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Sustainable Sites (SS)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
SS
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ SS P1
Construction Activity Pollution
Prevention (NC, CS, and Schools)
Reduce pollution on construction
sites by controlling
- soil erosion,
- waterway sedimentation, and
- airborne dust generation.
1. Prepare Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan complying with the requirements of
2003 EPA Construction General Permit or local codes, whichever is more stringent.
2. State measures how you have controlled soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and air
pollution from dust.
3. Control on-site sedimentation and erosion by- (1) Stabilization- mulching, temporary or
permanent seeding (2) Structural- earth dikes, silt fencing, sediment trap, or sediment basin.
2003 EPA Construction General
Permit
1. Preventing erosion and
sedimentation will help achieve SS
C5.1, SS C 5.2.
2. Low impact site development will
help achieve SS C 6.1, SS C 6.2.
1. Drawings and/or written plan and responsible parties to
document erosion and sedimentation control measures
adopted on site.
2. During site work, document implementation with dated
photos, inspection logs/ reports, details of corrective action in
case problems were identified.
None Local codes may be followed only if
more stringent than 2003 EPA.
XXXX √√√√ X SS P2
Environmental Site Assessment
Ensure site is assessed for
environmental contamination. Any
environmental contamination
identified should be remediated to
protect health of children.
1. Conduct Phase I Environmental Assessment per ASTM E1527-05.
2. If contamination is suspected in Phase I, then conduct Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment per ASTM E1903-97,2002.
3. Former landfill sites cannot be remediated and should not be selected for schools.
4. Remediation must occur to meet local, state, or federal EPA residential use standards,
whichever are more stringent.
5. Provide 'Ready to Use' document from the authority.
6. Common remediation strategies include- pump-and-treat activities, bioreactors, land
farming, and in situ methods.
1. ASTM E1527-05
2. ASTM E 1903-97, 2002
Projects that have conducted both
Phase I and II Environmental Sites
Assessments, and also remediated
any suspected contamination are
also elligible for SS C3.
1. Copies of ASTM Site Assessment reports.
2. List remediation methods adopted for any contamination
suspected.
3. Documentation from local, state, or federal EPA region
authority stating remediation completed to meet standards for
residential (unrestricted) use.
None Local or regional codes may be more
stringent than EPA standards and
must be followed.
1 1 1 SS C1
Site Selection
1. Avoid development on
inappropriate sites.
2. Reduce environmental impact.
Do not select previously undeveloped sites that are :
1. Farmland
2. Habitat of threatened or endangered species.
3. Land with elevation lower than 5 feet of 100 year flood.
4. Within 100 feet of wetlands.
5. Within 50 feet of water body.
6. Public parkland, unless land of equal or higher value is traded by landowner.
1. United States Deptt. of Agriculture
(USDA)
2. Endangered Species List
3. Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA)
4. United States Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR)
. Previously developed sites may
already have access to public
transport system and other
community services. This will help
achieve SS C2, and SS C 4.1.
2. Previosuly developed site, if
contaminated, offeres itself for
remediation. This may help to
achieve SS C3.
3. Protecting natural habitat and
designing smaller building footprint
helps achieve SS C5.1, SS C5.2, SS
C6.1, and SS C6.2.
1. Refer to LEED Online for all required documents.
2. Document any special circumstances regarding compliance
with the site selection criteria.
None None
5 4 5 SS C2
Development Density and
Community Connectivity
1. Channel development to urban
areas.
2. Protect greenfields, habitat, and
natural resources.
Option 1: Development Density
- Is a previously developed site, in a
- Community with minimum density of 60,00 sft per acre net.
For schools, physical education areas (playfields, concession stands, etc) are excluded from
density calculations.
Option 2: Community Connectivity
- Is a previously developed site,
- Within 1/2 mile of residential area with average density of 10 units per acre
- Within 1/2 mile of 10 basic services of which 8 must be existing and others should become
operational within 1 year.
For NC and CS, proximity is determined by drawing 1/2 mile radius around main entrance of
the building.
For schools, proximity is determined by drawimg 1/2 mile radius around any entrance.
None 1. Focusing development in urban
areas or previously developed sites
helps achieve SS C1.
2. Previously developed sites may
have access to existing public
transport system which helps achieve
SS C4.1.
. For development density, prepare site vicinity plan
highlighting development density, along with areas of project
site and buildings.
2. For community connectivity, prepare site vicinity plan
highlinghting 1/2 mile radius showing location of available
services and the residential areas.
1. Meet requirements of Option 1
and,
2. Achieve double average density
within the calculated area, OR
Achieve average density of 120,000
square feet per acre in twice the area
required for the base credit.
None
1 1 1 SS C3
Brownfield Redevelopment
Rehabilitate damaged sites. 1. NC AND CS- Develop on site declared contaminated by ASTM E1903-97, Phase II or local
program, OR develop on site declared brownfield by local, state, or federal government
agency.
2. Schools- This point can be achieved only via SS Prerequisite 2.
1. US EPA, Definition of Brownfields
2. ASTM E1903-97 Phase II
Environmental Site Assessment
Brownfield redevelopment will help
qualify for SSC1.
1. NC, CS- Document types of contamination and remdiation
methods adopted on site.
2. Schools- Keep on records the executive summary from
ASTM site assessment.
None Initial screening, or remediation
methods may vary with region.
6 4 6 SS C4.1
Alternative Transportation- Public
Transportation Access
Reduce pollution and land
development impact from automobile
use.
1. NC,CS, AND School- Locate main building entrance within
- 1/2 mile of existing or proposed rail station. OR
- 1/4 mile of at least one bus stop with at least two bus lines. For schools, school bus sustem
can be included.
2. Schools- Locate the school such that 80% of students live within
- 3/4 mile for grades 8 and lower.
- 1 1/2 mile for grades 9 and higher.
- pedestrian access between residential areas and school.
- For all of the above stated options, provide dedicated barried free walking or biking lanes in
atleast 2 or more directions, linking the school building and public transit lines.
None Proximity to existing public transport
system is more likely to happen in
previoulsy developed, and dense
areas. This will help achieve credits
SS C1, and SS C2.
1. List local rail, or bus stops near the project site.
2. Prepare Site Plan, and mark the walking distance between
the main building entrance and the rail or bus stops.
3. If there is a proposed rail station near the project site, file
documentation on funding of the rail project.
4. For schools trying to achieve pedestrian access credit,
document the walking radius of 3/4 mile for grades K-8 and 1
1/2 mile for grades 9 or higher on the attendance boundary
map.
5. For schools, also document dedicated walking and biking
tracks in at least two directions between the school building
and property line.
1. Generate a comprehensive
transportation management plan
demonstrating a quantifiable
reduction in personal automobile use.
2. Double the transit ridership by
increasing the frequency of service to
at least 200 rides per day and by
locating the main building entrance
withing
- 1/2 mile of 2 rail stations
- 1/4 mile of 2 bus stops with at least
4 bus lines.
None
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 2 SS C4.2
Alternative Transportation- Bicycle
Storage and Changing Rooms
Reduce pollution and land
development impact from automobile
use.
1. NC
- Commercial: Within 200 yards of the building entrance provide bicycle racks for 5% of all
peak time building users, and showers for 0.5% of FTE.
- Residential: Provide covered bicycle racks for 15% of residents.
2. CS
- Commercial buildings with area <300,000 sft: Within 200 yards of the building entrance
provide bicycle racks for 3% of average building users for the year, and showers for 0.5% of
FTE.
- Commercial buildings with area >300,000 sft: Provide bicycle racks for additional 0.5% of
occupants in the area over 300,000 sft, and provide showers for 0.5% of FTE.
- Residential: Provide covered bicycle racks for 15% of residents of residential buildings or
residential portion of the mixed use buildings.
3. Schools
- Within 200 yards of the building entrance provide bicycle racks for 5% of staff and students
above grade 3, and showers for 0.5% of FTE staff.
None Paving material selected for bicycle
lanes or racks can impact heat island
and stormwater properties of the site,
this impacting credits SS C6, and SS
C7.1.
1. Calculate number of occupants of each type and determine
bicycle storage and showers required for the project.
2. On site plan, show the location of the bicycle storage and
showers from the building entrance.
Generate a comprehensive
transportation management plan
demonstrating a quantifiable
reduction in personal automobile use.
Projects in areas with poor air quality
should promote bicycle use, to
reduce automobile use which is
primary cause of air quality problems.
3 2 3 SS C4.3
Alternative Transportation- Low
Emitting and Fuel Efficient
Vehicles
Reduce pollution and land
development impact from automobile
use.
1. NC
- Provide preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles for 5% of total parking.
OR
- Install alternative fuel fuelling station for 3% of total parking. OR
- Provide low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles for 3% FTE. OR
- Provide low emitting and fuel efficient vehicle sharing program.
2. CS
- Provide preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles for 5% of total parking.
OR
- Install alternative fuel fuelling station for 3% of total parking.
3. Schools
- Provide preferred parking for low emitting and fuel efficient vehicles for 5% of total parking,
AND atleast one designated carpool drop off for low emitting and efficient vehicles. OR
- Develop a plan for buses and maintenance vehicles to use 20% (by vehicles, fuel or both)
natural gas, propane, biodisel or be a low emitting and fuel efficient vehicle.
None Projects that provide preferred
parking without increasing the overall
parking capacity will qualify for SS
C4.4.
1. Option 1
- Record number of on-site parking spaces, identify preferred
spaces for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles.
- Document the discount prgrams for discounted parking, and
show how occupants were informed.
2. Option 2 (NC &CS)
- Record information on number of fueling stations provided,
type of fuel, manufacturer, model number, and fueling
capacity.
3. Option 3 (NC)
- Calculate FTE value, and the number of qualifying vehicles
that must be provided.
- Record information on purchased vehicles, fuel type, make,
and model.
- Show preferred parking spaces on the site plan.
4. Option 4
- Record information on low-emitting and fuel efficient shared
vehicles along with the quanity, make, model, and fuel type.
- Keep copy of the contract with the vehicle sharing program.
- Assemble information about vehicle sharing program,
including estimates of number of customers served per
vehicle.
- Show pedestrian pathway from patrking to project site on the
site plan.
5. Option 5 (Schools)
- Show with calculations the percentage of vehicles or fuel
consumption that meets the requirements.
- Show information on alternative fuel and/or low-emitting or
high efficiency vehicle program.
Generate a comprehensive
transportation management plan
demonstrating a quantifiable
reduction in personal automobile use.
Projects in areas with poor air quality
should promote bicycle use, to
reduce automobile use which is
primary cause of air quality problems.
2 2 2 SS C4.4
Alternative Transportation-
Parking Capacity
Reduce pollution and land
development impact from automobile
use.
1. NC AND CS Non Residential Projects
Option 1: Provide 5% of total parking for carpools and the parking capacity must not increase
the local zoning requirements.
Option 2: For parking capacity less than 5% (NC) or 3% (CS) of FTE, provide preferred or
discounted parking for carpools for 5% (NC) or 3% (CS) of total parking spaces.
- Option 3: Do not provide any new parking.
2. NC AND CS Residential Projects
Option 1: Parking capacity to meet but not exceed local zoning. Provide infrastructure for
shared riding.
Option 2: Do not provide any new parking.
3. NC AND CS Mixed Use Projects
Option 1: Mixed use projects with commercial area less than 10% must be considered as
residential. Provide requirements in Case 2. Mixed use projects with commercial area greater
than 10% must be considered as Non Residential Project. Provide requirements in Case 1.
Option 2: Do not provide any new parking.
4. Schools
Option 1: Provide 5% of total parking for carpools and the parking capacity must not increase
the local zoning requirements.
Option 2: Do not provide any new parking.
Option 3: When there is no minimum local zoning requirement, provide 25% fewer parking
spots than listed in Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Study,
2003.
Institute of Transportation Engineers
(ITE) Parking Generation Study,
2003.
1. Minimizing parking on site offers
and opportunity to protect natural
habitat and enhance open space
thus contributing to SS C5.1, and SS
C 5.2.
2. Minimizing parking on site will help
reduce stormwater run off thus
contributing to credit SS C 6.
3. Minimizing parking on site will help
reduce heat island effect thus
contributing to credit SS C7.1: Non
Roof.
Based on the project type, provide information about zoning
requirements, parking capacity, number of preferred parking
spots, FTE, and shared riding infrastructure facilities.
Generate a comprehensive
transportation management plan
demonstrating a quantifiable
reduction in personal automobile use.
None
1 1 1 SS C5.1
Site Development - Protect or
Restore Habitat
Conserve existing natural areas and
restore damaged areas.
1. Greenfeid Sites: Limit all site disturbances to 40' beyond building perimieter, 25' beyond
constructed areas with permeable surfaces, 15' beyond curbs and main utility branch
trenches, and 10' beyond parking, walkways and utilities less than 12" in diameter.
2. Previously Developed Sites: Restore 50% of site (excluding building footprint) or 20% of
total site area (including building foorprint), whichever is greater, with native or adapted
vegetation. Projects earning SS C2 may include vegetated roofs if the plants are native or
adapted.
None 1. Protecting habitat provides open
space which helps in reducing
stornwater runoff and heat island
effect. This contributes to credits SS
C5.2, SS C 6.1, SS C 6.2, SS C 7.1,
and SS C 7.2.
2. Using native and adapted
vegetation on site helps achieve WE
C1.
1. For Greenfield sites, show the disturbance boundaries on
the site plan.
2. For previously developed sites, show protected or restored
site areas. Also list the native or adapted plant species used.
1. Restore or protect 75% if site
(excluding building foorprint) or 30%
of total site area (including building
footprint), whichver is greater, with
native or adapted vegetation.
Native and adapted vegetation may
vary with regional climate.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 1 SS C5.2
Site Development - Maximize Open
Space
Provide a high ratio of open space to
development footprint.
1. Sites with Local Zoning Open Space Requirements: Reduce the development footprint,
AND/OR provide 25% more vegetated open space than that required by local zoning.
2. Sites with No Local Zoning Requirements (like university, military base): Provide
vegetated open space area equal to building footprint.
3. Sites with Zoning but No Open Space Requirements: Provide vegetated open space
equal to 20% of site area.
4. All:
- For projects that have earned SS C2, vegetated roofs may be counted as open space.
- For projects that earn SS C2, pedestrian hardcape surfaces can be counted if 25% of the
open space counted is vegetated.
- Wetlands or natural ponds may be counted as open space if the slopes are vegetated and
average gradient is 1:4.
None 1. Providing vegetated open space
helps reduce stormwater runoff and
increases on site infiltration, thus
helping to achieve SS C6.1, and SS
C6.2.
2. Vegtated open space and roofs
helps reduce heat island effect, thus
helping to achieve SS C7.1, and SS
C7.2.
1. Highlight qualifying open spaces on the site plan.
2. Verify that the qualifying open space meets or exceeds the
area requirements to achieve the credit
Double the open space area that that
required to meet the credit.
None
1 1 1 SS C6.1
Stormwater Design - Quantity
Control
Limit disruption of natural hydrology. 1. Sites with Existing Imperviousness 50% or Less: Device a stormwater management
plan that prevents post-development peak discharge rate and quantity from exceeding pre-
development peak discharge rate and quantity for 1- and 2- year 24 hour design storm. OR
device a stormwater management plan that protects stream cannels from erosion and aids in
quantity control.
2. Sites with Existing Imperviousness Greater Than 50%: Device a stormwater
management plan that results in 25% decrease in stormwater runoff from the 2- year 24 hour
design storm.
None 1. Reduction in rate and quantity of
stormwater runoff will result in
increased on-site infiltration,
reduscing stormwater treatment
needs. This aids to achieve credit SS
C6.2.
2. Reduction in impervious areas on
site will also help meet the
requirements of credits SS C5.1, SS
C 5.2.
3. Pervious surfaces, open space
vegetation, vegetated roofs will also
help meet the requirements of credits
SS C7.1, SS C7.2.
4. Reducing stormwater runoff by
rainwater harvesting and its reuse
inside the building for nonpotable
applications or for landscape
irrigation will help meet the
requirements of credits WE C1, and
WE C3.
1. Determine pre- and post-development rate and quantity for
the required storm events.
2. Prepare stormwater plan assessment. The assessment can
be completed during the design phase by a civil engineer.
3. List stormwater management strategies and the amount of
rainfall each has been designed to handle.
Document a comprehensive
approach to capture and treat
stormwater runoff which will exceed
the credit requirements.
Strategies to achieve this credit will
vary significantly for different regions
and climate zones.
1 1 1 SS C6.2
Stormwater Design - Quality
Control
Limit disruption of natural hydrology
by managing storwater runoff.
1. Device a stormwater management plan that
- Reduces impervious cover,
- Promotes infiltration,
- Captures and treats the stormwater run off from 90% of average annual rainfall using Best
Management Prcatices (BMP). OR
2. There is infield performance monitoring data complying with Technology Acceptance
Reciprocity Partnerhsip (TARP), Washington State Department of Ecology for BMP
monitoring.
None 1. In an attempt to decrease
impervious surfaces this credit will
also help in meeting requirements of
credits SS C 5.1, SS C 5.2, SS C7.1,
SS C7.2.
2. In an attempt to use best
management practices to reduce
overall runoff by capturing and
treating stormwater may also help in
meeting requirements of credit SS
6.1.
3. In an attempt to use best
management practices to reduce
need for landscape irrigation by using
rain gardens, swales, and rain water
harvesting systems, may also help in
earning WE C1.
1. Generate a list of best management practices used to treat
stormwater.
2. Calculate percentage of annual rainfall treated by each
practice.
3. For structural controls, list and describe pollutant removal
performance of each measure.
Document a comprehensive
approach to capture and treat
stormwater runoff which will exceed
the credit requirements.
This credit depends on kind of
watershed where the project is
located, and the annual rainfall on the
site.
1 1 1 SS C7.1
Heat Island Effect - NonRoof
Reduce heat islands, i.e, thermal
gradient difference between
developed and undeveloped areas.
Option 1: Use a combination of following for 50% of the site hardscape:
- Shade from trees within 5 years of installation.
- Shade from structures covered by solar panels producing energy to offset nonrenewable
resource use.
- Shade from structures or devices with SRI of atleast 29.
- Hardscape material with SRI of atleast 29.
- Atleast 50% pervious open grid system.
Option 2: Place at least 50% of parking under cover which has SRI of atleast 29, or is
vegetated, or is covered by solar panels.
1. ASTM International Standards.
2. ASTM C1371-04A
3. ASTM E1918-97
4. ASTM C1549-04.
1. Locating parking structures
underground helps maximize open
space, thus contributing to credit SS
C5.2.
2. Pervious paving helps capture and
treat stormwater runoff, thus
contributing to credits SS C6.1, SS
C6.2.
3. Use of vegetation to shade
hardscape can help to achieve WE
C1.
1. For projects complying with option 1- highlight all non-roof
hardscape areas on the site plan. Clearly indicate areas that
count towards credit.
2. For projects complying with option 2- calculate total number
of spaces and area covered.
3. List compliant surfaces, e.g; SRI values, etc.
1. Provide 100% of non-roof
impervious surface with high albedo
or open grid paving or will be shaded
within 5 years. OR
2. 100% of on-site parking is
covered.
Heat Island instensities depend on
weather and climate, proximity to
water, and topography.
1 1 1 SS C7.2
Heat Island Effect - Roof
Reduce heat islands, i.e, thermal
gradient difference between
developed and undeveloped areas.
1. Option 1: 75% of roof surface should be
- SRI of 78 for low sloped roofs (≤2:12)
- SRI of 29 for steep sloped roofs (>2:12)
2. Option 2: 50% of the roof area is vegetated roof.
3. Option 3: Install a combination of high albedo roof and vegetated roof to meet the criteria:
AREA of roof meeting min. SRI/0.75 + Area of vegetated roof/0.5 ≥ Total Roof Area
ASTM International Standards. 1. Vegetated roofs are an aid in
capturing and treating stormwater. It
also provide habitat and open space.
Thus this credit relates to credits SS
C5.1, SS C5.2, SS C6.1, SS C6.2.
2. Vegetated roofs also affect the
quanity of rainwater that is available
for non-potable purposes. This
relates to credit WE C3.
3. High reflective roofing material and
vegetated roofs can reduce cooling
loads and help to earn EA C1.
1. Prepare roof plan that shows total roof area and the areas
of reflective materials or vegetated roof systems.
2. List roofing materials and their emittance percentages,
reflectance percentages, SRI values, and slopes.
Innovation in Design credit can be
earned if 100% of the project's roof
area (not including mechanical
equipment, solar panels, and
skylights) is vegetated roof.
Heat island intensities depend on an
area's weather and climate, proximity
to water, and topography.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 1 SS C8
Light Pollution Reduction- Roof
1. To minimize light tresspass from
building and site.
2. Reduce sky glow.
3. Improve night time visibility through
glare reduction.
4. Reduce development impact from
lighting on nocturnal environments.
A. Interior Lighting
Option 1: Reduce input power of all non-emergency luminaires with a direct line of sight to an
transluscent or transparent openings by at least 50% between 11pm and 5am.
Option 2: All transluscent or transparent openings in the building enevelope with direct line of
sight to any non- emergency luminaires must be shielded for a resultant transmittance of less
than 10% between 11pm and 5am.
B. Exterior Lighting
1. Lighting power densities must comply with ANSI/ ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard 90.1-2007.
2. Project should be classified under one of the zones as defined by IESNA RP-33, and follow
all the requirements of that zone. These zones are:
- LZ1: Dark. Developed areas within national parks, state parks, forest land, and rural areas.
- LZ2: Low. Residential zones, neighborhood business districts, light industrial with limited
night time use, and residential mized use areas.
- LZ3: Medium. All areas not included in LZ1, LZ2 or LZ4, such as commercial/ industrial, and
high density residential.
- LZ4: High. High activity commercial districts in major metropolitan areas.
Schools(Additional Requirement)
1. Sports Field Lighting: Physical education spaces do not need to comply with the lighting power density requirements of this credit as per ANSI/ ASHRARE/ IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 section 9.4.5, exception E.
2. Tresspass calculation: All tresspass calculations must be submitted for 2 conditions-
- with the sports lighting turned off and all other site lighting turned on.
- with just the sports lighting turned on.
ANSI/ ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard
90.1-2007, Energy Standard for
Buildings Except Low Rise
Residential Lighting, Section 9.
1. Any energy savings may contribute
to achieving EA C1.
2. Automatic controls to shut off
interior perimeter lighting may be
coordinated with occupant control
systems as rewarded under IEQ C
6.1.
A. Interior Lighting
1. Show automatic controls and sequence of operations for
interior lighting in drawings.
2. Show with drawings, assembly specifications or product
data, that shading devices block at least 90% of the light along
with the sequence of operations.
B. Exterior Lighting
1. Determine the zone classification for the site.
2. Describe the light tresspass analysis procedure conducted
to determine credit compliance.
3. Generate a photometric site plan of parking areas that
includes footcandle summary tsbles for light ratio.
For Schools:
Generate a photometric plan for lighting of sports fields,
showing adherence to allowable light limits, automatic controls.
and sequence of operations.
None None
X 1 X SS C9
Site Master Plan
To esnure that the environmental site
issues included in the initial
development of the site/ project are
continued through future
development as well.
Project must achieve at least 4 out of the following 7 credits using associated calculation
methods.
1. SS C1: Site Selction
2. SS C5.1: Site Development- Protect or Restore Habitat
3. SS C5.2: Site Developement- Maximize Open Space
4. SS C6.1: Stormwater Design- Quantity Control
5. SS C6.2: Stormwater Design- Quality Control
6. SS C7.1: Heat Island Effect- Nonroof
7. SS C8: Light Pollution Reduction
- Site plan must be developed in consultation with school board or other decision making
body.
- Previous sustainable site design measures should be considered in all stages of master
planning.
- The master plan footprint must include parking, paving, and utilities.
None 1. The most closely related credits
are 7 from sustainable sites: SS C1,
SS C5.1, SS C5.2, SS C6.1, SS
C6.2, SS C7.1, and SS C8.
2. Community partnerships may
result from pursuit of SS C10.
1. Describe the process by which a site's masterplan was
developed in consultation with school board or other decision
making body.
2. Retain copy of site's master plan and written verification of
its approval.
None None
X 1 X SS C10
Joint Use of Facilities
To make school an integral part of
the community by allowing non
school events and functions to be
held in its buildings and play fields.
Option 1:
1. Work with the school board or other decision making body to esnure that at least 3 of the
following school's spaces are accessible to general public- auditorium, gymnasium, cafetaria,
classrooms, play fields, and or parking.
2. Provide separate entry and make toilets available to joint use spaces.
Option 2:
1. Work with the school board or other decision making body to engage in a contract with the
community to have at least 2 dedicated use spaces in the building. Dedicated spaces may
include commercial office, health clinic, community service center, police offices, library,
parking lot, etc.
2. Provide separate entry and make toilets available to these spaces.
Option 3:
1. Work with the school district or other decision making body to esnure that at least 2 of the
following 6 spaces owned by other organisations/ agencies are made available to students:
auditoriums, gymnasium, cafetaria, classrooms, swimming pool, and playing field.
2. Provide direct pedestrian access from school to these spaces.
None Projects that accommodate joint use
of facilities may meet community
connectivity requirements because of
proximity of the school to services
within the neighborhood. This relates
to credit SS C2.
1. For schools with 3 shared public spaces, list the shared
spaces, show doors or security gates and accessible
restrooms on the drawings. Retain evidence used for
communication with public.
2. For schools with 2 dedicated-use spaces, list the shared
spaces, show doors or security gates, accessible restrooms
and pedestrian access to the community spaces on the
drawings. Retain evidence of joint use contract.
Project may earn Innovation in design
credit by meeting requirements of 2
of the 3 options listed above.
None
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved
Water Efficiency (WE)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
WE
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ WE P1
Water Use Reduction
Reduce burden on municipal water
supply and wastewater systems.
1. Reduce water use by 20% of baseline case (not including irrigation).
2. Do not account for commercial steam cookers, automatic commercial icemakers,
commercial and residential dishwashers, and commercial and residential clothes washers.
1. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992.
2. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
1. Efforts to increase rainwater
harvesting, graywater use, and
decrease demand on natural water
aquifers will contribute to credits SS
C6.1, SS C6.2, WE C1, WE C2, WE
C3, and WE C4 (schools).
2. Certain reuse methods may
require extra energy and
commissioning thus affecting credits
EA P1, EA C3, and EA C5.
1. List type and number of occupants.
2. Define usage groups if any.
3. List plumbing fixtures by usage group.
4. Record manufacturer's data showing water consumption,
and model of each fixture.
None Local building and health codes may
differ in use of alternative plumbing
fixtures like waterless urinals, dual
flush WCs, etc.
2 to 4 2 to 4 2 to 4 WE C1
Water Efficient Landscaping
To limit or eliminate the use of
potable water for landscape irrigation.
Option 1: Reduce potable water consumption by 50% from midsummer baseline case to earn
2 points. Reduction may be achieved by any combination of-
- Plant species factor, density, and microclimate
- Irrigation Efficiency
- Use of captured rainwater
- Use of recycled water
- Use of water treated by public agency especially for non potable uses
Option 2: No potable water use or irrigation to earn 4 points. Meet the requirements for option
1 and use only captured rainwater/ recycled graywater/ water treated by public agency for non
potable uses for irrigation, OR install native or adapted landscaping that would not require
irrigation after one year of installation.
None 1. Use of native and adapted
vegetation may help earn credits SS
C5.1, SS C5.2, and SS C7.2.
2. Capturing rainwater will contribute
to credits SS C6.1, SS C6.2.
3. Use of vegetation for shading, etc
can contribute to credits SS C7.1, EA
P2, and EA C1.
4. Schools- Use of diverse landscape
attracting wildlife can help students
learn about biodiversity thus helping
to achieve school specific ID C3.
1. Calculate baseline and design case and show percentage
reduction in potable water use.
2. List nonpotable water sources.
3. Highlight planting schedule and irrigation system on the
landscape plan.
None Vegetation, soil type, drainage,
topography, climate and micro
climate will vary with region.
2 2 2 WE C2
Innovative Wastewater
Technologies
Reduce wastewater and demand of
potable water.
Option 1: Reduce use of potable water for sewage by 50% by using water conserving fixtures
or using nonpotable water.
Option 2: Treat 50% of wastewater on site to tertiary standards.
1. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992.
2. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
1. Capturing rainwater, reuse
graywater will contribute to credits SS
C6.1, SS C6.2, WE P1, WE C1, WE
C3, and WE C4 (schools).
2. Onsite wastewater treatment may
require extra energy, and
commissioning thus affecting credits
EA P1, EA C3, and EA C5
1. List type and number of occupants.
2. Record manufacturer's data showing water consumption
rates, and model number of each fixture.
3. Record information about system schematics and capacity
of rainwater/ graywater systems.
1. Reduce potable water use for
sewage by 100%, OR
2. Treat 100% of wastewater on site
to tertiary standards.
1. Local climate and weather patterns
will determine the feasability or
strategy for rainwater harvesting, and
on site treatment options.
2. Local government agencies may
have different standards and required
permits for use of on site rainwater/
graywater/ blackwater systems.
2 to 4 2 to 4 2 to 4 WE C3
Water Use Reduction
Increase water efficiency within
buildings and reduce demand of
municipal water supply.
1. Use strategies to use less water in the building than baseline case (not including irrigation).
Water closets, urinals, lavatory fixtures, showers, kitchen sink faucets, and pre rinse spray
valves are the only fixtures accounted for.
- 30% reduction earns 2 points
- 35% reduction earns 3 points
- 40% reduction earns 4 points
2. Do not account for commercial steam cookers, automatic commercial icemakers,
commercial and residential dishwashers, and commercial and residential clothes washers.
1. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992.
2. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005.
1. Efforts to increase rainwater
harvesting, graywater use, and
decrease demand on natural water
aquifers will contribute to credits SS
C6.1, SS C6.2, WE C1, WE C2, WE
C3, and WE C4 (schools).
2. Certain reuse methods may
require extra energy and
commissioning thus affecting credits
EA P1, EA C3, and EA C5.
1. List type and number of occupants.
2. Define usage groups if any.
3. List plumbing fixtures by usage group.
4. Record manufacturer's data showing water consumption,
and model of each fixture.
None Local building and health codes may
differ in use of alternative plumbing
fixtures like waterless urinals, dual
flush WCs, etc.
x 1 x WE C4
Process Water Use Reduction
Increase water efficiency within
buildings and reduce demand of
municipal water supply.
To earn this credit buildings must have:
- No garbage disposal
- No refrigeration equipment using once-through cooling with potable water
- At least 4 process items (like clothes washer, dishwasher, ice machines, etc) where water
use is at or below the levels shown in the table (Refer RG- NC+B V3), OR process water use
is 20% less than industry standard.
None Certain water saving methods may
affect energy performance and
require commissioning thus affecting
credits EA P1, and EA C5.
1. Record manufacturer's data showing water consumption,
and model of each appliance.
2. Note baseline water use based on industry standards or
benchmarks for any equipment not listed incredit
requirements.
Process water use saving of 40%. None
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
EA
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ EA P1
Fundamental Commissioning of
Building Energy Systems
To confirm that the energy-related
systems are installed and perform
per OPR, BOD, and construction
documents.
1. Designate Commissioning Auhtority.
2. Owner should develop owner's project requirements (OPR).
3. The design team must develop basis of design (BOD).
4. Include commissioning requirements in construction documents.
5. Outline and implement the commissioning plan.
6. Verify performance of the commissioned systems.
7. Complete summary commissioning report.
None 1. Commissioning energy using
systems may affect credits SS C8,
WE C1, WE C2, WE C3, EA C1, EA
C2, EA C5, IEQ P1, IEQ C1, IEQ C2,
IEQ C5, IEQ C6, and IEQ C7.
2. Further to EA P1, additional
monitoring and verification are
included in credit EA C3.
1. List the systems which will be commissioned.
2. Record OPR, BOD, commissioning specifications,
commissioning report, and systems manual.
3. Confirm that commissioning authority has experience on at
least 2 building commissioning projects.
4. Update the commissioning plan at milestones throughout
the project.
None Significance of commissioning tasks
may vary with the climate.
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ EA P1
Fundamental Commissioning of
Building Energy Systems
Establish minimum levels of energy
efficiency.
Option 1 (NC, CS, Schools): Show a 10% improvement over baseline in the proposed
building performance for a new building, OR 5% improvement over baseline in the proposed
building performance for major renovations to existing buildings. Baseline building
performance is calculated per Appendix G of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA standard 90.1-2007.
Option 2 (NC, CS): Comply with prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for the climate zone in which the building is located.
Path 1. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004: The
building must be office occupancy, and less than 20,000 sft.
Path 2. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings 2006: The
building must be retail occupancy, and less than 20,000 sft.
Path 3. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouse and Self Storage
Buildings 2008: The building must be self-storage occupancy, and less than 50,000 sft.
Option 2 (Schools): Comply with presciptive measures identified in Advanced Energy
Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings for the climate zone in which the building is located. The project must be less than 200,000 sft.
Option 3 (NC, CS, Schools): Comply with presciptive measures identified in the New Building Institute's Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide. The building must be less than 100,000 sft, and comply with sections 1 and 2 of the guide. Healthcare, warehouse, and labs are not elli
1. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard
90.1-2007.
2. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Office
Buildings 2004
3. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Retail
Buildings 2006
4. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Warehouse
and Self Storage Buildings 2008
5. Advanced Energy Design Guide
for K-12 School Buildings
6. New Building Institute's Advanced
Buildings Core Performance Guide.
1. Energy use can be affected
through use of climatically compatible
roofing, and careful design of exterior
lighting. Refer to credits EA C1, SS
C7.2, and SS C8.
2. Use of renewable energy will
contribute to credits EA C2, and EA
C6.
3. Increased Ventilation may require
additional energy which, however,
can be minimzed by using heat
recovery strategies. Refer to credits
IEQ P1, IEQ C1, IEQ C2, IEQ C6,
IEQ C7, and IEQ C8.
4. Water use reductions will also
result in reduced energy to related
systems like hot water system, etc.
Consider meeting requirements for
credits WE C3, and WE C4.
1. Identify the climate zone for the building location.
2. Calculate energy use by type.
3. Record a list of energy end uses for the baseline case and
design case.
4. For computer energy simulation, adhere to Appendix G of
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and record the final report of yearly
energy costs.
5. For projects using the presciptive compliance path, confirm
all listed requirements have been met.
6. Record copies of ASHRAE compliance forms.
None ASHRAE 901.-2007 acounts for
climate zones and subzones.
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ EA P3
Fundamental Refrigerant
Management
Reduce ozone depletion. 1. Zero use of CFC based refrigerants in new HVAC&R systems.
2. Phase out CFC based refrigerants prior to project completion if using existing HVAC&R
systems.
3. If economic analysis shows that system replacement or phase out is not feasible, reduce
annual leakage of CFC based refreigerants to 5% or less.
US EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI. To achieve greater environmental
benefits, try to meet requirements of
credit EA C4.
1. When using existing HVAC&R systems, outline and track
phase out plan.
2. Record manufacturer's documentation indicating type of
refreigerant used.
None None
1 to 19 1 to 19 3 to 21 EA C1
Optimize Energy Performance
Increase energy performance levels
beyond the prerequisite.
Option 1 (NC, CS, Schools): Demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed
building performance over the baseline case. Baseline case will be calculated per Appendix G
of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2007. You earn 1 point(NC & Schools)or 3 points (CS) for
improvement of 12% in new buildings or 8% in existing buildings. Additional points can be
earned for every added 2% improvement up to a maximum of 19 points (NC, Schools) or 21
(CS).
Option 2 (NC and CS): Comply with prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced
Energy Design Guide for the climate zone in which the building is located.
Path 1. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004: The
building must be office occupancy, and less than 20,000 sft.
Path 2. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings 2006: The
building must be retail occupancy, and less than 20,000 sft.
Path 3. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouse and Self Storage
Buildings 2008: The building must be self-storage occupancy, and less than 50,000 sft.
Option 2 (Schools): Comply with presciptive measures identified in Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings for the climate zone in which the building is located. The project must be less than 200,000 sft.
Option 3 (NC, CS, Schools):Comply with presciptive measures identified in the New Building Institute's Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide. The building must be less than 100,000 sft, and comply with sections 1 and 2 of the guide. Healthcare, warehouse, and labs are not ellig
1. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard
90.1-2007.
2. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Office
Buildings 2004
3. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Retail
Buildings 2006
4. ASHRAE Advanced Energy
Design Guide for Small Warehouse
and Self Storage Buildings 2008
5. Advanced Energy Design Guide
for K-12 School Buildings
6. New Building Institute's Advanced
Buildings Core Performance Guide.
1. Energy use can be affected
through use of climatically compatible
roofing, and careful design of exterior
lighting. Refer to credits EA C1, SS
C7.2, and SS C8.
2. Use of renewable energy will
contribute to credits EA C2, and EA
C6.
3. Increased Ventilation may require
additional energy which, however,
can be minimzed by using heat
recovery strategies. Refer to credits
IEQ P1, IEQ C1, IEQ C2, IEQ C6,
IEQ C7, and IEQ C8.
4. Water use reductions will also
result in reduced energy to related
systems like hot water system, etc.
Consider meeting requirements for
credits WE C3, and WE C4.
1. Identify the climate zone for the building location.
2. Calculate energy use by type.
3. Record a list of energy end uses for the baseline case and
design case.
4. For computer energy simulation, adhere to Appendix G of
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and record the final report of yearly
energy costs.
5. For projects using the presciptive compliance path, confirm
all listed requirements have been met.
6. Record copies of ASHRAE compliance forms.
Only for Option 1: Show an
improvement of 50% over baseline
case in new buildings, and 46% in
existing buildings.
ASHRAE 901.-2007 acounts for
climate zones and subzones.
1 to 7 1 to 7 4 EA C2
On-site Renewable Energy
To encourage use of on-site
renewable energy.
1. Use on-site renewable energy system to offset building energy costs. Expressed as
percentage of building's annual energy cost. For NC and Schools, 1% earns 1 point with a
maximum of 7 points for every additional 2%. For CS projects, you can earn 4 points for 1%.
2. Photovoltaic, wind energy, solar thermal, geothermal heating, geothermal electric, low-
imapct hydro, wave and tidal power, and biofuel-based electrical systems are elligible on-site
systems.
3. Architectural features, passive solar strategies, daylighting strategies, and geo-exchange
systems do not qualify.
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-
2007, Energy Standard for Building
Except Low-Rise Residential.
This credit is directly related to
building's energy performance.
Additionally, there are synergies with
purchasing green power. Credits
related are: EA P1, EA P2. EA C1,
EA C5, and EA C6.
1. Document each on-site renewable energy source, amount
of energy generated annualy, and details on back up system.
2. Keep records of any incentives that were provided to suport
use of on-site renewable energy system.
1. NC, and Schools: If on-site
renewable energy accounts for 15%
or more of annual building energy
cost.
2. CS: If on-site renewable energy
accounts for 5% or more of annual
building energy cost.
Factors like climate, geography, and
location can greatly affect the choice
of renewable source.
2 2 2 EA C3
Enhanced Commissioning
To begin commissioning process
early on in the design phase.
In addition to the requirements of EA P1:
1. Prior to CD stage, designate CxA.
2. CxA will conduct at least one design review of OPR, BOD, and design documents prior to
mid-construction documents phase.
3. CxA must review contractor's submittals applicable to commissioned systems for
compliance with OPR, and BOD.
4. CxA or team must prepare systems manual for optimum operation of the commissioned
systems.
5. CxA or team must verify requirements for training operating personnel and building
occupants.
6. CxA must review commissioned systems within 10 months after substantial completion.
None 1. Commissioning can affect many
performance based features and
energy using systems covered under
credits SS C8, WE C1, WE C2, WE
C3, EA C1, EA C2, EA C5, IEQ P1,
IEQ C1, IEQ C2, IEQ C5, IEQ C6,
and IEQ C7.
2. EA C3 goes beyond the thresholds
of EA P1.
1. List the systems included under the scope of
commissioning.
2. Confirm that CxA has required experience.
3. Review commissioning plan at laid out milestones of the
project.
4. Record the schedule of personnel training.
5. Record copy of CxA's design review and comments.
6. Record copy of OPR, BOD, commissioning specifications
and report, and systems manual.
Projects that conduct comprehensive
envelope commissioning may be
considered.
Refer to EA P1.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
2 1 2 EA C4
Enhanced Refrigerant Management
1. Reduce ozone depletion.
2. Comply with Montreal Protocol.
Option 1: Do not use refrigerants.
Option 2: Select HVAC&R that reduce or eliminate the emission of compounds that lead to
ozone depletion. The base building must comply with the formula: LCGWP + LCODP x 105
≤100.
3. All options: Small hvac units and other equipment, containing less than 0.5 pounds of
refrigerant, are not accounted for.
None Balance refrigerant impact, energy
use, and occupant comfort when
selecting HVAC&R. Refer to: EA P3,
EA P2, EA C1, IEQ C7.1, and IEQ
C7.2.
1. List base building systems containg refrigerants and their
type. Include ODP AND GWP.
2. Record manufactuer's documentation, indicating type and
quantity of the refrigerant.
3. Confirm with manufactuer's information that halons, CFCs,
abd HCFCs are not in fire supression systems.
None None
EA C5
EA C5.1
EA C5.2
3
X
X
2
X
X
X
3
3
EA C5, C5.1, C5.2
Measurement and Verification
Accounting of building energy
consumption over time.
NC, and Schools (EA C5)
Option 1: Develop and implement M&V plan complying with Option D: Calibrated Simulation
as laid out in International Performance Measurement and Verification (IPMVP), vol III, 2003.
M&V period must cover at least 1 year of post-construction occupancy.
Option 2: Develop and implement M&V plan complying with Option B: Energy Conservation
Measure Isolation as laid out in International Measurement and Verification (IPMVP), vol III,
2003.
CS- Base Building (EA C5.1)
Option 1: Develop and implement M&V plan complying with Option D: Calibrated Simulation
as laid out in International Performance Measurement and Verification (IPMVP), vol III, 2003.
The documentation must include a description of the infrastructure design, existing meter
locations and specifications, electrical schematics identifying end-use circuits, and guidelines
for tenant sub-metering.
Option 2: Develop and implement M&V plan complying with Option B: Energy Conservation
Measure Isolation as laid out in International Measurement and Verification (IPMVP), vol III,
2003.
CS- Tenant Submetering (EA C5.2)
Include a centrally controlled metering network in the base building design that accommodates future tenant sub-metering. Develop a tenant M&V plan that documents and advices future tenants of this opportunity.
International Performance
Measurement and Verification
Protocol, vol III, EVO 30000.1-2006.
1. M&V plan helps ensure optimum
energy performance. Related credits:
EA P1, EA C1, and EA C2.
2. Commissioning uses devices to
track building performance. M&V plan
can use the same devices. Related
credits: EA P1, and EA C3.
1. EA C5, and EA C5.1
- Develop IPMVP complaint M&V plan.
- Illustrate the locations of any meters needed.
2. EA C5.2
- Decide how the tenants will be accountable for their energy
use.
None None
X 2 2 EA C6
Green Power
Encourage use of grid-source
renewable energy.
1. NC,CS, and Schools: Provide at least 35% of building's electricity from renewable sources
(as defined by Center for Resource Solutions' Green-e Energy) through 2 year renewable
energy contract. To determine baseline electricity use:
Option 1: Use annual electricity consumption from results of EA C1.
Option 2: Use US Department of Energy's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey
database.
2. Schools: Schools districts can purchase green power on a centralized basis and direct
green power to a specific project. However, same power cannot be accounted for in another
LEED project.
3. CS: Building's electricity is defined as electricity usage per square foot, as laid out in BOMA
standards, but not less than 15% of building's gross area.
Center for Resource Solutions,
Green-e Product Cerftification
Requirements.
1. Reduced energy costs helps credit
EA C1.
2. Refer to credits SS C7.2, EA P1,
and EA C3 to commission and install
renewable energy systems.
1. Maintain CDs, and records of 2-year contract for purchase
of renewable energy certified by Green-e or equivalent.
2. Maintain records for campus projects where certified
renewable energy is purchased for the project by other.
Purchase 70% of project's electricity
from renewable sources.
Renewable Energy Certificates are
widely available in almost all US
states.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Materials and Resources (MR)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
MR
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ MR P1
Storage and Collection of
Recyclables
To facilitate reduction of waste
generated by building occupants.
1. Provide an easily accessible dedicated area for the collection and storage of materials to
be recycled.
2. Materials must include at a minimum:
- Paper,
- Corrugated Cardboard,
- Glass,
- Plastics, and
- Metals
None ID C1- Project teams can achieve ID
C1 for educational outreach by
creating signage to inform building
occupants and visitors of on-site
recycling
1. Highlight all recycling storage areas on floor plans, and site
plan.
2. Record recycling plan's size, accessibility, and expected
volume for the entire building.
None Find out about local recycling
programs. Dense urban areas may
already have public or private
recycling programs in place. This will
impact the space requirements on-
site.
1 to 3 1 to 2 1 to 5 MR C1.1, MR C1 (CS)
Building Reuse: Maintain Existing
Walls, Floors, and Roof
Extend the life cycle of existing
building stock.
1. NC, Schools, and CS: Retain the existing building structure (including structural floor and
roof decking), and exterior skin and framing, but not including window assemblies and non-
structral roofing material.
2. If the area of new addition is 2 times(NC and Schools), and 6 times (CS) of existing
building, credit is not applicable.
3. Remediated hazardous materials are not included.
4. NC- Reuse 55% of existing building to earn 1 point, and additional point for every added
20%, upto maximum of 3 pints.
5. Schools- Reuse 75% of existing building to earn 1 point, or reuse 65% to earn 2 points.
6. CS- Reuse 25% of existing building to earn 1 point, and additional point for every added
8%, upto maximum of 5 points.
None 1. Create an inventory of the areas
and materials which will be valuable
in an existing building. Related credit
MR C3.
2. Existing buildings that do not meet
the requirements of MR C1, can be
applied to MR C2.
1. Create an inventory of shell attributes, element IDs, and
total area of new, existing, and reused elements.
2. Explain why an existing building elements were excluded.
CS only- Maintain 95% or more of
existing walls, floors and roof.
Credit gains importance in areas with
historic buildings.
1 1 X MR C1.2
Building Reuse: Maintain Interior
Non- Structural Elements
Extend the life cycle of existing
building stock.
1. Use existing interior non-structural elements in at least 50% of the completed building.
2. If the area of new addition is 2 times the existing building, credit is not applicable.
None 1. Refer to MR C1.1
2. If credit requirements are not met,
materials can be applied to MR C2 or
MR C3, but not both.
1. Create an inventory of interior non-structural elements and
total area of existing, new and reused elements.
None Credit gains importance in areas with
historic buildings.
1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 MR C2
Construction Waste Management
To divert debris on construction sites
from reaching landfill sites.
1. Recycle 50% (for 1 point) or 75% (for 2 points) nonhazardous construction waste.
2. Develop amd implement a construction management plan highlighting:
- materials to be diverted from disposal.
- on-site material sorting or comingling.
3. Excavated soil and land clearing debris cannot be accounted for this credit.
4. Calculations can be done by weight or volume.
None 1. Projects that do not meet
requirements of credit MR C1 may
account the reused portion of the
building towards MR C2.
2. Any contamination found in
existing building must be remediated
as required by EPA. Refer credit SS
C3.
1. List type of construction waste, and quantities diverted and
landfilled.
2. Construction management plan should highlight diversion
goals, materials to be diverted, and parties responsible.
Divert 95% or more of total
construction waste.
Recycling opportunities are rapidly
expanding in all communities. Landfill
space, waste diversion options, and
tipping fees may affect the treatment
of construction waste.
1 to 2 1 to 2 1 MR C3
Materials Reuse
Reuse building materials. 1. NC, and Schools: Use salvaged, refurbished or reused materials such that sum of
materials equals atleast 5% (for 1 point) or 10% (for 2 points), based on cost.
2. CS: Use salvaged, refurbished or reused materials such that sum of materials equals at
least 5%, based on cost.
3. MEP, and specialty items are excluded.
4. Furniture may be included if included consistently through MR C3-7.
None 1. Projects that do not meet
requirements of credit MR C1 may
account the reused portion of the
building towards MR C2.
2. Remanufactured materials are not
accounted in this credit, but can be
applied to MR C2, and MR C4.
3. Material costs used for this credit
need to be same as used for credits
MR C4, MR C5, and MR C6.
1. List type of construction waste, and quantities diverted and
landfilled.
2. Construction management plan should highlight diversion
goals, materials to be diverted, and parties responsible.
Divert 95% or more of total
construction waste.
Recycling opportunities are rapidly
expanding in all communities. Landfill
space, waste diversion options, and
tipping fees may affect the treatment
of construction waste.
1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 MR C4
Recycled Content
Increase demand for building
products that use recycled materials.
1. Use materials with recycled content such that sum of post-consumer recycled content and
1/2 of the pre-consumer content constitutes at least 10% (for 1 point) or 20% (for 2 points) of
the total cost of the materials in the project.
2. MEP, and speciality items are excluded.
3. Furniture may be included if included consistently through MR C3-7.
International Standard ISO 14021-
1999
1. Using on-site salvaged or
demolished materials leads to
synergies with credits MR C2 and
MR C3.
2. Use of materials that make use of
local waste products, and have been
remanufactured locally leads to
synergies with credit MR C5.
3. Verify that recycled materials
content confirm to requirements of
credit IEQ C4.
1. Record product name, manufacturer's information, costs,
highlighting pre- and post- consumer content in percentages.
2. Compile manufactuer's cut sheets to confirm the recycled
content.
3. Record actual materials costs (not including labor and
equipment) for CSI Div 03-10,31, and 32.
If recycled content value is 30% or
more.
Project location will determine the
availability of locally sourced
materials.
1 to 2 1 to 2 1 to 2 MR C5
Regional Materials
Increase demand for regionally
extracted and manufactured building
materials.
1. Use materials that are extracted, harvested, and manufactured within 500 miles of the
project for 10% (for 1 point) or 20% (for 2 points) of total cost of materials.
2. MEP, and speciality items are excluded.
3. Furniture may be included if included consistently through MR C3-7.
None 1. Picking regional materials may
help achieve credits MR C3, MR C4,
and MR C6.
2. Materials cost should be same as
used for credits MR C3, MR C4, and
MR C6.
1. List the products manufactured, or extracted regionally.
2. Note manufacturer's name, product costs, and confirm that
the distance between project and manufacturer, and project
and extraction is less than 500 miles.
3. Record list of materials costs not including labor and
equipment for CSI divisions 03-10, 31 and 32. Div 12 is
optional.
If total value of regional materials is
30% or more.
Materials available in the vicinity of
the project varies by region.
1 1 X MR C6
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Reduce use of finite raw materials. Use rapidly renewable building materials, made from plants that have 10 year or shoter life
cycle, for 2.5% (for 1 point of total cost of building materials.
None 1. Rapidly renewable materials may
not be available regionally, thus
impacting credit MR C5.
2. Verify that the materials confirm to
the requirements of credit IEQ C4.
3. Material costs should be same as
used for credits MR C3, MR C4, and
MR C5.
1. List the rapidly renewable products used along with cut
sheets and manufacturer's information, material costs,
percentage (by weight) of each product that is listed as rapidly
renewable.
2. Record list of material costs, not including labor and
equipment, for CSI Division 03-10, 31, and 32. Div 12 is
optional.
If total value of rapidly renewable
material content is 5% or more.
Research rapildy renewable
materials within 500 miles of project
site, thus helping to achieve MR C5
as well.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Materials and Resources (MR)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 1 MR C7, MR C6(CS)
Certified Wood
Forest Management 1. Use at least 50% (of cost) of FSC Certified wood products.
2. Products with temporary use may be included in the calculations but for only one project if
used on multiple projects simultaneously.
3. Furniture may be included if included consistently through MR C3-7.
Forest Stewardship Council
Principles and Criteria.
1. You can achieve MR C5 if certified
wood can be obtained from within
500 miles of project site.
2. You can achieve IEQ 4.4 if you
can determine that the finished
product will be free of urea
formaldhyde.
1. List certified wood purchases along with COC
documentations.
2. Record vendor invoices for each certified wood product.
3. Record the percentage of certified wood in each product.
If FSC certified wood content is 95%
or more of the project's total new
wood.
This credit will gain importance in
areas with irresponsible forestry
practices.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
IndoorEnvironmentalQuality(IEQ)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
IEQ
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ IEQ P1
Minimum Indoor Air Quality
Performance
To establish minimum indoor air
quality performance to ensure good
air quality for the comfort and well
being of the occupants.
1. Case 1: Mechanically Ventilated Spaces
- Meet minimum requirements of section 4 through 7 of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007,
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
- Mechanical ventilation must be designed using Ventilation Rate Procedure or local codes
whichever is more stringent.
CS (Additional Requirement)- The mechanical ventilation systems installed during core and
shell construction must be capable of meeting projected ventilation levels based on
anticipated tenant requirements.
2. Case 2: Naturally Ventillated Spaces
- Naturally ventilated buildings will comply with ASHRAE 62.1-2007, Paragraph 5.1.
American National Standards
Institute (ANIS)/ ASHRAE Standard
62.1-2007: Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality.
1. High density areas as well as any
existing contamination can adversely
affect Indoor Environmental Quality.
This related to credits SSC 4, and SS
C3.
2. Building commissioning and
Measurement and verification
processes can be used to improve
IAQ while checking energy efficiency
losses. This related to credits EA P1,
EAC3, and EA C5.
3. To check the detrimental effects of
specified materials on IAQ, follow the
guidelines of following prerequisites
and credits- IEQ P2, IEQ C4, and
IEQ C5.
1. Demonstrate compliance with the applicable sections of
ASHRAE 62.1-2007
2. For CS, also describe future tenants, anticipated uses, and
space types, etc..
None None
√√√√ √√√√ √√√√ IEQ P2
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
(ETS) Control
1. NC and CS- To minimize or
prevent exposure of occupants,
surfaces, and ventilation systems to
tobacco smoke.
2. Schools- To completely eliminate
exposure of occupants, surfaces, and
ventilation systems to tobacco
smoke.
Case 1: All Projects
1. Prohibit smoking in the building and outside within 25 feet of entries, outdoor air intake, and
operable windows.
2. Allow smoking in designated areas only.
3. Smoking rooms must be exhausted to outdoors, without any recirculation into non-smoking
areas.
4. Smoking rooms must have deck-to-deck impermeable partitions.
5. Operate exhaust to generate average negative pressure of atleast 5 Pascals and min. of 1
Pascal within the smoking room.
6. Verify performance of the differential air pressure in the smoking room.
Case 2: Applicable to Residential and Hospitality Projects Only
1. Prohibit smoking in all common areas of the building.
2. Smoking may be permitted outside the building in areas which are 25 feet from entries, air
intakes, and operable windows.
3. Provide appropriate signage to indicate smoking and non-smoking areas.
4. Weatherstrip exterior doors and operable windows to minimize leakage of tobacco smoke
from outside.
5. Seal penetrations in walls, ceilings, floors, and vertical chases.
6. All doors to common areas should be weatherstripped.
7. Conduct Blower Door Test per ANSI/ASTM-E779-03 to verify effective sealing of residential units.
8. Leakage should be less than 1.25 sq. inches per 100 sq. ft of enclosure area per CH 4 of Residential Manual for Compliance with California's 2001 Energy Efficiency Standards.
2. Schools
1. Prohibit smoking in the building.
2. Prohibit smoking on school property.
3. Provide approporiate signage.
1. American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/ASTM-779-03.
2. Residential Manual for Compliance
with California's 2001 Energy
Efficiency Standards (For Low Rise
Residential Buildings), CH 4.
1. Isolating smoking areas and
ventilation systems implies use of
extra enegry, commissioning, and
measurement and verification. This
will affect credits EA P1, EA C1, EA
C3, and EA C5.
2. When smoking is allowed indoors
or outdoors, it will affect IAQ
performance of the building. This will
affect credits IEQ P1, IEQ C1, and
IEQ C2.
3. Tobacco smoke has contaminants
which may have to be addressed
along with other sources of air
pollutants. This will provide synergy
with credits IEQ C4 and IEQ C5.
1. Put forth detailed ETS Policy which should detail out
smoking and non-smoking areas in and around the building.
2. Document how ETS Policy has been implemented on-site.
3. Track and record testing data to ensure there is no cross-
contamination between smoking and non-smoking areas.
None Some cities and counties may have
their own laws on smoking which
have to be adhered to.
XXXX √√√√ XXXX IEQ P3
Minimum Acoustical Performance
To provide quiet classrooms so that
teachers and students can effectively
communicate without straining their
voices.
Case 1: Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces < 20,000 cu.ft.
Option 1: Verify that 100% of ceiling area (not including lights, diffusers, and grilles) has been
finished with material that has Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.70 or higher.
Option 2: Verify that the total area of sound absorbing finishes in the space is equal to or
greater than the total ceiling area (not including lights, diffusers, and grilles). Materials
included in the calculations must have NRC of 0.70 or higher.
Case 2: Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces > or = 20,000 cu.ft.
Show through calculations that the classroom has been designed to have a reverberation
time of 1.5 seconds or less per ANSI Standard S12.60-2002.
1. American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard
S12.60-2002.
2. ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 47,
Sound and Vibration Control, 2003,
HVAC Applications.
This credit relates to IEQ C9 where
additional strategies and measures
have been outlined.
1. Record Manufacturer's documentation for the noise
reduction coefficient of each acoustical finish material.
2. Indicate surface areas of sound absorptive materials on
interior wall elevations.
3. Record reverberation times.
4. Document the method by which background noise level was
kept below 45 dBA per ANSI S12.60-2002 methodolgy or
using software based on 2007 HVAC Applications ASHRAE
Handbook, CH 47.
None Account for regional factors that can
influence ambient noise around
schools.
1 1 1 IEQ C1
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Install ventilation system monitoring
for occupant comfort and well being.
1. Install permanent monitoring systems to make sure ventilation systems function per
minimum design requirements.
2. Configure monitoring systems to generate an alarm as soon as the air flow values or CO2
levels vary by 10% or more.
3. Case 1: Mechanically Ventilated Spaces
Densely Occupied Areas:
- Monitor CO2.
- CO2 monitors must be between 3'-6' above FFL.
Non- Densely Occupied Areas:
- Provide a direct outdoor air flow measurement device within +/- 15% of design minimum per
ASHRAE 62.1-2007.
Case 2: Naturally Ventilated Spaces
- Monitor CO2.
- CO2 monitors must be between 3'-6' above FFL.
- Can use one CO2 sesnor to monitor multiple spaces if natural ventilation system uses
means like vertical stacks to induce airflow equally without any interference from occupants.
American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard
62.1-2007.
Airflow monitoring can influence
commissioning process, and
measurement and verification to
ensure maximum energy
performance and consistent indoor
air quality. Therefore, this credit
relates to IEQ C2, EA P1, EA C3,
and EA C5.
1. Document air flow and CO2 monitors in drawings,
schematics, and mechanical schedules.
2. Commission ventilation systems to monitor excess energy
use.
3. Alarm systems in mechanically ventilated spaces should be
set per ANSI/ ASHRAE 62.1-2007.
4. Automatic alarm systems should be set per manufacturer's
manual.
None Ambient outdoor CO2 may vary
between 300-500ppm based on local
and regional factors.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
IndoorEnvironmentalQuality(IEQ)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 1 IEQ C2
Increased Ventilation
Provide outdoor air ventilation. Case 1: Mechanically Ventilated Spaces
- Increase breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates by min. 30% than what is required by
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 2007
Case 2: Naturally Ventilated Spaces
- Design ventilation to comply with Carbon Trust Good Practice Guide 237 (1998).
- Follow the flow diagram process Fig 1.18 of CIBSE Applications Mnaual 10:2005 to show
that natural ventilation is a good strategy for your project.
AND
Option 1: Show that natural ventilation design complies with CIBSE Applications Manual
10:2005, Natural Ventilation in non-domestic buildings.
Option 2: Use multizone analytical model to show that every room complies with ASHRAE
Standard 62.1-2007 CH 6, for at least 90% of occupied spaces.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 Ventilation strategies affect overal
energy performance, requires
commissioning, and Measurement &
Verification, thus related to EA P1,
EA P2, EA C1, EA C3, EA C5, and
IEQ C1.
1. Size mechanical equipment to account for increased
ventilation.
2. Document drawings and other forms of visual
documentation for naturally ventilated projects.
None Natural ventilation is possible in mild
climates so as not to have major
impact on HVAC systems.
1 1 1 IEQ C3.1/ IEQ C3 (CS)
Construction Indoor Air Quality
Management Plan: During
Construction
1. To reduce indoor air quality
problems resulting from construction
activity.
2. Promote comfort and well being of
construction workers and occupants.
NC, CS, and Schools:
1. Develop and implement and IAQ management plan for construction and pre occupancy
phases.
2. During construction meet SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under
Construction, 2007, ANSI/SMACNA 008-2008 (CH 3).
3. On-site absorptive materials, whether stored or installed, should be protected.
4. Filters with minimum MERV of 8 must be used for permanently installed air handlers, per
ASHRAE Standard 52.2-1999.
Schools (Additional Requirement):
Prohibit smoking inside the building and within 25 feet of building entries once the building is
enclosed.ysis to determine room-by-room ventilation rates as laid down by ASHRAE 62.1-
2007, CH6.
1. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning
Contractors National Association
(SMACNA)
2. American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard
52.2-1999.
Construction activity can have an
influence on IAQ even long after
construction is complete. This effect
can be minimized by
- successfully implementing a IAQ
plan for during construction,
- selecting low emitting finish
materials, and
- isolating sources of indoor
pollutants.
This credit, therefore, generates
synergy with credits IEQ C3.2, IEQ
C4, and IEQ C5.
1. Generate an IAQ management plan for use during
demolition and construction.
2. Maintain a photo log to show how the IAQ management
plan was implemented during construction.
1. NC, and Schools: NA
2. CS: Projects that require and
enforce IAQ management plan for
100% of tenant spaces can earn a
credit under exemplary performance/
Innovation in Design.
None
1 1 X IEQ C3.2
Construction Indoor Air Quality
Management Plan: Before
Occupancy
1. To reduce indoor air quality
problems resulting from construction
activity.
2. Promote comfort and well being of
construction workers and occupants.
NC, and Schools:
1. Develop and implement and IAQ management plan after all finishes have been installed.
2. Option 1: Flush Out- There is an option of two paths under this.
Path 1:
- Install new filters after construction has ended and all interior finishes have been installed.
- Perform building flush out by supplying 14000 c.ft of outdoor air per sft of floor area at
internal temperature of 60F and maximum humidity of 60%.
Path 2:
- The space may be occupied prior to flush out only after delievery of 3500 c.ft of outdoor air
prior per sft of floor area.
- The space must be ventilated at a minimum rate of 0.30 cfm per sft of outside air or the
design minimum as determined in IEQ P1, whichever is greater.
- Flush out must begin a minimum of 3 hours prior to occupancy and to be continued during
occupancy.
- These conditions must be maintained until 14000 c.ft of outside air has been pumped into
the new space.
3. Option 2: Air Testing
- Conduct IAQ testing per EPA Compedium of Methods for the Determination of Air Pollutants
in Indoor Air, and as described in the reference guide.
US Environmental Protection
Agency Compedium of Methods for
the Determination of Air Pollutants in
Indoor Air.
1. IEQ C3.1 is related credit.
2. Materials installed can affect the
results of Air Testing. This leads to
synergy with credits IEQ C4.1, and
IEQ C5.
3. When outdoor air is introduced, it
may dilute indoor air contaminats
thus affecting credits IEQ P1, and
IEQ C2.
1. Record IAQ management plan.
2. For projects opting for flush-out- record dates, occupancy,
outdoor air delivery rates, internal temperatures, humidity, etc.
3. For projects opting for air testing- record copy of the testing
report and make sure that all contaminants are accounted for.
None Maintaining 60F and maximum
humidity of 60% may become crucial
with seasonal variations.
1 1 1 IEQ C4.1
Low Emitting Materials- Adhesives
and Sealants
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. NC, and CS
- All adhesives and sealants installed inside the building must comply with South Coast Air
Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule #168.
- Aerosol adhesives must comply with Green Seal Standard for Commercial Adhesives GS-
36.
2. Schools
- All adhesives and sealants installed inside the building must meet testing and product
requirements of the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the
Testing of Vaolatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale
Environmental Chambers, including 2004 addenda.
- Schools can earn maximum of 4 points.
1. South Coast Air Quality
Management District (SCAQMD)
Amendment to South Coast Rule
1168.
2. Green Seal Standard 36 (GS-36)
3. Schools Only - California
Department of Health Services
Standard Practices for the Testing of
Volatile organic Emissions from
Various Sources Using Small Scale
Environmental Chambers, including
2004 addenda.
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.2, IEQ C4.3, IEQ
C4.4, IEQ C4.5 (Schools Only), and
IEQ C4.6 (Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
4. Schools Only - Indoor
environmental quality also takes into
account auditory comfort which leads
to synergy with credits IEQ C9, and
IEQ P3.
1. List all aerosol adhesives, sealants, and primers used
indoors along with manufacturer's name, product name, and
VOC data.
2. Record amount of product used.
None None.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
IndoorEnvironmentalQuality(IEQ)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 1 IEQ C4.2
Low Emitting Materials- Paints and
Coatings
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. NC, and CS
- All paints and coatings used inside the building must comply with VOC limits as listed in
Green Seal Standard GS-11.
- Anti corrosive and anti-rust paints must comply with VOC limits as listed in Green Seal
Standard GC-03.
- Clear wood finishes, floor coatings stains, etc must comply with VOC limits as listed in
SCAQMD Rule 1113.
2. Schools
- All paints and coatings installed inside the building must meet testing and product
requirements of the California Department of Health Services Standard Practice for the
Testing of Vaolatile Organic Emissions from Various Sources Using Small Scale
Environmental Chambers, including 2004 addenda.
- Schools can earn maximum of 4 points.
1. Green Seal Standard GS-11
2. Green Seal Standard GC-03
3. SCAQMD Rule 1113.
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.1, IEQ C4.3, IEQ
C4.4, IEQ C4.5 (Schools Only), and
IEQ C4.6 (Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
4. Schools Only - Indoor
environmental quality also takes into
account auditory comfort which leads
to synergy with credits IEQ C9, and
IEQ P3
1. List all paints and coatings used indoors along with
manufacturer's name, product name, and VOC data.
2. Record amount of product used.
None None
1 1 1 IEQ C4.3
Low Emitting Materials- Flooring
Systems
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. NC, and CS: Option 1
1. All carpets must comply with Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Plus program.
2. All carpet cushions must comply with Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label program.
3. All carpet adhesive must comply with requirements if IEQ C4.1
4. All hardsurfaces must be compliant with the FloorScore standard.
5. Alternative Compliance Path: 100% of non-carpet finished flooring must be FloorScore
certified and constitute atleast 25% of the finished floor area.
6. Concrete, wood, bamboo, and cork floor finishes must comply with SCAQMD Rule 1113.
7. Tile setting adhesive and grout must comply with SCAQMD Rule 1168.
2. NC, CS, and Schools: Option 2
1. All flooring elements installed must meet testing and product requirements of the 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.
2. School projects can earn upto maximum of 4 points from credits IEQ C4.1- 4.6.
1. Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)
Green Label Plus Testing Program
2. SCAQMD Rule 1168
3. SCAQMD Rule 1113
4. FloorScore Program
5. 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.
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.1, IEQ C4.2, IEQ
C4.4, IEQ C4.5 (Schools Only), and
IEQ C4.6 (Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
4. Schools Only - Indoor
environmental quality also takes into
account auditory comfort which leads
to synergy with credits IEQ C9, and
IEQ P3.
1. List all carpet, carpet cusion, and carpet adhesives installed
along with the VOC content of each adhesive.
2. List all hard surface flooring product, tile setting adhesives
and grout along with the VOC content of each adhesive.
None None
1 1 1 IEQ C4.4
Low Emitting Materials- Composite
Wood and Agrifiber Products
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. NC, and CS:
1. Composite wood and agrifiber products used inside the building must not contain any
added urea-formaldehyde resins.
2. Particleboard, MDF, plywood, wheatboard, strawboard, panel subtrates, and door cores are
composite wood and agrifiber products.
3. Fixtures, furniture, and equipment are not included in this credit.
2. Schools:
1. All composite wood and agrifiber elements installed must meet testing and product
requirements of the 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.
2. School projects can earn upto maximum of 4 points from credits IEQ C4.1- 4.6.
1. 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.
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.1, IEQ C4.2, IEQ
C4.3, IEQ C4.5 (Schools Only), and
IEQ C4.6 (Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
4. Schools Only - Indoor
environmental quality also takes into
account auditory comfort which leads
to synergy with credits IEQ C9, and
IEQ P3.
1. List all composite wood and agrifiber products.
2. Confirm that each product does not contain any added urea-
formaldehyde.
None None
X 1 X IEQ C4.5
Low Emitting Materials- Furniture
and Furnishings
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. All classroom furniture manufactures, refurbished, or refinished within one year of
occupancy must meet one of the following requirements:
- Furniture must be GREENGUARD Children and Schools certfied. OR
- Comply with EPA Environmental Technology Verification Large Chamber Test Protocol for
Measuring Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes, Septmeber 1999. OR
- Comply with ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007, and ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-2007 testing protocol.
2. Schools can earn upto a maximum of 4 points from credits IEQ C4.1-4.6.
3. Salvaged and used furniture that is more than 1 year old cannot be included.
1. BIFMA International
2. Environmental Technology
Verification (ETV) Large Chamber
Test Protocol for Measuring
Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes,
September 1999.
3. GREENGUARD Certification
Program
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.1, IEQ C4.2, IEQ
C4.3, IEQ C4.4, and IEQ C4.6
(Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
1. Document that furniture and seating products are
- GREENGUARD Children and School Certified, OR
- comply with ETV Large Chamber Test Protocol for
Measuring Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes 9September
1999), OR
- comply with ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007, and ANSI/BIFMA X7.1-
2007 testing protocol.
None None
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
IndoorEnvironmentalQuality(IEQ)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
X 1 X IEQ C4.6
Low Emitting Materials- Ceiling
and Wall Systems
To reduce the quantity of indoor air
contaminants that are harmful to
occupants.
1. All ceiling and wall systems must comply with California Department of Health Services
Standard Practice for the Testing of VOCs from Various Sources Using Small Scale
Environmental Chambers, including 2004 addenda.
2. School projects may earn maximum of 4 points from credits IEQ C4.1-4.6.
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.
1. Because the intent of this credit is
to reduce harmful contaminats, the
following other credits may be be
related- IEQ C4.1, IEQ C4.2, IEQ
C4.3, IEQ C4.4, and IEQ C4.5
(Schools Only).
2. Building materials are also tracked
under credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ
C3.2.
3. Credits IEQ C5, and IEQ P2 take
into account for different sources of
pollutants.
4. Schools Only - Indoor
environmental quality also takes into
account auditory comfort which leads
to synergy with credits IEQ C9, and
IEQ P3.
1. Document that all ceiling and wall systems comply with
California Department of Health Services Standard Practice
for the Testing of VOCs from Various Sources Using Small
Scale Environmental Chambers, including 2004 addenda.
None None
1 1 1 IEQ C5
Indoor Chemical and Pollutant
Source Control
To minimize exposure of occupants
to hazardous particulates or chemical
pollutants.
1. Install permanent entryways at least 10 feet long in the primary direction of travel. These
include grates, grilles, slotted systems, and roll out mats if manitained weekly.
2. Create negative pressure in spaces which may contain pollutants/ hazardous chemicals.
Each of these spaces should have self-closing doors and deck-todeck partitions.
3. In mechanically ventilated reas, install filters with MERV of 13 or higher before occupancy.
4. Provide appropriate containment for disposal of hazardous liquid wastes.
American National Standards
Institute (ANSI)/ ASHRAE Standard
52.2-1999.
1. Filters can be an effective aid in
removing pollutants. Also refer to
credits IEQ C3.1, and IEQ C3.2.
2. Exhausting indoor air may require
additional fan energy, and also
require commissioning, relating to
credits EA C1, EA P2, EA P1, and
EA C3.
3. Ventilation systems may be
capable of accommodating the
fileration media required for credit
compliance. Refer to credits IEQ P1,
and IEQ C1.
1. Record pictures of location and size of entryways, and also
of walk-off mats.
2. Create a table listing entryway systems.
3. Create a building maintenance plan that shows weekly
cleaning and maintenance of entry ways, mats, etc.
4. List rooms that require separation.
5. Detail deck-todeck partitions or hard-lid conditions in rooms
known to have contaminants.
6. Review negative pressure calculations in hazardous
chemical areas.
7. Record product literature for MERV 13 (or higher) filters.
None Local weather conditions will be an
important factor when determining
entryway systems.
1 1 X IEQ C6.1
Controllability of systems-
LIGHTING
To provide lighting system control by
individual occupants or groups in
multi-occupant spaces to promote
their productivity snd comfort.
NC:
1. Provide individual lighting controls for minimum 90% of the occupants.
2. Provide lighting controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces to enable adjustments to
meet group needs.
Schools:
CASE 1: Administrative Offices and Other Regularly Occupied Spaces
1. Provide individual lighting controls for minimum 90% of the occupants.
2. Provide lighting controls for all learning spaces including classrooms, chemistry labs, art
rooms, shops, music rooms, gymnasiums, etc to enable adjustments to meet group needs.
CASE 2: Classrooms
Provide lighting system that operates in at least 2 modes: general and A/V.
None Lighting systems are affected by
window locations, types of glazing,
zoning requirements for thermal
controlability. Lighting systems in turn
influences energy performance and
the amount of energy used. Also,
lighting control systems have to be
commissioned.
Therefore, this credit related to IEQ
C8, IEQ C6.2, EA P2, EA C1, EA P1,
and EA C3.
1. Generate a floor plan (with furniture layout) that indicates
the location, zoning, and type of lighting controls.
2. Record information on task lighting, and lighting controls.
None Buildings in regions with strong
sunlight may use less artifical lighting
but may require greater controllability
which may be achived with the aid
passive design strategies, daylight
sensors, etc.
1 1 1 IEQ C6.2/ IEQ C6 (CS)
Controllability of systems-
THERMAL COMFORT
To provide thermal comfort system
control by individual occupants or
groups in multi-occupant spaces to
promote their productivity snd
comfort.
1. Provide individual comfort controls for minimum 50% of the occupants.
2. Operable windows may be used in lieu of controls for occupants located 20' inside and 10'
to either side of operable window. The area of operable window must meet requirements of
ASHRAE 62.1-2007, paragraph 5.1 for Natural Ventilation.
3. Provide comfort system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces to enable
adjustments to meet group needs.
4. Conditions for thermal comfort are as described in ASHRAE 55-2004, and is based on
- air temperature
-radiant temperature
- air speed
- humidity
CS (Additional Requirement)
CS projects that do not purchase and/ or install mechanical systems or operable windows do
not meet the requirements of this credit.
1. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007:
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality
2. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004:
Thermal Environmental Conditions
for Human Occupancy
The following pre requisites and
credits address building occupants'
ability to control systems,
maintenance, and other factors: EA
P1, EA P2, EA C1, EA C3, EA C5,
IEQ C5, IEQ C6.1, IEQ C8.
1. List total number of individual workstations and thermal
controls.
2. List group multioccupant spaces and description of installed
thermal controls.
None Local weather conditions, and
ambient air conditions have to be
considered before proposing
operable windows.
1 1 1 IEQ C7.1/ IEQ C7 (CS)
THERMAL COMFORT- DESIGN
To provide a comfortable thermal
environment that promotes occupant
productivity and well being.
Design HVAC systems and the building envelope to meet requirements of ASHRAE 55-2004,
Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, in accordance with the Section
6.1.1.
Schools (Additional Requirement)
For natatoriums, comply with 'Typical Natatorium Design Conditions' as defined in CH4 of
ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook 2003.
CS (Additional Requirement)
1. CS base building mechanical systems must allow for tenant buildout to meet the
requirements of this credit.
2. Projects that do not purchase or install mechanical systems are not eligible for this credit.
1. ASHRAE Standard 55-2004:
Thermal Environmental Conditions
for Human Occupancy
2. Chartered Institute of Building
Services Engineers (CIBSE)
Applications Manual 10-2005, Natural
Ventilation in Domestic Buildings.
1. Thermal confort of building
occupants is affected by
environmental conditions (air
temperature, radiant temerature,
relative humidity, and air speed), and
personal factors (metabolic rate and
clothing).
2. Thermal comfort within a building
can be controlled by both active
and/or passive systems.
Therefore, this credit relates to EA
P2, EA C1, EA C5, IEQ P1, IEQ C2,
IEQ C6.2, IEQ C 7.2.
3. Thermal comfort systems may
have to be commissioned, which
relates to credits EA P1, and EA C3.
1. Document owner's project requirements indicating intended
comfort criteria for the building.
2. Summarize operational procedures for building systems
including
- building controls,
- seasonal set point recommendations,
- changeover schedules,
- maintenance and operation instructions, and
- maintenance and inspection schedules.
3. Document HVAC basis of design including design
assumptions, diversity considerations, and HVAC load
calculations.
4. Maintain documentation of all registers and terminal units
including type and flow, or radiant value.
5. Include any elements that significantly affect thermal
comfort.
6. Indicate spaces outside comfort-controlled areas.
7. Show locations of all occupant- adjustable controls.
None 1. Climate variations hugely influence
passively ventilated buildings
because of introduction of
unconditioned outside air.
2. In mechanically ventilated
buildings regional variations influence
the temperature range that occupant
may consider as comfortable.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
IndoorEnvironmentalQuality(IEQ)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
1 1 X IEQ C7.2
THERMAL COMFORT-
VERIFICATION
To provide for the assessment of
building occupants' thermal comfort
overtime.
1. Achieve IEQ C7.1
2. Agree to conduct a thermal comfort survey of occupants 9adults and students of grade 6
and above) within 6-18 months after occupancy.
3. Agree to develop a plan for corrective action if the survey shows that more than 20% of
occupants are dissatisfied.
4. Corrective plan should include measurement of relevant environmental variables according
to ASHRAE 55-2004.
5. Residential projects are not eligible for this credit.
Nc (Additional Requirement)
Provide permanent monitoring system to ensure that building performance meets
requirements of IEQ C7.1
ASHRAE Standard 55-2004: Thermal
Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy
1. Thermal confort of building
occupants is affected by
environmental conditions (air
temperature, radiant temerature,
relative humidity, and air speed), and
personal factors (metabolic rate and
clothing). Therefore, this credit
relates to IEQ P1, IE1 C2, IEQ C6.2,
and IEQ C7.1.
2. Thermal comfort systems may
have to be commissioned, which
relates to credits EA C5, EA P1, and
EA C3.
1. Create a written plan for corrective action if 20% or more of
building occupants are dissatisfied with thermal comfort inside
the building.
2. Create a thermal comfort survey to administer to building
occupants.
None 1. Climate variations hugely influence
passively ventilated buildings
because of introduction of
unconditioned outside air.
2. In mechanically ventilated
buildings regional variations influence
the temperature range that occupant
may consider as comfortable.
1 1 to 3 1 IEQ C8.1
Daylight and Views- DAYLIGHT
Connect indoor and outdoor spaces
by introducing daylight and views.
Schools:
1. Achieve daylight and views in 75% of spaces to earn 1 point or in 90% of spaces to earn 2
points. OR
2. 1 additional point if teams achieve daylight and views in 75% of other regularly occupied
spaces.
NC & CS:
Achieve daylight and views in 75% of spaces to earn 1 point.
NC, CS, and Schools:
OPTION 1: Simulation-
1.Show through computer simulations that 75% (NC, CS, and Schools) or 90% (Schools
Only) of regularly occupied spaces achieve daylight illuminance levels of a minimum of 25
footcandles and a maximum of 500 footcandles in a clear sky condition on September 21 at
9am and 3pm.
2. Areas with illuminance above or below the range do not qualify.
3. Designs that use view-preserving auotmated shades for glare control may comply for only
the minimum 25 footcandles illumination level.
OPTION 2: Prescriptive
A. For Side-Lighting Daylight Zone-
1. Achieve 01.50 < VLT X WFR < 0.180. Only the window area 30 inches above the floor may
be included.
2. Ceiling must not obstruct a line in section that joins the window-head to a line on the floor
that is parallel to the plane of the window.
3. Provide sunlight redirection and /or glare control devices to ensure daylight effectiveness.
B. For Top-Lighting Daylight Zone-
1. The daylit zone under a skylight is the outline of the opening beneath the skylight, plus in each direction the lesser of:
- 70% of the ceiling height, OR
- 1/2 the distance to the edge of the nearest skylight, OR
- the distance to any permanent opaque partition that is farther than 70% of the distance between the top of the partition and ceiling.
ASTM D1003-07e1, Standard Test
Method for Haze and Luminous
Transmittance of Transparent
Plastics.
1. Increasing area of vision glazing
may provider greater access to
views, which relates to IEQ C8.2.
2. Increased window-to-wall ratio
may alter energy performance and
also impact lighting design, which
relates to EA C1, EA P2, and IEQ
C6.
1. Show glare control methods on floor plans, sections, and
elevations.
2. Show location of regularly occupied spaces with qualifying
amount of daylight on floor plans, sections, and elevations.
3. Generate a spreadsheet documenting the daylight factors
outlined in the Calculations section.
4. If using simulation, update the model as the design
develops.
1. NC & CS: May be eligible for
exemplary performance under the
Innovation & Design section if the
project achieves 95% daylighting.
2. Schools: May be eligible for
exemplary performance under the
Innovation & Design section if the
project achieves 90% daylighting in
all classrooms, and 95% daylighting
in all other regularly occupied
spaces.
The building site orientation and its
regional location will directly impact
available daylight throughout the day
and during the year.
1 1 to 3 1 IEQ C8.2
Daylight and Views- VIEWS
Connect indoor and outdoor spaces
by introducing daylight and views.
1. Achieve a direct line of sight to outdoors via vision glazing between 30-90 inches above
finish floor in 90% of all regulary occupied areas.
2. Calculate the area with direct line of sight by adding the regularly occupied square footage
that meets the following creiteria:
- The area is within aight lines drawn from perimeter glazing in plan view.
- In section view, direct sight line can be drawn from the area to the perimeter vision glazing.
3. For offices, the entire square footage may be counted if 75% or more of the area has direct
line of sight to perimeter vision glazing.
4. For classrooms and other multi-occupant spaces, the actual area with direct sight of line to
perimeter glazing is counted.
CS(Additional Requirement):
The project must incorporate a feasible tenant layout(s) per the default occupancy counts that
can be used in the analysis of this credit.
None 1. Increasing vision glazing is likely to
provide greater daylight. This relates
to credit IEQ C8.1.
2. Increased window-to-wall ratio in a
design can alter energy performance
and impact lighting design. This
relates to EA C1, EAP2, and IEQ C6.
1. Show regularly occupied spaces with views in floor plans,
sections, and elevations.
2. Generate a spreadsheet showing the view area as outlined
in calculations section to account for any changes in design.
Exemplary performance credit may
be earned by meeting 2 of the 4
measures lsited below:
1. 90% or more of regularly occupied
spaces have multiple lines of sight to
vision glazing in different directions at
least 90 degrees apart.
2. 90% or more of regulary occupied
spaces have views that include views
of at least 2 of the floowing opetions-
vegetation, human activity, or objects
at least 70 feet from exterior of
glazing.
3. 90% or more of regulary occupied
spaces have access to unobstructed
views within the distance of 3 times
the head height of the vision glazing.
4. 90% or more of regulary occupied
spaces have access to views with a
view factor of 3 or greater.
Available duration and strength of
solar radiation may influence heat
gain and loss through glazing
systems.
X 1 X IEQ C9
Enhanced Acoustical Performance
Provide classrooms that enable
better student-teacher
communications through effective
acoustical design.
1. Sound Transmission- Design the shell, and 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 Gudelines for Schools,
except windows, which must meet an STC rating of at least 35.
2. Background Noise- Reduce background noise level to 40dBA or less from HVAC systems
in classrooms and other core learning spaces.
1. (ANSI)/ASHRAE Standard S12.60-
2002, Acoustical Performance
Criteria, Design Requirements and
Guidelines for Schools
2. ASHRAE Handbook, CH 47,
Sound and Vibration Control, 2003,
HVAC Applications.
This credit directly relates to
strategies and measures to achieve
effective acoustical performance in
school buildings covered in IEQ P3.
1. Maintain accurate copies of the project building plan;
denotes STC ratings for wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies.
Describe teartments used for sound control where ductwork or
other passages connect classroom spaces, and note them on
the plan.
2. Document the methods by which the background noise
level in classrooms and other primary spaces was kept below
45dBA by following ANSI S12.60 methodology or using
software that is based on 2007 HVAC Applications ASHRAE
Handbook, CH 47
This credit may be eligible for
exemplary performance under
Innovation & Design section if the
project achieves an outdoor
background noise level of 55dBA for
playgrounds, and 60dBA for atletic
fields, or an indoor noise level of
35dBA.
Regional factors may influence
ambient noise around school
buildings.
X 1 X IEQ C10
Mold Prevention
To reduce the potential presence of
mold in schools.
1. The project team must achieve credits: IEQ C3.1, IEQ C7.1, and IEQ C7.2
2. Provide HVAC to limit relative humidity to 60% or less.
3. Develop and implement IAQ Management Program for buildings based on EPA document-
Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers, EPA Reference
number 402-F-91-102, December 1991.
Building Air Quality: A Guide for
Building Owners and Facility
Managers, EPA Reference Number
402-F-91-102, Decemner 1991.
Prevention of mold is also dealth in
credits IEQ C3.1, IEQ C7.1, and IEQ
C7.2.
1. Demonstrate the method used to limit space relative
humidity to 60% or less.
2. Maintain a written IAQ management plan.
This credit may be eligible for
exemplary performance under
Innovation & Design section but there
is no prescribed threshold.
Mold problem is more prevalant in
warm and humid climates. Whenever
temperature and humidity
management is required, the building
may use more energy.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Innovation in Design (ID)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
IO
1 to 5 1 to 4 1 to 5 IO C1
Innovation in Design
To provide design teams an
opportunity to earn extra credits by
achieving exceptional performance
beyond what is stated in the LEED
Rating system.
Path 1: Innovation in Design
- You can earn 1-5 points for NC and CS; 1-4 points for Schools.
- One point is awarded for each innovation.
Path 2: Exemplary Performance
- You can earn upto 3 points.
- One point is awarded for each exemplary performance.
- Exemplary performance credit is earned if you achieve double the credit requirements or
achieve next incremental percentage threshold.
None 1. Every LEED credit may hold ideas
for Innovation in Design points.
2. Also refer to Exemplary
Performance section of each credit.
1. Describe step by step process by which the team has
worked to achieve environmental benefits beyond what is laid
out in LEED Rating system.
2. Record development and implementation of the innovative
strategies.
3. For CS projects, describe the scope of the building that the
innovation credit covers.
None May have regional content.
1 1 1 IO C2
LEED Accredited Professional
To encourage design integration to
streamline LEED application and
certification process.
At least one principal team member should be LEED AP. LEED Accredited Professional-
Green Building Certification Institute.
None Confirm team members who are LEED APs or are planning to
become one.
None None
X 1 X IO C3
School as a Teaching Tool
To integrate sustainable features of
the school facility with the school's
educational mission.
1. Design a curriculum based on the high performance features of the building.
2. Commit to implement the curriculum within 10 months of LEED certification.
3. The curriculum whould focus on the integration of human ecology, natural ecology, and the
built environment.
4. Curriculum must meet local or state curriculum standards, and approved by school
administration.
5. Provide at least 10 hours of classroom istruction per year per full time student.
None None 1. Describe the process by which the project team has
developed and implemented the curriculum based on high
performance features of the building.
2. Confirm that curriculum was approved by school
administration, and meets the local or state curriculum
standards.
None None
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.
Regional Priority (RP)
Category NC S CS Credit Intent Requirements Referenced Standard Credit Synergy Documentation Exemplary Performance Regional Variations
RP
1 to 4 1 to 4 1 to 4 RP C1
Regional Priority
To provide incentive to achieve
credits that address geographical/
local environmental priorities.
1. You can earn total of 4 out of 6 Regional Priority credits, one point for each credit.
2. Projects outside USA are not eligible.
Refer to standards for a particular
credit being considered for regional
priority.
Vist USGBC Regional priority
database.
Refer to documentation guidelines under each Regional
Priority Credit, and also LEED online.
None Refer to the regional variations
section undera particular Regional
Priority Credit.
Copyright © 2012 Green Exam Guide. All Rights Reserved.