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47, Sound and
sound and vibration from mechanical equipment IEQp3
Vibration Control, 2003 HVAC Applications
American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard S12.60-2002, Acoustical standard for acoustical performance criteria and design
IEQp3
Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and requirements for classrooms and other learning spaces
Guidelines for Schools
ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, 2003
handbook to help design engineers use equipment and
edition, Chapter 4 (Places of Assembly), Typical IEQc7; IEQc7.1
systems
Natatorium Design Conditions
NC & CS: less than 20,000 sf; prescriptive compliance path
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for
providing advanced levels of energy savings w/o detailed EAp2; EAc1
Small Office Buildings 2004
analysis
NC & CS: less than 20,000 sf; prescriptive compliance path
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for
providing advanced levels of energy savings w/o detailed EAp2; EAc1
Small Retail Buildings 2006
analysis
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for NC & CS: less than 50,000 sf; prescriptive compliance path
Small Warehouses and Self-Storage Buildings providing advanced levels of energy savings w/o detailed EAp2; EAc1
2008 analysis
ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Schools: prescriptive compliance path providing advanced
EAp2; EAc1
K-12 School Buildings levels of energy savings w/o detailed analysis
NC, Schools & CS: less than 100,000 sf; prescriptive
New Building Institute, Advanced Buildings Core
compliance path for exceeding energy performance EAp2; EAc1
Performance Guide
requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2004 w/o energy modeling
online tool for establishing project energy performance
ENERGY STAR Program, Target Finder Rating Tool EAp2
goals
www.studio4llc.com 2009.11.02


U.S. EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Section 608,
regulations on the use and recycling of ozone depleting
Compliance with Section 608 Refrigerant EAp3
compounds
Recycling Rule
IPMVP Volume III provides best practice techniques for
International Performance Measurement for
verifying energy performance in new construction; Option
Verification Protocol, Volume III, EVO 30000.1-
D: Calibrated Simulation and Option B: Energy EAc5
2006, Concepts and Options for Determining
Conservation Measure Isolation are the only 2 of the 4
Energy Savings in New Construction
available options permitted to be used
Center for Research Solutions, Green-e Product third party certification of sustainable green power
EAc6
Verification Requirements renewable energy providers
International Standard ISO 14021-1999,
Environmental Labels and Declarations - Self requirements for self declared environmental claims
MRc4
Declared Environmental Claims (Type II including statements, symbols and graphics for products
Environmental Labeling)
ASTM E1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site environmental investigation to identify existing or
SSp2; SSc3
Assessment potential site contamination
ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site environmental investigation including subsurface
SSp2; SSc3
Assessment discovery and collecting building, water and soil samples
ASTM E408-71(1996)e1, Standard Test Methods
for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using test for determining the total normal emittance of surfaces SSc7.1; SSc7.2
Inspection Meter Techniques
ASTM E903-96, Standard Test Method for Solar
test for determining solar absorptance, reflectance and
Absorptance, Reflectance and Transmittance of SSc7.1; SSc7.2
transmittance of materials
Materials Using Integrating Spheres
ASTM C1371-04a, Standard Test Method for
test for determining emittance of materials at room
Determination of Emittance of Materials Near SSc7.1; SSc7.2
temperature
Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers
ASTM C1549-04, Standard Test Method for
Determination of Solar Reflectance Near Ambient test for determining solar reflectance near ambient
SSc7.1; SSc7.2
Temperatures Using a Portable Solar temperature
Reflectometer
ASTM E1918-97, Standard Test Method for
test for determining solar reflectance of horizontal and
Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low SSc7.1; SSc7.2
low sloped surfaces
Sloped Surfaces in the Field
ASTM E1980-01, Standard Practice for Calculating
test for determining solar reflectance index of horizontal
Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low SSc7.2
and low sloped opaque surfaces
Sloped Opaque Surfaces
American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)/ASTM-E779-03, Standard Test Method for
blower door tests IEQp2
Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan
Pressurization
ASTM D1003-07e1, Standard Test Method for
Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent haze and luminous transmittance of transparent plastics IEQc8.1
Plastics
provisions mandated by the National Pollutant Discharge
2003 EPA Construction General Permit Elimination System (NPDES) to reduce construction related SSp1
soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and dust generation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, List of Threatened
threatened or endangered wildlife and plants SSc1
and Endangered Species

Chapter 14 | 239

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the flood elevation that has a 1% chance of being reached
SSc1
Definition of 100 year flood or exceeded each year
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400 to
definition of prime farmland SSc1
699, Section 657.5, Definition of Prime Agricultural
Land
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR, wetlands and discharges of dredged or filled materials into
SSc1
Parts 230-233, and Part 22, Definition of Wetlands waters regulated by states
National Marine Fisheries Service, List of
endangered marine species SSc1
Endangered Marine Species
U.S. EPA, Definition of Brownfields definition of sustainable redevelopment of Brownfield sites SSc3
Institute of Transportation Engineers, Parking
provides parking demand data SSc4.4
Generation study, 2003
energy and water use in commercial, institutional and WEp1; WEc2;
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992
residential facilities WEc3
WEp1; WEc2;
The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 date when the statute became law
WEc3
International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials, Publication IAPMO/ANSI UPC
defines water conserving fixtures and fittings for water
1-2006, Uniform Plumbing Code 2006, Section WEc2
402.0, Water Conserving Fixtures and Fittings
(UPC)
defines maximum flow rates and consumption for
International Code Council, International
plumbing fixtures and fittings, including public and private
Plumbing Code 2006, Section 604, Design of WEc2
lavatories, showerheads, sink faucets, urinals and water
Building Water Distribution System (IPC)
closets
Residential Manual for Compliance with
standard for the quality of design and construction of
California's 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards (For IEQp2
mechanical ventilation systems and air distribution systems
Low Rise Residential Buildings),Chapter 4
Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
guidance for implementing natural ventilation in IEQc2; IEQc7;
(CIBSE) Application Manual 10-2005, Natural
nonresidential buildings IEQc7.1
Ventilation in Non-Domestic Buildings
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors
National Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for guidelines for maintaining healthful indoor air quality
IEQc3; IEQc3.1
Occupied Buildings under Construction, 2nd during demolitions, renovations and construction
edition, Chapter 3, November 2007
provides regional, state and local environmental regulatory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
agencies with step-by-step sampling and analysis
Compendium for the Determination of Air IEQc3.2
procedures for the determination of selected pollutants in
Pollutants in Indoor Air
indoor air
South Coast Air Quality Management District
VOC limits for adhesives and sealants IEQc4.1; IEQc4.3
(SCAQMD) Rule 1168, VOC Limits
Green Seal Standard 36 (GS-36) VOC limits for aerosol adhesives IEQc4.1
South Coast Air Quality Management District OVC limits for clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains,
IEQc4.2; IEQc4.3
(SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings primers and shellacs
Green Seal Standard (GC-03), Anti-Corrosive Paints VOC limits for anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints IEQc4.2
Green Seal Standard (GS-11), Paints VOC limits for paints, coatings and primers IEQc4.2
Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus
VOC limits for carpets IEQc4.3
Testing Program

Referenced
REFERENCED Standards
STANDARDS

Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Testing
VOC limits for carpet cushions IEQc4.3
Program
FloorScore Program VOC limits for all non-carpet finished flooring IEQc4.3
specifies testing criteria for carpet emissions that will satisfy
State of California Standard 1350, Section 9 the credit requirements and not exceed CRI Green Label IEQc4.3
target emissions and CRI Green Label Plus testing protocol
California Department of Health Services Standard
Schools: testing of all newly manufactured materials used
Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic IEQc4.3; IEQc4.4
within an enclosed indoor environment
Emissions from Various Sources
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners
provides information on factors affecting IAQ and how to
and Facility Managers, EPA Reference Number 402- IEQc10
develop and manage an IAQ profile
F-91-102, effective December 1991
International Standard ISO 14021-1999,
Environmental Labels and Declarations - Self requirements for self declared environmental claims
MRc4
Declared Environmental Claims (Type II including statements, symbols and graphics for products
Environmental Labeling)
seal of approval awarded to forest managers who adopt
Forest Stewardship Council Principles and Criteria environmentally and socially responsible forest
MRc6; MRc7
(FSC) management practices and to companies that
manufacture and sell products made from certified wood

Chapter 14 | 241
Credit
CREDITInteractions
INTERACTIONS
LEED 2009: New Construction and Major Renovations, Schools and Corehell
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Minimizing site disturbance and preventing soil and erosion assists SSc5.1 & SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
SSp1
SSc5.2 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Limiting disturbance of natural hydrology assists SSc6. & SSc6.2 SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
Environmental Site Assessment
Ssp2 SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
Projects conducting environmental site assessments are eligible to achieve SSc3
SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
Site Selection SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
Previously developed sites are likely to public transportation and connectivity SSc4.1: Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access
SSc1 and have an opportunity to remediate a contaminated site SSc2, SSc3 & SSc4.1 SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Limiting development footprint protects sensitive areas, SSc5.1 & SSc5.2 SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
Credit SSc1 can assist stormwater design SSc6.1 & SSc6.2 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
Development Density and Community Connectivity
Channeling development toward urban areas increases the likelihood of SSc1: Site Selection
SSc2
locating on a previously developed site, SSc1, and near public transportation SSc4.1: Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access
SSc4.1
Brownfield Redevelopment
SSc3 SSc1: Site Selection
Projects developing on Brownfield sites are likely to qualify for SSc1
Alt. Transportation - Public Transportation Access

SSc1: Site Selection
SSc4.1 Sites located near public transportation are likely to be previously developed
SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
sites, SSc1, and near urban areas SSc2
Alt. Transportation - Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
SSc4.2 Paving materials added for paving bicycle lanes can affect stormwater design SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
SSc6.1 & SSc6.2 and alter heat island effects, SSc7.1 SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof
Alt. Transportation - Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

SSc4.3 Projects that provide preferred parking without increasing the parking capacity SSc4.4: Alternative Transportation - Parking Capacity
may be eligible for SSc4.4
Alt. Transportation - Parking Capacity SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Minimizing surface parking can enhance the qualities of open space, SSc5.1 & SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
SSc4.4 SSc5.2 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Change the stormwater design, SSc6.1 & SSc6.2 SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
Reduce heat island effects, SSc7.1 SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof
Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
Protecting or restoring habitat provides open space, SSc5.2
SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Reduces impervious areas, thereby reducing the quantity and increasing the
SSc5.1 quality of stormwater, SSc6.1 & SSc6.2
SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof
Reduces heat island effects, SSc7.1 & SSc7.2
SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof
Allows for the use of native vegetation to reduce landscaping irrigation
WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
requirements, WEc1
Site Development - Maximize Open Space SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Maximizing open spaces may improve stormwater quantities and qualities,
SSc5.2 SSc6.1 & SSc6.2
Increasing the amount of open space can reduce heat island effects, SSC7.1 &
SSc7.2
Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Reducing the rate and quantity of stormwater reduces filtration requirements, SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
SSc6.2 SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Reducing impervious surfaces by using pervious surfaces, vegetated roofs and SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
SSc6.1 vegetated open spaces can contribute to SSc5.1, SSC5.2, SSc7.1 & SSc7.2
Harvesting rainwater reduces stormwater runoff and can be reused for SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof
irrigation, WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
WEc1, and nonpotable needs inside the building, WEc3 WEc3: Water Use Reduction
Projects in dense urban areas that earn SSc2 may have difficulty achieving credit SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
SSc6.1

Credit
CREDITInteractions
INTERACTIONS
Stormwater Design - Quality Control SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Projects Using best management practices (BMP) to capture and treat runoff
SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
reducing the runoff volume, affects the stormwater quality, SSc6.2
SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
SSc6.2 Reducing impervious surfaces by using pervious surfaces, vegetated roofs and
vegetated open spaces can contribute to SSc5.1, SSC5.2, SSc7.1 & SSc7.2
SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect: Roof
Using BMPs for rain gardens, vegetated swales, rainwater harvesting, etc. can
assist with earning WEc1
Locating parking structures underground will assist with SSc5.2 The use of open SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
grid pavements to capture and treat stormwater runoff can contribute to SSc6.1 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
SSc7.1
& SSc6.2 SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
Vegetation used to shade hardscapes can also help reduce landscaping WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
irrigation requirements, WEc1
Heat Island Effect - Roof SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Vegetated roofs help capture and treat stormwater, SSc6.1 & SSc6.2 SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
Using highly reflective roofing materials can reduce cooling loads, EAc1 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
SSc7.2
Vegetated roofs can also reduce the amount of rainwater harvesting that can be SSc6.2: Stormwater Control - Quality Control
used for nonpotable purposes, thereby making it more challenging to achieve EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
WEc3 WEc3: Water Use Reduction

Energy savings beyond the baseline lighting power density (LPD) established by
EAc1: Optimize energy Performance
SSc8 ASHRAE 90.1 may contribute to EAc1
IEQc6.1: Controllability of Systems - Lighting
Automatic occupancy controls to shut off interior perimeter lighting assists
IEQc6.1
WEc3: Water Use Reduction

EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
EAc5: Measurement and Verification
IEQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines
SSc9 IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
Credit SSc9 is related to all these LEED Core & Shell credits the project pursues
IEQc3: Construction IAQ Management Plan
IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control
IEQc6: Controllability of Systems
IEQc7: Thermal Comfort
IEQc8: Daylighting and Views
SSc1: Site Selection

SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Site Master Plan SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
LEED for Schools requires the achievement and recalculation of (4) of these (7) SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
SSc9
credits for compliance: SSc1, 5.1, 5.2,6.1,6.2, 7.1 and 8.1 SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
Possible community partnerships may result from pursuit of this credit, SSc10 SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof
SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
SSc10: Joint Use of Facilities
Joint Use of Facilities
SSc10 This credit likely will place the project in the proximity of the school to services SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
and institutions within the neighborhood, SSc2

Chapter 14 | 243
Credit
CREDITInteractions
INTERACTIONS
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE)
Water Use Reduction WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
Efforts to increase rainwater harvesting, increase greywater use and decrease in WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
demand on local water aquifers may support SSc6.1, SSc6.2, WEc1, WEc2, WEc3
WEp1 WEc3: Water Use Reduction
and WEc4
Additional energy use may be needed for certain reuse strategies requiring EAp1,
WEc4: Process Water Use Reduction (Schools)
EAc3 and EAc5 EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
SSc5.1: Site Development - Protect or Restore

Water Efficient Landscaping SSc5.2: Site Development - Maximize Open Space
Using native or adaptive vegetation can assist with SSc5.1, SSc5.2 and SSc7.2 SSc6.1: Stormwater Design - Quantity Control
Rainwater capturing can help managing stormwater runoff, SSc6.1 and SSc6.2 SSc6.2: Stormwater Design - Quality Control
WEc1
Landscaping can mitigate climate conditions and reduce building energy SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect - Nonroof
consumption by shading hardscapes and south facing windows and aiding SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof
passive solar design, contributing to SSc7.1, EAp2 and EAc1 EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance

Innovative Wastewater Technologies WEp1: Water Use Reduction
Efforts to increase rainwater harvesting, increase greywater use and decrease in WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
demand on local water aquifers may support SSc6.1, SSc6.2, WEp1, WEc1, WEc2,
WEc3 and WEc4
Additional energy use may be needed for certain reuse strategies requiring EAp1,
EAc3 and EAc5 EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems

Water Use Reduction WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
Efforts to increase rainwater harvesting, increase greywater use and decrease in WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
demand on local water aquifers may support SSc6.1, SSc6.2, WEc1, WEc2, WEc3
and WEc4
Additional energy use may be needed for certain reuse strategies possibly
requiring credits EAp1, EAc3 and EAc5 EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
Process Water Use Reduction
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
WEc4 Some water saving technologies affect energy performance and may require
commissioning and measurement/verification, EAp1 and EAc5

Credit Interactions
CREDIT INTERACTIONS
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA)
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
LEED encourages the commissioning of energy using systems in these credits: EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy
SSc8, WEc1, WEc2, WEc3, EAc1, EAc2, EAc5, IEQp1, IEQc1, IEQc2, IEQc5, IEQc6 EAc5: Measurement and Verification
EAp1
and IEQc7 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
EAp1 establishes the minimum threshold for commissioning that is used for IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
enhanced commissioning, EAc3 IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
Minimum Energy Performance
LEED for NC, Schools and CS address building energy efficiency in 2 places:EAp2 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
and EAc1 SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof
Energy consumption can be reduced by ensuring the project exceeds building SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
code requirements for the envelope, lighting and HVAC systems, EAc1, using EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy
climatically appropriate roofing materials, SSc7.2, and optimizing exterior EAc6: Green Power
lighting, SSc8 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
EAp2 Energy use can be mitigated by using renewable energy, EAc3 and EAc6 IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Building energy performance and indoor environmental issues such as IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
increased ventilation, occupant controllability and the amount of daylight must IEQc6: Controllability of Systems
be carefully coordinated. Increased ventilation may require additional energy IEQc7: Thermal Comfort
use, which in turn can cause air and water pollution. The additional need for IEQc8: Daylight and Views
energy may be mitigated by considering these strategies: IEQp1, IEQc1, IEQc2, WEc3: Water Use Reduction
IEQc6, IEQc7 and IEQc8 WEc4: Process Water Use Reduction (Schools)
Because water use, especially domestic hot water, requires significant energy
use, water use reductions can lead to energy savings, WEc3 and WEc4
Fundamental Refrigerant Management
EAp3 establishes minimum thresholds for refrigerant selection while greater
EAp3 EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
environmental benefits can be achieved by using environmentally preferable or
no refrigerants, EAc4
Optimize Energy Performance

LEED for NC, Schools and CS address building energy efficiency in 2 places:EAp2 EAp2: Minimize Energy Performance
and EAc1 SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof
Energy consumption can be reduced by ensuring the project exceeds building SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
code requirements for the envelope, lighting and HVAC systems, EAc1using EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy
climatically appropriate roofing materials, SSc7.2, and optimizing exterior EAc6: Green Power
lighting, SSc8 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
Energy use can be mitigated by using renewable energy, EAc3 and EAc6 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
EAc1
Building energy performance and indoor environmental issues such as IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
increased ventilation, occupant controllability and the amount of daylight must IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
be carefully coordinated. Increased ventilation may require additional energy IEQc6: Controllability of Systems
use, which in turn can cause air and water pollution. The additional need for IEQc7: Thermal Comfort
energy may be mitigated by considering these strategies: IEQp1, IEQc1, IEQc2, IEQc8: Daylight and Views
IEQc6, IEQc7 and IEQc8 WEc3: Water Use Reduction
Because water use, especially domestic hot water, requires significant energy WEc4: Process Water Use Reduction (LEED for Schools only)
use, water use reductions can lead to energy savings, WEc3 and WEc4
On-Site Renewable Energy

The installation of renewable energy equipment usually has only a small effect
on the achievement of other credits but does require commissioning, EAp1, and
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
measurement and verification, EAc5
EAc2 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
The achievement of on-site renewable energy, EAc2, is a percentage of the
building's energy use and tied to the building's energy performance, EAp2 and
EAc6: Green Power
EAc1
EAc2 reduces the amount of green power needed, EAc6

Chapter 14 | 245
Credit Interactions
CREDIT INTERACTIONS
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA)

WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Enhanced Commissioning EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy
LEED encourages the commissioning of energy using systems in these credits: EAc5: Measurement and Verification
EAc3 SSc8, WEc1, WEc2, WEc3, EAc1, EAc2, EAc5, IEQp1, IEQc1, IEQc2, IEQc5, IEQc6 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
and IEQc7 IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
EAc3 goes beyond the minimum threshold established by EAp1 IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy
Systems
Enhanced Refrigerant Management

EAc4 encourages the use of no refrigerants or environmentally preferable EAp3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
refrigerants and goes beyond the baseline prerequisite EAp3 Since building EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
EAc4 cooling equipment consumes a large part of the energy use, HVAC&R equipment EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
plays a significant role in the building's energy performance, EAp2 & EAc1 IEQc7.1: (CS IEQc7): Thermal Comfort - Design
Systems addressed by EAc4 can help meet the thermal comfort needs of the IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort - Verification
building occupants, IEQc7, IEQc7.1 and IEQc7.2
Measurement and Verification EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance

Implementation of a measurement & verification (M&V) plan can contribute to
realizing optimal energy performance, EAp2 & EAc1
EAc2: On-site Renewable Energy
EAc5 On-site renewable energy generation systems are considered within an M&V
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy
plan
Systems
Commissioning uses measurement devices and often tracks building
performance and can serve as a basis for a M&V plan, EAp1 & EAc3
EAc5.1 Measurement and Verification - Base Building refer EAc5

EAc5.2 Measurement and Verification - Tenant Submetering refer EAc5
Green Power
Replacing conventional energy sources with renewable energy sources works
synergistically with efforts to reduce energy costs, EAc1
EAc6 EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building Energy
Replacing roofing materials with roof mounted renewable energy sources
Systems
reduces heat island effect, SSc7.2
Renewable energy sources should be commissioned, EAp1 & EAc3

Credit Interactions
CREDIT INTERACTIONS
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR)
Storage and Collection of Recyclables
IDc1: Innovation in Design
MRp1 Projects can seek ID credit for educational outreach
SSc9: Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines
CS projects should address recycling within tenant guidelines, SSc9
Building Reuse - Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof

Develop a comprehensive reuse management plan on an adaptive reuse project MRc2: Construction Waste Management
MRc1.1
If reuse is not enough to meet the requirements of MRc1, these materials may be MRc3: Materials Reuse
applied to MRc2 or MRc3, but not both
MRc1 Building Reuse - Maintain Existing Walls, Floors and Roof refer MRc1.1
MRc1.2 Building Reuse - Maintain Interior - Nonstructural Elements refer MRc1.1
Construction Waste Management
Projects that reuse existing buildings but do not meet the threshold
requirements for MRc1 may apply the reused portions toward achievement of MRc1: Building Reuse
MRc2
MRc2 SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
If the building is found to contain contaminated substances, these materials
should be remediated per EPA, SSc3
Materials Reuse
Develop a comprehensive reuse management plan to evaluate materials MRc1: Building Reuse
meeting the requirements for MRc1 & MRc2 MRc2: Construction Waste Management
MRc3 Remanufactured materials are not considered a reuse of the material but can MRc4: Recycled Materials
contribute toward MRc2 & MRc4 MRc5: Regional Materials
The project material costs used for MRc3 must be consistent with those costs MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
used in MRc4, MRc5 & MRc6
Recycled Content
Coordinate recycled procurement with a waste management plan to make use MRc2: Construction Waste Management
of salvaged deconstruction and demolition waste, MRc2 & MRc3 MRc3: Materials Reuse
Purchasing new recycled content materials using local waste products that are
MRc4 MRc5: Regional Materials
remanufactured locally can take advantage of synergies with MRc5
The project material costs used for MRc4 must be consistent with those costs
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
used in MRc3, MRc5 & MRc6 IEQc4: Low-Emitting Materials
Recycled content materials may contain high VOCs, IEQc4
Regional Materials
The project material costs used for MRc5 must be consistent with those costs MRc3: Materials Reuse
MRc5 used in MRc3, MRc4 & MRc6 MRc4: Recycled Materials
Using regional materials may affect the levels of achievement of MRc3, MRc4 & MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials
MRc5

The project material costs used for MRc65 must be consistent with those costs MRc3: Materials Reuse
used in MRc3, MRc4 & MRc5 MRc4: Recycled Materials
MRc6
Using rapidly renewable materials may affect the levels of achievement of MRc3, MRc5: Regional Materials
MRc4 & MRc5 IEQc4: Low-Emitting Materials
Rapidly renewable materials may contain high VOCs, IEQc4
Certified Wood MRc5: Regional Materials

MRc7 Certified wood (FSC) may be sourced locally, MRc5 IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting Materials - Composite Wood and
Mixed certified wood products may contain urea-formaldehyde, IEQc4.4 Agrifiber
MRc6 Certified Wood refer MRc7

Chapter 14 | 247
Credit Interactions
CREDIT INTERACTIONS
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Commissioning and measurement & verification can improve IAQ while EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
minimizing energy efficiency losses, EAp1, EAc3 & EAc5 EAc5: Measurement and Verification
Specify materials and furnishings that do not release VOCs, IEQc4 IEQc4: Low Emitting Materials
IEQp1
Occupant activities such as chemical handling and smoking can affect indoor IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollution Source Control
air quality, IEQc5 & IEQp2 IEQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control
Dense neighborhoods and heavy traffic can affect ventilation, SSc4, where sites SSc4: Alternative Transportation
could be contaminated, SSc3
SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
Using separate ventilation systems to isolate smoking requires additional EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
energy, commissioning and measurement & verification, EAp1, EAc1, EAc3 and EAc5: Measurement and Verification
EAc5
IEQp2 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Indoor and outdoor smoking affects the IAQ performance and is related to
IEQp1, IEQc1 & IEQc2
IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Project should address smoking related contaminants in conjunction with other IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
sources of air pollutants, IEQc4 & IEQc5 IEQc4: Low Emitting Materials
Minimum Acoustical Performance
IEQp3 IEQc9: Enhanced Acoustical Performance
Additional strategies to achieve effective acoustical performance, IEQc9
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring IEQc2: Increased Ventilation

Monitoring airflow can alert building operators of potential IAQ problems that EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
requires increased ventilation, IEQc2 and help the commissioning process and
IEQc1 EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
enable measurement & verification, EAp1, EAc3 & EAc5
Dense neighborhoods, heavy traffic and site contamination can raise CO2 levels
where alternative transportation methods can help alleviate, SSc4 SSc4: Alternative Transportation
Increased Ventilation EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems

Ventilation strategies influence energy performance and requires EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
commissioning as well as measurement & verification, EAp1, EAc3 & EAc5 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
IEQc2
Increased mechanical ventilation increase energy consumption and affect EAp2 EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
& EAc1 Installing ventilation monitoring can facilitate the achievement and EAc5: Measurement and Verification
maintenance of increased ventilation, IEQc1 IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
During Construction IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - Before Occupancy
IEQc3.1 Construction activities can affect a building after occupancy. Reduce levels of IEQc4: Low Emitting Materials
indoor contaminants by implementing a construction IAQ management plan,
IEQc3.2, selecting low emitting finish materials and furnishings, IEQc4, and
isolating indoor pollutant sources, IEQc5

During Construction IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction
IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - Before Occupancy
IEQc3 CS projects are eligible for exemplary performance under ID when an indoor IAQ
management plan is enforced for 100% of the tenants IEQc4: Low Emitting Materials
There are a number of credit synergies between CS and CI offered as incentives IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control
for CS projects to pursue CI certification

Before Occupancy
Comprehensive IAQ management plans consists of best practices both during IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction
construction and after construction prior to occupancy, IEQc3.1 IEQc4: Low Emitting Materials
IEQc3.2 Materials specified and installed within the external moisture barrier, as well as IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control
filtration, can affect air quality and influence the results for air quality testing, IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
IEQc4 & IEQc5 IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
Dilution of indoor air contaminants can be achieved by introducing outdoor air,
IEQp1 & IEQc2

Credit Interactions
CREDIT INTERACTIONS
IEQc4.2: Low Emitting Materials - Paints and Coatings
IEQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems
Low Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants IEQc4.4: Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Agrifiber
The credit intent is to reduce odorous, irritating or harmful indoor air IEQc4.5: Low Emitting Materials - Furniture & Furnishings
contaminants, IEQc4.2, IEQc4.3, IEQc4.4, IEQc4.5 & IEQc4.6 (Schools)
Indoor environmental quality also includes occupant's auditory comfort and IEQc4.6: Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems
IEQc4.1 well being, IEQp3 & IEQc9 (Schools)
Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance (Schools)
the contractor orientation training, IEQc3.1 & IEQc3.2 IEQc9: Enhanced Acoustical Performance (Schools)
Indoor air quality is affected by sources generated within the building IEQp2 & IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction
IEQc5 IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - Before Occupancy
IEQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control
IEQc4.1: Low Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants

IEQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems
Low Emitting Materials - Paints and Coatings IEQc4.4: Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Agrifiber
IEQc4.2 Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of IEQc4.6: Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems
the contractor orientation training, IEQc3.1 & IEQc3.2 (Schools)

Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems IEQc4.4: Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Agrifiber
IEQc4.3 Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of IEQc4.6: Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems
the contractor orientation training, IEQc3.1 & IEQc3.2 (Schools)
IEQc4.1: Low Emitting Materials - Sealants and Adhesives

Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood and Agrifiber IEQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems
Products IEQc4.5: Low Emitting Materials - Furniture & Furnishings
The credit intent is to reduce odorous, irritating or harmful indoor air (Schools)
contaminants, IEQc4.1, IEQc4.2, IEQc4.3, IEQc4.5 & IEQc4.6 IEQc4.6: Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems
IEQc4.4 Indoor environmental quality also includes occupant's auditory comfort and (Schools)
well being, IEQp3 & IEQc9
IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance (Schools)
Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of
IEQc9: Enhanced Acoustical Performance (Schools)
the contractor orientation training, IEQc3.1 & IEQc3.2

Chapter 14 | 249
Credit
CREDITInteractions
INTERACTIONS

Low Emitting Materials - Furniture and Furnishings IEQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems
The credit intent is to reduce odorous, irritating or harmful indoor air IEQc4.4: Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Agrifiber
contaminants, IEQc4.1, IEQc4.2, IEQc4.3, IEQc4.4 & IEQc4.6
IEQc4.6: Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems
IEQc4.5 Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of
(Schools)
Indoor air quality is affected by sources generated within the building IEQp2 &
IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction
IEQc4.1: Low Emitting Materials - Sealants and Adhesives

Low Emitting Materials - Ceiling and Wall Systems IEQc4.3: Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems
The credit intent is to reduce odorous, irritating or harmful indoor air IEQc4.4: Low Emitting Materials - Composite Wood & Agrifiber
contaminants, IEQc4.1, IEQc4.2, IEQc4.3, IEQc4.4 & IEQc4.5 IEQc4.5: Low Emitting Materials - Furniture & Furnishings
Indoor environmental quality also includes occupant's auditory comfort and (Schools)
IEQc4.6 well being, IEQp3 & IEQc9
IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance (Schools)
Scheduling strategies and the use and tracking of building materials are part of
IEQc9: Enhanced Acoustical Performance (Schools)
IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction

Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - Before Occupancy
Filtration media can remove contaminants from the air during construction and EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
during operation, IEQc3.1 & IEQc3.2
IEQc5 Exhausting air can require additional fan energy and require commissioning,
EAp1: Fund. Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems
EAc1 & EAp2, EAp1 & EAc3
Filtration systems must be capable of accommodating the filtration media, EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
IEQp1 & IEQc1 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Delivery Monitoring
IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Controllability of Systems - Lighting IEQc8: Daylight and Views

Lighting systems are affected by window placement, glazing selection for IEQc6.2: Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort
daylight and views, IEQc8, and zoning strategies employed for thermal comfort EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
IEQc6.1
controllability,IEQc6.2 EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
Lighting systems affect energy performance, EAp2 & EAc1and are required to be EAp1: Fund. Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems
commissioned, EAp1 and EAc3 EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
EAp1: Fund. Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems

Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort
IEQc6.2 The intent of this credit is to enable individuals and groups in multioccupant
Eac5: Measurement and Verification
spaces to control their thermal comfort, systems and maintenance
IEQc6.1: Controllability of Systems - Lighting (NC & Schools)
IEQc8: Daylight and Views
IEQc6 Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort refer IEQc6.2

Credit
CREDITInteractions
INTERACTIONS
Thermal Comfort - Design EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance
Thermal comfort is affected by environmental conditions (air temperature, EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
radiant temperature, relative humidity and air speed), personal factors EAc5: Measurement and Verification
(metabolic rate and clothing) and personal preferences. Thermal comfort can be EAp1: Fund. Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems
controlled by active (HVAC) and passive (natural ventilation. Using both active
IEQc7.1 EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
and passive systems, the building's energy consumption can be reduced as well
as optimizing comfort levels, EAp2, EAc1, EAc5
IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Thermal comfort systems should be commissioned, EAp1 & EAc3 IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
Addressing and maintaining thermal comfort are also covered by IEQp1, IEQc2, IEQc6.2: Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort
IEQc6.2 & IEQc7.2 IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort - Verification
IEQc7 Thermal Comfort - Design refer IEQc7.1
Thermal Comfort - Verification EAc5: Measurement and Verification
Thermal comfort is affected by environmental conditions (air temperature, EAp1: Fund. Commissioning of the Building Energy Systems
radiant temperature, relative humidity and air speed), personal factors EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning
(metabolic rate and clothing) and personal preferences. Thermal comfort
IEQc7.2 IEQp1: Minimum Indoor Air Delivery Monitoring
systems should be measured & verified, EAc5, monitored, IEQp1, and
commissioned, EAp1 & EAc3
IEQc2: Increased Ventilation
Achieving thermal comfort by ventilation, IEQc2, and controlling, IEQc6.2 per IEQc6.2: Controllability of Systems - Thermal Comfort
system design parameters, IEQc7.1 IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort - Design
Daylight and Views - Daylight IEQc8.2: Daylight and Views - Views

Increasing the area of vision glazing can increase access to views from the
IEQc8.1 building, IEQc8.2
Increased window-to-wall ration can alter energy performance, EAc1 & EAp2
Daylighting controls can maximize energy savings, IEQc6.1 IEQc6.1: Controllability of Systems - Lighting
Daylight and Views - Views IEQc8.1: Daylight and Views - Daylight

Increasing the area of vision glazing can increase access to views from the
IEQc8.2 building, IEQc8.1
Increased window-to-wall ration can alter energy performance, EAc1 & EAp2
Daylighting controls can maximize energy savings, IEQc6.1 IEQc6.1: Controllability of Systems - Lighting
Enhanced Acoustical Performance

IEQc9 This credit is directly related to strategies and measures to achieve effective IEQp3: Minimum Acoustical Performance (Schools)
acoustical performance, IEQp3
Mold Prevention IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Mgt Plan - During Construction

IEQc10 Abating mold through preventative design and construction measures is treated IEQc7.1: Thermal Comfort - Design
in IEQc3.1, IEQc7.1 & IEQc7.2 IEQc7.2: Thermal Comfort - Verification

IDc1.1 Innovation in Design
IDc2 LEED Accredited Professional
IDc3 The School as a Teaching Tool

RPc1.1 Regional Priority

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Green Associate Study Guide

A Study Resource for

ii | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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Green Associate Study Guide

Green Associate Study Guide

Green Associate Study Guide

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Green Associate Study Guide

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Green Associate Study Guide

Green Associate Study Guide

2 | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Greg Raffio, LEED AP, is with Heapy Engineering

4 | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

LEED Green Associate Study Guide

6 | Chapter 1 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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U.S. Green Building Council

LEED Green Associate Study Guide

22 | Chapter 3 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Certification Process: Detailed

34 | Chapter 3 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Aerial Vicinity Locator

Birdseye View (looking south)

44 | Chapter 3 LEED Green Associate Study Guide

LEED Green Associate Study Guide

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CHAPTER | 12 160

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