LEED 2009 The Missing Manual

LEED 2009:
The Missing Manual

Keeping up with the changes to LEED-NC via addenda,
Interpretations, review comments, and more
A LEEDuser special report

Published by BuildingGreen, Inc.
LEED 2009: The Missing Manual 2013 BuildingGreen, Inc. All rights reserved.
CREDITS
Editor
Tristan Roberts
Graphic Design
Amie Walter
Contributors from BuildingGreen

Brent Ehrlich
Nadav Malin
Paula Melton
Erin Hathway Weaver
About BuildingGreen
BuildingGreen combines insight with information, creating knowledge that informs
practice. We provide design and construction professionals with practical insights,
engagement opportunities, and software resources to exceed clients energy and
environmental performance expectations.
BuildingGreens other information resources include the following.
Environmental Building News, since 1992, the trusted source for news and information
on green building
GreenSpec, the independent guide to green building product selection, since 1997
BuildingGreen.com, with news and product information, case studies, blogs, and more
LEEDuser, a website dedicated to helping LEED project teams with credit-by-credit
support and a discussion forum
Contributors from YR&G

Keith Amann
Devon Bertram
Daniel LeBlanc
Trista Little
Stephen Loppnow
Karin Miller
Seema Pandya
Ante Vulin
LEEDuser Guest Experts

LEEDuser is grateful to the community of LEEDuser Experts who volunteer their time to
answer questionsboth frequently asked, and infrequently askedon the LEEDuser
forum on a daily basis. The FAQs included in this report and those on the LEEDuser website
are drawn in part from their thousands of answers. LEEDusers current roster of experts
includes the following individuals.
Dan Ackerstein Ackerstein Sustainability
Eliot Allen Criterion Planners
Jacob Arlein Environmental Building Strategies
continued on next page
LEEDuser Guest Experts continued

Mara Baum HOK
Brittany Bliffen YR&G
Natalie Bodenhamer The Cadmus Group
Hannah Bronfman YR&G
April Wackerman Brown Institute for the Built Environment
Carlie Bullock-Jones Ecoworks Studio
Jenny Carney YR&G
Dylan Connelly Integral Group
Jill Dalglish Dalglish Daylighting
Michael DeVuono Nave Newell, Inc.
Lisa Fabula DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
Jason Franken Cannon Design
Kimberly Frith Alto Sustainability
Susann Geithner Hengst Streff Bajko
Barry Giles BuildingWise
Lauren Glasscock DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
Jason Grant Jason Grant Consulting
Daniel Hicks Geiler & Associates
Gregory Hurst Robert Peccia and Associates
John-David Hutchison CSV Architects
Josh Jacobs UL Environment
Bob Kobet Sustainaissance International
Chris Ladner Viridian
Dan LeBlanc YR&G
Shane Mason - Environmental Building Strategies
Megan Meiklejohn Healthy Buildings
Andrew Mitchell Moses & Associates
Ellen Mitchell HKS
Nadav Malin BuildingGreen, Inc.
Allison Beer McKenzie SHP Leading Design
Mike Opitz - The Cadmus Group
Seema Pandya YR&G
Doug Pierce Perkins+Will
David Posada GBD Architects
Todd Reed 7group
Amy Rider DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
Michelle Reott Earthly Ideas LLC
Dane Sanders Clanton & Associates
Eddy Santosa HMC Architects
Christopher Schaffner The Green Engineer
Eric Shamp Ecotype Consulting
Marcus Sheffer 7group
Larry C. Sims Studio4
Ben Stanley YR&G
Bill Swanson Integrated Architecture
Susie Spivey-Tilson tvs design
Crissy Tsai Webcor Builders
Ante Vulin YR&G
Acknowledgements
When we launched LEEDuser.com in 2009, we were only making our best guess at how
this website would serve the LEED user community. Thanks to the engagement of our
thousands of paying members, as well as the thousands more who pop into our forums
and get our emails, weve been able to refine our approach, and, we hope, provide some
real help to project teams who are doing their best in a world of green building that is
constantly evolving. Thank you for spending some time with us, and making this report
possible with your questions and answers.
In addition to the individuals already mentioned, we are grateful to the entire staffs of
USGBC and GBCI for answering countless questions about LEED, and for working tirelessly
behind the scenes. We especially want to thank Sarah Alexander, Amy Boyce, Sarah Buffaloe,
Theresa Backhus, Sara Cederberg, Corey Enck, Nick Firmand, Deon Glaser, Selina Holmes,
Taryn Holowka, Scot Horst, Dror Karni, Ashley Katz, Arnold Kee, Prateek Khanna, Chrissy
Macken, Batya Metalitz, Jeremy Muenz, Larissa Oaks, Brendan Owens, Andre Poremski,
Mahesh Ramanujam, Lauren Riggs, Megan Ritchie Saffitz, Judith Webb, and Emily Kirk
Willson, for all their work on LEED and their support for LEEDuser.
We thank Emily Catacchio for assistance with our forum and for reviewing this guide.
Michelle Reott of Earthly Ideas offered detailed and invaluable feedbackthank you.
Achievement Rates
The LEED-NC 2009 achievement rate data shown throughout this report is drawn from the
Green Building Information Gateway, or GBIG, and is based on the 1,100+ certified projects
to date. Thanks to Chris Pyke and his team for helping us display this data on LEEDuser.
Addenda and Interpretations

Graphs in each credit category show the number of LEED addenda and Interpretations
(prior to 4/1/13) for each credit and prerequisite, according to USGBCs Interpretations
database.
Continuing Education
LEEDuser members can receive continuing education credit for reading this report. The
American Institute of Architects (AIA) has approved this course for 5 HSW Learning Units.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) has approved this course for 5 LEED-specific
CE hours towards the LEED Credential Maintenance Program. Go to www.LEEDuser.com/
content/leed-2009-missing-manual

122 Birge St., Suite 30, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
2013 BuildingGreen, Inc.
Cover photo: ADDI Design
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Credits
How to Use this Guide
Photos in this Guide
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LEED 2009: The Missing Manual

Sustainable Sites

SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

SSc1: Site Selection

SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity

SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment

SSc4.1: Alternative TransportationPublic Transportation Access

SSc4.2: Alternative TransportationBicycle Storage and
Changing Rooms

SSc4.3: Alternative TransportationLow-Emitting and
Fuel Efficient Vehicles

SSc4.4: Alternative TransportationParking Capacity

SSc5.1: Site DevelopmentProtect or Restore Open Habitat

SSc5.2: Site DevelopmentMaximize Open Space

SSc6.1/SSc6.2: Stormwater Design

SSc7.1: Heat Island ReductionNon-Roof

SSc7.2: Heat Island ReductionRoof

SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
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Water Efficiency

WEp1/WEc3: Water Use Reduction

WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping

WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
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Energy and Atmosphere

EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems

EAp2/EAc1: Energy Performance

EAp3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

EAc2: On-Site Renewable Energy

EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning

EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management

EAc5: Measurement and Verification

EAc6: Green Power
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Materials and Resources

MRp1: Storage and Collection of Recyclables

MRc1.1: Building ReuseMaintain Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof

MRc1.2: Building ReuseMaintain Existing Interior
Nonstructural Elements

MRc2: Construction Waste Management

MRc3: Materials Reuse

MRc4: Recycled Content

MRc5: Regional Content

MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

MRc7: Certified Wood
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Indoor Environmental Quality

IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance

IEQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control

IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring

IEQc2: Increased Ventilation

IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Management Plan
During Construction

IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan
Before Occupancy

IEQc4.1: Low Emitting MaterialsAdhesives and Sealants

IEQc4.2: Low Emitting MaterialsPaints and Coatings

IEQc4.3: Low Emitting MaterialsFlooring Systems

IEQc4.4: Low Emitting MaterialsComposite Wood and
Agrifiber Products

IEQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control

IEQc6.1: Controllability of SystemsLighting

IEQc6.2: Controllability of SystemsThermal Comfort

IEQc7.1: Thermal ComfortDesign

IEQc7.2: Thermal ComfortVerification

IEQc8.1: Daylight and ViewsDaylight

IEQc8.2: Daylight and ViewsViews
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HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
How to Keep Up with LEED
Here are some tips to getting the most out of this

guide:
One of the most common things we hear from

the LEEDuser community is that keeping up with
LEED 2009 is a challenge. Between addenda,
LEED Interpretations, review comments, and
information being shared on LEEDuser forums,
in addition to the core material in the LEED
Reference Guide, its easy to feel overwhelmed.
We hope weve saved you a few steps by

compiling the information contained herein, but
this is not an official LEED policy document. Its
always worth checking primary sources for key
language that you are relying on for your LEED
documentation.
The edition you are reading is current as of
April 8, 2013. Well also keep you up to date on
new developments through our LEEDuser email
newsletter.
While much of it applies to other rating systems,
this guide is focused on LEED-NC 2009. We do
have a separate guide about LEED-EBOM, called
the LEED-EBOM Stress Test.
You can assume that all LEED Interpretations
quoted or referenced in this guide are marked
by USGBC as applicable to LEED-NC 2009
unless we note otherwise. In this guide we
either paraphrase or quote key parts of LEED
Interpretations and Addenda. Particularly if youre
relying on a certain Interpretation, reviewing the
entirety of it is a good idea. See the next section
for how to do that.
In addition to the Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) included in this guide, there are tens
of thousands of questions and comments in
the LEEDuser forums that were too detailed or
project-specific to include here, but that might
be useful for your project. View our credit-bycredit forums for more, and use the single-page
view feature at the bottom of the forum and
your browsers find command to search within a
specific forum.
The guidance contained herein is subject to
LEEDusers usual disclaimer.
We can relate to that. Just in compiling this guide,

we found some key LEED Interpretations that
answered longstanding questions for us, along
with countless other useful bits of information
making it very exciting for us to offer this all-inone resource.
However, its also important to point out that
USGBC offers several useful ways to keep up to
date with LEED. Some of them were launched
only in the fall of 2012 with the new USGBC
website, and might be new to a lot of users.
Heres an overview of some key features that we
use all the time.
A variety of LEED documentation tools are
available under the Resources link at the top of
every page on USGBC.org. Once you get to that
page, different types of resources are listed in the
sidebar.
Addenda: Tables showing all documents to date
are available here, as well as being integrated into
LEEDusers credit language, and being shown in
the LEED Interpretations database.
Calculators: USGBC has posted a few calculators
here, including a metric conversion calculator.
Checklists: Download various LEED scorecards.
Guidance: You can find key guidance documents
here such as those on district energy systems,
documentation submittal tips for each rating
system, and the Water Use Reduction Additional
Guidance document.
Reference guides: Heres the place to purchase

LEED reference guides, and to download free
supplements.
USGBC sometimes updates these resources,
especially the guidance documents. When it
does this, it typically keeps the previous versions
posted, so you can compare versions and
understand which requirements are applicable to
your project.
your application.
To certify the addition as NC, you would include
only data from the addition in your application.
Any renovated or nonrenovated portions of the
building would not be included, and would need
to be separately identified.
You can pursue CI for any portion of the building
that can be clearly defined as an independent
tenant space.
Key LEED Interpretations
Effective 5/23/2007, updated 7/1/2012
Below are some key LEED Interpretations that

apply more broadly than the credit-specific
Interpretations discussed within this guide.
Key Interpretation: Parking garages and LEED
To view the full text of the LEED Interpretations

that are contained in this guide, visit the LEED
Interpretations database. This database can
take some getting used to, but if you know the
number you are looking for, its easy to find the
Interpretation by entering its number in the search
field in the upper left corner.
Most LEED Interpretations are also listed in the
LEED credit library.
Key Interpretation: Incomplete spaces
LI #10102 answers this question: May projects
using LEED rating systems other than LEED for
Core and Shell include incomplete spaces at the
time of their final LEED certification application?
Any project with incomplete spaces should review
the complete text of this Interpretation.
Effective 11/1/2011
Key Interpretation: Certifying additions
independently
LEED Interpretation #1799 addresses a common
situation: an owner is building an addition that
they want to certify, and arent sure how to handle
the existing building. It offers the following
options (projects in this situation shoul review the
full Interpretation):
LEEDuser was glad to see LEED Interpretation

#10080 come along, in order to answer the
question that frequently came up: Can I certify a
parking garage? Since being released it has been
updated twice to offer additional clarity.
The core ruling states that Parking garages may
not pursue LEED certification. More specifically,
buildings that dedicate more than 75% of floor
area (regardless of whether or not they are
covered, enclosed, and/or conditioned) to the
parking and circulation of motor vehicles are
ineligible for LEED.
The 2011 update clarified that the Interpretation
does not apply to buildings such as car dealers
that are fundamentally not about parking.
The 2012 update changed the Interpretation
significantly, removing the 75% limit. This
update clarifies that the core meaning of the
Interpretation is about the overall function of
the project, not about the inclusion of parking.
A parking garage cannot itself be certified, but a
building with a parking garage attached can be
certified, just as a LEED building can include a
parking lot in its LEED boundary.
Effective 5/9/2011; updated 8/12/2011 and 10/1/2012
To certify the entire building as NC, you would

have to include data from the entire building in

Tools on
Sample ESC Site Plan
Sample ESC Drawing Details
Sample Photos of ESC Practices
Am I exempt from this prerequisite if I have a zero-lot-line

building? What if the site work is minimal due to the scope?
What about a renovation? What if the excavation and foundation
work is miminal due to the construction materials I am using?
No. You must always do an ESC plan according to the credit
requirements. We have yet to hear of a project that didnt have some
issues to address.
What are BMPs for steep slopes?

BMPs for steep slopes should address soil retention, but not water
retention. These could include silt fencing and straw wattles, hydro
seeding and stabilized mulching, geotextiles and mats, and most
importantly, preservation of natural vegetation.
I have a technical question about a specific control measure

and whether LEED requires it. What guidance is available?
LEED does not offer specific requirements on ESC control measures,
beyond the standards that it references, and the documentation
requirements. LEEDuser recommends working with a civil engineer
who understands the LEED and EPA requirements, and relying on the
professional judgment of the engineer for specific technical questions.
LEEDuser has not heard that LEED reviewers are deeply scrutinizing
ESC plans and coming back with highly technical questions.
What suffices as far as a date-stamped photo?

Ideally, use your cameras to imprint a visible date on a corner of
the image. Most cameras offer this option. Digital files also typically
encode a date when the file was created, or encode that date in the file
name, and while these methods arent ideal, some project teams have
reported success submitting this type of documentation.
Is there a preferred method for documentation?

This prerequisite offers several options for documentation, including
date-stamped photographs, a narrative describing the ESC plan
implementation, or a builder declaration of periodic inspection and
documentation of ESC implementation. You can rely on project
specifics to choose the best option for youLEED has no preference.

Can I still earn the prerequisite if the project started considering
LEED after work began?
As long as the project has been actively implementing an ESC plan
during the current development of the project site, you should be
okay. If thats not the case, then the outcome will depend on project
specifics, and you will likely need official guidance from GBCI.
LEEDuser has advised teams that in multi-phase projects, its okay
to focus documentation of the ESC plan only on the current phase,
when LEED became part of the project scope. In general, if there is
some question about whether controls were in place during the LEED
project, you may not be able to earn the prerequisite.
How do I know if my local code is more or less stringent than

the EPA CGP?
USGBC has not identified specific standards for judging this, or defined
certain codes as compliant with the credit, or not. The stringency of
other codes relative to EPAs Construction General Permit is judged on
a case-by-case basis.
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20
15
10
0
SSp1 SSc1 SSc2 SSc3 SSc4.1 SSc4.2 SSc4.3 SSc4.4 SSc5.1 SSc5.2 SSc6.1 SSc6.2 SSc7.1 SSc7.2 SSc8
SS
10
n INTERPRETATION or n ADDENDA
SSc1: Site Selection
Achievement Rate:
56%
LEED does not have published exceptions to the prime farmland

requirement. You would need to submit a CIR to get an official ruling.
Tools on
F loodplain Verification County
Data Example
Verification FEMA Map Example
W
etlands Verification National
Wetlands Inventory
F armland Example NRCS
Website Data
Glossary update:
Previously developed
Previously developed sites are
those altered by paving,
construction, and/or land use that
would typically have required
regulatory permitting to have
been initiated (alterations may
exist now or in the past).
Previously developed land
includes a platted lot on which a
building was constructed if the lot
is no more than 1 acre; previous
development on lots larger than
1 acre is defined as the
development footprint and land
alterations associated with the
footprint. Land that is not
previously developed and altered
landscapes resulting from current
or historical clearing or filling,
agricultural or forestry use, or
preserved natural area use are
considered undeveloped land.
The date of previous development
permit issuance constitutes the
date of previous development,
but permit issuance in itself does
not constitute previous
development.
Effective 11/1/2011
11
The project site is classified as prime farmland, but is in a

developed area with buildings all around. Can I still comply
with this credit?
However, some projects have had success contacting the local USDA
representative and requesting an evaluation to get an exemption due
to the low probability that the land could be usable for agricultural
purposes.
Our project site is in what FEMA refers to as Zone Dan

area that has possible but undetermined flood hazards, as no
analysis of flood hazards have been conducted. How can we
tell if we comply with this credit?
Seek the opinion of an equivalent local regulatory agency, or a
professional hydrologist.
Is it possible to be exempted from the wetlands requirements

under this credit if we protect or restore equivalent wetlands
elsewhere?
No, this is not an accepted compliance path. LEEDusers experts agree
that you are unlikely to get traction with this due to the immediate and
unsustainable impacts on local ecosystems and hydrology.
Is my site previously developed?

Many projects have had questions about the definition of previously
developed. Note that LEED 2009 projects have had the relevant
definition updated by USGBC through a November 2011 addendum.
Be sure to reference that definition.
Key addendum: Non-U.S.

equivalents
Non-U.S. equivalents to definitions
of flood plains, prime agricultural
lands, etc., are now recognized in
the Site Selection credit language.
In another change to this credit
effective at the same time, the
definition of what buildings are
exempt from the parkland
prohibition are broadened
somewhat, in a common-sense
manner: park authority projects
and projects which are operated
by and support the function of
the park are exempt.
Effective 7/6/2012

What exactly does LEED mean by residential neighborhood
or area?
Achievement Rate:
38%
Tools on
B
asic Services List Template
and Example
D
evelopment Density
Calculator and Map Tool
T emplate for Planned
Community Services Narrative
S ample Development Density
Calculations
C
ommunity Connectivity
Narrative Template
LEED defines residential neighborhood or area as a minimum of

10 living units (i.e. an apartment unit or house) per acre. Apartment
buildings, neighborhoods, or dormitories can all contribute to this.
Only a portion of my complying residential development

lies within the -mile radius. Will this suffice for credit
compliance?
In LEEDusers experience, if a residential development of 10 units/
acre lies within a portion of the -mile radius, it likely will contribute
to credit compliance. This is consistent with LEED Reference Guide
guidance on documenting the Development Density path that refers
to any properties that intersect the density boundary.
Where do I draw the radius from?

Use the center of the LEED project boundary.
Is one building or residential area enough to satisfy the

residential density requirement?
Yes, LEEDusers experts have had success with documenting a single
property with the 10 units/acre density. Any discrete area that addresses
the requirements is acceptable, and property lines are not relevant
the area can cross between different properties. It is not sufficient for
the area to be zoned to the correct density, if it is not built to it.
My project has access to services that seem to be basic, but

are not listed in the LEED Reference Guidelike insurance
company, nail salon, auto repair shop. Will these count?
Probably not. Project teams need to be careful when trying to pass
off services not explicitly given in the LEED credit language. In most
cases services not listed will not be approved. Review the credit intent
and think about whether the additional servicesin the absence of
other basic servicesencourage walkable neighborhoods. However,
some projects have had success in specific cases, such as a hotel being
argued as a basic service for an office space with frequent contractors
visiting. A CIR is probably needed to get approval for special cases like
this.
Also, be careful to label your services to be consistent with the credit
language listwhile maintaining honesty. For example, a beauty
salon will be accepted, whereas the same facility labeled as a nail
12

salon might not. If a gas station contains a convenience grocery, label
it a convenience grocery rather than a gas station.
My project is on a base or campus where some services

are available to the population of the project, but not the
general public. Do these count?
Maybe. Language in the Reference Guide is not crystal clear on this
point and some comments from teams indicate that campus projects
should demonstrate that services are open to the public. For LEED
documentation purposes, LEEDuser recommends avoiding relying on
such services, or seeking a CIR to be sure of your approach.
LEEDuser has seen reports of review comments questioning the
inclusion of services on a military base or other installation that are not
open to the general public, even if they are open to anyone within the
radius. On the other hand, one project team reported success with a
military base where access to the base was restricted to the public, and
services on the base were open to anyone on the base.
Within my density radius there are plans for residential

buildings that would qualify under the 10 units/acre net,
but they are not built yet. Can I still achieve credit?
Maybe. Youll have an easier time avoiding this path, particularly
for LEED 2009 projects. Projects should not depend upon planned
residential areas for credit compliance, as this does not represent
existing infrastructure in most cases. However, there is precedent in
LEED-NC v2.2, for example with LEED Interpretation #6012 made on
07/19/2004, to allow planned development of the necessary density
that is contractually obligated, and for which there is supporting
infrastructure.
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SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment

Is earning one point for this credit an appropriate reward,
given the work involved?
Achievement Rate:
11%
Tools on
A
sbestos Abatement
Compliance Path - Sample
Narrative
Key Addenda: Non-U.S.

equivalents
Non-U.S. equivalents to
definitions of brownfields, and site
assessments were recognized as
of 7/6/2012.
Key Addenda: Asbestos

remediation
Although this had previously been
recognized as an Interpretation,
an 11/3/2010 addendum wrote
asbestos remediation into the
SSc3 credit. Projects where
asbestos has been remediated
based on an acceptable standard
(such as RCRA or NESHAPs) can
earn the credit.
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Given the effort, expense, and risk involved in many brownfield projects,
one LEED point is probably not a worthy reward. It would probably be
more useful to think of this credit as a token, and to acknowledge that
developers arent likely to choose a brownfield site to earn this point.
There is a silver lining, however, in that urban infill sites, which are often
brownfields, are typically well-rewarded in LEEDs density-related SSc4
credits.
Do we have to get testing done even if contamination is

obviously present?
Yes, an environmental engineer will need to verify that contamination
is located on the site following using the specified standards for testing
and verification. This helps identify the scope of contamination and
thus the scope of remediation that will be required.
If the remediation work is not part of the LEED project

scope, can I still achieve this credit?
No. If the remediation occurred prior to when the property was
purchased, you are no longer developing a contaminated site. SSc3
addresses sites that are subject to corrective action; it doesnt address
the past history of the site.
Are there minimum contamination thresholds that need to be

met in order for a site to be classified as a brownfield?
Brownfield requirements are determined at the federal, state, or local
level and vary from one jurisdiction to another. For LEED, there are no
minimum thresholds (volume or area) required to meet this credit as
long as the siteor a portion of itis classified as a brownfield.
SSc4.1: Alternative TransportationPublic Transportation Access

What are the requirements for shuttle buses?
Achievement Rate:
40%
Tools on
L ist of Subway Lines and
Numbers of Stops Exemplary
Performance
Narrative Shuttle Service
Public Transportation Map
Per the LEED Reference Guide, they must connect to public transit and
operate during the most frequent commuting hours.
Per a LEED addendum published 4/1/12, they must also provide
direct access to transit facilities within 2 miles of the project site,
approximately a 510 minute drive, and must be available to all project
occupants.
A bus has multiple stops within my 1/4-mile radius. Can I count

each of those?
No, as this doesnt increase service to the LEED project. (Depending on
project specifics, you could try to make a case, however.)
Key addenda:
Bus rapid transit
Bus rapid transit stations and
commuter ferry terminals are
recognized under Option 1,
which was previously reserved
for rail, as of 7/6/2012. (This
change affects all projects, not
just non-U.S. ones, even though
it originated as a Global ACP.) In
a new Option 3 available only to
international projects, proximity
to ride-share stations can
contribute to the credit.
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SSc4.2: Alternative TransportationBicycle Storage and Changing Rooms

Does LEED have any requirements on spacing or the type of
bike racks used? What about security?
Achievement Rate:
42%
Tools on
Site Plan with Bike Racks
FTE Narrative and Calculation
Floor Plan with Showers
LEED does not prescribe the type of bicycle rack that should be used
or the spacing between them. However, if you want to provide the
best options possible for your bicyclists, look at bike rack design and
capacity figures with a skeptical eye. So-called wheel bender and
wave racks, for example, do not provide much security, and can
become overcrowded. Some form of locking defines securechoose
what is appropriate for the project and location.
Are there specific requirements for the changing rooms, such

as size?
No. Use common design standards and principles. A shower and a
changing room may be part of the same space.
Based on my FTE calculations, I am only required to provide

one shower to meet this requirement. Since both males and
females will have access to this one shower, and it will be in a
single room, does this satisfy the credit requirements? Can I
use an existing shower in a handicapped-accessible bathroom?
Yes and yes.
Do bike racks have to be within the LEED project boundary?

No, as long as they meet the credit requirement of being within 200
yards of a building entrance.
My project type serves visitors who can reasonably be expected

to not be using bikes, e.g. hotel, airport, assisted living facility.
Can I exclude them from bike rack requirements?
Possibly. LEED Interpretation #2422 made on 01/23/2009 states that
When submitting this credit, the narrative should include the number
of people that are excluded from SSc4.2 occupancy counts and why
this type of visitor cannot reasonably be expected to arrive at this
destination on or with a bicycle. The submittal should also state how
guests with bicycles will be accommodated.
While USGBC has not provided guidelines for how to determine when
this path can be reasonably pursued, projects can reference this LEED
Interpretation and make an argument based on the project specifics.
Check the LEED Interpretations database for some more specific
examples.
16
SSc4.2: Alternative TransportationBicycle Storage and Changing Rooms

Is a general storage room that is accessible to residents
acceptable for covered bike storage?
LEEDusers experts have seen this credit approved with similar
strategies. Check that each unit has its own storage area that is large
enough for a bike, and that there is enough other storage in the unit
for other common items like boxes of clothing, etc. A common-area
storage room that could get filled up with non-bike stuff could be a
problem, however. Be sure that the intended solution will really work.
Do I round up or down? What if the calculations show that I

need 0.5 showers?
Round up at all times. Round 0.5 showers up to 1.
Our building is mostly residential. Must we provide showers

and changing rooms for the nonresidential portion?
It depends on the specifics, including square footage. LEED Interpretation
#10209, issued 7/1/2012, states that If the total nonresidential square
footage of a mixed-use building is less than 10% and no greater than
5,000 square feet, it is acceptable for the nonresidential use to be
excluded from the shower requirements. Bicycle storage requirements
must still be met, however.
NREL Research Support Facility
17
SSc4.3: Alternative TransportationLow-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles
WEc2 Achievement Rate:
54%
Tools on
L E/FE Calculator based on
FTEs
S ite Plan with LE/FE
Preferred Parking
Do all hybrid vehicles automatically qualify for this credit?

No. The qualifying list rates vehicles for fuel efficiency as well as
emissions. Mostbut not allhybrids meet the criteria. There are also
non-hybrid cars that qualify for the credit. Always check the most upto-date list for qualifying vehicles. The list is very long and inclusive.
Can a project pursue this credit via a combination of Option 1

(preferred parking) and Option 2 (alternative fueling stations)?
This would probably be approved by LEED, depending on specifics, but
you would need to get an official ruling.
How should the signage read for preferred parking spaces?

Neither USGBC or GBCI has provided a mandatory signage design, but
they have provided consistent review comments indicating that one or
more of the following terms must be on the sign:

Low-Emitting
Fuel-Efficient
Zero Emissions
ACEEE 40+
Some project teams have struggled with this because they think
that this language does not clearly convey the concept to occupants.
Nonetheless, this has been the pattern of review comments from GBCI.
For projects that want to use additional terms, they may use one of
more of the above terms, in combination with any of the following
terms.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Hybrid Vehicles
Electric Vehicles
These terms are not sufficient on their own, however, as not all hybrid
vehicles are low-emitting, for example.
For electric vehicle charging stations, how are the parameters

established for fueling capacity?
Typically credit is given for each available preferred parking spot with
a separate charging plug. If a charging station provides a fast charge
and the project wants to have that reflected in its credit calculations,
then the project team should provide evidence from both the charging
system manufacturer and the building or parking management
showing that the logistics of allowing multiple vehicles to share a
single charging station will be managed accordingly.
18
SSc4.3: Alternative TransportationLow-Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles

I am working on a project with no parking spaces allocated.
Can I earn this credit?
Yes, some projects have earned this credit with a regional car-sharing
program that locates a publicly accessible car share vehicle adjacent to
the project site.
Our project is outside the U.S., and the LEED-approved ACEEE

Green Score and CARB ratings and classifications dont apply
to many vehicles. Is there another approach that is accepted?
Only in Brazil, where projects can benefit from LEED Interpretation
#10230, issued 10/1/2012, which approved a regional program. GBCIs
policy is that until a Global alternative compliance path (ACP) or LEED
Interpretation comes out, proposals for non-standard approaches
must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by individual review teams.
This means that some LEED projects may be able to create a successful
approach, and some might have difficultya situation that is consistent
with what LEEDuser has heard about LEED review comments.
Should I consider motorbikes and parking spaces for them

under this credit? What about fleet vehicles?
Fleet vehicle and storage spacesfor example, spaces for school buses,
military vehicles, rental cars, or tractor trailersare not counted in the
number of total parking spaces, but commuter spaces are counted,
including those dedicated to atypical vehicles such as motorcycles.
According to GBCI, an atypical vehicle used for commuting, such as a
motorcycle, should be counted the same as a standard passenger car
parking space. The amount of preferred parking provided should be
distributed evenly among the various parking space types.
For example, if 40% of the projects parking is for motorcycles, 60% of
the total parking is for standard passenger vehicles, and 10 preferred
spaces are required to earn the credit, the preferred spaces should
be distributed such that four preferred spaces (40%) are provided for
motorcycles and six preferred spaces (60%) are provided for passenger
vehicles.
19
Achievement Rate:
45%
Tools on
Sample Site Plan
S ample Narrative
No Parking
How does one account for off-site parking. Should the LEED
boundary encompass this parking? Or alternatively may the
project pursue the no new parking option?
The Minimum Program Requirements supplemental guidance covers
these situations in some detail. The boundary needs to include
contiguous land that is associated with and supports normal building
operations.
The intent of the credit is to reduce pollution and land development
impacts from automobile use. New parking provided off-site does not
meet the credit intent. Although its applicability to LEED 2009 has not
been considered (it wsa issued for NC-v2.2, LEED Interpretation #2120
issued 5/23/08 states, if there will be additional parking built as a result
of the construction of the [project], even if this parking is off site, then
the No New Parking option cannot be used.
If a project does not provide parking onsite but provides a

shuttle service to new parking offsite, is that considered no
new parking since the new parking is not onsite?
See the previous question.
Does rebuilding an existing parking area with fewer spaces

mean no new parking?
Yes. Rebuilding a current parking lot with fewer spaces will meet the
credit intent for no new parking.
If a non-residential project wants to use Option 4, which

references theITE Parking Generation Study, where does one
upload and submit required documentation? There is no Option
4 choice in the credit form.
Since the LEED Online form doesnt have an Option 4 choice, youll
need to indicate with the checkbox under Additional Details that
youre using an alternative compliance path. For more information, see
LEEDusers analysis of the ITE study.
How do you designate preferred parking if the parking facility

is not under the owners control?
You would need to work with the parking authority or management to
designate the preferred parking.
20

How does one apply minimum zoning requirements to a project
when it is part of a larger complex or campus?
The LEED MPRs require you to allocate parking between multiple
buildings. Allocation may be determined by an appropriate
percentage of use.
Are there standards regarding how to document the spaces

that will be dedicated as reserved?
There arent specific standards, but projects are expected to adequately
communicate to occupants about the location and purpose of
preferred parking spaces, typically by use of pole, wall-mounted, and/
or pavement markings.
Spectrum Health Medical Group
How does a carpool/vanpool relate to a shared car service/

company when it comes to the preferred parking requirements
of this credit?
If a proper contract agreement of two years and designated space are
provided through an alternative compliance method, then a shared car
service may be accepted as a carpool or vanpool substitute. See LEED
Interpretation ID#3138, 1/26/2005, in which Reviewers define car share
services and LEED Interpretation ID#3137, 5/24/2004, in which Zipcar
is discussed as a carpool substitute for residential projects. (Note that
these Interpretations are for NC-v2.1 and neither has not been officially
considered for v2009.)
21
SSc5.1: Site DevelopmentProtect or Restore Habitat

Can I count green roofs toward this credit?
Achievement Rate:
15%
Tools on
S ample Site Plan
Previously Developed Site
S ample Site Plan Greenfield Site
In order to comply with SSc5.1, green roofs must provide a diversity

of native or adapted species that provide animal habitat. This means
that extensive roofs with sedum monocultures wont contribute to
this credit, as USGBC spelled out in LEED Interpretation #10231, issued
10/1/2012.
Can I count green walls toward this credit?

No. LEED Interpretation #5310 issued 3/4/2008, states that Although
living walls or vertical landscaping may provide limited habitat for
certain species adapted to urban areas, the credit language does not
currently allow for use of this approach in calculating area compliance.
This Interpetation also notes that green walls cannot contribute to
SSc5.2.
How should we document the off-site restoration option?

As recently as version 04, the LEED Online form doesnt mention this
option. We recommend that teams document it as an alternative
compliance path, by providing a letter on letterhead that includes the
EPA Level III Ecoregion, confirms the offsite conservation easement is
in compliance with the Land Trust Standards, and notes the size of the
designated area.
Key addenda: Parking garages

matter
The SSc5.1 site protection buffer
zones have been clarified as of
8/1/2011: 40 feet beyond the
building perimeter and parking
garages.
Can turf grasses contribute to this credit?

Common turf grass is not considered native. However, it is possible
that a variety of grasses, rather than a monoculture, that are selected
with the native habitat in mind and are adpated to the local habitat,
can contribute to the credit.
Key addenda: Land donation

As of 11/3/2010, projects with few
landscaping opportunities seeking
SSc5.1 can choose to donate offsite
land in perpetuity, equal to 60%
of the previously developed area
(including building footprint), to
a land trust within the same EPA
Level III Ecoregion identified for
the project site. The land trust must
adhere to the Land Trust Alliance
Land Trist Standards and Practices
2004 Revision.
22
Key addenda: Landscape budget method

A new landscape budget method (LEEDusers term) was added for
this credit on 11/3/2010. This method could be very useful for teams
that are close to meeting the buffer zone requirement, but having
some difficulty. If a project is meeting 3 of 4 requirements but cant
meet the fourth, it can do a calculation to demonstrate compliance.
EAc1 Achievement Rate:
42%
Tools on
Sample Plan for Case 1
Key Interpretation:
Vegetated open space
According to LEED Interpretation
#2487 issued 2/18/2009, natural
open space mimicking the
surrounding ecosystem would
qualify as vegetated open space.
Im confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2.

Can I earn them both?
Yes. Many projects earn both credits due to their inherent overlap. The
key distinction is that SSc5.1 is looking at habitat for wildlife, while
SSc5.2 is looking at all kinds of open space.
Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?

Roof terraces can count towards SSc5.2 as long as they are accessible
and open to all occupants of the project. Private balconies do not count
towards the credit requirements.
How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?

If counting vegetation on balconies and roof areas, only consider
green roof and open-bottom planters towards SSc5.2 vegetation
requirements. Closed bottom planters do not count towards the credit.
What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this

the same as an open space requirement?
If a local code does not have an explicit open space zoning requirement
or the open space requirement also includes a landscaping
requirement, use the landscaping requirement to determine the
compliance path. The local code open space requirement may be more
general and allow for more than vegetation, and may not be in line
with the intent and focus on vegetation to meet credit requirements.
How can artificial turf contribute to the credit requirements?

Artificial turf can contribute to hardscape areas and help your project
achieve SSc5.2 as long as you are already achieving SSc2. It is unlikely
the turf can contribute to the vegetated area calculations.
Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation

towards SSc5.2 calculations?
There is not a clear and explicit approach for calculating how permeable
paving contributes to SSc5.2. However, it is reasonable to count some of
the permeable paving if it is an open grid system that is predominantly
open-grid/vegetation. To calculate the permeable paving contribution,
consider using a percentage of the total permeable paving area as
vegetatedfor example, if you have 1,000 ft2 of open grid, consider
500 ft2 as vegetation.
23

Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?
Yes, interior courtyards, if vegetated, can contribute to the open space
requirements as long as they are open and accessible to all occupants.
Additionally, if your project is achieving SSc2, any pedestrian-oriented
hardscape within the courtyard can likely contribute to the credit as
well.
Can a project designate open space off-site and not within the
LEED project boundary to meet the credit requirements?
To date, we are not aware of a project using LEED 2009 being able to
achieve the credit requirements by allocating open space outside of the
LEED project boundary. This is also not allowed as an exception under
MPR3, although campus settings with no local zoning requirements
do have an exception noted in the LEED Reference Guide. The credit
requires the open space be adjacent to the building and within the
project boundary. However, this approach has been used to meet SSc5.1
credit requirements. This approach has also been used successfully on
LEED-NC v2.2 campus projects.
Which approach should a project take if the LEED project

boundary covers two areas with different zoning requirements?
Although there is not an explicit approach for this situation, it is
probably best to evaluate each area separately and meet the credit
requirements using the appropriate compliance path for each area.
The credit requirements state the open space area must be

adjacent to the project. Does the designated site area need to
be right next to the project building?
Although the credit requirements state the open space is to be
adjacent to the project building, most projects simply make sure that
the designated areas are near the building, and certainly within the
LEED project boundary.
24
SSc6.1 and SSc6.2: Stormwater Management
Achievement Rate SSc6.1:
28%
Achievement Rate SSc6.2:
31%
Tools on
S tormwater Management
Report
S tormwater Quality
Documentation
P
eak Runoff Rate
Documentation
Why do the requirements focus on 1-year and 2-year, 24-hour

storms?
The 2-year, 24-hour design storm is a storm that has a high probability
of happening and contributing to stormwater pollution. A 2-year storm
has a 50% chance of happening in a given year, whereas a 1-year storm
has a 100% chance.
Most state or local programs focus on controlling the large, infrequent
storm events that cause flooding, but not on managing smaller storm
events that we now know cause the majority of the overall erosion and
quality concerns because of their much higher frequency. The criteria
of SSc6 are designed to ensure that both concerns are addressed.
Why include the 1-year storm in the credit requirements? Wont

management practices for the 2-year storm be effective?
It depends on how you look at it. Heres how LEEDuser Expert Michael
DeVuono describes it: Think about it in terms of a simple pre>post
analysis. Your one year pre number will be smaller than your 2-year
pre number. Sometimes that 1-year number is so small that you have
to choke back a lot of water, to ensure the post 1-year is smaller. This
raises the required storage volume for the BMP. So if youre looking at
both the 1- and 2-year events, you may have a greater storage need
than if you simply looked at the 2-year event. The 2-year pre number
will be bigger, so you can let more out in the post.
How can green roofs count as a stormwater control measure?

There are different approaches to this. One approach is to ensure that
green roof soil depth and retention capacity allows for the 2-year,
24-hour design storm.
However, simply taking a CN credit for a green roof is usually beneficial
enough. (The Curve Number or CN provides a number characterizing
the runoff properties for a particular soil and ground cover.) Instead of
the roof being modeled as impervious (with a CN of 98 which produces
a high rate of runoff ) some projects with extensive green roofs have
used a lawn CNusually around 61. In the calculations this results in
a lower overall rate of runoff for the site, and is usually a more feasible
option that providing stormwater storage in the roof media itself. If you
can model your site so there is less runoff, there is less runoff volume
that needs to be stored.
25

How can I achieve compliance if my projects stormwater
control measures are outside the LEED project boundary?
Projects with stormwater control measures outside the LEED project
boundary may be accepted if the measures appropriately take into
account neighboring facilities by demonstrating that the existing
stormwater management systems that serve the LEED project
boundary meet the LEED requirements for all areas within the site
serviced by those systems. LEED 2009 campus projects are required
to reference USGBCs AGMBC guidance, which has specific guidelines
for stormwater. For more on this see, for example, LEED Interpretation
#2275 from 08/22/2008.
I have 100-year datahow do I convert to 2-year?

Storm intervals dont convert. These numbers represent specific storm
event probability. A 100-year storm has a 1% chance of happening
in a given year, while a 2-year storm has a 50% chance of happening
in a given year. The best resource for rainfall intensity data is NOAAs
Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center Precipitation Frequency
Data Server. Further guidance on interpolating 2-year, 24-hour storm
event can be found in LEEDusers EBOM SSc6 Guidance.
NREL Research Support Facility
Is it an acceptable strategy to capture the rainwater into tanks

and discharge it into the public sewers after the rainstorm
reducing the peak discharge?
This is a common strategy for reducing peak rate, which will help you
comply with SSc6.1, but youll need to add onsite reuse or infiltration
to meet SSc6.2 requirements.
Are there special considerations for international projects?

In 2012, an additional compliance option was added to SSc6.1 that
was specifically written with international projects in mind. This can be
found in the credit language, and is fully supported on the most recent
LEED Online forms. Projects in some countries can have trouble finding
the stormwater data theyre looking for. Some useful sites are posted in
LEEDusers Resources tab.
26

What performance threshold do I need to achieve for an
Exemplary Performance point?
LEED Interpretation #10108 dated 11/01/2011 gives additional
guidance in achieving Exemplary Performance. Achievement of the
exemplary performance point encompasses both quantity and quality
measures, and includes a comprehensive approach to capture and
treat stormwater runoff.
The calculations for this credit are always a headache! While

our projects are usually awarded the credit, the equations
in the LEED Reference Guide are helpful mostly for sizing a
reservoir or cistern, but dont help you get to the final results.
Does USGBC provide any step-by-step guidance that would
make submitting these credits more predictable?
No. USGBC has indicated that providing step-by-step instructions for
this entire calculation process within the context of LEED reference
documents is not possible. Various methods and computer-based
software programs are available to estimate stormwater runoff rates
and volumes, and the exact methods used for a particular project will
depend upon the data available for a given site and the preferences
of the qualified professional (typically a civil engineer) performing the
calculations.
LEEDuser has heard from LEED project teams that the LEED expert
on the project is sometimes expected to do the calculations for these
credits, even if that person isnt a stormwater expert. We recommend
a more integrated process in which the civil engineer documents this
credit.
27
SSc7.1: Heat Island EffectNon-Roof

I do not know the SRI value of my hardscape materials. What
can I do?
Achievement Rate:
28%
Tools on
S RI Calculator
S ite Plan Undercover
Parking
LEED requires specific SRI values based on product or material

no exceptions. Your first step is to try reaching out to your product
manufacturers to obtain this information, or searching for any SRI
values that might be applicable, if your material is generic. If this
cannot be found, your next option is to send your material to a lab to
be tested. Getting this data can be hard with existing materials other
than concrete. Finding a similar product and comparing it to yours with
images will not be accepted.
How do I find a lab for getting SRI values? What will it cost?
Look for laboratories that calculate SRI, or that test reflectivity and
emissivityonce you have those values the LEED Online form will
complete the calculation. Searching for labs using keywords like
surfaces or optics may also be helpful. Make sure the lab you are using
follows the reflectivity and emissivity testing ASTM criteria mentioned
in LEED. Testing could cost $500 to $1,000 per sample.
I have a mix of various hardscape types with different SRI

values. Can I apply a weighted average to see if my project
complies?
Yes, per LEED interpretation #5220 made on 07/30/2009, a weighted
average is allowable similar to SSc7.2 for roof surfaces. The supporting
weighted average calculator in LEEDusers Documentation Toolkit can
be used to establish a weighted average for all hardscape materials
used on your project.
Should I use the SRI value of new or weathered concrete for

my project?
Concrete weathers over time and its SRI value goes down. Washing the
concrete periodically during building operation is recommended. This
LEED credit allows you to use the higher SRI value if the concrete is
new. Old concrete should get a reduced value unless washed.
28
SSc7.1: Heat Island EffectNon-Roof

What is hardscape? Is a gravel surface considered hardscape?
How about artificial turf? Wood? Tennis courts?
According to the LEED Reference Guide, Hardscape consists of the
inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include
pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and
concrete, brick, and tile patios. While this clearly demonstrates that
gravel roads and paved tennis courts are hardscape, it leaves some
gray area. LEEDuser is not aware of specific guidance relating to
marginal surfaces like wood or turf, but when in doubt, we recommend
considering any inanimate surface hardscape, which would include
both of those. This should be seen as an opportunity to meet the credit
intent by using high-SRI materials.
Gordon Food Service Corporate Headquarters
29
SSc7.2: Heat Island EffectRoof
Achievement Rate:
52%
Tools on
Cool Roof Sample Plan
We dont have enough SRI-compliant roofing to earn the credit,

but we have a lot of relatively high-SRI roofing (SRI 70). Is
there any way to earn the credit?
Yes, the credit allows for a weighted calculation approach. Many
projects in this situation are able to comply. You will need to enter
all the roof area that you hope to use to comply. See the calculator in
LEEDusers Documentation Toolkit.
R
oof Weighted Average
Calculator
We dont know the SRI value of some roofing materials we are

using. What should we do?
Key addenda: Weighted

average for multiple roofs
If its not possible to obtain values from the manufacturer, or a reliable

industry source, then getting the material tested in a lab according
to ASTM standards is recommended. You can always simply exclude
these materials and submit based on known materials.
An addendum for SSc7.2 clarifies

how to deal with multiple
roofs. This doesnt change the
requirements, but provides
an explicit weighted average
calculator that teams can use.
Key glossary Update:

Appurtenances
An appurtenance is any builtin, nonstructural portion of a
roof system, such as skylights,
ventilators, mechanical
equipment, partitions, or solar
energy panels.
Key glossary update: Roof

area
Roof area is the area of the
uppermost surface of the building
which covers enclosed Gross
Floor Area, as measured when
projected onto a flat, horizontal
surface (i.e. as seen in Roof Plan
view). Roofs, or portions of roofs,
covering unenclosed areas (e.g.
roofs over porches and open
covered parking structures) are
not included in the areas used to
evaluate compliance with SSc7.2,
though they may be applicable to
SSc7.1.
What do I do about roof area covered by solar panels, skylights,

helipads, etc.?
Appurtenances such as these are excluded from the credit. To
quote from LEED Interpretation #10235 made on 10/01/2012, Roof
area that consists of functional, usable spacessuch as helipads,
recreation courts, and areas covered by equipment, solar panels,
and appurtenancescan be exempted from the roof calculations
for SSc7.2. Projects are not eligible for SSc7.2 if the exempted spaces
encompass the entire roof area.
There is a rooftop pool. Should that be included? Do I need to

figure out the SRI value of water?
That would probably count as an appurtenance and be excluded,
although LEEDuser has not seen a definitive ruling applicable to this
credit. There is a LEED Interpretation for SSc7.1, #1412 issued 2/7/2006,
that excludes water features.
Do balconies and terraces need to be counted towards the

roof square footage?
Yes, if they protrude from the building and serve as a roof surface for
conditioned spaces below.
30
SSc7.2: Heat Island EffectRoof

How does one calculate the square footage of a pitched roof?
The square footage of a pitched roof (or a dome) should be determined
by calculating the surface area of the roofing material itself, not the
area as seen from above.
What type of ongoing maintenance of the roof is required?

Materials with high-reflexivity should be cleaned periodically to
maintain their reflectance properties. An interval of every two years is
usually sufficient. However, this is not a LEED credit requirement
31

Are residential spaces exempt from the interior lighting
calculations?
Achievement Rate:
19%
Tools on
A
nnotated Example of
Compliant SSc8 Plan
Sample Luminaire Schedule
LPD Calculation Template
Yes, as of 4/1/12 per LEED for Homes 2008 Interpretation #10147,

residential spaces (dwelling units only) within the scope of other LEED
projects are also exempt from the interior lighting requirements.
Do existing fixtures need to be included in the exterior lighting

calculations?
Yes, if they are within the LEED project boundary.
Can the Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and OnCampus Building Projects be used for the exterior lighting
requirements?
Yes, as long as the entire site meets the requirements.
Can a mix of Option 1 (opaque surfaces) and Option 2 (automatic

controls) be used to meet the interior lighting requirements?
Yes.
Are hospitals exempt from interior lighting requirements?

Yes.
What effect did the November 2011 ASHRAE table 9.4.6

Addendum I, have on exterior lighting power allowances?
Significant reductions for tradable surfaces in LZ1 and LZ2 and some
in LZ3.
On zero lot line projects, where is the boundary?

You can use the curb line.
To calculate building faade lighting power density, how do you

determine the area used in the calculation?
Use only the area that has measurable light on the surface; baseline
and proposed are the same.
Where are vertical footcandles measured at the site boundary?

At grade level.
32
Key addenda: (Dont) Leave

the Light On
Requirements for automatic
shutoffs of interior lights for
SSc8 were clarified with the
following language being added
in an addendum: Controls
can be automatic sweep
timers, occupancy sensors, or
programmed master lighting
control panels. The design can
also include manual or occupancy
based override capabilities that
enable lights to be turned on after
hours. The question of whether
occupants can turn lights on after
hours has come up before on the
LEEDuser forumthis seems to
answer definitively yes.
Is signage included in the LPD calculations for building faades?

No, per ASHRAE table 9.4.5, you can exclude lights in display windows,
advertising, and directional signs as long as they are switched
separately from other lighting.
Does uplight that is under a canopy count towards the limitation

of total initial design fixture lumens at 90 degrees or higher
from nadir?
If the canopy blocks 100% of the light then yes, but this is unlikely. Any
light spillage needs to be counted toward the uplighting limit, but
calculating this can be difficult. Using down-lighting is recommended,
instead.
Is flag lighting exempt from this credit?

Not for LEED 2009 projects. This policy may change in LEED v4.
Key Interpretation:
Light trespass
Are city-owned lights within a projects property required to

comply with credit requirements?
When the property line is

adjacent to a public area that
is a walkway, bikeway, plaza,
or parking lot, the lighting
boundary may be moved 5 feet
beyond the property line.
According to LEED Interpretation #10236 issued 10/1/2012, street

lighting that is required by governmental authorities to be installed
within the LEED projects lighting boundary (whether existing or new)
does not need to be included in any of the calculations.
When the property line is

adjacent to a public street, alley
or transit corridor, the lighting
boundary may be moved to the
center line.
When there are additional
properties owned by the same
entity that are contiguous to
the property, or properties,
that the LEED project is within
and have the same or higher
lighting zone designation as
the LEED project, the lighting
boundary may be expanded to
include those properties.
L EED Interpretation #10236
Effective 1/1/2013. This
interpretation is written in an
attempt to clarify the number of
questions and ambiguities that
exist around the lighting boundary.
This interpretation supersedes LI
1622, LI 2342, LI 5272 and LI 10114.
33
For campus projects, do all existing light fixtures need to comply

with credit requirements at the time of a projects submittal?
All existing fixtures within the LEED project boundary would need to
comply with the SSc8 requirements at the time the project is submitted
for review. However, if the project elected to use the campus property
boundary as the lighting boundary for SSc8 as allowed by LEED
Interpretation #10236, existing fixtures within the lighting boundary,
but outside the specific LEED project boundary would not have to
comply with any of the SSc8 requirements. Essentially, the lighting
boundary is only used in such circumstances for evaluating that
the light trespass requirements are met at that boundary by lighting
located within the LEED project boundary.
What advertising lights or signs must comply with credit

requirements and which are exempt?
Advertising and directional signage, as explained in Addendum i of
ASHRAE 90.1-2007, and further defined in the Users Manual for ASHRAE
90.1-2007, is exempt. Essentially, that means that internally illuminated
advertising signs are exempt, but those illuminated by lighting that is
not integral to the signage itself must be included in the calculations.
Achievement Rate WEc3:
55%
Tools on
S ample Completed WEp1
LEED Online Form
Will the reviewers accept a spreadsheet as a plumbing fixture

schedule in lieu of the plans from the Construction Documents?
A copy of the plumbing fixture schedule from the projects construction
documents, outlining detailed information for each flush and flow
fixture specified (including fixture manufacturer, model number and
flow rate) helps the review team verify that those fixtures are part of
the construction contract. In the absence of such documentation, a
copy of project-specific specifications and details or a project-specific
contractors submittal with manufacturers cut sheets highlighting
flush and flow rates for each fixture specified can be provided.
In LEED review comments Ive been referred to the Water Use Reduction
Additional Guidance document. I didnt know this was a required
reference document.
USGBC originally created this guidance document to address common
questions project teams encountered when documenting WE credits.
The calculations in these forms are fairly complex and are generally not
addressed in the reference guide. The guidance document is intended
to guide the user through the process of filling out the form, but is not
intended to create any new requirements.
Should I include bar sinks? What about mop sinks or janitor

sinks? Swimming pools? Safety showers? Bidets? Tub spouts?
If the bar sinks installed have a similar usage pattern and are similar
fixture type as for those in kitchens then these should be included.
Mop sinks, janitor sinks, swimming pools, bidets, and safety showers
are considered process water and are not included. Consider only the
showerhead and not the tub spout.
Additionally, commercial kitchen sinks and bar sinks including pot
sinks, prep sinks, wash down, and cleaning sinks are considered process
water and are not included.
However, pre-rise spay valves must be considered. If your project is
registered after the 11/1/2011 addenda release then the pre-rinse
spray valve flow rate must be 1.6 gpm or less in order to comply with
the prerequisite. If your project has a pre-rinse spray valve that has a
higher flow rate than 1.6 gpm, then the project is not in compliance
and the pre-rinse spray valve would need to be revised in order to be
eligible for LEED certification.
We provided showers to comply with the alternative

transportation credit. Should they be considered in WEp1
calculations?
34

Yes. Once you enter the project occupancy the WEp1 form calculates
the default daily FTE shower uses.
Project teams may not take credit for fixtures located outside the LEED
Project Boundary (LPB); showers that contribute to SSc4.2 but that are
located outside of the LEED project boundary/scope of work should
not be included within this calculation.
Can you explain the 12-second duration for metering faucets?

This duration is intended to prevent LEED projects from claiming credit
for reducing the duration below 12 seconds; durations less than 12
seconds are not permitted for LEED calculations as shorter intervals are
insufficient for typical hand washing.
Can I use a nonpotable water source to contribute to WEp1

compliance?
Yes. Although WEp1 is written to focus on reducing the total amount
of water used, you can also include the impact of using non-potable
water. Document this via an alternative compliance path.
Our project does not have any eligible water fixtures in the
project boundary. Can we comply with WEp1?
Yes, per LEED Interpretation #10214 issued 7/1/2012: A project without
eligible water fixtures in the LEED-NC project boundary is exempt from
WEp1. Should such a project wish to pursue points under WE Credit 3,
they may do so by evaluating WEc3 performance based upon all of the
fixtures that are necessary to meet the needs of the project occupants,
even if they are located outside the project boundary.
We are having trouble finding EPAct-compliant fixtures. Is that

a problem?
Not for individual fixtures. You only have to meet the LEED requirements
for your fixtures as a group.
What is the meaning of public and private as relevant to

lavatory faucets?
Private use applies to plumbing fixtures in residences, apartments, and
dormitories, to private (non-public) bathrooms in transient lodging
facilities (hotels and motels), and to private bathrooms in hospitals
and nursing facilities. Any fixtures that are not in one of those more
residential-focused situations are considered to be public fixtures.
35
Key glossary update:

Autocontrol faucets
Autocontrol faucets have
automatic fixture sensors or
metering controls.
Key addenda: Hospitality

guidance
As of 11/1/2011, USGBC has
offered additional guidance
on key WEp1/WEc3 calcs, with
special relevance to hospitality.
For the purposes of the credit
calculations, assume that hotel
guests use the fixtures and fittings
in their room, employees use
back of house and / or common
areas, and transient guests use
common area restrooms. And:
For hospitality projects, FTE and
transient occupants are calculated
per the typical methodology for
the respective occupancy types.
Hotel guests may be determined
based on the number and size
of units in the project. Generally,
assume 1.5 occupants per
guest room and multiply the
resulting total by 60% (average
hotel occupancy per AH&LA
information) to determine the
total number of hotel guests.
Alternatively, occupants may be
derived from actual historical
occupancy numbers. Fixture use
assumptions for hotel guests
follow the fixture assumptions
for residential occupants.
Accordingly, lavatories located in
guest rooms are considered to be
private lavatories. Additionally,
day use guests at the hotel should
be included in the value for
transient / visitor occupants. Per
typical fixture use assumptions,
this category of occupants
assumes zero shower uses
throughout the day.
Our project is a factory with historically a 95% male workforce.

The restroom design accounts for this. Can I argue that the
male/female gender ratio is different than 50/50?
Even though official LEED policy allows for nonstandard gender ratios,
LEEDuser has seen numerous comments on our forums suggesting
that reviewers are providing little leeway for situations like this, even
in a case just like you describe. Even a 10% bump toward women to
account for possible future trends was not deemed sufficient. There are
no applicable LEED Interpretations for LEED 2009 projects that would
provide further guidance on gender ratios.
Are shower duration controls an acceptable water-saving

strategy?
LEED assumes a baseline of 300 seconds for a shower, and LEEDuser
has heard of review comments rejecting controls that would shorten
this duration for the design case. A CIR or LEED Interpretation would
likely be needed to make a case.
Can I include process water savings in order to earn an

Exemplary Performance point?
Yesrefer to LEED Interpretation #5819, issued 8/31/2004 and
modified 4/1/13 to apply to NC-v2.2 and NC-v2009 projects. Quoting
the relevant text from LI #5819: A whole building approach to process
water must be used (including washing machines, dish washers,
drinking fountains, cooling towers, etc.) The project must demonstrate
a process water savings that is equal to or greater than 10% of the
regulated water usage as calculated in WEc3. The project should
obtain information on the average amount of water use for each type
of equipment to determine an appropriate baseline and demonstrate
that the increased efficiency compared to the baseline exceeds the
10% WEc3 threshold. Required submittals for this innovation would
include: 1) A narrative explaining what strategies were used and
Key addenda: Kitchen and

lavatory sinks defined
Kitchen sinks includes all sinks in
public or private buildings that are
used with patterns and purposes
similar to a sink in a residential
kitchen; break room sinks would
be included.
Commercial kitchen sinks are not

included. Lavatory faucets refer
to hand-washing sinks, regardless
of location, but lab or healthcare
sinks with regulated flow rates are
excluded. Pot-filling sinks can be
excluded.
36
Key addenda: Easier time for

additions
For additions to existing
buildings, only the water fixtures
within the project scope must be
counted for WEp1. To earn points
under WEc3, all fixtures necessary
to meet the needs of the addition
occupants must be included,
even if they are located within the
existing building.
37
how the baseline was developed. 2) Calculations demonstrating

performance compared to the baseline. 3) Cut sheets showing water
usage of equipment used.
NC projects have also had success using Schools WEc4 as an ID credit.
Also see LEED Interpretations #808 (issued 7/8/2004) and #5752 (issued
5/13/2005) for some history on this issue. You can also earn an EP point
for 45% savings under the Water Use Reduction credit, but it appears,
based on the most recent ruling, that the 45% savings should be based
on regulated (non-process) fixtures alone.

Can non-potable well water that is used for irrigation contribute
to potable water reduction?
Achievement Rate:
57%
Tools on
L andscape Plan
Narrative Option 1
Narrative Option 2, Path 1
Narrative Option 2, Path 2
No, non-potable groundwater used for irrigation (other than nuisance

groundwater, i.e. water pumped away from a foundation) is considered
a potential potable source and would not count towards earning
this credit. GBCI has upheld this rule even in cases where the local
groundwater has mineral or other content that requires treatment
before it can be potable.
Can surface water, such as water from an irrigation ditch or a

local creek, be used as nonpotable water?
No. This approach has been rejected by LEED reviewers, who have
stated that these are potential sources of potable water and their use
does not meet the credit intent. The LEED Reference Guide makes
reference to groundwater in specifically allowing use of nuisance
water that needs to be pumped away from the buildingbut other
groundwater is not mentioned as compliant.
Is the area of the baseline case the same as the design case?
The baseline and design cases are the same, and they are based on the
total landscaped area in the design case.
What is the minimum required irrigated area that will achieve

the credit?
There is no minimum required irrigated area to achieve the credit.
Projects without vegetation on the grounds must have vegetated areas
such as courtyards, planters, or vegetated roofs equal to at least 5% of
the total site area to pursue the credit. Projects with no landscaping are
ineligible for the credit.
Does existing landscaping have to be included in the

calculations?
Yes, all landscaping (existing and new) must be included in the
documentation.
Do vegetated roofs count in the calculation?

Yes.
Does installing artificial turf, pavers, or hardscape in place

of landscape plantings improve your chances of getting the
credit?
38
Key addenda: Month of

highest demand
A 7/6/2012 addendum added
the option to base calculations
on the month with the highest
irrigation demand.
Key addenda: What is

landscaped?
Under calculations for WEc1:
Water Efficient Landscaping, it
has been clarified that any area
being improved upon must be
included in the landscaped area.
Key addenda: Raw water

On 2/2/2011 the following
language was added to
implementation technologies:
Additionally the credit can be
met when landscape irrigation is
provided by raw water (excluding
naturally occurring surface
bodies of water, streams, or
rivers, and ground water) that
would otherwise be treated
specifically for nonpotable uses.
Only ponds designed solely for
the purposes of stormwater
retention or detention can be
used for this credit.
Key addenda: Limit on

controller efficiency (CE)
The measure used under WEc1
is vague and most people dont
seem to use it, judging by our
WEc1 forum, but it has an outside
limit as of 2/2/2011. Gains from
controller efficiency cannot
exceed 30% in July.
Although this may contribute to reducing irrigation demand, this does

not help with achieving the credit, as landscaped area in both the baseline and design case has to be the same (see the LEED Reference Guide
for acceptable methods to earn the credit, and LEED Interpretations
#6039 issued 7/6/2005 and #731 issued 3/24/2004which have not
been applied officially to LEED 2009). Although decreasing vegetated
space may be a sensible option for some projects, it is not allowed to
contribute to this credit. It would not match the intent of this and other
credits for LEED to include an incentive to reduce vegetated area.
How long can a temporary irrigation system for plants to be

established remain on site and have the project remain eligible
to achieve the credit?
According to a LEED Reference Guide addendum from 7/19/2010, the
time period has been increased from 12 months to 18 months.
How is temporary irrigation system defined? What do I have

to do to show that a system is temporary?
LEED does not distinguish what characteristics make an irrigation
system temporary. However, teams have had success by installing
irrigation systems with plans to disable them in some way, such as
removing sprinkler heads, cutting up pipe, or causing some other
severe, if not unalterable, damage to the system.
We will be using a municipal non-potable water source for

irrigation. For extreme drought conditions, the project will also
be tied to the citys potable water source for backup. Does this
backup supply negate our credit achievement?
Yes, it does. A potable waterline attached to the permanent nonpotable irrigation system for an emergency-use-only type condition is not
acceptable, because there is no way to ensure that the potable water
system will be disconnected at the end of the emergency-use-only
period.
39
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies
Achievement Rate:
14%
Tools on
S ample Calculations
The credit language says the Option 2 involves a reduction in

wastewater. Does that mean that all water, including process
water, should be included?
The WEc2 calculations are based on the annual generation of blackwater, or sewage, from flush fixtures as documented in WEp1. Note
that the scope is not the same as WEp1, which includes both flush and
flow fixtures.
Can project teams include reclaimed water systems that are

planned and funded, but not completed?
Yes, per LEED Interpretation #10012 made on 05/09/2011, projects may
only count future infrastructure such as reclaimed water systems so
long as they will be completed and functional within 1 year. Anything
further out than one year may not be counted, however.
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
WEp1 WEc1 WEc2 WEc3
WE
40
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems

Tools on
S ample Commissioning
Specification
C
ommissioning RFP
Template
BOD Template
For a building with individual systems per unit, does every

single system need to be commissioned?
ASHRAE Guideline 0 and 1 provides information about the use of
sampling in such a case to balance commissioning rigor with costeffectiveness.
OPR Template
Can the CxA authority be a member of the design or construction

team?
Key Interpretations: Getting a

late start
For fundamental commissioning and project area less than 50,000

ft2, the commissioning agent can be an employee of the design or
construction firm. For enhanced commissioning and projects larger
than 50,000 ft2, CxA must be independent of both teams. The CxA must
be appointed by the Owner.
Projects sometimes consider

LEED late in the design process
or after construction has begun.
LEED Interpretations #2389 issued
1/23/2009, #2401 issued 2/9/2009,
and #5277 issued 9/18/2007 all
speak to this, and projects in this
situation should review them for
details. Some projects have been
able to fast track fundamental
commissioning, while other
projects may be too far along.
What type of certification is the commissioning agent required

to have?
USGBC does not require any certifications. The commissioning agent
must demonstrate experience on two prior projects.
What level of authority does the CxA have towards correcting

inaccurate or erroneous construction?
The CxA cannot directly authorize construction change orders. The
commissioning agents responsibility is to inform the project Owner
of findings and their effect on building performance. The Owner will
choose a proper course of action.
The comissioning process turned up a few issues with the

commissioned systems that should be corrected. Do we have
to correct these issues and include documentation of that as
part of our LEED documentation?
According to GBCI, any significant issues uncovered during the
commissioning process should be noted in the required commissioning
report. A narrative and/or supporting documentation must be provided
to summarize the corrected issues and outline any outstanding issues,
as well as include detailed information on the plan for correcting
any outstanding issues. However, evidence that the follow-up was
completed and systems corrected is not be required.
41
Achievement Rate EAc1:
64%
Tools on
A
ppendix G Fan Power
Calculator
S ample Narratives When
Modeling Software is
Insufficient
A
dvanced Buildings Core
Performance Guide
Checklist
Is it acceptable to model a split-type AC with inverter technology

compressor as a heat pump, like modeling VRF?
Ideally if the software you are using cannot model a technology directly
then seek a published workaround related to your software. If you cant
find a published workaround then model it as you think it should be
modeled and explain how you have modeled it in the preliminary LEED
submission.
A portion of our building envelope is historic. Can we exclude

it from our model?
No, not if it is part of the LEED project. However, there is an exemption
for existing building envelopes in Appendix G that allow you to model
the existing condition in the baseline so you do not pay a penalty.
For an existing building, do I need to rotate the model?

No, not for an existing building.
Our project has a large process load75%. Despite our efforts

to make an efficient HVAC design, the cost savings are minimal.
What can we do to earn this prerequisite and be eligible for
LEED certification? Is there any flexibility in how we model the
process load?
You must model accurately. Since you dont have enough savings in
the building energy, find savings in the process. Either you will be able
to demonstrate that compared to a conventional baseline the process
being installed into the factory is demonstrably better than similar
newly constructed facilities, allowing you to claim some savings, or
the owner needs to install some energy-saving measures into the
process to get the project the rest of the way there. Either option can
be difficult, but not impossible.
Account for process load reductions through the exceptional
calculation method. A baseline must be established based on standard
practice for the process in your location. Any claim of energy savings
needs a thorough narrative explaining the baseline and the strategy
for energy savings along with an explanation of how the savings were
calculated.
Our process load is higher than 25%. Do we have to justify

that?
It is common to have a 80%90% process load in a manufacturing
facility, for example, or a data center. The 25% default in LEED is
42

based on office buildings. If you think your load is lower than 25%, it
is recommended that you explain why in a short narrative. It is also
recommended to briefly explain it if your load is 25% exactly, since
that level commonly reveals that the process loads were not accurately
represented.
Do the required savings for this prerequisite (and credit) need

to come only from building energy, or also process loads?
The energy savings are based on the whole building energy use
building and process. LEED does not stipulate exactly where they
come from.
Our local code references ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Should I use

that for my documentation, or 90.1-2007?
1315 Peachtree Street
For LEED 2009 youll need touse 90.1-2007. There were some significant
changes in 90.1-2010too many to account for in your LEED review,
and your project would also have a much harder time demonstrating
the same percentage energy savings.
Key addenda: Non-U.S.

equivalents
Our project doesnt have enough energy savings to earn

the prerequisite. Can we get there by incorporating onsite
renewables?
As of 7/6/2012, non-U.S. projects

may use an alternative standard
to ASHRAE Standard 90.12007
if it is approved by USGBC as an
equivalent standard using the
process located at www.usgbc.
org/leedisglobal. Currently there
are no approved equivalents.
Key addenda: CPG and small

projects
Under EAp2, projects under
100,000 ft2 using the prescriptive
Core Performance Guide werent
held to certain requirements; as of
2/2/2011 that was no longer the
case.
Yes according to LEED, although it is not recommended as a best

practice, and it is usually more cost-effective to invest in energy savings
in the building.
Can I claim exterior lighting savings for canopy lighting even

though a baseline model cannot include shading elements?
You can assume exterior lighting savings for canopies against the
baseline, but not the shading effects of canopies.
The project is built on a site with existing exterior lighting

installed. How should this be accounted for?
If exterior lighting is present on the project site, consider it as a constant
in both energy model cases.
Can mezzanines open to floors below be excluded from the

energy model?
Any conditioned area must be included in the energy model.
43

How do I provide a zip code for an international location?
The Energy Star portion of the form does not apply to international
projects.
For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the climate

zone?
Use the tables and definitions provided in 90.1 Appendix B to determine
an equivalent ASHRAE climate zone.
For a project outside the U.S., how do I determine the Target

Finder score?
International projects are not required to enter a Target Finder score.
Target Finder is based on U.S. energy use data.
Do hotel rooms need automatic light shut-off control?

For Section 9.4.1.1c, a manual control device would be sufficient to
comply with mandatory provisions.
How commonly are the 90.1 mandatory compliance forms

submitted as part of EAp2/EAc1?
Submitting these forms is not common; however, it can be beneficial if
you are applying for any exceptions.
The Section 9 space-by-space method does not include

residential space types. What should I use?
Use the building area method.
Can the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) be used to energy
model for LEED?
Although there is no formal list of approved simulation tools, there are
a few requirements per G2.2.1, including the ability of the program to
provide hourly simulation for 8760 hours per year, and model ten or
more thermal zones, which PHPP does not meet.
Can the Trace 700 LEED Energy Performance Summary

Report by uploaded to LEED Online in lieu of the Section 1.4
tables spreadsheet?
The automated Trace 700 report provides less information than is
requested by the Section 1.4 tables spreadsheet. The Section 1.4 tables
spreadsheet must be completed.
44

Which baseline HVAC system do I use if my building has no
heating or air conditioning?
Assign HVAC systems as per Appendix-G and Section 6 but set
thermostatic setpoints out of range so that systems never turn on.
Our project has a diesel backup generator. Should we include

it in our energy model?
If it is only used for backup and not for regular use such as peak
shavingno.
Can SHGC be higher in the proposed than in the baseline

model?
SHGC is not a mandatory provision so it is available for trade-off and
can be higher than the baseline.
Do I need to justify the electrical and fuel rates I am using in

my model?
You generally wouldnt need to upload any documentation, but
particularly for a non-U.S. project, it may help to provide a short
narrative about what they are based on.
45
EAp3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

Tools on
R
efrigerant Management
Calculator
Key addenda: Refrigerant

management relaxed for small
existing equipment
What does third-party mean, with regards to the phase-out

analysis? Can our HVAC consultant do it?
Yes. Third party in this case means not the owner.
My project will not use any mechanical ventilation system.

Does that satisfy the requirements of this credit?
Yes, if you also avoid CFC-based refrigerants in any fire suppression
systems.
The following was added to EAp3

on 2/2/2011: Existing small HVAC
units (defined as containing less
than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant)
and other equipment, such as
standard refrigerators, small
water coolers and any other
equipment that contains less
than 0.5 pounds of refrigerant,
are not considered part of the
base building system and are not
subject to the requirements of
this prerequisite.
46
Achievement Rate:
19%
Tools on
PV Contribution Calculator
PV Feasibility and Cost Study
PV Watts Calculation
Solar Site Plan
We have a PV array installed on our campus, under the same

ownership, but not on the building or within the LEED project
boundary. Can we count that toward EAc2?
Yes. Provide a letter from the owner allocating some or all of the solar
power to this project. Make sure that the solar power allocated to the
project is not already allocated to another LEED project, and wont be
in the future. Also, be sure that the owner retains ownership of the
power and the RECs being generated.
Because of how our onsite PV system was financed through the

utility, the project is selling the RECs associated with its solar
energy production, even though we own the PV array and its
power. Is there any way we can earn EAc2?
Yes, as discussed in the LEED Reference Guide and reinforced by LEED
Interpretation #10161 made on 04/01/2012, you can buy RECs for your
project to make up for RECs for 100% of what you want to claim for
EAc2. You may not apply these REC purchases toward EAc6: Green
Power.
Can I pursue this credit if I am using one of the prescriptive

compliance paths for EAp2/EAc1?
Yes. You can use the CBECS data as explained in the LEED Reference
Guide or use the actual energy data from the facility.
Can I really double-count onsite renewable energy in both EAc2

and EAc1?
Yes. You could theoretically offset an inefficient building with a lot of
renewables. As a matter of best practice, and of cost-effectiveness, you
should start with efficiency measures, however.
Our PV system is being installed after the building is occupied.

Is that okay?
Yes, but dont push the timeframe too far. The credit form asks the owner
to verify its installation. It would be a good idea to provide a purchase
order or contract and installation schedule as documentation.
Our project will have a PV system onsite, but it will be installed, operated,
and owned by a separate entity that is paying for the system through
a premium price per kWh paid by the utility, per state regulations. Is
there any way to count this toward the project, in EAc2 or EAc1?
47
Key addenda: Qualifications

for onsite renewables
Qualifications for onsite
renewables under EAc2 have
been clarified with this language
added to the Reference Guide
as of 11/1/2011: To qualify as
an eligible on-site system, the
fuel source must meet one of
the following conditions: the
fuel source must be wholly
contained/produced on-site; the
project team must demonstrate
full ownership of the fuel source,
including ownership of all its
environmental attributes; or, if
the fuel source is not owned,
and in cases where use of a
substitute, non-renewable fuel is
possible, projects must enter into
a 2-year contract for purchase
of the renewable fuel source,
with an ongoing commitment
to renew for a period of 10 years
total.
Probably not. LEEDusers experts have not seen this attempted, even
though it comes up from time to time. You would need to make your
case via a CIR or LEED Interpretation. The only LEED benefit you are
likely to get here is through SSc7.1shading your hardscape with PV
panels.
A biofuel-based cogenerator is being used to produce both

electricity and heat (CHP). Can I consider all the energy
produced, or just the electricity?
Yes, all the energy would qualify. Check the CHP guidance in the district
energy systems modeling protocol.
Can a backup generator qualify, if it runs on biofuels?

If it is only used for backupno. It might be able to contribute if it is
run regularly run, for peak shaving, for example.
100
80
60
40
20
0
EAp1 EAp2 EAp3 EAc1 EAc2 EAc3 EAc4 EAc5 EAc6
EA
48
EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning

Who can perform enhanced commissioning services?
Achievement Rate:
31%
Tools on
Sample Commissioning Plan
S ample Commissioning Report
(Includes BOD, OPR, Cx Design
Review, Cx Plan, and Site Visit
Reports and Logs)
Key Interpretations: Who can

be the CxA?
There are about a dozen LEED
Interpretations applicable to this
credit, and almost all of them
deal with specific questions
about who is qualified to be the
commissioning agent (CxA). If
you have a specific situation that
doesnt clearly fall into one of the
published LEED requirements,
you may want to log into
USGBCs Interpretations database
for details.
49
Generally, the CxA for Enhanced Commissioning must not have any
connection to the design or construction of the building. The CxA can
be a subcontractor to the design team or construction manager, but
the preferred option is for CxA to be directly contracted by the owner.
For more details on who can be the CxA, see the LEED Reference Guide,
or LEEDusers detailed EAc3 guidance.
Can non-design consultants on the project provide enhanced

commissioning services?
Yes. Consultants who provide non-design services, such as LEED
services or energy modeling, can also be the CxA for the project.
However, if those firms have affected the design of the building, they
should not be selected as the CxA.
If my project uses a District Energy System (DES) is enhanced

commissioning required for the DES?
Maybe. Consult Treatment of District of Campus Thermal Energy in
LEED V2 and LEED 2009. Depending on the characteristics of your
project, commissioning of upstream DES equipment may be required.
Commissioning is required only for DES equipment utilized by the
LEED project. For example, a project that utilizes district steam but not
chilled water is only required to commission DES steam equipment.
Commissioning of DES equipment can be performed by the owner of
the DES equipment or by an independent third party.

Where can refrigerant equipment rates be obtained for
equipment?
Achievement Rate:
32%
Per LEED Interpretation #1540 issued 9/11/2006 and rescinded on

4/30/2009, NC-v2.2 projects registered after April 30, 2009 must use
default values for leakage rates. All NC-2009 projects must use default
values for leakage rates.
In the past the use of non-default leakage rates were acceptable

provided that documentation was provided. Has that changed?
Yes, USGBC is no longer accepting non-default leakage rates.
Which portions of a VRF/VRV system should be considered for

this credit?
The system capacity should be based on the outdoor units, while all
parts of the system including outdoor, indoor units, branch selectors
and piping should be counted for the total refrigerant charge.
Should all commercial refrigerant equipment be accounted for,

including both upright and under-counter?
Any piece of equipment containing greater than 0.5 lbs. of refrigerant
should be included in calculations.
For a split system, does the cooling capacity refer to the cooling
power of the interior device (evaporator) or of the outdoor unit
(condenser)?
The system capacity should be based on the outdoor units. If you have
multiple interior devices connected to one outdoor unit, the cooling
capacity should be for the outdoor unit, but the refrigerant charge
must include all interior devices.
What is the required timeline for completing a CFC phase-out

for EAc4?
While a phase-out is allowed in the prerequisite, EAc4 is like other
credits where the credit should be achieved as part of the LEED scope
of work. The work should be completed during construction.
50

How can I document a longer equipment life (20 or 30 years)
than what is listed in the LEED Reference Guide?
The project team must use equipment life values from the 2007
ASHRAE Applications Handbook as listed in the LEED Reference Guide.
For equipment not listed in the ASHRAE Applications Handbook, an
assumed equipment life of 15 years must be used. An alternative
equipment life may only be used if supporting documentation can be
provided justifying the value. As stated in the LEED Reference Guide,
acceptable supporting documentation includes a manufacturers
guarantee and equivalent long-term service contract. An estimated
equipment life is not allowed.
Do the requirements apply to portable fire extinguishers or only

permanently installed building-wide fire suppression systems?
Portable fire extinguishers are not required to be included in EAp3 or
EAc4.
51

How should we approach this credit for residential buildings
where tenants are paying their own utilities?
Achievement Rate:
25%
Tools on
T emplate for M&V Plan
Option D
Sample M&V Plan Option D
A measurement plan can include a sampling of units, and must include

end uses. However, the metering does not have to be permanent. A
short-term metering plan could be worked out with occupants in the
units being sampled.
Our project already includes a full direct digital control

(DDC) system for HVAC. Does this satisfy the submetering
requirements of this credit?
No. DDC control points are not intended to measure energy
consumption.
Is the gas consumption of stoves, ovens, and etc. required

under this point?
It depends. This usage must be included in your models. If they are a
significant energy user (say more than 5% of gas usage) then yes the
energy use should be measured or derived. If the usage is small you
might be able to make the case that you would not need to measure it.
When is it applicable to go for option B instead of option D?

Generally, if you have interactive energy conservation measures
(ECMs) in new construction, you need to follow option D. Most new
construction has interactive ECMs, and Option B is very rarely accepted
by LEED reviewers for this reason.
Is there a requirement to model baseline energy use as being

25% process loads?
No. This is a consistent source of confusion and is not an ASHRAE or
LEED requirement. You should always model the process loads as
accurately as possible to reflect the actual building equipment and
operation. If the baseline is less than the 25% default, simply note why
that is the case.
Does this credit specify how energy use should be measured?

No. It can be a manual measurement, short-term trending device or
permanent submeter. In certain situations an energy end use does not
need to be measured at all but can be derived based on other data.
52
Key addenda: New EAc5

option
As of 2/2/2011, projects meeting
Minimum Program Requirement
#6 through energy reporting via
Portfolio Manager now earn a
point under a new EAc5 option
for NC and Schools, or EAc5.1 for
CS. Since projects are required
to do MPR6 anyway, this option
provides an easy way to earn
EAc5 at the same time.
What should the plan for corrective action contain?

This part of the M&V Plan cant be very detailed since you do not yet
know what needs to be done. What you will do depends upon the
issues uncovered. In general the action plan simply identifies what
you will do when deviations occur between the projected savings and
the actual savings. Typically this involves identifying additional energy
saving strategies in the facility and using the calibrated model, for
example, to determine additional energy savings. The cost and savings
of the additional energy saving measures should be summarized in the
final M&V report. Its a good idea to indicate that the owner will be
responsible for implementing these recommendations as budget and
time allow.
1315 Peachtree Street
53
EAc6: Green Power

Can I buy RECs on the open market, or do I have to go through
my power provider or utility, which also offers them?
Achievement Rate:
31%
Key addenda: Green-e

equivalent
Green power no longer has to be
Green-e certified, but the project
must demonstrate equivalence
with Green-e on the basis of: 1)
current green power performance
standards, and 2) independent,
thirdparty verification that those
standards are being met by the
green power supplier over time.
Key addenda: EAc1 modeling

If an energy model was used
to document compliance with
EAc1, the data from the energy
model must be used as the basis
for determining the electricity
consumption for EAc6.
Key addenda: Whats the EP

threshold?
Exemplary performance (EP)
credit is now available to projects
that purchase just 70% of their
electricity from renewable sources
under EAc6the threshold had
mistakenly been set at 100% in the
first edition of the Reference Guide.
You can buy RECs from either source. Most projects find that it is
beneficial to get more than one quote.
Our project is outside the U.S. We would like to earn this credit
by purchasing RECs, but there are no Green-e options available
here. It looks like most Green-e certified power comes from the
U.S. What should we do?
Your simplest course of action is to buy any Green-e RECs available on
the open market, including those in the U.S. There is no requirement
for your RECs to be from your country. If you prefer to buy RECs from
a project closer to home, you can see if there are RECs available that
are certified to a standard that is equivalent to Green-e. This is less
common, but has been done.
We are pursuing this credit outside the U.S., and the owner
wants to know if we can buy green power through a provider in
our country that is not Green-e certified. We started comparing
our national standard to Green-e and quickly found an area
where the national standard is not as stringent as Green-e. Is
this a dead end?
Correctyou cant rely on your national standard in this case. The
Green-e Standard exists to make sure that there is no double counting
in the market and clearly addresses the voluntary market only. These
fundamental issue of accounting and additionality are at the core of
LEEDs adoption of such a standard to define quality green power
products.
Our project will be net-zero energy, i.e. will produce as much or

more power than it consumes. Can we earn this credit?
Yes, as confirmed by LEED Interpretation #10219 posted on 7/1/2012, if
the project produces 100% or more of its electricity as onsite renewable
electricity, the project can earn the credit plus an EP point. However,
you also need to take steps to ensure that if the as-built project does
not turn out to be net-zero, that the appropriate quantity of RECs will
be purchased to meet the credit threshold. See the LEED Interpretation
for these details.
54
EAc6: Green Power

We will have cogeneration onsite. Do the credit requirements
apply to all electricity used onsite, or only that which is
purchased from the grid?
All electricity used by the project is the basis for the green power
purchase.
The owner has purchased RECs for a percentage of energy use

of its whole portfolio of buildings, or campus. Can we earn this
credit for a single LEED building with this purchase?
Yes. Provide evidence of the quantity and term purchase for the campus
along with an explanation of how the green power has been or will be
allocated as applicable. If any of this purchase has been allocated to a
previous LEED project state how much and provide a letter allocating
the quantity needed to this project.
We plan on pursuing this credit only if we need to do so to meet

our certification target, i.e. if another credit we are counting on
gets rejected. How late can we apply for this credit?
You can document this credit as late as when you submit your
clarifications for the construction review. You can even do it after that,
and before you accept your final certification, but youll have to pay an
appeal fee.
The owner purchased RECs based on an earlier prediction, but

our energy model is now showing that they are just a little bit
short of the credit threshold. What should we do?
The owner will need to buy additional RECs to meet the threshold.
55

Tools on
Sample Floor Plan
S ample Narrative on Storage
and Collection of Recyclables
Recyclables generated in the building are collected in dedicated

bins and transferred to a collection area outside the LEED
project boundary. Is that okay?
Yes. The final collection point for the recycling can be outside your
project boundary. With your documentation, show the location of
the collection point, describe the process of how the recycling gets to
that point including how access is provided for the required parties,
and how you determined that it is large enough. You would still need
receptacles inside the building at places like workstations and kitchen
areas.
If the collection point serves multiple buildings, then LEEDuser
recommends discussing in your narrative how you have determined
that the space is sufficient to serve all the buildings.
There are limited or no recycling services in our project

location. Should I still provide the required space?
Yes. As reinforced by LEED Interpretation #1803 made on 07/02/2007,
space must be provided in the building in anticipation of recycling
resources becoming available in the future.
Are we required to collect and recycle food waste?

No. Its a good idea to do so, but it is not one of the required waste
types.
Our project will have a different area for recycling than what is
recommended in the LEED Reference Guide. Is that okay?
Yes. The recommended figures are just thatrecommendations.
However, you should plan on being able to explain how the space is
sufficient. The most common way to do this through a short narrative
detailing the volume of recycling and trash per cycle based on how
often it will be picked up or moved to a central storage location, such
as larger dumpsters.
56

Our municipality offers single-stream waste and recycling
pickup; recyclables are separated from waste at an off-site
processing facility. Even though the project needs only one
type of bin, for single-stream waste, should we include space
for recycling bins?
No, you dont need to. With an adequate description and reference
to the municipal policy, the project should not need additional space
dedicated because the collection system is adequate and suited to the
project needs.
Im confident we have enough space allotted for recycling,

but how much detail should I go into in documenting expected
volume?
LEEDuser recommends providing a brief narrative that demonstrates
you have estimated the volume following something like a Solid Waste
Assessment. Resources such as those found at the California Integrated Waste Management Board can be useful. See case studies and
approaches in the Establishing A Waste Reduction Program at Work
participants manual and in the waste disposal rates for Public Admin.
25
20
15
10
MRp1 MRc1.1 MRc1.2 MRc2 MRc3 MRc4 MRc5 MRc6 MRc7

MR
57
MRc1.1 Building ReuseMaintain Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof

What building elements get included in this calculation and
what can be excluded?
Achievement Rate:
13%
Tools on
All existing envelope and structural building elements are included.

The items you do not include are interior non-structural elements,
windows and non-structural roofing. If you have structural elements of
the building that are considered hazardous or are otherwise structurally
unsound, these can also be excluded from the calculations.
Sample Floor Plan

Building Reuse Calculator
Should I base my calculations on plan or elevation?
Eligibility Calculator
This credit deals only with surface area, so you should look at walls in
elevation.
How do you calculate the existing building structure reuse?

The percentage of the reused existing building structure is calculated
by area, dividing the total area of existing building structure by the
total reused building area.
How do exterior elements, such as a covered dock, get counted?

Would that be considered a slab or exterior hardscape and not
part of the building?
This credit has relatively few LEED Interpretations, and so there may
not be specific guidance from USGBC on some specific issues such as
this one. It appears likely that a loading dock should be considered part
of the building structure, and included, but some exterior appendages
or structures may be more appropriate to exclude.
58
MRc1.2: Building ReuseMaintain Existing Interior Nonstructural Elements

What building elements get included in this calculation and
what can be excluded?
Achievement Rate:
3%
Tools on
Interior Reuse Calculator
Key Interpretation: Finished

surfaces
Projects sometimes ask whether,
for example, they can retain an
existing wall but repaint it, and
earn credit under MRc1.2. This
question is addressed by LEED
Interpretation #10137, issued
11/1/2011. That Interpretation
states that Previously exposed
elements that were finished as
part of the project should not
be counted in the Retained
Components Area since the
original element was altered/
added to during construction.
This ruling apparently rules
out even fairly surface-level
work on retained elements.
However, the example given in
the Interpretation muddies the
waters, in LEEDusers opinion,
when it states that an unfinished
ceiling covered with a lay-in
ceiling after construction would
not be able to contribute to
credit. This example does not
provide useful guidance when it
comes to our original example of
a repainted wall, however.
59
All existing interior non-structural elements are included. The items

you do not include in calculations are all structural elements (walls,
floors, roof ) included within MRc1.1, as well as the materials that are
considered hazardous.
What about exterior finishes and site features like paving? Can
I get credit for these?
There is no specific way to earn LEED credit for these features through
MRc1. In some cases (see below), credit may be possible under MRc2.
How do you calculate the existing building non-structural

reuse?
The percentage of reused existing interior building non-structural
elements is calculated by area, dividing the total reused interior nonstructural elements by the total area of interior non-structural elements
(including new elements from additions or replacements). A calculator
is provided in the documentation toolkit to facilitate this.
Can you double-dip between MRc1.1 and MRc1.2 for building

elements such as floor slabs if they are being refurbished and
reused as finish floor?
We have not seen official guidance on this, but the LEEDuser expert
consensus is no. Each element of a building should be accounted for
in either MRc1.1 or MRc1.2 and cannot be used twice. If a floor slab is
reused and contributes to MRc1.1, it can therefore not also contribute
towards MRc1.2. Even if it is used as a finish floor, that is not the same
thing as reusing non-structural flooring under MRc1.2.
Im reusing a historic building but I dont qualify under MRc1

due to the thresholds in the credit language. Cant I somehow
get credit?
In building reuse situations where the project doesnt qualify for MRc1,
the building weight or volume being reused can count toward MRc2:
Construction Waste Management. MRc3: Materials Reuse, on the other
hand, is not applicable in most casessee that credit for specifics.
Achievement Rate:
57%
Tools on
C
onstruction Waste
Management Tracking
Sheet
G
uidelines for Creating a
CWM Plan
C
ommingled Waste
Diversion Tracking Sheet
How is construction waste accounted for when utilizing off-site

construction, like modular construction or pre-fabrication of
assemblies?
Waste generated off-site, even for modular construction and prefabrication of major assemblies is not accounted for in the MRc2
calculations. MRc2 only looks at the management of waste generated
onsite.
How does MRc2 work for projects pursuing a campus approach,

or any project where waste management will be shared with
other construction projects?
LEED Interpretation #10265 made on 01/01/2013 provides the best
official guidance for this situation. The approach that is approved in
that situation involves multiple buildings, all being certified to LEEDNC. The ruling allows the project to track together all demolition and
construction waste diverted, and to then apply a weighted average
based on gross square footage to each LEED project. Each building
must meet the required threshold for waste diversion in order to earn
the credit and in addition, the Construction Waste Management (CWM)
Plan must outline goals for diversion for each building, not just as an
aggregate across all projects.
If your project is in a similar situation but with different specific
circumstances, LEEDuser would recommend adopting that advice as
closely as possible, while accounting for any differences in a way that
meets the LEED credit intent. Some projects may need to get a CIR or
LEED Interpretation.
Can materials that have been unused and returned to the

manufacturer as part of a take-back program contribute to
the credit?
Yes, materials that would otherwise be waste, but that are diverted
from the landfill to be salvaged or reused can contribute to MRc2.
Should I include hazardous material such as lead-based paint

in MRc2 calculations?
No. Hazardous waste does not count and it is excluded from the
numerator and denominator portions of the credit calculations. You
may want to include a brief narrative on the hazardous waste you
found and how your project abated the material.
60

Should household-type trash from workers lunches and office
use be included in MRc2 diversion and calculations?
There has been some debate about this, since on the one hand this
waste does not qualify as typical C&D waste, but on the other hand
it is waste generated onsite, which this credit is intended to address.
LEEDusers experts recommend including this waste because it falls
under the broader definition of waste generated onsite, and because
reduction, recycling and diversion programs can be extremely effective
in reducing the quantity of this waste. Having workers pay attention to
this waste makes them more aware of overall job-site recycling, and not
mixing lunch waste with construction waste like scrap metal increases
the recyclability of the construction waste.
Can sending material to waste-to-energy plants count toward

MRc2?
USGBC has ruled (for example, see LEED Interpretation #10061) that
diverting waste to incineration facilities does not contribute to MRc2,
but that Wood Derived Fuel (WDF) does meet the intent of this credit. As
that ruling states, The WDF process differs from incineration processes
that are not allowed in this credit because the recycling facility provides
a value-added process; it is a service that exists to sort and distribute
materials appropriate to the highest end uses possible. In addition, the
revenue generated by the WDF commodity helps to make this business
successful and thus facilitates recycling of wood to other end uses as
well as recycling of other materials.
The requirements of this credit say that land-clearing debris

does not contribute to the percentage of materials diverted from
the landfill. What exactly is considered land clearing debris?
According to the LEED Reference Guide, land-clearing debris includes
soil, vegetation, and rocks.
Oops! Our trash was measured by both weight and volume at

different times. How do I standardize this?
Use the solid waste conversion factors in the LEED Reference Guide to
account for recycled materials in dumpsters billed by volume.
61

The waste management facility we are using is providing us
with monthly documentation specific to our waste, showing
80% diversion. They also have a published, facility-wide rate of
roughly 20%, and they have no published rate for construction
waste. Will our diversion rate be accepted, or do we need to
use a facility with an appropriate published rate?
It is typically better to use project-specific diversion data when you can
get it, and this data should typically be accepted in a LEED review.
There are LEED Interpretations such as LEED Interpretation #10060
made on 5/9/2011 that allow use of a facility-wide recycling rate, if
approved by local regulators.
62
MRc3: Materials Reuse

Can I include reused furniture?
Achievement Rate:
3%
Yes, if furniture is being included consistently across MRc37. (For CI

projects, furniture must be included.)
Tools on
A material being reused contains recycled content. Can I count

this under MRc3 and MRc4?
R
eused Materials Assembly
Calculator
No, this would be only counted under MRc3. Material reuse is the
relevant environmental attribute in this case.
We are reusing a lot of equipment from another building. Can

we count that?
No. Consistent with other MR credits, MEP equipment should not be
counted here.
We are demolishing an existing building, crushing the concrete

and stone, and using it as fill onsite. Does this count under
MRc3?
No, as the material is being re-manufactured into something else, it
is different than reuse, where products and materials are used intact,
but in different applications or locations. The primary environmental
attributes for this case are constrution waste management (MRc2), and
potentially recycled content (MRc4), and regionality (MRc5). The intent
of this credit is to extend the life of existing building materials.
Our project has access to building materials that were delivered

for another project, and never used because that project was
canceled. If we use these materials can we count them here?
Probably not. LEED Interpretation #2501 made on 03/20/2009
emphasizes previous use of building materials as a key consideration
for this credit, with reference to structural steel.
63
Achievement Rate:
52%
Tools on
S ample LEED Materials Content
Reference Sheet
Concrete Tracking Form
Recycled Content Calculator
I have recycled content information for a product, but it doesnt

specify whether it is pre-consumer or post-consumer. What
should I do?
Try getting clarification from the manufacturer. If you cant get any
further information, you should take a conservative approach and
assume that it is pre-consumer.
Why cant I include mechanical, electrical and plumbing

components in this credit? What if I consistently include MEP
materials in the calculations for all of the MR credits Im
attempting?
LEED is very clear that no MEP or specialty items can be counted in
the MR credit calculations. There are several reasons for this, including
the fact that MEP items are very expensive relative to their weight, and
including these materials skews the calculations and performance
thresholds achieved. Also, LEED considers the performance of
mechanical equipment paramount, and so consideration of these
materials really falls under performance based energy and water
credits.
The recycled content percentage on the product data sheet is

given as a range. What should I do?
Unless the manufacturer can provide more specific information, teams
must use the lower recycled content value in the given range.
The manufacturer cant give me product-specific recycled

content data, but they say that they fall within the national
industry average. Can I use that?
No. Per LEED Interpretation #10246 issued 10/1/2012, recycled content
claims must be specific to installed product. Average regional and
national claims do not meet the credit requirements.
This Interpretation has been misinterpreted, however, to mean that
recycled content figures must come from specific plants. That is not
what USGBC intended. It is allowable to use a company- and productspecific national average, as long as the company has performed
the necessary tracking to assure that that average is accurate at the
product SKU level.
64

Is the default average recycled content value of 25% for steel
still allowed?
Yes. LEED Interpretation #10246 does not apply to steel and teams
may still use the default value of 25% post-consumer recycled content.
Many steel products have higher levels of recycled content, however,
so it may be advantageous to track down product-specific recycled
content information.
Can site materials, such as soil, be included in the MR credit

calculations?
Site materials (31.60.00 Foundations, 32.10.00 Paving, 32.30.00 Site
Improvements, and 32.90.00 Planting) that are permanently installed
can be included in the MR credits. Just be sure that your material
budget assumptions and material costs are consistent across MRc3,
MRc4, MRc5, MRc6, and MRc7.
Are there recycled content claims that I should be wary of?

Based on review comments that LEED users have reported, LEED
reviewers are on the lookout for inaccurate recycled content claims
in cases where a manufacturer is claiming pre-consumer recycled
content for scrap material that comes off the end of a product line, and
is put back in to the same line. According to common definitions, this
should not be considered recycled content. This practice is common
with certain kinds of glass, and metals like aluminum. Keep an eye on
your documentation and do your best to make sure it is valid. If you are
asked to justify a specific claim, you could get more documentation
from the manufacturer, or plan on having a cushion in your credit
threshold.
Can I count FSC-certified MDF toward both MRc4 and MRc7?

No. MRc7 counts only new wood, and MRc4 counts recycled content,
so there is no overlap in the credits. You must choose one credit, and
not double-dip.
If I have one cut sheet that meets the requirement to upload

20% of cut sheets by cost, for this credit, is that acceptable?
Yes, subject to any questions that may come up during a normal LEED
review process.
65
MRc5: Regional Content
Achievement Rate:
53%
Tools on
R
egional Materials Assembly
Calculator
BD&C Materials Calculator
Key addenda: Tracking

recycled content
According to a 4/14/2010
addendum, for recycled materials
qualifying under MRc4 also
being applied to MRc5, it is not
necessary to track the origin of the
raw material before it arrived at
the point of extraction which can
include a recycling facility, scrap
yard, depository, stockpile, etc.
This addendum gives teams a fair
amount of flexibility in setting the
extraction location with recycled
goods.
Key addenda: Transportation

modes
The familiar 500-mile radius is
now Option 1 of this credit, as of
7/6/2012. There is a new Option
2, borne out of the International
ACPs but affecting all projects, in
which miles that projects travel
by sea, rail, or inland waterway
count less than miles traveled
over land. The 500-mile total travel
distance can be calculated using
a weighted average: (Distance
by rail/3) + (Distance by inland
waterway/2) + (Distance by
sea/15) + (Distance by all other
means) 500 miles.
66
Why cant I include mechanical, electrical and plumbing

components in this credit? What if I consistently include MEP
materials in the calculations for all of the MR credits Im
attempting?
LEED is very clear that no MEP or specialty items can be counted in
the MR credit calculations. There are several reasons for this, including
the fact that MEP items are very expensive relative to their weight, and
including these materials skews the calculations and performance
thresholds achieved. Also, LEED considers the performance of
mechanical equipment paramount, and so consideration of these
materials really falls under performance based energy and water
credits.
We are pursuing IEQc4.5 as an ID credit. Are we thus required

to include the cost of furniture in MRc37?
Nosee LEED Interpretation #10149 issued 4/1/2012.
What if different parts of a product are manufactured at different

locations?
All steps of the manufacturing process must be within the required
distance in order for the product to qualify. If the product meets this
requirement, you must list the manufacture location farthest from the
project site as the manufacture distance for the material.
What is the purpose of the newly added Option 2?

Option 2, which originated as an Alternative Compliance Path for nonU.S. projects, but which is available to all projects, allows a material to
come from a farther distance than 500 miles if it reaches the site by
more fuel-efficient modes of transportation (ship and rail).
How do we account for materials using the new Option 2

equation?
The new equation is embedded in the BD&C Materials and Resource
Calculator. The calculator has a spot for materials that comply using the
standard 500-mile radius (Option 1), and a spot for those that comply
using the weighted average calculation (Option 2). See LEEDusers
Documentation Toolkit tab for a copy of the calculator.
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

How does this credit treat materials that come from animals
such as wool or leather?
Achievement Rate:
3%
Tools on
R
apidly Renewable
Assembly Calculator
Key addenda: Interior plants

Exterior plants purchased for
the project probably do count
in MRc6 (although LEEDuser has
not seen official confirmation
of this), but interior plants
are excluded in a 5/9/2011
addendum that also affects
that baby grand in the lobby:
Exclude artwork, interior plants,
and musical instruments.
To count as rapidly renewable for the purposes of this credit, the

material must be harvested without causing the animal harm, and the
animal must be able to continue to regenerate the material. A good
example is wool from a sheep. See LEED Interpretation #2549, issued
4/17/2009, for details.
What building components are typically purchased with

renewable materials to reach the 2.5% credit threshold?
Big-ticket items commonly used for this credit include flooring,
insulation, millwork, wall coverings, and coatings. These products
can have enough combined cost to reach the credit threshold, and
renewable options are generally widely available. That said, there
are many other products made with renewable materials that can
contribute to this credit, so taking the time to explore the opportunities
specific to your project can be worthwhile.
A manufacturer is claiming that certain trees, e.g. balsa,

acacia, poplar, can be harvested within 10 years, and thus
contribute to this credit. Is this acceptable?
There is no official list of accepted plants or materials for this credit.
However, any biobased material that otherwise meets the requirements
should be accepted, if you can get formal documentation from your
supplier that the life cycle is less than 10 years.
When the rules were written for this credit, 10 years was picked in part
to exclude any wood products, since those are covered separately
under MRc7. But thats not how the actual requirement was written,
so wood products that comply with the 10-year standard should be
accepted.
67

We are pursuing IEQc4.5 from LEED-CI as an ID credit. Are we
then required to include the cost of furniture in MRc37?
Achievement Rate:
23%
Tools on
C
ertified Wood Assembly
Calculator
S ample Chain of Custody
Certificate
S ample Letter to
Contractor
Nosee LEED Interpretation #10153 issued 4/1/2012.
What building components are typically purchased with FSC

content to earn this credit?
Big-ticket items commonly used for this credit include flooring and
subflooring, framing, doors and door cores, wood finishes, and
casework.
Were having trouble getting FSC wood within our budget. Can
we use products with another forestry certification?
No. Only forestry products certified by the FSC can contribute to
earning MRc7. Wood products that are not FSC-certified, including
those certified to SFI or PEFC, can still contribute to MRc5, though.
Do I need to provide invoices for all of the new wood products

purchased for the project, or just FSC wood products?
GBCI had required invoices for all wood products, but has switched to
requiring only invoices for FSC certified products, per the April 2008
FSC memo, which states that all invoices must be collected, but they
do not need to be submitted. The reviewer does not need to see those
to determine compliance.
Certified wood invoices must contain the FSC Chain of Custody (CoC)
tracking number, and indicate whether the product is FSC 100%,FSC
Mix Credit or FSC Mix [NN]%.
I have supporting manufacturer documentation for the FSC

wood used on our project. Is this enough to document this
credit, or do I need invoices as well?
Per the previous question, you do not need to submit invoices for all
wood products, but you must collect invoices in order to determine
the cost of wood products on the project.
Can products labeled FSC Recycled or FSC Recycled Credit

contribute towards MRc7?
No. Those products may not be counted as certified wood under MRc7,
and should be excluded from the total cost of new wood materials.
However, those purchases do qualify for credit under MRc4: Recycled
Content.
68

Does FSC-certified wood automatically contribute to IEQc4.4
as a low-emitting material?
No, but it is common to find FSC composite wood products that meet
IEQc4.4 requirements.
We are using a lot of reclaimed wood. Should we include this

in our MRc7 calculations? What about wood that is already
installed on the project, in a renovation? What about wood
products with recycled content?
MRc7 only applies to new wood. Reclaimed, reused, or recycled wood
should not be included in MRc7 calculations.
Does FSC-certified bamboo products count towards this credit?

Yes. Bamboo is considered a forest product by FSC even though its

technically a grass, and its often as a forest product in materials like
plywood, veneer, and flooring. See LEED Interpretation #2535, issued
4/22/2009, for more information.
A product has FSC-certified veneer, but a non-certified core.

Can we prorate the MRc7 contribution of this product based on
the cost of the veneer?
No. If the product is built off-site then the entire assembly (the product
which is shipped to site) must have an FSC label from the manufacturer
of the assembly. Individual components, unless they are shipped to
site and thereby complete the chain, may not contribute towards this
credit. All entities that possess FSC materials until the product reaches
the project site must have a chain-of-custody certification.
Should wood used on site features such as benches or a gazebo

be included here?
Yes. If it is new wood and it is in your LEED project boundary, you
should count it.
69
IEQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance

Tools on
Sample Ventilation Table
Sample Mechanical Schedule
Key addenda: International

standards
As of 7/6/2012, in an integration
of LEED international alternate
compliance paths, IEQp1, IEQp2,
IEQc1, IEQc2, IEQc3.1, IEQc4.3,
IEQc5, IEQc6.2, and IEQc7.1
have allowance for alternative
standards for ventilation
effectiveness, air filtration,
product emissions, etc. The
intent and key requirements of
the credits are unchanged, but
non-U.S. projects will have more
latitude in using locally relevant
standards.
70
A building has fan-assisted ventilation and no mechanical

cooling system. Does this qualify as natural ventilation?
If the building relies on the fans for daily ventilation, it is considered a
mechanically ventilated building.
Is outdoor air quality testing required in a space using natural

ventilation?
Testing in naturally ventilated spaces is not required per 62.1-2007
Sections 4-7 if the outdoor air quality adequately meets 62.1-2007,
Table 4-1.
For a space designed to be naturally ventilated, can operable

windows or vents be used to satisfy the 62.1-2007 requirements?
Both operable windows and vents can be used, but only the operable
area within those elements can be counted towards the minimum
percentage (4%) of net occupiable area.
IEQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control

Tools on
D
ifferential Pressure Test Form
and Sample
S ample Air Sealing Specification and Best Practices
Municipal law requires that our building be completely smokefree inside. It also bans smoking next to the building, but its
not as stringent as the 25 foot LEED requirement. Do we have
to make another policy that bans smoking within 25 feet?
Yes. If local regulations are not as strict as LEED, you must create a policy
that complies with LEED standards (and communicate this policy to
building users) to achieve this prerequisite. Exterior signage which
communicates the policy is required so that all occupants, visitors, and
passersby are made aware of the exterior smoking policy.
Our outside smoking area is located less than 25 feet from an

emergency exit. Is this okay since that door is rarely (if ever)
used?
The Reference Guide doesnt explicitly make a distinction between a
regular door and an emergency exit, making this a bit of a gray area.
The safest bet is to assume theyre treated the same way under this
prerequisite, which would require relocation of the smoking area to a
compliant distance. If youd like a definitive answer to this question you
can submit a CIR.
How do you calculate the 25-foot rule from designated smoking

areas to building openings?
The 25 feet should be calculated from the closest point within the
smoking area to the building opening, going around any solid objects
(balconies, walls, etc.) as needed. For calculating distances between
a lower-level smoking area and an upper floor building opening, it
should be calculated starting from the ceiling of the lower floor to the
nearest (lowest) point in the upper floor opening.
71
IEQc1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Achievement Rate:
76%
29%
If my project is using air handlers that supply 100% outside

air at a constant volume, do I still need to install an airflow
monitoring device?
LEED Interpretation #2099, issued 4/24/2008, allows the use of circuit
transducers that measure fan status of 100% outside air and constant
volume fan systems as an alternative to an airflow measuring station
for this credit. For constant volume and 100% outside air systems that
have been accurately balanced, monitoring the fan status is adequate
to maintain proper outside air volumes. This is not an appropriate
strategy for variable volume systems.
Key addenda: Occupied and

nonoccupied
Key addenda: Monitoring

relaxed
As of 11/1/2011, USGBC defined

occupied spaces and nonoccupied
spaces formally:
The following footnote was

removed from the IEQc1 credit
language as of a 5/9/2011
addendum: Monitoring CO2 is
required in densely occupied
spaces, in addition to outdoor air
intake flow measurement.
Densely occupied spaces are areas

with a design occupant density
of 25 people or more per 1,000
square feet (40 square feet or less
per person).
Non-densely occupied spaces
are areas with a design occupant
density of less than 25 people per
1,000 square feet (40 square feet
or more per person).
Occupied Spaces are defined
as enclosed spaces that can
accommodate human activities.
Occupied spaces are further
classified as regularly occupied
or non-regularly occupied spaces
based on the duration of the
occupancy, individual or multioccupant based on the quantity
of occupants, and densely or
non-densely occupied spaces
based upon the concentration of
occupants in the space.
Nonoccupied spaces are defined
as spaces designed for equipment
and machinery or storage with
no human occupancy except
for maintenance, repairs, and
equipment retrieval.
72
IEQc2: Increased Ventilation

Does each individual zone need a 30% increase in ventilation,
or can a weighted average be used for the building?
Achievement Rate:
30%
Each space must be provided with a 30% increase in ventilation rate.
Do spaces that are not regularly occupied require increased

ventilation?
Based on the definition provided for occupiable spaces and breathing
zone in ASHRAE 62.1 Section 3, electrical rooms, telecommunication/
data rooms, elevator equipment rooms, storage rooms and similar
spaces would not require the per square foot ventilation indicated in
Table 6-1 to be delivered to the space since they are unoccupied the
majority of the time.
35
30
25
20
15
10
IEQ
73
EQ
c5
EQ
c6
.1
EQ
c6
.2
EQ
c7
.1
EQ
c7
.2
EQ
c8
.1
EQ
c8
.2
EQ
c1
EQ
c2
EQ
c3
.1
EQ
c3
.2
EQ
c4
.1
EQ
c4
.2
EQ
c4
.3
EQ
c4
.4
EQ
p1
EQ
p2
IEQc3.1: Construction IAQ Management PlanDuring Construction
Achievement Rate:
60%
LEEDuser has an active forum for IEQc3.1, but we didnt identify

any FAQs, and there has been little news here in Interpretation and
Addenda.
Tools on
C
onstruction Indoor Air Quality
Management Plan Template
W
eekly Checklist for IAQ
Management Tasks Template
74
IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Management PlanBefore Occupancy

Is it possible to combine Options 1 and 2 for different spaces
in the same building?
Achievement Rate:
30%
Tools on
S ample Air Flush Volume
Calculation
This is not officially permitted in LEED. It might make sense in some

projects, but teams should get a CIR or LEED Interpretation in order to
proceed.
Is it possible for the flush-out start date to vary by ventilation

zone?
Yes. Areas served by completely separate ventilation systemswhere
air serving these spaces is not mixed with air serving any other spaces
can be flushed independently, as long as each such area is also isolated
completely from all non-flushing areas per SMACNA guidelines.
Should a parking garage be included in a flush-out, if it is in a

basement and not fully open to the outdoors?
No, parking garage space should not be included in this credit.
Do the outdoor air minimum quantities have to be met for each

individual space, or for the building square footage as a whole?
Ideally, the flush out will be designed to provide the minimum volume
to each individual space, and the LEED Reference Guide indicates that
teams must take reasonable measures to ensure there is no obvious
short-circuiting of the airflow. However, the requirements only address
the total air volume, so, for LEED credit compliance purposes it is
only necessary to quantify the total outside air volume supplied to the
entire building.
Do non-regularly occupied areas such as bathrooms and

corridors have to be flushed-out?
Yes. All occupied gross floor area (both non-regularly occupied and
regularly occupied) must be included.
For LEED NC addition projects, do existing non-renovated areas

need to be flushed-out or tested?
No, not if the project team is only certifying the addition, per se, as
a separate LEED project. But the addition should be isolated from
the existing, unrenovated areas in accordance with the SMACNA IAQ
Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction.
75
IEQc3.2: Construction IAQ Management PlanBefore Occupancy

Should we install furniture and furnishings before IAQ testing
or flush-out?
Its optional. In the past that has been unclear, and in an addendum
issued 10/1/12, USGBC clarified that it is optional to install furniture
and furnishings before IAQ testing or flush-out for IEQc3.2. The word
optionally has been inserted in the last paragraph of page 466
in the LEED BD&C reference guide, before including furniture and
furnishings.
For IAQ testing, how many sample points are necessary in nonmechanically ventilated spaces?
This is left to the discretion of the industrial hygienist or other qualified
professional who is performing the testing and employing the EPA
Standard.
Can testing be done over various days?

Yes, as long as it complies with the EPA standard.
Im confused about the 11/1/2011 LEED addendum that

removed the 1/25,000 SF or each contiguous area whichever
is larger language from the credit requirement. How do we
determine the number of sampling locations for testing?
According to USGBC, the addendum was intended to give project
teams more flexibility in testing locations. The 1/25,000 SF testing rate
is still a good rule of thumb and is acceptable. USGBC is trusting that the
projects industrial hygienist will have the best understanding of how
to accurately test the spaces in the project. Select spaces to be tested so
that each occupiable space type is adequately represented. Additional
guidance can be found in the pilot prerequisite for performance-based
IAQ.
76
IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting MaterialsAdhesives and Sealants

Is there a shortcut to the VOC budget method if you have just
one product that is used minimally on a project?
Achievement Rate:
58%
Tools on
Sample Letter to Contractor
BD&C Materials Calculator
Yes. If you have just one non-compliant product, then you can balance
it out with just one really good, low VOC product, as long as all your
other products meet the requirement. For example, if you have two
gallons of non-compliant adhesive that is 100 g/L over its required
threshold, then you can balance it out with enough compliant product
where you show you are at least 100g/l under the required threshold,
thus balancing the VOC budget.
How is VOC % less water determined in aerosol adhesives?

This is usually found on a product cut sheet or MSDS. If you cannot find
the information, contact the manufacturer or technical services for the
product and they should be able to provide this number for you. The
method for determining this is explained in SCAQMD Method 305-9,
Determination of (VOC) In Aerosol Applications.
Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with

VOC thresholds?
The actual barrier does not need to comply with this credit, according
to GBCI. Any applied products that are touched by the indoor air would
need to be considered for IEQc4.1, but if they fall outside of this they
can be excluded.
Do grout and caulking need to be included, and if so, what is

the application category?
Yes, grout and caulking need to be included. There is no specific
category for them, however. Projects have successfully used ceramic
tile adhesiveVOC limit 65g/land Architectural SealantVOC limit
250 g/lsuccessfully, the latter being especially appropriate if you are
using a product other than ceramic tiles. Since most mortars, grouts,
and thinsets are largely cementitious, with inherently low VOC content,
they will comply under most categories, anyway. Choose a logical
category and explain it in a narrative if necessary.
How do I determine what application my product falls under?

SCAQMD Rule 1168 includes definitions of categories that can be
helpful in determining where and how your product should be
categorized to determine corresponding VOC thresholds.
77
IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting MaterialsAdhesives and Sealants

What are the adhesives and sealants to be included in the
documentation?
All adhesives and sealants used onsite within the weather barrier need
to be included. This should address general construction adhesives,
flooring adhesives, fire-stopping sealants, caulking, duct sealants,
plumbing adhesives and cove base adhesives.
Our project didnt use some common adhesive types, and our
LEED reviewer asked about this. Are we supposed to justify not
using certain adhesives in our documentation?
No, but it might not hurt. Items commonly included in the credit are
general construction adhesives, flooring adhesives, fire-stopping
sealants, caulking, duct sealants, plumbing adhesives, and cove base
adhesives. If your project doesnt report using one or more of these,
your LEED reviewer might ask you to verify your list of documented
items, to check that something wasnt inadvertently omitted. In
LEEDusers opinion a brief narrative noting what you used and verifying that youre conscious of the fact that some common items werent
used might anticipate and answer this type of review comment.
78
IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting MaterialsPaints and Coatings

Is there a shortcut to the VOC budget method if you have just
one product that is used minimally on a project?
Achievement Rate:
61%
Tools on
S ample VOC Budget
Calculation
Yes, if you have just one non-compliant product, then you can balance
it out with just one really good, low-VOC product, as long as all your
other products meet the requirement. For example, if you have
two gallons of non-compliant paint that is 100 g/L over its required
threshold, then you can balance it out with another product youre
using. You would have to be using two gallons that are 100g/L under
the required threshold, or four gallons that are 50 g/L under, or 20
gallons that are 10 g/L under, etc.
Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with

VOC thresholds?
GBCI has issued a clarification that the actual barrier does not need
to comply with this credit. Any applied products that are touched by
the indoor air would need to be considered for IEQc4.2, but if they fall
outside of this they can be excluded.
How do I determine what application my product falls under?

Check the Green Seal Standard and SCAQMD rules for more information.
These documents can be helpful in determining where and how your
product should be categorized to determine corresponding VOC
thresholds.
How should graphic arts paint or coatings be categorized?

Graphic Arts (Sign) Coating is found in SCAQMD 1113, Table 1 - VOC
Limits, with 500 g/l as the current limit.
The standards referenced for this credit have been updated

since those listed in the LEED Reference Guide does our
project need to follow the latest SCAQMD Rules and Green
Seal editions, or the ones listed in the reference guide?
Projects should comply with the editions in the reference guide or
applicable LEED addenda issued before the projects registration date.
How should handheld spray paints be handled?

Handheld aerosol spray paints are not covered by Green Seal GS-11
or SCAQMD Rule 1113, the relevant standards under this credit. A CIR
under LEED-NC v2.2 was issued that excluded spray paints from this
credit, and there have been no rulings reversing this for LEED 2009
79
IEQc4.2: Low-Emitting MaterialsPaints and Coatings

projects, although there is not officially a ruling one way or another
that applies to LEED 2009. See LEED Interpretation #2486 2/10/2009.
What are the VOC limits for primers? They seem to be listed in
both GS-11 and SCAQMD Rule 1113.
As stated in the credit language, architectural paints and coatings
applied to interior walls and ceilings are subject to GS-11.
If a project registered after the 4/14/10 addendum, then primers
must use the 50 g/L and 150 g/L VOC limits for flat and non-flat
paints, respectivley. The only exception would be when it can be
demonstrated, based on the purpose of the primer nad supporting
manufacturer data, that the product meets the definition of specialty
primers per SCAQMD Rule 1113.
HOK Office Project
80

Should track-off mats being used on the project to meet IEQc5
requirements be included in IEQc4.3 credit requirements?
Achievement Rate:
53%
Key addenda: Mineral-based

flooring exempt.
As of 4/14/2010, mineral-based
finish flooring products such
as tile, masonry, terrazzo, and
cut stone qualify for the credit
without IAQ testing, as long as
they dont have integral organicbased coatings or sealants. This
is good news for anyone who has
been searching fruitlessly for
good FloorScore-certified tile.
However, associated site-applied
adhesives, grouts, finishes and
sealers for a mineral-based
or unfinished/untreated solid
wood flooring system must be
compliant.
Key addenda: International

standards
IEQc4.3 was extensively revised as
of 7/6/2012 to offer an easier path
for non-U.S. projects, allowing use
of the German AgBB/DIBt testing
method and all testing methods
based on the AgBB/DIBt method
such as GUT, EMICODE, and Blue
Angel.
There is no definitive information from USGBC on this one way or

another. It is recommended that project teams do their best to find
low-emitting options for IEQc5, and that IEQc4.3 compliance is
recommended. However, LEEDuser has heard that project teams
have had success not including track-off mats, such as the type with
grilles and small strips of carpeting. Also, mats that are removed for
cleaning are not permanently installed and thus not subject to credit
requirements. Carpet tiles may be used as track-off mats, and are
available with the requisite certification.
If I have no flooring products in my project, can I earn this

credit?
This situation is not definitively addressed by USGBC. However, because
the credit requires the use of flooring products that meet specific
requirements, it makes sense to assume that flooring must be used.
How do I handle a polished concrete floor?

The concrete is not considered under the credit requirements because
it is not a flooring product. Any coatings used to finish the concrete
would be applicable under IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.2.
Should mineral-based finish flooring products (without any

integral organic-based coatings and sealants) and unfinished/
untreated solid wood flooring be documented on the IEQc4.3
LEED Online form, even though they are exempt from
certification requirements?
According to LEED Interpretation #10267 issued 1/1/2013, the project
team should mark the form to indicate an Alternative Compliance
Path, and include a narrative with a statement that the project is
applying the April 14, 2010 addenda, as well as the manufacturer and
specific product description of the product claiming the exemption.
Manufacturer documentation for each product claiming an exemption
is not required.
On a renovation, should flooring that is previously installed be

subject to the credit requirements?
No. The credit requirements only refer to flooring installed within the
project scope.
81

One flooring adhesive we are using falls under both IEQc4.1
and IEQc4.3 and is over the VOC limit. We are using the VOC
budget method to meet IEQc4.1 requirements, but are we
automatically disqualifed from IEQc4.3?
Technically speaking, the IEQc4.3 credit language would not allow
you to earn the credit in this situation. The budget method is not
referenced in IEQc4.3. However, there has not been an official ruling
on this from USGBC, and a case could be made through a narrative or a
LEED Interpretation for earning the credit.
Are throw rugs subject to the credit requirements?

While finding low-emitting throw rugs would be a good idea, they
would not be considered permanently installed and so would not be
subject to credit requirements.
If a ceramic tile receives a top-coat after it is manufactured, is

it exempt from the credit requirements?
No. A tile or similar product that is coated after being manufactured
must meet the credit requirements for flooring product certification.
The credit requirements are allowed to exempt unfinished wood
flooring from the credit requirements, but wood flooring is almost
always finished. This is confusing!
Yes, it is odd. All the same, unfinished flooring is exempt, while finished
flooring must meet relevant requirements.
82
IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting MaterialsComposite Wood and Agrifiber Products

Our project is planning to use no composite wood products. Do
we automatically earn this credit?
Achievement Rate:
41%
LEEDuser hasnt seen an official ruling on this, but our expert consensus
is no. (And keep in mind that laminating adhesives are part of the credit
requirements, too.)
Making Sense of LEEDs New Formaldehyde Ruling

Composite wood products made with added
urea formaldehyde (UF) are one of the few
products that LEED has consistently banned
under its longstanding IEQc4.4: Low-Emitting
Materials credit. However, LEED Interpretation
#10250, issued 10/1/2012, and updated
1/1/2013 and again 4/1/2013, and applicable
to all LEED projects, now allows for the use
of urea in combination with melamine
formaldehyde (MF) in certain circumstances.
Are these rules in conflict?
According to Sara Cederberg, a LEED manager
at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the
interpretation was meant to clarify longstanding questions about the use of MF resins.
Currently, products that use MF resins without
any urea are allowed, per the original credit
language. However, many MF-containing products have a urea component. The interpretation addresses those products as follows:
U
rea, when used as part of a melamineurea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin, is
allowed as long as the composite wood
product meets California Air Resource
Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control
Measure (ATCM) 93120 requirements for
ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde resins
(ULEF), or 0.05 parts per million
requirements that are quite strict.
M
elamine-formaldehyde resins that use
urea as a scavenger are not allowed,
even with ULEF testing showing that they
meet the same emissions standard.
The language is confusing, says Andre
Verville, research and technical director at
83
Uniboard, maker of ULEF melamine

particleboard and other composite wood
products. The Interpretation states that UF
acting as a scavenger is not allowed, but urea
formaldehyde is not used as a scavenger,
per se. Urea itself scavenges leftover free
formaldehyde from the MF reaction and
converts it into another form, which should
actually reduce formaldehyde emissions from
the product, he explained, when compared
with MF resins that dont use urea scavengers.
Verville said that pure MF products could
have up to three times the emissions of those
using the scavenger.
The chemistry of these resins is complicated,
and Cederberg said stakeholders concerns
that formaldehyde could be released over time
from products using urea as a scavenger
particularly in hot, humid climatesinformed
the current interpretation. USGBC is reviewing
the policy, however, and Cederberg said that
the interpretation could be updated in April
2013.
Overall, it makes sense for USGBC to evolve in
its position on urea formaldehyde, because
rather than basing its rules on the complexities
of chemistry, it could move to a performancebased policy based on actual emissions, using
standards that didnt exist when it originally
adopted the no-UF rule. Thats the direction
USGBC is taking with LEED v4; draft language
there calls for low formaldehyde emissions, as
measured by CARB ULEF standards. In the
meantime, however, this change to LEED 2009
adds confusion to what has been a fairly blackand-white, easily understood requirement.

Should track-off mats being used on the project to meet IEQc5
requirements be included in IEQc4.3 credit requirements?
Achievement Rate:
25%
Key addenda:
Requirements eased up
In IEQc5: Indoor Chemical
and Pollutant Source Control
the MERV 13 requirement has
been removed for return air
circulationit remains only
for outdoor air intakes. Also,
the vague hazardous chemical
containment requirement has
been removed.
There is no definitive information from USGBC on this one way or

another. It is recommended that project teams do their best to find
low-emitting options for IEQc5, and that IEQc4.3 compliance is
recommended.
However, LEEDuser has heard that project teams have had success
not including track-off mats, such as the type with grilles and small
strips of carpeting. Also, mats that are removed for cleaning are not
permanently installed and thus not subject to credit requirements. If
used as track-off surfaces, carpet tiles should be certified, however, and
are available with the requisite certifications.
What is the definition of a high-volume copier?

There is not an official glossary definition that LEEDuser is aware of.
However, various references indicate that LEED views high volume
as one or more printers in an area totaling more than 40,000 copies
(20,000 double sided) per month. The number is based on expected
use, not capacity. This definition can be found in LEED Interpretation
#1938 issued 1/7/2008, for example, and although that Interpretation
is not applicable to LEED 2009, the number 40,000 has appeared in
enough places that we view it as a solid number.
Do I need to provide dedicated exhaust for my printer or copier?

If the copiers print less than 40,000 pages/month (20,000 pages
double-sided) you do not need to install dedicated exhaust, selfclosing doors and deck-to-deck partitions. Additionally, if you use
printers that do not emit VOCs or other harmful contaminants into the
indoor environment, you can make a case for exemption.
I do not have 10' of space inside my building entrance to install

a walk-off system. Can I include one on the exterior? Can the
shape be irregular?
LEED Interpretation #10098, dated 8/1/2011, states that The intent for
the entryway system (grilles, grates, walk-off mats) is to capture dirt
and dust. An exception to the 10 foot length and/or indoor location is
acceptable provided your alternative solution meets this intent and is
thoroughly justified.
Project teams have been successful including exterior mats that are
protected from the weather and regularly cleaned. LEEDuser has not
heard of a project successfully gaining an exception to the 10-foot
84

requirement, however. In situations where an irregular shaped mat
makes sense, teams should consider whether people entering the
building will travel at least 10 feet over a mat, and not be able to shortcircuit it. A short narrative explaining the impediments and how your
solution meets the standard established by the LEED Interpretation is
recommended.
What does regularly used exterior entrance mean and how do I

know which of my building entrances falls under this category?
These entrances are those that are used by building occupants on a
regular basis. If your project has unique circumstances where certain
building entrances are not regularly used or do not serve building
occupants, they may be excluded. For example, emergency exits that
are not used as regular entrances can often be excluded.
Are entryway mats required for a building entrance from

another building?
LEED Interpretation #5266 made on 05/30/2007 states that the
requirements are applicable only to entrances from the outdoors.
Can I use carpet tile as a track-off system? What about carpet?

Yes, carpet tile applies per LEED Interpretation Ruling #10252.
Some project teams have preferred to use carpet tile due to ease of
maintenance and avoidance of trip hazards. The carpet tile must be
specifically designed for entryway systems. Regular carpeting that is
not designed for this purpose and does not have regular cleaning is
not applicable.
Our building has a green cleaning program and is earning an

ID credit for it, based on the LEED-EBOM IEQc3 requirements.
Can we skip the exhaust requirements for our janitor rooms?
LEEDuser has not seen an official ruling on this, but our expert
consensus is no.
One, replacing a physical control with a policy control is a bit of a
downgrade. Two, 100% avoidance of hazardous chemicals in cleaning
is unlikely. The green cleaning purchasing credit in EBOM, for example,
considers 30% good enough to earn the credit. Also, the thresholds,
categories, and standards referenced in that credit will only go so far in
preventing use of any cleaning supplies that might generate gases or
chemicals that should be exhausted.
85
IEQc6.1 Controllability of SystemsLighting

How much controllability do I need for my multi-occupant
space?
Achievement Rate:
44%
There has been some confusion around this issue with LEED users
sharing feedback that LEED reviewers are requiring a high level of
controllability with both dual switching and dimming for every multioccupant space. The LEED Reference Guide simply states that you must
provide lighting system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces
to enable adjustments that meet group needs and preferences.
While it is best to consider the needs of everyone in the space, this
does not necessarily mean that you need to have dimmers, multiswitched lighting, or occupancy sensors. As stated on page 522 of
the LEED Reference Guide, switched receptacles are appropriate to
provide a variety of lighting options within the space; however, the
corresponding lighting fixture must also be provided if the control is
included in the count of controls for individual workstations or multioccupant spaces.
I included occupancy sensors to meet the controls requirement

but my LEED reviewer indicated that they werent sufficient.
Why is this?
Since IEQc6.1 is about controllability you will need to ensure that a
manual override is in place for the occupancy sensor. If you make this
clear to the reviewer then you should be in good shape.
In order to help meet IEQc6.1 for my individual occupants I am

including task lighting. Does my task lighting need to be hard
wired?
Per the LEED Reference Guide, task lighting does not need to be
hardwired; however, it must be included in the scope of work if the
control is included in the count of controls for individual workstations
or multi-occupant spaces.
Im working on a project that has transient occupants. How does

the IEQ space matrix address transients, and are transients
required to have access to the controls?
The matrix includes several space types that have transient occupants,
for example: libraries, auditoriums, and transportation terminals.
Controls must be provided for these spaces if they are listed as
individual occupant or multi occupant and have the corresponding
Yes in the relevant credit column.
86
IEQc6.1 Controllability of SystemsLighting

The matrix does not address who must have access to these controls.
Additionally, there are no LEED Interpretations that provide official
guidance (there is only one LEED Interpretation that touches on this
issue, LEED Interpretation #5071, issued 10/22/2007, which states
that the determining factor is not who uses the space, but rather
how the space is used). To illustrate, in library study carrels, it is fairly
easy to decide that the controls should be accessible to the individual
occupant, who most likely will be a visitor.
For multi-occupant spaces, the requirements are not as straightforward
and there is much more flexibility for the project team to determine
how they will demonstrate compliance. The approach should be clearly
described in your LEED application, including how all the needs of all
occupants in the space will be accounted for. For example, one possible
approach would be to provide controls for staff so modifications to
the thermal and lighting conditions could be made if needed or as
requested by the visitors of the space.
Do I have to include all individual and multi-occupant spaces

and do they have to be consistent across IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2?
In short, yes. If IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2 are both pursued then all individual
and multi-occupant spaces must be included. LEED reviewers will want
to see consistency across these for IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2.
87
The IEQ Space Matrix

The IEQ Space Matrix, currently in its third edition as of April 1, 2013, contains lists that categorize spaces for applicability to LEED Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) credits. The lists are
modified from the spaces in IES Lighting Handbook, 10th Edition. These lists should be used
along with the general credit guidance, notes, and definitions provided in the General Credit
Guidance and Notes and Definitions tabs.
Some of the frequently asked questions about the last release of the matrix have been answered with this release. Please see below.
Is the IEQ Space Matrix a Guidance Document or is it required?

If your project was registered after the release of the IEQ Space Matrix then LEED reviewers
will expect you to use the matrix to help determine which spaces to include in various credit
requirements. However, as is the case for all LEED credits, if you have an exceptional circumstance you can make a case in a narrative for why your project must take a path not outlined
or clarified in the matrix.
Do only regularly occupied spaces or do all occupied spaces need to be included?

Per the IEQ Space Matrix, if a space is non-regularly occupied then it does not have to be included in IEQc6.1 or EQc6.2. The version of the matrix released 4/1/13 makes this delineation more
clearly. Also, hallways and bathrooms are now officially excluded from the credit requirements.
I am working on a residential project. How many lighting controls do I need?

Per the IEQ Space Matrix, for all individual and multi-occupant spaces, each space must have
one lighting control to be counted towards the credit. For IEQc6.2, each unit must have its own
thermal control to be counted towards the credit. More information by room is reviewed in
LEEDusers online guidance.
I am working on a Healthcare project. How has the matrix outlined spaces for my
project?
See the IEQ space matrix for a full list of rooms. Some key rooms that are to excluded include:
Patient Room Bathrooms, Linen Areas, Medical Records rooms, Nursing Short Term Charting
Spaces, Supply and Nutrition areas, and prep and clean up areas. Critical care areas are also
excluded as an exception for the credit. Also, In-patient critical care, Pediatric, Psychiatric
patient rooms can be excluded from the credit requirements. The only rooms that are considered individual occupant spaces are medical offices, nursing stations, and patient rooms.
Operating rooms are still considered multi-occupant spaces.
The LEED Healthcare Reference Guide supplement also provides additional detailed guidance
for space designations that is quite helpful. USGBC has not folded all of this content into the
matrix.
88
I am working on a Hospitality project. How has the matrix outlined spaces for
my project?
The Front Desk, Housekeeping areas, and lobby must be included as multi-occupant spaces.
Hospitality guest rooms can be excluded from lighting and thermal control requirements.
I am working on a Retail project but not using LEED for Retail. How has the matrix
outlined spaces for my project?
Retail projects not pursuing LEED for Retail, may pursue the LEED for Retail credit IEQc6 for
1 point in lieu of IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2 for 2 points, which allows all areas except office and
administrative areas to be excluded from the controls requirements.
The categories given in the IEQ space matrix dont really fit how some of the
rooms in my project will be used. What should I do?
Use your best judgment. The matrix states, exceptions to area use classifications will be
accepted on a case-by-case basis for spaces with atypical uses or those in which strategies
required for compliance may compromise the function of the space. This is not an exhaustive list. If a space is not listed, project teams should try to find a similar space type and
follow that guidance.
Safety and code compliance have to always come first. You can always try writing a strong
narrative to make your case for your projects exception. However, its important to keep in
mind that some project types may simply not be well aligned with the credits requirements.
In that case, it might best to focus your efforts on other LEED credits that are more applicable.
Im working on a project that has transient occupants. How does the matrix
address transients, and are transients required to have access to the controls?
The matrix includes several space types that have transient occupants, for example: libraries,
auditoriums, and transportation terminals. Controls must be provided for these spaces
if they are listed as individual occupant or multi occupant and have the corresponding Yes
in the relevant credit columnfor example. For more on addressing controls in multioccupant spaces, see LEEDusers guidance on IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2.
89
The IEQc6.2: Controllability of SystemsThermal Comfort
Achievement Rate:
25%
Tools on
V
ariety of Sample Narratives
and Floorplans
Key addenda: Desk fans

allowed
As of 2/2/2011: desk fans and
other plug-in thermal comfort
devices are allowed under IEQc6.2,
as long as they are included in the
design but not the baseline energy
model in EAp2 and EAc1.
Glossary updates: Occupant

space types
The following definitions were
revised as of 11/1/2011:
Multioccupant spaces are places
of egress, congregation, or where
occupants pursue overlapping or
collaborative tasks. Multioccupant
spaces may be regularly or nonregularly occupied spaces.
In some areas, individual fan coil units can be adjusted through

the BMS, which can be accomplished by the occupant phoning
the building manager. As each unit can be controlled, is this
sufficient for occupant controllability? A benefit is that the BMS
can reset the system at the end of a day and enable the whole
system to be balanced.
Its a good idea but the implementation may not work as well as original
conceived. For instance, what if the building manager isnt always
readily available? Does everyone have access to his or her number?
How many adjustments are possible within your open plan office area?
Would there be enough distinct settings to account for controls for
roughly half of the occupants in this space?
LEEDuser is aware of one project earning the credit by providing a very
detailed narrative. Clearly visible postings were made in the building
that helped to clearly communicate the process to the occupants and
a phone number was provided for the occupants so that they would
have quick access to the manager.
Until a LEED Interpretation clarifies this issue, it is likely to depend
on specific circumstances. The strategy makes sense from an energy
efficiency standpoint, but the intent of this credit is more about
individual occupants having comfort controls.
Do I have to include all individual and multi-occupant spaces

and do they have to be consistent across IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2?
In short, yes. If IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2 are both pursued then all individual
and multi-occupant spaces must be included. LEED reviewers will want
to see consistency across these for IEQc6.1 and IEQc6.2.
In individual occupant spaces,

occupants perform distinct tasks
from one another. Such spaces
may be contained within multioccupant spaces and should be
treated separately where possible.
Individual occupant spaces may
be regularly or non-regularly
occupied spaces.
90
IEQc7.1: Thermal ComfortDesign
Achievement Rate:
53%
Tools on
A
SHRAE 55 Thermal Comfort
Calculator Results Winter
A
SHRAE 55 Thermal Comfort
Calculator Results Summer
Psychrometric Chart
ASHRAE-55 comfort criteria ask for space air speed. Is this

the same as the supply air volume measured in cubic feet per
minute (CFM)?
Supply air volume (CFM) is different from linear air speed measured in
feet per minute (FPM). Linear air speed in FPM is relevant to comfort
requirements. This information can be derived from the diffuser throw
value.
Our project includes a fitness center and gymnasium that fall

outside the bounds of ASHRAE-55. How should I treat them for
credit compliance? Also, what should I do about a warehouse
space?
You can establish compliance based on an alternative method to
ASHRAE 55.
For spaces with a time-averaged metabolic rate above 2.0 MET, the
project must determine acceptable thermal comfort conditions that
meet the intent of the credit, and demonstrate that those conditions
will be met. See LEED Interpretation #10279, issued 4/1/2013, for more
details.
For spaces such as warehouses that are not normally conditioned for
comfort, the project team may include one or more of the following
design alternatives: radiant flooring; circulating fans; passive systems,
such as nighttime air, heat venting, or wind flow; localized active
cooling (refrigerant or evaporative-based systems) or heating systems;
or localized, hard-wired fans that provide air movement for occupants
comfort. Again, see LI #10279 for more details.
91

What is required for the permanent monitoring system?
Achievement Rate:
42%
Tools on
T hermal Comfort Survey
Office
LEED defines a permanent monitoring system as having regular,

repeated comfort surveys distributed to the building occupants.
Additional approaches could include use of a building automation
system if sensor locations are adequately distributed throughout
occupied spaces, and air speed and radiant temperature testing with
the use of handheld meters or other monitoring equipment. See LEEDEBOM IEQc2.3 for additional ideas on permanent monitoring systems.
S ample Narrative and Plan

for Corrective Action Hotel
What is the best way to implement a survey?
S ample Plan for Corrective

Action Office
The survey must measure thermal comfort conditions and satisfaction

based on ASHRAE 55-2004 thermal comfort criteria, and is to be
measured by a 7-point scale format (+3 = very satisfied, 0 = neutral,
-3 = very dissatisfied). Although USGBC does not require a specific
means to administer the survey, there are a few options out there that
can be easy for the project team to implement. Surveys can be done by
phone, networked computer, website or a paper questionnaire. Web
based surveys can compile data readily and generate results that can
be helpful in evaluating responses. See LEEDusers Resources tab for
links.
C
orrective Action Plan
Guidance Document
Is there a required number of respondents to the survey?

No, LEED does not define a minimum number of occupants that need
to respond to the survey. However, if 20% of those that do respond
are dissatisfied or uncomfortable, corrective action plan must be put
in place.
Can residential dorms pursue IEQc7.2?

Residential projects are not eligible for this credit; however, some
dorms would not be considered residential.
Projects can apply to the 40/60 rule in the Rating System Selection
Guidance, and if less than 60% of the gross floor area of the dormitory
buildingqualify as residential, per the glossary in that document, then
the project would be eligible for this credit. Dormitory units that dont
have their own cooking area, bathroom facilities, and sleeping area
would not be defined as residential spaces.
Note that per the USGBCs IEQ Space Matrix, Hotels are eligible
for IEQc7.2 and the guest rooms must be included in the credit
requirements.
92

Where did the 7-point scale requirement come from? We have
had our documentation questioned in reviews because we did
not use this scale.
The seven-point scale is referred to in the Implementation section
for this credit in the LEED Reference Guide, and LEEDuser has heard
that a requirement for such a scale has been consistently called for by
reviewers.
Our understanding is that LEED is following the Likert 7-point scale as a
standard. It is the most widely used and accepted approach to scaling
questions in survey research. Likert scales can be 5-point but there is
some debate in the survey world about 7-point being better.
HOK Office Project
93

What spaces are considered regularly occupied and must be
included in the calculations?
Achievement Rate:
16%
The USGBCs IEQ Space Matrix has detailed guidance that is helpful for
any spaces you arent sure about.
Tools on
When should daylight measurements be taken?
P
rescriptive Compliance
Calculation and Plan
As close to noon under clear sky conditions, and, if possible, on or near

one of the two equinoxes.
Daylight Measuring Grid
Glossary update:
Moveable furniture
Movable furniture and partitions
are those that can be moved to
provide access to the view by the
user without the need for tools
or assistance from special trades
and facilities management.
Do I need to have glare control devices?

Yes, all spaces that are included in the calculations must have either
a glare control device that can be operated by the occupants or
automatic shades.
Where can I find the Supplemental Views and Daylight

Calculator?
On LEED Online, in the credit, under credit resources.
Do I need to submit the Supplemental Views and Daylight

Calculator?
You must submit a spreadsheet which contains all the information
required on the calculator, and submitting the LEED Online calculator
is recommended, but some teams have preferred to create their own,
and have had them accepted.
Can I average the compliant square footage between 9 a.m.

and 3 p.m. for a space and use the average as the compliant
square footage?
No, the compliant square footage would be the worst-case scenario
between the two times. For example, a 900 ft2 space located on the
western side of a building is 100% compliant at 9 a.m. but only 50%
compliant at 3 p.m. The compliant square footage in this case is 450 ft2.
What daylight simulation software can I use for LEED

compliance?
LEED doesnt require certain software to run the compliance
calculation. However, the simulation should be able to run under clear
sky conditions and calculate illuminance levels at 2'-6" above finished
floor (AFF).
94

Does LEED use windows Tvis or center of glass Tvis?
LEED uses the center of glass Tvis instead of the whole assembly Tvis.
Can I use Option 2: Prescriptive method if I have:
Windows with different Tvis values within the same wall width?
Windows with different head heights within the same wall width?
Windows with different sill heights (and above 30") within the
same wall width?
Windows with permanent shading devices?
Skylights with different Tvis values within the same ceiling area?
Clear skylights?
Light that is transferred between one room to the next through an
interior wall openingglazed or unglazed?
A Tvis/WFR value above 0.180?
Rooms that borrow light from an atrium?
Clerestory windows?
Roof monitors?
Tubular daylighting devices such as Solatube?
Roof overhangs?
Shared daylighting scenarios?
No. The only option in any of these cases will be the simulation or the
measurement methods.
95
IEQc8.2: Daylight and ViewsViews

For Exemplary Performance, what is a View Factor?
Achievement Rate:
30%
Tools on
S ample Views Spreadsheet
Sample Views Section
Sample Views Graphical Plan
Glossary update:
Regularly occupied spaces
Regularly occupied spaces
are areas where one or more
individuals normally spend time
(more than one hour per person
per day on average) seated or
standing as they work, study, or
perform other focused activities
inside a building.
View Factor has been determined per the Heschone Mahone Group
Study Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance
and the Indoor Environment, page 47. A component to achieving
Exemplary Performance for IEQc8.2 is having 90% of projects regularly
occupied spaces achieve a View Factor of 3+. View Factors are assigned
15 and are based on Primary View and Break View. See the study for
further detail, including a visual depiction of View Factors 15.
Does furniture need to be included in floor plan when completing views calculations?
Yes, for LEED 2009, views must be calculated with movable furniture
and partitions included in the floor plans and site lines.
If views are accessible from a seated position, yet above 42",

can these contribute to the views calculations?
This has been a gray area in LEED, but the latest feedback from GBCI
is that all views have to be at 42" so even if a seated occupant has
access to views at 55"-70", for example, this does not count and cannot
contribute to credit compliance. Therefore, with this interpretation,
workstation panel heights would need to be no higher than 42" (or
translucent glazing above this height) in order to allow occupants
access to views to the outside.
Why does the LEED Reference Guide call for vision glazing
between 30 and 90 inches, but I have to show compliance at
42 inches?
The standard eye height for an adult while seated is 42". Depending on
the use of the space, the eye height may be at 5'9" or lower. The idea
is that the occupant should not have to move their head significantly
to view outside. Also, with having access to view at this height, the
peripheral vision is not affected. Occupants still receive glimpses of the
outside.
What is considered a regularly occupied space?

The latest definition for a regularly occupied space (per the 2011
addendum) is an area where one or more individuals normally spend
time (more than one hour per person per day on average) seated or
standing as they work, study, or perform other focused activities inside
a building.
96
PHOTOS IN THIS GUIDE

Spectrum Health Medical Group Holland, Michigan
Completed in March 2012, this 57,000 ft2 ambulatory care and medical
office building is registered with LEED-NC 2009. According to Integrated
Architecture, which provided photos to LEEDuser and did the interior
design, three overarching goals of the project are to reduce patient
anxiety, increase staff productivity and enhance building performance.
Photos by Justin Maconochie.
Gordon Food Service Corporate Headquarters Wyoming, Michigan

This 382,000 ft2 building, completed in October 2012, is aiming for LEED
Gold, according to Integrated Architecture, which provided architecture,
engineering, and interior design. The facility is designed to use 50% less
energy than a baseline, and is heated and cooled by the largest groundsource heat pump system in Michigan. It provides daylight and views to
more than 90% of occupants, and more than 40% of the site is vegetated
open space. The project included building envelope commissioning.
Photos by Justin Maconochie.
1315 Peachtree Street Atlanta, Georgia

Designed by Perkins+Will, this LEED-NC 2009 project tracking at Platinum
transforms a conventional 1986 building in Atlanta into a high-performance
office space and demonstration project incorporating daylighting, an
open office plan, rainwater catchment, high-performance glazing, and
photovoltaics. Reducing reliance on the regions coal-dominated energy
mix through a grid-tied trigeneration system (combined heating, cooling,
and power), the design team helped the project achieve aggressive carbon
targets. Photos by Eduard Hueber / Archphoto.
HOK Project Washington, D.C.

This LEED-NC 2009 Silver office project in Washington, D.C. was designed
by HOK, with a focus on a healthy indoor environmentearning all the
low-emitting materials points, controllability credits, increased ventilation,
and construction IAQ points. Project details are confidential.
NREL Research Support Facility Golden, CO

The new Research Support Facility (RSF) at the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL) won AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects recognition in
2011, and is LEED-NC 2009 Platinum. The largest building in the country
targeting net-zero energy, the facility makes its own energy with onsite
photovoltaics and uses a transpired solar collector to heat ventilation air.
Rain gardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales work with the natural
terrain to help manage rainwater runoff.
Note: Photo placement within this guide does not imply credit achievement.
97
LEED 2009:
The Missing Manual
Keeping up with the changes to LEED-NC via addenda,
Interpretations, review comments, and more
Terms of Use
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LEED 2009:

The Missing Manual

A LEEDuser special report

Contributors from BuildingGreen

Contributors from YR&G

LEEDuser Guest Experts

LEEDuser Guest Experts continued

Addenda and Interpretations

Published by BuildingGreen, Inc.

LEED 2009: The Missing Manual

Energy and Atmosphere

continued on next page

Materials and Resources

Indoor Environmental Quality

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

How to Keep Up with LEED

Here are some tips to getting the most out of this

One of the most common things we hear from

We hope weve saved you a few steps by

We can relate to that. Just in compiling this guide,

continued on next page

Reference guides: Heres the place to purchase

Key LEED Interpretations

Effective 5/23/2007, updated 7/1/2012

Below are some key LEED Interpretations that

Key Interpretation: Parking garages and LEED

To view the full text of the LEED Interpretations

LEEDuser was glad to see LEED Interpretation

To certify the entire building as NC, you would

SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

Am I exempt from this prerequisite if I have a zero-lot-line

What are BMPs for steep slopes?

I have a technical question about a specific control measure

What suffices as far as a date-stamped photo?

Is there a preferred method for documentation?

continued on next page

SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

How do I know if my local code is more or less stringent than

SSc1: Site Selection

LEED does not have published exceptions to the prime farmland

The project site is classified as prime farmland, but is in a

Our project site is in what FEMA refers to as Zone Dan

Is it possible to be exempted from the wetlands requirements

Is my site previously developed?

Key addendum: Non-U.S.

SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity

LEED defines residential neighborhood or area as a minimum of

Only a portion of my complying residential development

Where do I draw the radius from?

Is one building or residential area enough to satisfy the

My project has access to services that seem to be basic, but

SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity

My project is on a base or campus where some services

Within my density radius there are plans for residential

SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment

Key Addenda: Non-U.S.

Key Addenda: Asbestos

Do we have to get testing done even if contamination is

If the remediation work is not part of the LEED project

Are there minimum contamination thresholds that need to be

SSc4.1: Alternative TransportationPublic Transportation Access

A bus has multiple stops within my 1/4-mile radius. Can I count

SSc4.2: Alternative TransportationBicycle Storage and Changing Rooms