Updated August 2019

Updated August 2019

i

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Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, LEED v4 Edition. USGBC authorizes individual use of the
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LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction
LEED v4 Edition
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 ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction , 2013 Edition, has been made possible only through
the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, staff members, and others in the USGBC community. The Reference Guide
drafting was managed and implemented by USGBC staff and consultants and included review and suggestions by
many Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our LEED committee
members who participated in the development of this guide, for their tireless volunteer efforts and constant support
of USGBC’s mission:

LEED Steering Committee

Joel Todd, Chair Joel Ann Todd
Bryna Dunn, Vice-Chair Moseley Architects
Felipe Faria Green Building Council Brasil
Elaine Hsieh KEMA Services
Susan Kaplan BuildingWrx
Malcolm Lewis Cadmus Group
Muscoe Martin M2 Architecture
Lisa Matthiessen Integral Group
Brenda Morawa Integrated Environmental Solutions
Tim Murray Morris Architects
Sara O'Mara Choate Construction Company
Bruce Poe Modus Architecture Collaborative
Alfonso Ponce Deloitte Finance
David Sheridan Aqua Cura
Lynn Simon Thornton Tomasetti
Doug Gatlin (Non-voting) U.S. Green Building Council
Scot Horst (Non-voting) U.S. Green Building Council
Brendan Owens (Non-voting) U.S. Green Building Council
Peter Templeton (Non-voting) U.S. Green Building Council

LEED Technical Committee

Susan Kaplan, Chair BuildingWrx
Maureen McGeary Mahle, Vice-Chair Steven Winter Associates
Jennifer Atlee BuildingGreen
Steve Baer Five Winds International
Ted Bardacke Global Green USA
Steve Benz OLIN
Neal Billetdeaux SmithGroupJJR
David Bracciano Alliance for Water Efficiency
Daniel Bruck BRC Acoustics & Audiovisual Design
David Carlson Columbia University
Jenny Carney YR&G
Mark Frankel New Buildings Institute
Nathan Gauthier EA Buildings
George Brad Guy Catholic University of America
Michelle Halle Stern The Green Facilitator
Malcolm Lewis Cadmus Group
John McFarland Working Buildings LLC
Jessica Millman The Agora Group
Neil Rosen North Shore LIJ Health System
Thomas Scarola Tishman Speyer
Chris Schaffner The Green Engineer
Marcus Sheffer 7group
Sheila Sheridan Sheridan Associates
Bob Thompson U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Alfred Vick University of Georgia
iii

LEED Market Advisory Committee

Lisa Matthiessen, Chair Integral Group
Holley Henderson, Vice-Chair H2Ecodesign
Liana Berberidou-Kallivoka City of Austin
Jeffrey Cole Konstrukt
Walter Cuculic Pulte Homes
Rand Ekman Cannon Design
Richard Kleinman LaSalle Investment Management
Craig Kneeland NYSERDA
Muscoe Martin M2 Architecture
Cindy Quan Goldman Sachs & Co.
Matt Raimi Raimi + Associates
Jon Ratner Forest City Enterprises
Marcus Sheffer 7group
Rebecca Stafford University of California, Office of President
Gary Thomas CB Richard Ellis
Keith Winn Catalyst Partners

Implementation Advisory Committee

Brenda Morawa, Chair Integrated Environmental Solutions
Adam Fransen, Vice-Chair CB Richard Ellis
Michelle Malanca Michelle Malanca Sustainability Consulting
Brad Pease Paladino and Co.
Ken Potts McGough
Richard Schneider U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
Greg Shank Altura Associates
David Sheridan Aqua Cura
Natalie Terrill Viridian Energy & Environmental
Bill Worthen Urban Fabrick Design
Max Zahniser Praxis | Building Solutions

Location and Planning TAG

Jessica Millman, Chair The Agora Group
John Dalzell, Vice-Chair Boston Redevelopment Authority/ City of Boston
Eliot Allen Criterion Planners
Laurence Aurbach Office of Laurence Aurbach
Ted Bardacke Global Green USA
Erin Christensen Mithun
Andy Clarke League of American Bicyclists
Fred Dock City of Pasadena
Bruce Donnelly Auricity
Victor Dover Dover, Kohl, and Partners
Reid Ewing University of Utah
Doug Farr Farr & Associates
Lois Fisher Fisher Town Design
Tim Frank Sierra Club
Randy Hansell Earth Advantage Institute
Justin Horner Natural Resources Defense Council
Ron Kilcoyne Lane Transit District
Todd Litman Victoria Transport Policy Institute
Dana Little Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
Art Lomenick Parsons Brinckerhoff
 iv

Steve Mouzon New Urban Guild

Lynn Richards U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Harrison Rue ICF International
Shawn Seamen PN Hoffman
Anthony Sease Civitech
Laurie Volk Zimmerman/ Volk Associates
Patricia White Defenders of Wildlife

Sustainable Sites TAG

Jenny Carney, Chair YR&G
Neal Billetdeaux, Vice-Chair SmithGroupJJR
Michele Adams Meliora Environmental Design
Steve Benz Sasaki Associates
Joby Carlson University of Arkansas
Laura Case Southface Energy Institute
Stephen Cook VIKA
Richard Heinisch Acuity Brands Lighting
Heather Holdridge Lake | Flato Architects
Jason King Greenworks, PC
Katrina Rosa The EcoLogic Studio
Kyle Thomas Natural Systems Engineering
Alfred Vick University of Georgia
Teresa Watkins St. John's Water Management District
Steve Benz OLIN

Water Efficiency TAG

Neil Rosen, Chair North Shore LIJ Health System
Doug Bennett, Vice-Chair Las Vegas Valley Water District / Southern Nevada Water Authority
Damann Anderson Hazen & Sawyer
Gunnar Baldwin TOTO USA
Robert Benazzi Jaros Baum & Bolles
Neal Billetdeaux SmithGroupJJR
David Bracciano Alliance for Water Efficiency
David Carlson Columbia University
Ron Hand E/FECT. Sustainable Design Solutions
Bill Hoffman H.W. Hoffman and Associates
Winston Huff SSR Engineers
Joanna Kind Eastern Research Group
Heather Kinkade Forgotten Rain
Gary Klein Affiliated International Management
John Koeller Koeller and Company
Shawn Martin International Code Council
Don Mills Clivus Multrum
Geoff Nara Civil & Environmental Consultants
Karen Poff Austin Energy
Shabbir Rawalpindiwala Kohler
Robert Rubin NCSU
Stephanie Tanner US Environmental Protection Agency
David Viola International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
Bill Wall Clivus New England
Daniel Yeh University of South Florida
Rob Zimmerman Kohler
v

Energy and Atmosphere TAG

Nathan Gauthier, Chair EA Buildings
Jeremy Poling, Vice-Chair Goby
John Adams General Services Administration
Amanda Bogner The Energy Studio
Kevin Bright Harvard University
Lane Burt Natural Resources Defense Council
Allan Daly Taylor Engineering
Charles Dorgan University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jay Enck Commissioning & Green Building Solutions
Ellen Franconi Rocky Mountain Institute
Scott Frank Jaros Baum & Bolles
Gail Hampsmire Low Energy Low Cost
Tia Heneghan ZIA for Buildings
Rusty Hodapp Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board
Brad Jones Sebesta Blomberg
Dan Katzenberger Engineering, Energy, and the Environment
Doug King King Sustainability
Chris Ladner Viridian
Richard Lord Carrier Corporation
Bob Maddox Sterling Planet
Rob Moody Organic Think
Brenda Morawa BVM Engineering
Paul Raymer Heyoka Solutions
Erik Ring LPA
David Roberts National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Michael Rosenberg Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Greg San Martin PG&E
Chris Schaffner The Green Engineer
Marcus Sheffer 7group
Gordon Shymko G.F. Shymko & Associates
Jason Steinbock The Weidt Group
Jorge Torres Coto MBO
Tate Walker Energy Center of Wisconsin

Materials and Resources TAG

Steve Baer, Chair PE INTERNATIONAL/ Five Winds Strategic Consulting
Brad Guy, Vice-Chair Material Reuse
Paul Bertram Kingspan Insulated Panels, North America
Paul Bierman-Lytle Pangeon/ iMCC Management Consulting
Steve Brauneis Rocky Mountain Institute
Amy Costello Armstrong World Industries
Chris Geiger San Francisco Department of the Environment
Barry Giles BuildingWise
Avi Golen Construction Waste Management
Lee Gros Lee Gros Architect and Artisan
Rick Levin Kahler Slater
Joep Meijer The Right Environment
Xhavin Sinha CH2M HILL
Raymond Smith U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Wes Sullens StopWaste.Org of Alameda County
Denise Van Valkenburg Eurofins
 vi

Indoor Environmental Quality TAG

Daniel Bruck, Chair BRC Acoustics & Audiovisual Design
Michelle Halle Stern, Vice-Chair The Green Facilitator
Sahar Abbaszadeh The Cadmus Group
Terry Brennan Camroden Associates
Aida Carbo UL Environment
Randal Carter Steelcase
Wenhao Chen California Department of Public Health
Nancy Clanton Clanton & Associates
Dan Dempsey Carrier
Larry Dykhuis Herman Miller
Dwayne Fuhlhage PROSOCO
Stowe Hartridge Beam Scientific Certification Systems
Dan Int-Hout Krueger
Alexis Kurtz The Sextant Group
Matt Latchford Lam Partners
David Lubman David Lubman & Associates
Richard Master USG Corporation
John McFarland WorkingBuildings
Bud Offermann Indoor Environmental Engineering
Reinhard Oppl Eurofins Product Testing A/S
Ozgem Ornektekin New York University
Charles Salter Salter Associates
Chris Schaffner The Green Engineer
Dana Schneider Jones Lang LaSalle
Dennis Stanke Trane Commercial Systems
Don Stevens Panasonic Home and Environment Company
Bob Thompson U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ellen Tohn Tohn Environmental Strategies
Prasad Vaidya The Weidt Group

LEED v4 for Homes Working Group

Laura Capps Southface
Wes Davis ACCA
Randy Hansell Earth Advantage Institute
Maureen Mahle Steven Winter Associates
Carlos Martin National Center for Healthy Homes
Emily Mitchell Enterprise Community Partners
Sam Rashkin EPA Energy Star
Gregory Shron EYA
Kevin Stack Northeast Green Building Consulting

Pilot Credit Library Working Group

Marc Cohen (Chair) The Cadmus Group
Lindsay Baker Mary Davidge Associates
Cheryl Baldwin GreenSeal
James Bogdan PPG Industries
Carlie Bullock-Jones Ecoworks Studio
Paul Firth UL Environment
Mick Schwedler Trane
Steve Taylor Taylor Engineering
Richard Young Fisher-Nickel
vii

Integrative Process Task Group

Lindsay Baker Mary Davidge Associates
John Boecker 7group
Penny Bonda Ecoimpact Consulting
Jenny Carney YR&G
Joel Todd Joel Ann Todd
Bill Reed Integrative Design Collaborative
Heather Rosenberg The Cadmus Group
Linda Sorrento National Academy of Environmental Design
Keith Winn Catalyst Partners
Bill Worthen Urban Fabrik
Max Zahniser Praxis | Building Solutions

A special thanks to USGBC staff for their invaluable efforts in developing this LEED Reference Guide, especially
to Asa Foss for his technical expertise and insight, Mika Kania for her reliability and thoroughness, and Meghan
Bogaerts for her hard work, attention to detail and flair for writing.

A thank you also goes to Scot Horst, Doug Gatlin, and Brendan Owens for their vision and support. A very special
thanks to Dara Zycherman, staff lead on the development of the LEED v4 Reference Guide suite, for her unwavering
commitment to quality and her dedication to the production of the guides.

A special thanks to the consultant team led by EnergyLogic and the unique artwork created for this publication by
Terrel Broiles.
viii
 1
PREFACE
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

THE CASE FOR GREEN BUILDING

People on Earth today use the equivalent of 1.5 planets The LEED® Green Building Rating System™ was
to meet the resource needs of everyday life and absorb developed to address those concerns. The U.S. Green
the resulting wastes. This measure of the planet’s Building Council realized that the building design
carrying capacity means that it takes Earth 18 months and construction industry already had the science,
to regenerate what is used in only 12 months. By the expertise, tools, and technology to transform the
year 2030, estimates suggest, we’ll need the equivalent industry and make significant advances toward
of two planets.1 Turning resources into waste faster a sustainable world, but it needed a standard for
than they can be regenerated puts Earth into ecological high-quality, long-lasting structures that would
overshoot, a clearly unsustainable condition that we all use fewer resources and promote both ecosystem
must address. and human health. Taking a green design approach,
The forces driving this situation are several. Human LEED projects throughout the world have already
population has increased exponentially in the past demonstrated benefits to the sustainable balance of
60 years, from about 2.5 billion in 1950 to more than 7 natural systems.
billion today. A consumption life-cycle of extraction, The residential building sector has a significant
use, and disposal has accelerated depletion of finite role to play in sustainability through its development
supplies of nonrenewable energy, water, and materials. patterns, construction strategies, and lifetime of
The depletion of such resources is anticipated to operation. As the earth’s population continues to
worsen as standards of living in developing countries increase, construction and gut-rehabilitation of
rise. The linear use of resources that treats outputs as homes grow with it. Estimates for U.S. building
waste has triggered an accumulation of toxins in the construction indicate that 89 million new or replaced
atmosphere and on Earth’s surface. Taken together, all homes will be constructed between 2007 and 2050.2
of these forces are creating a tipping point, a threshold What we build today and where we build it are
beyond which the planet cannot rebalance without profoundly important.
major disruption to the systems that humans and other
species rely on for survival.

1. Global Footprint Network, footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/gfn/page/world_footprint/, accessed 9/11/2012

2. R. Ewing, k. Bartholomew, S. Winkleman, J. Walters, D. Chen, Growing Cooler, The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change,
(Washington, D.C., Urban Land Institute, 2008) , pg 8 smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/growingcoolerCH1.pdf
 2

ABOUT LEED
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is a framework for identifying, implementing, and measuring
green building and neighborhood design, construction, operations, and maintenance. LEED is a voluntary,
consensus-based tool which serves as a guideline and assessment mechanism for the design, construction, and
operation of high-performance, green buildings and neighborhoods. LEED rating systems currently address

PREFACE
commercial, institutional, and residential building types as well as neighborhood development.
LEED seeks to optimize the use of natural resources, promote regenerative and restorative strategies, maximize
the positive and minimize the negative environmental and human health impacts of the buildings industry, and
provide high quality indoor environments for building occupants. LEED emphasizes integrated design, appropriate

THE CASE FOR GREEN BUILDING

integration of existing technology, and the use of state of the art strategies to advance expertise in green building and
transform professional practice.
LEED is voluntary, consensus-based, and market-driven. The technical basis on which LEED is built seeks a
balance between requirement of existing best practice and voluntary incorporation of leadership strategies. LEED
sets a challenging yet achievable set of whole building and neighborhood benchmarks that define green building.
LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations was developed in 1998 for the commercial building industry
and has since been updated multiple times. Over the years, a variety of other rating systems were developed to meet
the needs of different market sectors. LEED for Homes was officially launched in 2008, and LEED for Multifamily
Midrise was piloted that year.
Since its launch, LEED has evolved to address new markets and building types, advances in practice and
technology, and greater understanding of the environmental and human health impacts of the built environment.
These ongoing improvements to LEED are developed by USGBC member-based volunteer committees,
subcommittees, and working groups, in conjunction with USGBC staff, and are then subject to review and approval
by the LEED Steering Committee and the USGBC Board of Directors prior to a vote by USGBC membership. The
development process is based on principles of transparency, openness, and inclusiveness.

LEED’S GOALS
The LEED rating systems aim to promote a transformation of the construction industry through strategies designed
to achieve seven goals:
·· To reverse contribution to global climate change
·· To enhance individual human health and well-being
·· To protect and restore water resources
·· To protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services
·· To promote sustainable and regenerative material resources cycles
·· To build a greener economy
·· To enhance social equity, environmental justice, community health, and quality of life

These goals are the basis for LEED’s prerequisites and credits. In the BD+C rating system, the major prerequisites
and credits are categorized as Location and Transportation (LT), Sustainable Sites (SS), Water Efficiency (WE),
Energy and Atmosphere (EA), Materials and Resources (MR), and Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ).
The goals also drive the weighting of points toward certification. Each credit in the rating system is allocated
points based on the relative importance of its contribution to the goals. The result is a weighted average: credits
that most directly address the most important goals are given the greatest weight. Project teams that meet the
prerequisites and earn enough credits to achieve certification have demonstrated performance that spans the goals
in an integrated way. Certification is awarded at four levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) to incentivize higher
achievement and, in turn, faster progress toward the goals.
 3

BENEFITS OF USING LEED

LEED is designed to address environmental challenges while responding to the needs of a competitive market.
Certification demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. LEED
gives building owners and operators the tools they need to immediately improve both building performance and the
bottom line while providing healthful indoor spaces for a building’s occupants.

LEED-certified buildings are designed to deliver the following benefits:

PREFACE

·· Lower operating costs and increased asset value

·· Reduced waste sent to landfills
·· Energy and water conservation
·· More healthful and productive environments for occupants
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

·· Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

·· Qualification for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in many cities

By participating in LEED, owners, operators, designers, and builders make a meaningful contribution to the green
building industry. By documenting and tracking buildings’ resource use, they contribute to a growing body of
knowledge that will advance research in this rapidly evolving field. This will allow future projects to build on the
successes of today’s designs and bring innovations to the market.

LEED CERTIFICATION PROCESS

To earn certification, projects must meet the requirements of all mandatory measures (prerequisites),
achieve enough points to meet or exceed minimum point floors for applicable credit categories, and earn at least
40 total points.

There are four possible levels of certification that can be achieved by exceeding the following point thresholds:
·· Certified 40–49 points
·· Silver 50–59 points
·· Gold 60–79 points
·· Platinum 80 points and above

Point floors are included in some sections of the rating system, setting a minimum threshold for number of points
that must be earned in that particular section. Point floors are included in the following credit categories:
·· 3 points in Water Efficiency
·· 8 points combined in Location and Transportation and Energy and Atmosphere
·· 3 points in Indoor Environmental Quality
 4

THE CASE FOR GREEN BUILDING PREFACE

 REFERENCE GUIDE OVERVIEW

GUIDE STRUCTURE CREDIT STRUCTURE

GETTING STARTED Each credit category begins with an overview

provides a that discusses sustainability and market factors
recommended specific to that topic. The credits list the
PREFACE
process for achieving requirements for achievement. Readers will then
certification and find the following sections in each credit section:
GETTING STARTED
addresses issues that
cut across the entire INTENT & REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM PROGRAM outlines the rating system requirements for
rating system.
REQUIRMENTS
STARTED
GETTING

achieving the prerequisite or credit. They

CATEGORY were approved through the rating system
OVERVIEWS ATING SYSTEM development process and can also be found on
SELECTION GUIDANCE the USGBC website.
emphasize
sustainability topics,
CATEGORY OVERVIEW BEHIND THE INTENT
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

market factors, and

credit relationships connects credit achievement with larger
CREDITS sustainability issues and provides general
that are specific to a
single credit category information on the credit requirements.
and information
that is applicable to STEP-BY-STEP GUIDANCE
multiple credits within suggests the implementation and documentation
that category. steps that can be used by most projects, as
CATEGORY OVERVIEW well as generally applicable tips and examples.
CREDITS CREDITS
FURTHER EXPLANATION
contain content that
provides additional guidance for lengthy
is specific to the
calculations or for special project situations,
achievement of that
such as tips for nonstandard project types or
credit.
credit approaches. It sometimes includes an
International Tips section.

RELATED CREDIT TIPS

other credits that will affect their decisions
and strategies for the credit in question;
the relationships between credits may imply
synergies or trade-offs.

CHANGES FROM LEED FOR HOMES 2008

indicates the changes since the 2008 version
of the LEED for Homes rating system.

CONTRACT LANGUAGE
RECOMMENDATIONS
ICONS THAT MAY APPEAR WITHIN EACH CREDIT gives examples of language that the builder
REFER THE USER TO FOLLOWING SECTIONS: or developer can use in agreements with
contractors.

Getting Started (beginning of book) REFERENCED STANDARDS

lists all standards related to the credit and offers
Further Explanation (within same credit) web links to find them.

VERIFICATION & SUBMITTALS

outlines the supporting verification materials
and submittals required from the project team
and the required verification to be completed
by the verification team.
 STARTED
GETTING
Getting Started
HOW TO USE THIS REFERENCE GUIDE
This reference guide is designed to work in conjunction Within each section, information is organized to flow
with the rating system. Written by expert users of LEED, from general guidance to more specific tips and finally
it serves as a roadmap, describing the steps tied directly to supporting references and other information.
to documenting credit requirements and offering Sections have been designed with a parallel structure
additional advice on best practices. to support way finding and minimize repetition across
the guide.

CREDIT CATEGORIES

INTEGRATIVE LOCATION AND SUSTAINABLE WATER ENERGY AND

PROCESS TRANSPORTATION SITES EFFICIENCY ATMOSPHERE
(LT) (SS) (WE) (EA)

MATERIALS AND INDOOR INNOVATION REGIONAL

RESOURCES ENVIRONMENTAL (IN) PRIORITY
(MR) QUALITY (EQ) (RP)
 7

PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.

The International Tips section offers advice on determining equivalency to U.S. standards or using non-U.S.
standards referenced in the rating system. It is meant to complement, not replace, the other sections of the credit.
Helpful advice for projects outside the U.S. may also appear in the Step-by-Step Guidance section of each credit. When
no tips are needed or available, the International Tips heading does not appear.

Units of measurement are given in both Inch-Pound (IP) and International System of Units (SI). IP refers to the
system of measurements based on the inch, pound, and gallon, historically derived from the English system and
commonly used in the U.S. SI is the modern metric system used in most other parts of the world and defined by the
General Conference on Weights and Measures.

Where “local equivalent” is specified, it means an alternative to a LEED referenced standard that is specific to a
project’s locality. This standard must be widely used and accepted by industry experts and when applied, must meet
STARTED
GETTING

the credit’s intent leading to similar or better outcomes.

Where “USGBC-approved local equivalent” is specified, it means a local standard deemed equivalent to the listed
standard by the U.S. Green Building Council through its process for establishing non-U.S. equivalencies in LEED.
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
 GETTING
8

HOW TO USE THIS REFERENCE GUIDE

STARTED
 9

LEED WORK PLAN

STEP 1. CONNECT WITH GREEN RATER ORGANIZATION

A LEED Green Rater is responsible for verification of all prerequisites and credits in the LEED residential
rating systems. The Green Rater performs on-site verification and conducts diagnostic testing to ensure
that the team’s strategies are effective. All projects are required to have a preliminary rating meeting
with the Green Rater as early as possible in the design and construction process (Step 4). Green Raters
are listed by location on the USGBC website.
A qualified energy rater is required to verify the energy components and, for LEED BD+C: Homes proj-
ects, run the energy model. Most Green Raters are also energy raters.

STEP 2. CHOOSE APPROPRIATE RATING SYSTEM

STARTED
GETTING

The residential rating systems address two kinds of residential construction: single-family and low-
rise multifamily, and multifamily midrise. Throughout this reference guide, items marked “Homes” are
generally appropriate for single-family buildings and low-rise multifamily buildings (up to three stories).
Those marked “Multifamily Midrise” are for predominantly residential projects four stories or more above
grade. Some requirements apply to both kinds of construction; for others, there are slight differences.
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

See Rating System Selection Guidance in this reference guide for further details, particularly because
certain four- and five- story projects may be appropriate for Homes rather than Multifamily Midrise.

STEP 3. CHECK PROJECT ELIGIBILITY

All projects seeking certification are required to comply with the Minimum Program Requirements and
eligibility requirements for their applicable rating system, found on USGBC’s website (also see Minimum
Program Requirements in this reference guide).
Major “gut” rehab projects can achieve certification under LEED:BD+C Homes or Multifamily Midrise,
but partial rehab or renovation projects cannot. To be considered a major rehab project, the home must
be stripped to the studs on at least one side of all external walls and the exterior ceiling, to expose the
interstitial space for insulation installation and inspection. The American Society of Interior Designers’
Foundation and USGBC have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted
educational resources for sustainable residential remodeling projects. This program will increase under-
standing of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design
professionals, product suppliers, and service providers to build both demand and industry capacity. More
information is available at regreenprogram.org.

STEP 4. DEFINE LEED PROJECT SCOPE

Review the project’s program to determine the breadth of team influence and identify any potential
limitations to certification. Considerations include the extent of the gut-rehab, if the project is an existing
structure, or construction timeline (e.g., is the project already under construction?).
Next, map the LEED project boundary. In most cases, this is the property line or lot line. If the project’s
boundary is not obvious because of phasing, multiple ownership, or other issues, consult the Minimum
Program Requirements.
 10

STEP 5. DEVELOP LEED SCORECARD AND PRELIMINARY RATING

Establish the LEED rating that the project team desires (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum) and identify
supporting credits to achieve the desired rating. Make sure that all prerequisites can be met. This
preliminary rating is a required first step; the Green Rater will help facilitate the preliminary rating.
Three categories—Location and Transportation, Water Efficiency, and Energy and Atmosphere—have
both a prescriptive and a performance path. The project team needs to decide early on which path in
each section is appropriate for the project. The Green Rater can guide the team in making this decision,
taking into account the project team’s goals, region, and previous experience.
Establishing a buffer of several points above the minimum required points helps ensure success in case
changes in design and construction make certain credits unachievable.

STARTED
GETTING
STEP 6. ASSIGN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO PROJECT TEAM
For the preliminary rating, select one team member to lead the group in setting sustainability goals
and coordinating the overall documentation process for submittal to the Green Rater. Both the design
and the construction representatives should be involved throughout the process to ensure consistency

LEED WORK PLAN

and clarity.
Team ownership of credit compliance can help foster integrated design while ensuring that documenta-
tion is generated consistently across credits. On a credit-by-credit basis, assign primary and supporting
roles to appropriate team members for credit achievement and documentation. Although many items in
LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Midrise are visually verified on site by the Green Rater, other items
are verified through design documents. Clarify responsibilities for ensuring that design decisions are
accurately represented in drawings and specifications and that construction details match design
documentation.
Establish regular meeting dates and develop clear communication channels to streamline the process
and resolve issues quickly.

STEP 7. DEVELOP CONSISTENT DOCUMENTATION

Consistent documentation is critical to LEED certification. During construction, the team member with
lead responsibility for documentation should ensure that other members provide the required plans,
drawings, invoices, lists, descriptions, photographs, calculations, and other forms of documentation—as
specified in the verification and submittals section for each credit. He or she should collect and save this
documentation in a central location and ensure that it is secure and complete. Data should be recorded
on a regular schedule to allow the team to track ongoing progress toward the credits. The Green Rater
can advise the team on the completeness of the documentation.

STEP 8. SCHEDULE SITE INSPECTIONS FOR VERIFICATION

At a minimum, two site visits by the Green Rater and energy rater are required. The first site inspection
is required after insulation has been installed but before drywall. The second is performed when the
home and all landscaping are completed.

STEP 9. GREEN RATER REVIEW AND SUBMIT TO USGBC FOR CERTIFICATION

The Green Rater’s review of the documentation is an essential part of certification. All credits must be
verified by the Green Rater, through site inspections and review of documentation and calculations.
If the Green Rater finds everything in order, he or she signs off and submits the project for quality
assurance and USGBC certification review.
 11

TABLE 1. Homes Project Checklist

Exemplary
Possible
Y ? N Performance
points
available?

INTEGRATIVE PROCESS 2 1

Credit 1 Integrative Process 2

Option 1. Integrative Project Team 1

Option 2. Design Charrette 1

Option 3. Trades Training 1

STARTED
GETTING

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION 15

Prereq 1 Floodplain Avoidance Required NA

Performance Path
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Credit 1 LEED for Neighborhood Development 15 NA

Prescriptive Path

Credit 2 Site Selection 8 1

Option 1. Sensitive Land Protection 4

Path 1. Previously Developed 4

Path 2. Avoidance of Sensitive Land 3

Option 2. Infill Development 2

Option 3. Open Space 1

Option 4. Street Network 1

Option 5. Bicycle Network and Storage 1

Credit 3 Compact Development 3 1

Credit 4 Community Resources 2 1

Credit 5 Access to Transit 2 1

SUSTAINABLE SITES 7

Prereq 1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required NA

Prereq 2 No Invasive Plants Required NA

Credit 1 Heat Island Reduction 2 1

Option 1. Shading 2

Option 2. Nonabsorptive Materials 2

Credit 2 Rainwater Management 3 1

Case 1. Low Impact Development 3

 12

Case 2. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

3
Projects

Credit 3 Non-Toxic Pest Control 2 1

WATER EFFICIENCY 12

Prereq 1 Water Metering Required NA

Performance Path

Credit 1 Total Water Use 12 1

Prescriptive Path

Credit 2 Indoor Water Use 6 NA

STARTED
GETTING
Credit 3 Outdoor Water Use 4 NA

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE 38

SCORECARD
Prereq 1 Minimum Energy Performance Required NA

Prereq 2 Energy Metering Required NA

Prereq 3 Education of the Homeowner, Tenant or Building Manager Required NA

Performance Path

Credit 1 Annual Energy Use 29 1

Option 1. LEED Energy Budget 29

Option 2. HERS Index with Home Size Adjuster 29

Both Paths

Credit 2 Efficient Hot Water Distribution System 5 NA

Option 1. Efficient Hot Water Distribution 2

Path 1. Maximum Allowable Pipe Length 2

Path 2. Maximum Allowable Pipe Volume 2

Option 2. Performance Test 3

Case 1. Water heater or boiler with no circulation loop

3
or heat traced pipe

Case 2. Circulation loop or heat traced pipe 3

Option 3. Pipe Insulation 2

Credit 3 Advanced Utility Tracking 2 NA

Option 1. Electric and Water 1

Option 2. Third-Party Utility Reporting 1

Credit 4 Active Solar-Ready Design 1 1

Option 1. Photovoltaic-Ready Design 1

 13

Option 2. Solar Direct Hot Water- Ready Design 1

Credit 5 HVAC Start-Up Credentialing 1 NA

Prescriptive Path

Prereq 4 Home Size Required NA

Credit 6 Building Orientation for Passive Solar 3 NA

Credit 7 Air Infiltration 2 NA

Credit 8 Envelope Insulation 2 NA

Credit 9 Windows 3 NA
STARTED
GETTING

Credit 10 Space Heating & Cooling Equipment 4 NA

Credit 11 Heating & Cooling Distribution Systems 3 NA

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Case 1. Forced-Air System 3

Option 1. Ductwork in Conditioned Space 3

Option 2. Ductwork in Unconditioned Space 2

Case 2. Hydronic System 3

Credit 12 Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment 3 NA

Credit 13 Lighting 2 NA

Option 1. Indoor Lighting 1.5

Option 2. Exterior Lighting 0.5

Credit 14 High-Efficiency Appliances 2 NA

Credit 15 Renewable Energy 4 1

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES 10

Prereq 1 Certified Tropical Wood Required NA

Prereq 2 Durability Management Required NA

Credit 1 Durability Management Verification 1 NA

Credit 2 Environmentally Preferable Products 4 1

Option 1. Local Production 1.5

Option 2. Environmentally Preferable Products 4

Credit 3 Construction Waste Management 3 1

Credit 4 Material-Efficient Framing 2 1

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 16

Prereq 1 Ventilation Required NA

Prereq 2 Combustion Venting Required NA

 14

Prereq 3 Garage Pollutant Protection Required NA

Prereq 4 Radon-Resistant Construction Required NA

Prereq 5 Air Filtering Required NA

Prereq 6 Environmental Tobacco Smoke Required NA

Prereq 7 Compartmentalization Required NA

Credit 1 Enhanced Ventilation 3 NA

Option 1. Enhanced Local Exhaust 1

Option 2. Enhanced Whole-House Ventilation 2

STARTED
GETTING
Credit 2 Contaminant Control 2 0.5

Option 1. Walk-off Mats 0.5

SCORECARD
Option 2. Shoe Removal and Storage 0.5

Option 3. Preoccupancy Flush 0.5

Option 4. Air Testing 1

Credit 3 Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems 3 NA

Case 1. Forced-Air Systems 3

Option 1. Multiple Zones 1

Option 2. Supply Air-Flow Testing 1

Option 3. Pressure Balancing 1

Case 2. Radiative Systems 2

Option 1. Multiple Zones 1

Option 2. Room-by-Room Controls 2

Credit 4 Enhanced Compartmentalization 1 NA

Credit 5 Enhanced Combustion Venting 2 NA

Option 1. No Fireplace or Woodstove 2

Option 2. Enhanced Combustion Venting Measures 1

Credit 6 Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection 2 NA

Case 1. Single Family 2

Option 1. Exhaust Fan in Garage 1

Option 2. No Garage, or Detached Garage, or Carport 2

Case 2. Multifamily 2

Option 1. Exhaust Fan in Multicar Garage 1

Option 2. Exhaust fan in Small Garage 1

 15

Option 3. No Garage, or Detached Garage 2

Credit 7 Low-Emitting Products 3 NA

INNOVATION 6

Prereq 1 Preliminary Rating Required NA

Credit 1 Innovation 5 NA

Option 1. Innovation 1

Option 2. Pilot 1

Option 3. Additional Strategies 3

STARTED
GETTING

Innovation 1

Innovation 1
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Innovation 1

Pilot 1

Pilot 1

Pilot 1

Exemplary Performance: 1

Exemplary Performance: 1

Exemplary Performance: 1

Credit 2 LEED AP for Homes 1 NA

REGIONAL PRIORITY 4

Credit 1 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 2 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 3 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 4 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

TOTAL 110

Certified 40 to 49 points Silver 50 to 59 points Gold 60 to 79 points Platinum 80 to 110

POINT FLOORS

Projects must earn at least 8 points in the combined LT and EA sections

Projects must earn at least 3 points in the WE section
Projects must earn at least 3 points in the EQ section
 16

TABLE 2. Multifamily Midrise Project Checklist

Exemplary
Possible
Y ? N Performance
points
available?

INTEGRATIVE PROCESS 2

Credit 1 Integrative Process 2 1

Option 1. Integrative Project Team 1

Option 2. Design Charrette 1

Option 3. Trades Training 1

STARTED
GETTING
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION 15

Prereq 1 Floodplain Avoidance Required NA

Performance Path

SCORECARD
Credit 1 LEED for Neighborhood Development 15 NA

Prescriptive Path

Credit 2 Site Selection 8 1

Option 1. Sensitive Land Protection 4

Path 1. Previously Developed 4

Path 2. Avoidance of Sensitive Land 3

Option 2. Infill Development 2

Option 3. Open Space 1

Option 4. Street Network 1

Option 5. Bicycle Network and Storage 1 NA

Credit 3 Compact Development 3 1

Credit 4 Community Resources 2 1

Credit 5 Access to Transit 2 1

SUSTAINABLE SITES 7

Prereq 1 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required NA

Prereq 2 No Invasive Plants Required NA

Credit 1 Heat Island Reduction 2 1

Option 1. Shading 2

Option 2. Nonabsorptive Materials 2

Credit 2 Rainwater Management 3 1

Case 1. Low Impact Development 3

Case 2. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

3
Projects

Credit 3 Non-Toxic Pest Control 2 1

 17

WATER EFFICIENCY 12

Prereq 1 Water Metering Required NA

Performance Path

Credit 1 Total Water Use 12 1

Prescriptive Path

Credit 2 Indoor Water Use 6 NA

Credit 3 Outdoor Water Use 4 NA

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE 37

Prereq 1 Minimum Energy Performance Required NA

STARTED
GETTING

Prereq 2 Energy Metering Required NA

Prereq 3 Education of the Homeowner, Tenant or Building Manager Required NA

Performance Path
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Credit 1 Annual Energy Use 30 1

Credit 2 Efficient Hot Water Distribution System 5 NA

Option 1. Efficient Hot Water Distribution 2

Path 1. Maximum Allowable Pipe Length 2

Path 2. Maximum Allowable Pipe Volume 2

Option 2. Performance Test 3

Case 1. Water heater or boiler with no circulation loop

3
or heat traced pipe

Case 2. Circulation loop or heat traced pipe 3

Option 3. Pipe Insulation 2

Credit 3 Advanced Utility Tracking 2 NA

Option 1. Electric and Water 1

Option 2. Third-Party Utility Reporting 1

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES 9

Prereq 1 Certified Tropical Wood Required NA

Prereq 2 Durability Management Required NA

Credit 1 Durability Management Verification 1 NA

Credit 2 Environmentally Preferable Products 5 1

Option 1. Local Production 1.5

Option 2. Environmentally Preferable Products 4

Credit 3 Construction Waste Management 3 1

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 18

Prereq 1 Ventilation Required NA

Prereq 2 Combustion Venting Required NA

Prereq 3 Garage Pollutant Protection Required NA

 18

Prereq 4 Radon-Resistant Construction Required NA

Prereq 5 Air Filtering Required NA

Prereq 6 Environmental Tobacco Smoke Required NA

Prereq 7 Compartmentalization Required NA

Credit 1 Enhanced Ventilation 3 NA

Option 1. Enhanced Local Exhaust 1

Option 2. Enhanced Whole-Unit Ventilation 2

Credit 2 Contaminant Control 2 0.5

Option 1. Walk-off Mats 0.5

STARTED
GETTING
Option 2. Shoe Removal and Storage 0.5

Option 3. Preoccupancy Flush 0.5

Option 4. Air Testing 1

SCORECARD
Credit 3 Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems 3 NA

Case 1. Forced-Air Systems 3

Option 1. Multiple Zones 1

Option 2. Supply Air-Flow Testing 1

Option 3. Pressure Balancing 1

Case 2. Radiative Systems 3

Option 1. Multiple Zones 1

Option 2. Room-by-Room Controls 2

Credit 4 Enhanced Compartmentalization 3 NA

Credit 5 Combustion Venting 2 NA

Option 1. No Fireplace or Woodstove 2

Option 2. Enhanced Combustion Venting Measures 1

Credit 6 Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection 1 NA

Option 1. Exhaust Fan on Controls in Garage 1

Option 2. Detached Garage or No Garage or Carport 1

Credit 7 Low-Emitting Products 3 NA

Credit 8 No Environmental Tobacco Smoke 1 NA

INNOVATION 6

Prereq 1 Preliminary Rating Required NA

Credit 1 Innovation 5 NA

Option 1. Innovation 1

Option 2. Pilot 1

Option 3. Additional Strategies 3

Innovation 1
 19

Innovation 1

Innovation 1

Pilot 1

Pilot 1

Pilot 1

Exemplary Performance: 1

Exemplary Performance: 1

Exemplary Performance: 1
STARTED
GETTING

Credit 2 LEED AP for Homes 1 NA

REGIONAL PRIORITY 4
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Credit 1 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 2 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 3 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

Credit 4 Regional Priority: Specific Credit 1 NA

TOTAL 110

Certified 40 to 49 points Silver 50 to 59 points Gold 60 to 79 points Platinum 80 to 110

POINT FLOORS

Projects must earn at least 8 points in the combined LT and EA sections

Projects must earn at least 3 points in the WE section
Projects must earn at least 3 points in the EQ section
 GETTING
SCORECARD
20

STARTED
 22

Minimum Program
Requirements

MPR
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) are the minimum characteristics or conditions that make a project
appropriate to pursue LEED certification. These requirements are foundational to all LEED projects and define the
types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate.
23

1. MUST BE IN A PERMANENT LOCATION ON EXISTING LAND

INTENT
The LEED rating system is designed to evaluate buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods in the context of their
surroundings. A significant portion of LEED requirements are dependent on the project’s location, therefore
it is important that LEED projects are evaluated as permanent structures. Locating projects on existing land is
important to avoid artificial land masses that have the potential to displace and disrupt ecosystems.

REQUIREMENTS
All LEED projects must be constructed and operated on a permanent location on existing land. No project that is
designed to move at any point in its lifetime may pursue LEED certification. This requirement applies to all land
within the LEED project.

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
Permanent location
·· Movable buildings are not eligible for LEED. This includes boats and mobile homes.
·· Prefabricated or modular structures and building elements may be certified once permanently installed as part
of the LEED project.
Existing land
MPR

·· Buildings located on previously constructed docks, piers, jetties, infill, and other manufactured structures in
or above water are permissible, provided that the artificial land was not constructed by the owner of the LEED
project for the express purpose of constructing the LEED project.
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

2. MUST USE REASONABLE LEED BOUNDARIES

INTENT
The LEED rating system is designed to evaluate buildings, spaces, or neighborhoods, and all environmental impacts
associated with those projects. Defining a reasonable LEED boundary ensures that project is accurately evaluated.

REQUIREMENTS
The LEED project boundary must include all contiguous land that is associated with the project and supports its
typical operations. This includes land altered as a result of construction and features used primarily by the project’s
occupants, such as hardscape (parking and sidewalks), septic or stormwater treatment equipment, and landscaping.
The LEED boundary may not unreasonably exclude portions of the building, space, or site to give the project an
advantage in complying with credit requirements. The LEED project must accurately communicate the scope of the
certifying project in all promotional and descriptive materials and distinguish it from any non-certifying space.

ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
Site
·· Non-contiguous parcels of land may be included within the LEED project boundary if the parcels directly
support or are associated with normal building operations of the LEED project and are accessible to the LEED
project’s occupants.
·· Facilities (such as parking lots, bicycle storage, shower/changing facilities, and/or on-site renewable energy)
that are outside of the LEED project boundary may be included in certain prerequisites and credits if they
directly serve the LEED project and are not double-counted for other LEED projects. The project team must
also have permission to use these facilities.
 24

·· The LEED project boundary may include other buildings.

°° If another building or structure within the LEED project boundary is ineligible for LEED certification, it may
be either included or not included in the certification of the LEED project.
°° If another building within the LEED project boundary is eligible for LEED certification, it may be either
included or not included in the certification as outlined in USGBC’s campus guidance.
·· Projects that are phased sites with a master plan for multiple buildings must designate a LEED project
boundary for each building or follow USGBC’s campus guidance.
·· The gross floor area of the LEED project should be no less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED
project boundary.
Building
·· The LEED project should include the entire building and complete scope of work.
·· Buildings or structures primarily dedicated to parking are not eligible for LEED certification. Parking that
serves an eligible LEED project should be included in the certification.
·· Buildings that are physically connected by programmable space are considered one building for LEED
purposes unless they are physically distinct and have distinct identities as separate buildings or if they are a
newly constructed addition. If separated, the projects should also have separate air distribution systems and
water and energy meters (including thermal energy meters).
·· Buildings that have no physical connection or are physically connected only by circulation, parking, or
mechanical/storage rooms are considered separate buildings and individual projects for LEED purposes, with

MPR
the following exceptions:
°° Primary and secondary school projects, hospitals (general medical and surgical), hotels, resorts, and resort
properties, as defined by ENERGY STAR building rating purposes, may include more than one physically

MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

distinct building in a single LEED project. For new construction projects, each building in the application
must be less than 25,000 sq. ft. Please contact USGBC if with any questions.
°° For other cases such as buildings that have programmatic dependency (spaces – not personnel – within
the building cannot function independently without the other building) or architectural cohesiveness
(the building was designed to appear as one building), project teams are encouraged to contact USGBC to
discuss their project prior to proceeding.
Interiors
·· The LEED project should be defined by a clear boundary such that the LEED project is physically distinct from
other interior spaces within the building.
Neighborhood
·· The LEED neighborhood includes the land, water, and construction within the LEED project boundary.
·· The LEED boundary is usually defined by the platted property line of the project, including all land and water
within it.
°° Projects located on publicly owned campuses that do not have internal property lines must delineate a
sphere-of-influence line to be used instead.
°° Projects may have enclaves of non-project properties that are not subject to the rating system, but cannot
exceed 2% of the total project area and cannot be described as certified.
°° Projects must not contain non-contiguous parcels, but parcels can be separated by public rights-of-way.
·· The project developer, which can include several property owners, should control a majority of the buildable
land within the boundary, but does not have to control the entire area.
25

3. MUST COMPLY WITH PROJECT SIZE REQUIREMENTS

INTENT
The LEED rating system is designed to evaluate buildings, spaces, or neighborhoods of a certain size. The LEED
requirements do not accurately assess the performance of projects outside of these size requirements.

REQUIREMENTS
All LEED projects must meet the size requirements listed below.
LEED BD+C and LEED O+M Rating Systems
The LEED project must include a minimum of 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area.
LEED ID+C Rating Systems
The LEED project must include a minimum of 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area.
LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating Systems
The LEED project should contain at least two habitable buildings and be no larger than 1500 acres.
LEED for Homes Rating Systems
The LEED project must be defined as a “dwelling unit” by all applicable codes. This requirement includes, but
is not limited to, the International Residential Code stipulation that a dwelling unit must include “permanent
PREFACE

provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.”

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS PREFACE
26
 28

Rating System
Selection Guidance
INTRODUCTION

SELECTION
SYSTEM
This document provides guidance to help project teams select a LEED rating system. Projects are required to use the
rating system that is most appropriate. However, when the decision is not clear, it is the responsibility of the project
team to make a reasonable decision in selecting a rating system before registering their project. The project teams

RATING SYSTEM SELECTION GUIDANCE

should first identify an appropriate rating system, and then determine the best adaptation. Occasionally, USGBC
recognizes that an entirely inappropriate rating system has been chosen. In this case, the project team will be asked
to change the designated rating system for their registered project. Please review this guidance carefully and contact
USGBC if it is not clear which rating system to use.
 29

RATING SYSTEM DESCRIPTIONS

LEED FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Buildings that are new construction or major renovation. At least 60% of the project’s gross floor area must be
complete by the time of certification (except for LEED BD+C: Core and Shell). Must include the entire building’s
gross floor area in the project.
·· LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovation. New construction or major renovation of
buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution
centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. High-rise residential buildings 4 stories or more can use New
Construction or Multifamily Midrise.
·· LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development. Buildings that are new construction or major renovation for the
exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C:
Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40% of the gross floor area is incomplete at
the time of certification.
·· LEED BD+C: Schools. Buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on K-12 school grounds. LEED
BD+C: Schools may optionally be used for higher education and non-academic buildings on school campuses.
·· LEED BD+C: Retail. Buildings used to conduct the retail sale of consumer product goods. Includes both direct
customer service areas (showroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer service.
·· LEED BD+C: Data Centers. Buildings specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of high density
computing equipment such as server racks, used for data storage and processing. LEED BD+C: Data Centers
only addresses whole building data centers (greater than 60%).
·· LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Buildings used to store goods, manufactured products,
merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings, such as self-storage.
·· LEED BD+C: Hospitality. Buildings dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the service
SELECTION
SYSTEM

industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.

·· LEED BD+C: Healthcare. Hospitals that operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and provide
inpatient medical treatment, including acute and long-term care.
·· LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Lowrise. Single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

of 1 to 3 stories. Projects 3 to 5 stories may choose the Homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY
STAR program in which they are participating.
·· LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise. Multi-family residential buildings of 4 or more occupiable stories above
grade. The building must have 50% or more residential space. These buildings may also use LEED BD+C: New
Construction.

LEED FOR INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out. In addition, at least 60% of the project’s gross floor area must be
complete by the time of certification.
·· LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors. Interior spaces dedicated to functions other than retail or hospitality.
·· LEED ID+C: Retail. Interior spaces used to conduct the retail sale of consumer product goods. Includes both
direct customer service areas (showroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer service.
·· LEED ID+C: Hospitality. Interior spaces dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the
service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.

LEED FOR BUILDING OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

Buildings that are fully operational and occupied for at least one year. The project may be undergoing improvement
work or little to no construction. Must include the entire building’s gross floor area in the project.
·· LEED O+M: Existing Buildings. Existing buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data
centers, warehouses and distribution centers, or hospitality uses.
·· LEED O+M: Retail. Existing buildings used to conduct the retail sale of consumer product goods. Includes
both direct customer service areas (showroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer
service.
 30

·· LEED O+M: Schools. Existing buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on K-12 school grounds.
May also be used for higher education and non-academic buildings on school campuses.
·· LEED O+M: Hospitality. Existing buildings dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the
service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.
·· LEED O+M: Data Centers. Existing buildings specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of high
density computing equipment such as server racks, used for data storage and processing. LEED O+M: Data
Centers only addresses whole building data centers.
·· LEED O+M: Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Existing buildings used to store goods, manufactured
products, merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings (such as self-storage).

LEED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, nonresidential uses, or a
mix. Projects may be at any stage of the development process, from conceptual planning through construction. It
is recommended that at least 50% of total building floor area be new construction or major renovation. Buildings
within the project and features in the public realm are evaluated.
·· LEED ND: Plan. Projects in conceptual planning or master planning phases, or under construction.
·· LEED ND: Built Project. Completed development projects.

CHOOSING BETWEEN RATING SYSTEMS

The following 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be
appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the
building. Then, choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages.

SELECTION
SYSTEM
The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all
prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type.

RATING SYSTEM SELECTION GUIDANCE

PERCENTAGE OF FLOOR AREA APPROPRIATE
FOR A PARTICULAR RATING SYSTEM

< 40% 40–60% > 60%

SHOULD NOT USE PROJECT’S TEAM SHOULD USE
THAT RATING SYSTEM CHOICE THAT RATING SYSTEM

·· If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space,
then that rating system should not be used.
·· If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space,
then that rating system should be used.
·· If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must
independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
 40

Location and
Transportation (lt)
OVERVIEW

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION

Building projects have substantial site-related environmental effects. Location and Transportation (LT) credits
reward the choice of site locations that promote environmentally responsible land-use patterns and neighborhoods
and offer environmental advantages over conventional developments. (The next credit category, Sustainable Sites,
focuses on consequences for the site itself.)
Project teams can reduce fragmentation of farmland and forest and other natural areas by building within and
near already-developed areas. Well-sited developments need less infrastructure, especially roads and water and
sewer lines. And such developments allow residents to use a range of sustainable transportation options, including
walking, bicycling, and mass transit, thereby reducing dependence on personal automobiles.

LT points can be earned in either of two ways, summarized in Figure 1.

LT
41

Start

LT Prerequisite:
Floodplain Avoidance

LT Credit: LT Credit:
LEED for Neighborhood Site Selection
Development Max. Points: 8
Max. Points: 15
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

LT Credit:
Compact Development
Max. Points: 3

Important Note:
A minimum of 8 points must be achieved LT Credit:
in the combined LT and EA sections Community Resources
Max. Points: 2

LT Credit:
Access to Transit
Max. Points: 2

Finish
LT

Optional Pathways through the LT Category

 86

SS
SUSTAINABLE SITES
Sustainable
Sites (ss)
OVERVIEW
Although the focus of green building is typically on the built structures, the design of the site and its natural elements
can have significant environmental consequences, good or bad. The Sustainable Sites (SS) category rewards project
teams for designing the site to minimize adverse effects. (The Location and Transportation category rewards project
teams for choosing a preferable site location.)
How a building is incorporated into the site can benefit or harm local and regional ecosystems and reduce or
increase demand for water, chemicals, and pesticides for site management. Good decisions, made early in the design
process, can result in attractive, easy-to-maintain landscaping that protects native plant and animal species and
contributes to the health of local and regional habitats.
Rain that falls on a site can cause soil erosion and runoff of chemicals and pesticides—or it can offset potable
water demand and recharge underground aquifers. Plant growth can be a burden, requiring regular upkeep, watering,
and chemicals—or it can enhance property values while improving occupants’ comfort, absorbing carbon, enriching
the soil, and providing shade, aesthetic value, and habitat for native species.
Site design should take into consideration not only the aesthetic and functional preferences of the occupants but
also long-term management needs, preservation principles, and potential effects on local and regional ecosystems.
87

Start

SS Prerequisite:
Construction Activity
Pollution Prevention
SS
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

SS Prerequisite:
No Invasive Plants

SS Credit:
Heat Island Reduction
Max. Points: 2

SS Credit:
Rainwater Management
Max. Points: 3

SS Credit:
Nontoxic Pest Control
Max. Points: 2

Finish

Figure 1. Pathway through the SS category

 126

WE
Water Efficiency (we)

WATER EFFICIENCY
OVERVIEW
In the U.S., approximately 345 billion gallons of fresh water is withdrawn per day from rivers and reservoirs to
support residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and recreational activities. This accounts for about one-
fourth of the nation’s total supply of renewable fresh water. Almost 65 percent of this water is discharged to rivers,
streams, and other waterbodies after use and, in some cases, treatment. Additionally, water is withdrawn from
underground aquifers. In some parts of the country, water levels in these aquifers have dropped more than 100 feet
since the 1940s.
On an annual basis, the U.S. water deficit is currently estimated at 3.7 trillion gallons—that is, each year,
Americans extract 3.7 trillion gallons more than they return to the natural water system to recharge aquifers and
other water sources.
Water for domestic use may be delivered from a public supplier or be self-supplied (i.e., by a well). Self-supplied
domestic withdrawals are an estimated 3.59 billion gallons per day.1
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated the use of water-conserving plumbing fixtures and fittings to reduce
water use in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Water efficiency measures in new homes can easily
reduce water usage by 30% or more. In a typical home, savings of 30,000 gallons of water a year can be achieved very
cost-effectively. This results in average annual water utility savings of about $100 per year.
As communities grow, increased demand for water necessitates additional maintenance and higher costs for
municipal supply and treatment facilities. New homes that use water efficiently have lower water bills and reduced
sewage volumes. Many water conservation strategies involve either no additional cost or short-term paybacks; other
strategies, such as rainwater harvesting and graywater plumbing systems, often involve more substantial investment.
Figure 1 shows the two pathways for the Water Efficiency (WE) category in the LEED BD+C: Homes and LEED
BD+C: Multifamily Midrise rating systems. In one pathway, project teams analyze total water use, both indoors and
outdoors. The other pathway awards points based on indoor water use and outdoor water use separately.

1.  U.S. Geological Survey, Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2000, pubs.usgs.gov/circ/2004/circ1268/
127

Start

WE Prerequisite:
Water Metering

WE Credit: WE Credit:
Total Water Use Indoor Water Use
Max. Points: 12 Max. Points: 6
WE

Important Note:
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

A minimum of 3 points
must be achieved in the WE Credit:
WE category Outdoor Water Use
Max. Points: 4

Finish

Figure 1. Optional Pathways through the WE Category

 158

Energy and
Atmosphere (ea)

EA
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE
OVERVIEW
Although new homes use 14% less energy per square foot than homes built in the 1980s, and 40% less energy
per square foot than homes built in the 1950s, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, these efficiency
improvements have not kept up the increased size of new homes. The average size of new homes has doubled over
the past 50 years. As a result, total U.S. fossil fuel use in homes has been steadily increasing. The average American
consumes five times more energy than the average global citizen, 10 times more than the average Chinese person,
and nearly 20 times more than the average Indian.1
Conventional fossil-based generation of electricity releases carbon dioxide (CO2), which contributes to global
climate change. Coal-fired electric utilities emit almost one-third of the country’s anthropogenic nitrogen oxides,
the precursor of smog, and two-thirds the sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. They also emit more fine particulate
material than any other activity in the U.S. Because the human body is incapable of clearing fine particles from the
lungs, these emissions are contributing factors in tens of thousands of cancer and respiratory illness–related deaths
annually. Natural gas, nuclear fission, and hydroelectric generators all have adverse environmental consequences as
well. Natural gas is a major source of nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear power carries the risk
of catastrophic accidents and raises significant waste transportation and disposal issues. Hydroelectric generating
plants disrupt natural water flows, disturbing aquatic habitat and reducing fish populations.
Buildings consume approximately 41% of the energy and 74% of the electricity produced in the U.S. annually,
according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In 2010, total emissions from residential buildings were responsible for
1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions, or 22% of the U.S. total.
Scientists predict that left unchecked, emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases from human activities will
raise global temperatures by 2.5º to 11.5ºF (1.4º to 6.4ºC) this century. The effects will be profound and may include
rising sea levels, more frequent floods and droughts, and increased spread of infectious diseases. To address the
threat of climate change, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced. Meeting the challenge will require dramatic
advances in technologies and a shift in how the world economy generates and uses energy.
Absent significant improvements in environmental performance, the residential building sector will be a
major contributor of global CO2 emissions. Homes have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, during which they continually

1. Making Better Energy Choices, Worldwatch, worldwatch.org/node/808#1.

159

consume energy and produce CO2 emissions. Further, the U.S. population and economy are projected to grow
significantly over the coming decades, increasing the need for new homes. To meet this demand, approximately 1.5
million new homes a year will be constructed by 2016.
Building green homes is one of the best strategies for meeting the challenge of climate change because the
technology to reduce energy and CO2 emissions already exists. The average certified LEED home uses 30% to
40% less electricity and saves more than 100 metric tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. Modest investments
in energy-saving and other climate-friendly technologies can make homes and communities more healthful,
comfortable, durable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible places to live.
The average mix of end uses of energy in U.S. homes is summarized in Figure 1.

HOW ENERGY IS USED IN HOMES (2009)*

Electronics,
lighting and
Space heating other appliances
42% 30%

Water heating
18%
EA

Refrigeration
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

5% Air
conditioning
6%

*2009 is the most recent year for which data are available.

Figure 1. Energy use in U.S. homes. Modified from U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Consumption Survey
(RECS) 2009.

The actual percentages vary with climate and location—homes in the North use proportionally more energy
for space heating and less for electric air-conditioning than homes in the South, and vice versa—but these uses
nevertheless represent the primary target areas for energy efficiency improvements.
Figure 2 shows the two parallel pathways through the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credit category in the
LEED BD+C: Homes and LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise rating systems. The performance pathway requires
the use of an approved energy analysis software program to demonstrate the overall energy performance of the
home’s design. The prescriptive pathway enables a project to achieve LEED points without energy modeling.
The project may instead demonstrate that each of the prescriptive requirements has been achieved. Credits can
be earned using either approach, but projects are encouraged to use the performance pathway.
 160

EA Prerequisite
START Home Size

EA Credit:
EA Prerequisite: Building Orientation
Minimum Energy Performance for Passive Solar
Max. Points: 3

EA Credit:
EA Prerequisite:
Air Infiltration
Energy Metering
Max. Points: 2

EA Prerequisite: EA Credit:
Education of the Homeowner, Envelope Insulation
Tenant or Building Manager Max. Points: 2

EA Credit:
EA Credit:
Efficient Hot Water
Windows
Distribution System
Max. Points: 3

EA
Max. Points: 5

EA Credit: EA Credit:
Advanced Utility Tracking Space Heating & Cooling Equipment

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE

Max. Points: 2 Max. Points: 4

EA Credit: EA Credit:
Active Solar-Ready Design Heating & Cooling Distribution Systems
Max. Points: 1 Max. Points: 3

EA Credit: EA Credit:
HVAC Start-Up Credentialing Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment
Max. Points: 1 Max. Points: 3

EA Credit:
Lighting
Max. Points: 2

Midrise and Homes EA Credit:

Annual Energy Use
Homes Only Max. Points: Homes: 29, Midrise: 30 EA Credit:
High-Efficiency Appliances
Important Note: Max. Points: 2
A minimum of 8
points must be
achieved in the
combined LT and EA Credit:
EA sections Finish Renewable Energy
Max. Points: 4

Figure 2. Optional Pathways through the EA Category

 328

Materials and
Resources (mr)
OVERVIEW

MR
The choice of building materials is important for sustainable homebuilding because of the extraction, processing,
and transportation they require. Activities to produce building materials may pollute air and water, destroy natural

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

habitats, and deplete natural resources. Construction and demolition wastes constitute about 40% of the total solid
waste stream in the U.S.
Sources should be evaluated when materials are selected for a project. Reclaimed (i.e., salvaged postconsumer)
materials can be substituted for new materials, saving costs and reducing resource use. Recycled-content products
make use of material that would otherwise be deposited in landfills. Use of local materials supports the local
economy and avoids the harmful effects of long-distance transport. Use of third-party–certified wood promotes
good stewardship of forests and related ecosystems.
An increasing number of public and private waste management operations have reduced construction debris
volumes by recycling these materials. Recovery activities typically begin at the job site, with separation into different
bins or disposal areas. In some areas, regional recycling facilities accept commingled waste and separate the
recyclable materials from those that must go to the landfill. These facilities can achieve waste diversion rates of 80%
or greater.
One aspect of home design that is often overlooked is the assessment and mitigation of long-term durability risks
to the home. Durability failures are a significant cost and cause of stress for both builders and homeowners, but many
easy and low-cost strategies are available to builders who consider durability in the up-front design.
Good design decisions, particularly in the structural framing of homes, can significantly reduce demand for
lumber and other materials, as well as the associated waste and embedded energy. Without changing the design,
a builder can save framing materials and reduce site waste by planning appropriately and communicating the
strategies to the framing contractor.
329

Start

MR Prerequisite:
Certified Tropical Wood

MR Prerequisite:
Durability Management

MR Credit:
Durability Management
Verification
Max. Points: 1

MR Credit:
Environmentally
Preferable Products
Max. Points: Homes: 4,
MR

Midrise: 5
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

MR Credit:
Construction Waste
Management
Max. Points: 3

MR Credit:
Material-Efficient
Framing
Max. Points: 2

Finish

Midrise and Homes Homes Only

Figure 1. Pathway through the MR category

 376

Indoor Environmental
Quality (eq)

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

OVERVIEW
Americans spend, on average, 90% of their time indoors, where levels of pollutants may run two to five times—and
occasionally more than 100 times—higher than outdoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.1
Similarly, the World Health Organization2 reports that most of an individual’s exposure to many air pollutants comes
through inhalation of indoor air. Many of the pollutants found indoors can cause health reactions in the estimated 17
million Americans who suffer from asthma and 40 million who have allergies, contributing to millions of days absent

EQ
from school and work.
Homeowners are just beginning to realize the link between their health and their homes. Hazardous household
pollutants include carbon monoxide, radon, formaldehyde, mold, dirt and dust, pet dander, and residue from
tobacco smoke and candles. Many homeowners also store various chemicals inside their homes, including
pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, grease, oils, degreasers, gasoline, antifreeze, strong detergents, thinners, and oil-
based paints.
Over the past 20 years, research and experience have improved our understanding of what is involved in attaining
high indoor environmental quality and revealed manufacturing and construction practices that can prevent
problems from arising. Preventing indoor air quality problems is generally much less expensive than identifying
and solving them after they occur. Generally, there are three types of strategies: source removal, source control,
and dilution.
Source removal is the most practical way to ensure that harmful chemical compounds are not brought into the
home. Evaluating the properties of adhesives, paints, carpets, composite wood products, and furniture and selecting
materials with low levels of potentially irritating off-gassing can reduce occupants’ exposure. Thoughtful scheduling
of deliveries and sequencing of construction activities can reduce exposure of materials to moisture and absorption
of off-gassed contaminants.
Source control strategies focus on capturing pollutants that are known to exist in a home. For example, filtering
the supply air stream removes particulates that would otherwise be continuously recirculated through the home.
Protection of air-handling systems during construction and performing a building flushout before occupancy further
reduce the potential for problems.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2001. Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century. epa.gov/iaq/hbhp/hbhptoc.html.
2. World Health Organization. 2000. Air Quality Guidelines for Europe, 2nd edition. euro.who. int/document/e71922.pdf.
377

Dilution involves the use of fresh outside air to ventilate a home and exhaust pollutants to the outdoors. This may
also help control moisture within the home. Most new homes in the U.S. do not have mechanical fresh-air ventilation
systems. The typical air-handling systems in new homes merely recirculate the air within the home, continuously
pumping indoor pollutants through the rooms rather than exhausting them.
Another aspect of indoor air quality is occupants’ comfort. The proper installation of automatic sensors and
controls to maintain proper temperature, humidity, and ventilation in occupied spaces helps maintain optimal air
quality. Surprisingly, sensors to alert a home’s occupants to deadly carbon monoxide concentrations are frequently
not required by code but should be included in all new homes. Letting occupants fully and effectively control their
thermal environment can reduce hot-cold complaint calls and generally raise satisfaction levels.
The Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) credit category encourages builders to prevent air pollution and
improve air quality and comfort in the homes they build.
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

EQ Credit:
START Enhanced Ventilation
Max. Points: 3

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
Contaminant Control
Ventilation
Max. Points: 2

EQ Credit: Balancing of Heating

EQ Prerequisite:
& Cooling Distribution Systems
Combustion Venting
Max. Points: 3

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
Enhanced Compartmentalization
Garage Pollutant Protection
Max. Points: Homes: 1, Midrise: 3

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
Enhanced Combustion Venting
Radon-Resistant Construction
EQ

Max. Points: 2

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection
Air Filtering
Max. Points: Homes: 2, Midrise: 1

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
Low-Emitting Products
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Max. Points: 3

EQ Credit:
EQ Prerequisite:
No Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Compartmentalization
Max. Points: 1

Midrise Only Homes and Midrise

Finish
Important Note: A minimum of 3 points
must be achieved in the EQ category.
Figure 1. Pathway through the EQ category
 484

Innovation (in)
OVERVIEW
Sustainable design strategies and measures are constantly evolving and improving. New technologies are
continually introduced to the marketplace, and up-to-date scientific research influences building design strategies.
Occasionally, a strategy results in building performance that greatly exceeds that required in an existing LEED credit.
Other strategies may not be addressed by any LEED prerequisite or credit but warrant consideration for their
sustainability benefits.
Green homebuilding strategies and techniques are most effectively implemented as part of an integrated design
process, with input from individuals involved in each phase of the project. Good design can keep costs down and
ensure proper integration of green techniques and achievement of project goals.
The Innovation (IN) credit category encourages project planning and design to improve the coordination and

INNOVATION
integration of the various elements in a green home. This category also creates an opportunity for projects to earn
credit for implementing strategies or measures not addressed in the current LEED BD+C: Homes or LEED BD+C:
Multifamily Midrise rating systems. Points can be earned for innovative strategies, exemplary performance, or
regional best practices that deliver quantifiable environmental and human health benefits.

IN
485

Start

IN Prerequisite:
Preliminary Rating

IN Credit:
Innovation
Max. Points: 5
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

IN Credit:
LEED AP for Homes
Max. Points: 1

Finish

Figure 1. Pathway through the IN category

IN
 500

RP
REGIONAL PRIORITY
Regional Priority (rp)
OVERVIEW
Because some environmental issues are particular to a locale, volunteers from USGBC chapters and the LEED
International Roundtable have identified distinct environmental priorities within their areas and the credits
that address those issues. These Regional Priority credits encourage project teams to focus on their local
environmental priorities.
USGBC established a process that identified six RP credits for every location and every rating system within
chapter or country boundaries. Participants were asked to determine which environmental issues were most salient
in their chapter area or country. The issues could be naturally occurring (e.g., water shortages) or man-made (e.g.,
polluted watersheds) and could reflect environmental concerns (e.g., water shortages) or environmental assets (e.g.,
abundant sunlight). The areas, or zones, were defined by a combination of priority issues—for example, an urban
area with an impaired watershed versus an urban area with an intact watershed. The participants then prioritized
credits to address the important issues of given locations.
Because each LEED project type (e.g., a data center) may be associated with different environmental impacts,
each rating system has its own RP credits.
The ultimate goal of RP credits is to enhance the ability of LEED project teams to address critical environmental
issues across the country and around the world.
 506

APPENDIX:
RETAIL PROCESS LOAD BASELINES

TABLE 1A. Commercial kitchen appliance prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget (IP units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance Type Fuel Function
Efficiency Idle Rate Efficiency Idle Rate

Broiler, underfired Gas Cooking 30% 16,000 Btu/h/ 35% 12,000 Btu/h/ft2
ft2 peak input peak input

Combination ovens, Elec Cooking 40% steam 0.37P+4.5 kW 50% steam mode 0.133P+0.6400 kW
steam mode mode
(P = pan capacity)

Combination ovens, Gas Cooking 20% steam 1,210P+35,810 38% steam mode 200P+6,511 Btu/h
steam mode mode Btu/h

Combination ovens, Elec Cooking 65% 0.1P+1.5 kW 70% convection mode 0.080P+0.4989 kW
convection mode convection
mode

Combination ovens, Gas Cooking 35% 322P+13,563 44% convection mode 150P+5,425 Btu/h
convection mode convection Btu/h
mode

Convection oven, Elec Cooking 65% 2.0 kW 71% 1.6 kW

full-size

Convection oven, Gas Cooking 30% 18,000 Btu/h 46% 12,000 Btu/h
full-size

Convection oven, Elec Cooking 65% 1.5 kW 71% 1.0 kW

half-size

Conveyor oven, > Gas Cooking 20% 70,000 Btu/h 42% 57,000 Btu/h
25-inch belt

Conveyor oven, ≤ Gas Cooking 20% 45,000 Btu/h 42% 29,000 Btu/h
25-inch belt

Fryer Elec Cooking 75% 1.05 kW 80% 1.0 kW

Fryer Gas Cooking 35% 14,000 Btu/h 50% 9,000 Btu/h

Griddle (based on Elec Cooking 60% 400 W/ft2 70% 320 W/ft2
3 ft model)

Griddle (based on Gas Cooking 30% 3,500 Btu/h/ 38% 2,650 Btu/h/ft2
3 ft model) ft2

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 40 W/ft3 na 21.5V Watts

cabinets (excluding
APPENDICES

drawer warmers
and heated display)
0 < V < 13 ft³ (V =
volume)

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 40 W/ft3 na 2.0V + 254 Watts

cabinets (excluding
drawer warmers
and heated display)
13 ≤ V < 28 ft³
507

TABLE 1A (CONTINUED). Commercial kitchen appliance prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget (IP units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance Type Fuel Function
Efficiency Idle Rate Efficiency Idle Rate

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 40 W/ft3 na 3.8V + 203.5 Watts

cabinets (excluding
drawer warmers
and heated display)
28 ft³ ≤ V

Large vat fryer Elec Cooking 75% 1.35 kW 80% 1.1 kW

Large vat fryer Gas Cooking 35% 20,000 Btu/h 50% 12,000 Btu/h

Rack oven, double Gas Cooking 30% 65,000 Btu/h 50% 35,000 Btu/h

Rack oven, single Gas Cooking 30% 43,000 Btu/h 50% 29,000 Btu/h

Range Elec Cooking 70% 80%

Range Gas Cooking 35% na 40% and no standing na

pilots

Steam cooker, Elec Cooking 26% 200 W/pan 50% 135 W/pan
batch cooking

Steam cooker, Gas Cooking 15% 2,500 Btu/h/ 38% 2,100 Btu/h/pan
batch cooking pan
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Steam cooker, high Elec Cooking 26% 330 W/pan 50% 275 W/pan
production or cook
to order

Steam cooker, high Gas Cooking 15% 5,000 Btu/h/ 38% 4,300 Btu/h/pan
production or cook pan
to order

Toaster Elec Cooking na 1.8 kW average na 1.2 kW average

operating operating energy
energy rate rate

Ice machine, IMH Elec Ice 6.89 – na 37.72*H-0.298 kWh/100 na

(ice-making head, 0.0011H lb ice
H = harvest ice), H kWh/100
≥ 450 lb/day lb ice

Ice machine, IMH Elec Ice 10.26 – na 37.72*H-0.298 kWh/100 na

(ice-making head), 0.0086H lb ice
H < 450 lb/day kWh/100
lb ice

Ice machine Elec Ice 8.85 – na 22.95*H-0.258 + 1.00 na

RCU (remote 0.0038H kWh/100 lb ice
condensing unit, kWh/100lb
w/o remote ice
compressor), H <
1,000 lb/day

Ice machine Elec Ice 5.10 na 22.95*H-0.258 + 1.00 na

APPENDICES

RCU (remote kWh/100 kWh/100 lb ice

condensing unit), lb ice
1600 > H ≥ 1000
lb/day

Ice machine Elec Ice 5.10 na -0.00011*H + 4.60 na

RCU (remote kWh/100 kWh/100 lb ice
condensing unit), lb ice
H ≥ 1600 lb/day
 508

TABLE 1A (CONTINUED). Commercial kitchen appliance prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget (IP units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance Type Fuel Function
Efficiency Idle Rate Efficiency Idle Rate

Ice machine SCU Elec Ice 18.0 – na 48.66*H-0.326 + 0.08 na

(self-contained 0.0469H kWh/100 lb ice
unit), H < 175 lb/day kWh/100
lb ice

Ice machine self- Elec Ice 9.80 na 48.66*H-0.326 + 0.08 na

contained unit, H ≥ kWh/100 kWh/100 lb ice
175 lb/day lb ice

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 4.0 na 3.68 kWh/100 lb ice na

cooled ice-making kWh/100
head, H ≥ 1436 lb/ lb ice
day (must be on
chilled loop)

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 5.58 – na 5.13 – 0.001H kWh/100 na

cooled ice-making 0.0011H lb ice
head, 500 lb/day < kWh/100
H < 1436 (must be lb ice
on chilled loop)

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 7.80 – na 7.02 – 0.0049H na

cooled ice-making 0.0055H kWh/100 lb ice
head, H < 500 lb/ kWh/100
day (must be on lb ice
chilled loop)

Ice machine Elec Ice Banned Banned Banned Banned

water-cooled once-
through (open
loop)

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 11.4 – na 10.6 – 0.177H kWh/100 na

cooled SCU (self- 0.0190H lb ice
contained unit), H kWh/100
< 200 lb/day (must lb ice
be on chilled loop)

Ice machine, Elec Ice 7.6 na 7.07 kWh/100 lb ice na

water-cooled self- kWh/100
contained unit, H ≥ lb ice
200 lb/day (must
be on chilled loop)

Chest freezer, solid Elec Refrig 0.45V + na ≤ 0.270V + 0.130 kWh/ na

or glass door 0.943 kWh/ day
day

Chest refrigerator, Elec Refrig 0.1V + 2.04 na ≤ 0.125V + 0.475 kWh/ na

solid or glass door kWh/day day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.75V + 4.10 na ≤ 0.607V + 0.893 kWh/ na

freezer 0 < V < kWh/day day
15 ft³
APPENDICES
Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.75V + 4.10 na ≤ 0.733V – 1.00 kWh/ na
freezer 15 ≤ V < kWh/day day
30 ft³

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.75V + 4.10 na ≤ 0.250V + 13.50 kWh/ na

freezer, 30 ≤ V < kWh/day day
50 ft³

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.75V + 4.10 na ≤ 0.450V + 3.50 kWh/ na

freezer, 50 ≤ V ft³ kWh/day day
509

TABLE 1A (CONTINUED). Commercial kitchen appliance prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget (IP units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance Type Fuel Function
Efficiency Idle Rate Efficiency Idle Rate

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.12V + 3.34 na ≤ 0.118V + 1.382 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0 < V kWh/day day
< 15 ft³

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.12V + 3.34 na ≤ 0.140V + 1.050 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 15 ≤ V kWh/day day
< 30 ft³

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.12V + 3.34 na ≤ 0.088V + 2.625 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 30 ≤ V kWh/day day
< 50 ft³

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.12V + 3.34 na ≤ 0.110V + 1.500 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 50 ≤ kWh/day day
V ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.4V + 1.38 na ≤ 0.250V + 1.25 kWh/ na

freezer, 0 < V < kWh/day day
15 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.4V + 1.38 na ≤ 0.400V – 1.000 kWh/ na

freezer, 15 ≤ V < kWh/day day
30 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.4V + 1.38 na ≤ 0.163V + 6.125 kWh/ na

LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

freezer, 30 ≤ V < kWh/day day

50 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.4V + 1.38 na ≤ 0.158V + 6.333 kWh/ na

freezer, 50 ≤ V ft³ kWh/day day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.1V + 2.04 na ≤ 0.089V + 1.411 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0 < V kWh/day day
< 15 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.1V + 2.04 na ≤ 0.037V + 2.200 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 15 ≤ V kWh/day day
< 30 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.1V + 2.04 na ≤ 0.056V + 1.635 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 30 ≤ V kWh/day day
< 50 ft³

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 0.1V + 2.04 na ≤ 0.060V + 1.416 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 50 ≤ kWh/day day
V ft³

Clothes washer Gas Sanitation 1.72 MEF na 2.00 MEF na

Door-type dish Elec Sanitation na 1.0 kW na 0.70 kW

machine, high temp

Door-type dish Elec Sanitation na 0.6 kW na 0.6 kW

machine, low temp
APPENDICES

Multitank rack Elec Sanitation na 2.6 kW na 2.25 kW

conveyor dish
machine, high temp

Multitank rack Elec Sanitation na 2.0 kW na 2.0 kW

conveyor dish
machine, low temp

Single-tank rack Elec Sanitation na 2.0 kW na 1.5 kW

conveyor dish
machine, high temp
 510

TABLE 1A (CONTINUED). Commercial kitchen appliance prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget (IP units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance Type Fuel Function
Efficiency Idle Rate Efficiency Idle Rate

Single-tank rack Elec Sanitation na 1.6 kW na 1.5 kW

conveyor dish
machine, low temp

Undercounter dish Elec Sanitation na 0.9 kW na 0.5 kW

machine, high temp

Undercounter dish Elec Sanitation na 0.5 kW na 0.5 kW

machine, low temp

The energy efficiency, idle energy rates, and water use requirements, where applicable, are based on the following test methods:
ASTM F1275 Standard Test Method for Performance of Griddles
ASTM F1361 Standard Test Method for Performance of Open Deep Fat Fryers
ASTM F1484 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Steam Cookers
ASTM F1496 Standard Test Method for Performance of Convection Ovens
ASTM F1521 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Range Tops
ASTM F1605 Standard Test Method for Performance of Double-Sided Griddles
ASTM F1639 Standard Test Method for Performance of Combination Ovens
ASTM F1695 Standard Test Method for Performance of Underfired Broilers
ASTM F1696 Standard Test Method for Energy Performance of Single-Rack Hot Water Sanitizing, ASTM Door-Type Commercial Dishwashing
Machines
ASTM F1704 Standard Test Method for Capture and Containment Performance of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation Systems
ASTM F1817 Standard Test Method for Performance of Conveyor Ovens
ASTM F1920 Standard Test Method for Energy Performance of Rack Conveyor, Hot Water Sanitizing, Commercial Dishwashing Machines
ASTM F2093 Standard Test Method for Performance of Rack Ovens
ASTM F2140 Standard Test Method for Performance of Hot Food Holding Cabinets
ASTM F2144 Standard Test Method for Performance of Large Open Vat Fryers
ASTM F2324 Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves
ASTM F2380 Standard Test Method for Performance of Conveyor Toasters
ARI 810-2007: Performance Rating of Automatic Commercial Ice Makers
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 72–2005: Method of Testing Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers with temperature setpoints at 38°F for medium-
temp refrigerators, 0°F for low-temp freezers, and -15°F for ice cream freezers

TABLE 1B. Commercial Kitchen Appliance Prescriptive Measures and Baseline for Energy Cost Budget (SI units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance type Fuel Function
Efficiency idle Rate Efficiency idle Rate

Broiler, underfired Gas Cooking 30% 50.5 kW/m2 35% 37.9 kW/m2

Combination oven, Elec Cooking 40% steam 0.37P + 4.5 kW 50% steam mode 0.133P + 0.6400
steam mode (P = pan mode kW
capacity) APPENDICES

Combination oven, Gas Cooking 20% steam (1 210P + 38% steam mode (200P + 6 511)/
steam mode mode 35 810)/3 412 3 412 kW
kW

Combination oven, Elec Cooking 65% 0.1P + 1.5 kW 70% convection mode 0.080P + 0.4989
convection mode convection kW
mode

Combination oven, Gas Cooking 35% (322P + 44% convection mode (150P + 5 425)/
convection mode convection 13 563)/3 412 3 412 kW
mode kW

Convection oven, Elec Cooking 65% 2.0 kW 71% 1.6 kW

full-size
511

TABLE 1B (CONTINUED). Commercial Kitchen Appliance Prescriptive Measures and Baseline for Energy Cost Budget (SI units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance type Fuel Function
Efficiency idle Rate Efficiency idle Rate

Convection oven, Gas Cooking 30% 5.3 kW 46% 3.5 kW

full-size

Convection oven, Elec Cooking 65% 1.5 kW 71% 1.0 kW

half-size

Conveyor oven, > 63.5- Gas Cooking 20% 20.5 kW 42% 16.7 kW
cm belt

Conveyor oven, < 63.5- Gas Cooking 20% 13.2 kW 42% 8.5 kW
cm belt

Fryer Elec Cooking 75% 1.05 kW 80% 1.0 kW

Fryer Gas Cooking 35% 4.1 kW 50% 2.64 kW

Griddle (based on 90- Elec Cooking 60% 4.3 kW/m2 70% 3.45 kW/m2
cm model)

Griddle (based on 90- Gas Cooking 30% 11 kW/m2 33% 8.35 kW/m2
cm model)

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 1.4 kW/m3 na (21.5*V)/0.0283

cabinets (excluding kW/m3
drawer warmers and
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heated display) 0 < V <

0.368 m3 (V = volume)

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 1.4 kW/m3 na (2.0*V +

cabinets (excluding 254)/0.0283 kW/m3
drawer warmers and
heated display) 0.368 ≤
V < 0.793 m3

Hot food holding Elec Cooking na 1.4 kW/m3 na (3.8*V +

cabinets (excluding 203.5)/0.0283
drawer warmers and kW/m3
heated display) 0.793
m3 ≤ V

Large vat fryer Elec Cooking 75% 1.35 kW 80% 1.1 kW

Large vat fryer Gas Cooking 35% 5.86 kW 50% 3.5 kW

Rack oven, double Gas Cooking 30% 19 kW 50% 10.25 kW

Rack oven, single Gas Cooking 30% 12.6 kW 50% 8.5 kW

Range Elec Cooking 70% na 80% na

Range Gas Cooking 35% na 40% and no standing na

pilots

Steam cooker, batch Elec Cooking 26% 200 W/pan 50% 135 W/pan
cooking
APPENDICES

Steam cooker, batch Gas Cooking 15% 733 W/pan 38% 615 W/pan
cooking

Steam cooker, high Elec Cooking 26% 330 W/pan 50% 275 W/pan
production or cook to
order
 512

TABLE 1B (CONTINUED). Commercial Kitchen Appliance Prescriptive Measures and Baseline for Energy Cost Budget (SI units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance type Fuel Function
Efficiency idle Rate Efficiency idle Rate

Steam cooker, high Gas Cooking 15% 1.47 kW/pan 38% 1.26 kW/pan
production or cook to
order

Toaster Elec Cooking na 1.8 kW average na 1.2 kW average

operating operating energy
energy rate rate

Ice machine IMH (ice- Elec Ice 0.0015 – na— ≤ 13.52*H-0.298 kWh/100 na
making head, H = ice 5.3464E-07 kg ice
harvest) H ≥ 204 kg/day kWh/kg ice

Ice machine IMH (ice Elec Ice 0.2262 – na ≤ 13.52*H-0.298 kWh/100 na

making head) ice- 4.18E-04 kg ice
making head, H < 204 kWh/kg ice
kg/day

Ice machine, RCU Elec Ice 0.1951 – na ≤ 111.5835*H-0.258 + 2.205 na

(remote condensing 1.85E-04 kWh/100 kg ice
unit, w/o remote kWh/kg ice
compressor) H < 454
kg/day

Ice machine RCU Elec Ice 0.1124 kWh/ na ≤ 111.5835*H-0.258 + 2.205 na

(remote condensing kg ice kWh/100 kg ice
unit) 726 > H ≥ 454
kg/day

Ice machine RCU Elec Ice 0.1124 kWh/ na ≤ -0.00024H + 4.60 na

(remote condensing kg ice kWh/100 kg ice
unit) H ≥ 726 kg/day

Ice machine SCU (self Elec Ice 0.3968 – na 236.59*H-0.326 + 0.176 na

contained unit), H < 79 2.28E-03 kWh/100 kg ice
kg/day kWh/kg ice

Ice machine SCU (self- Elec Ice 0.2161 kWh/ na 236.59*H-0.326 + 0.176 na
contained unit), H ≥ 79 kg ice kWh/100 kg ice
kg/day

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 0.0882 na ≤ 8.11 kWh/100 kg ice na

cooled ice-making head, kWh/kg ice
H ≥ 651 kg/day (must be
on a chilled loop)

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 0.1230 – na ≤ 11.31 – 0.065H na

cooled ice-making head, 5.35E-05 kWh/100 kg ice
227 ≤ H < 651 kg/day kWh/kg ice
(must be on a chilled
loop)

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 0.1720 – na ≤ 15.48 – 0.0238H na

cooled ice-making head, 2.67E-04 kWh/100 kg ice
H < 227 kg/day (must be kWh/kg ice
on a chilled loop)
APPENDICES

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice Banned Banned Banned Banned

cooled once-through
(open loop)

Ice machine water- Elec Ice 0.2513 – na ≤ 23.37 – 0.086H na

cooled SCU (self- 29.23E-04 kWh/100 kg ice
contained unit) H < 91 kWh/kg ice
kg/day (must be on a
chilled loop)
513

TABLE 1B (CONTINUED). Commercial Kitchen Appliance Prescriptive Measures and Baseline for Energy Cost Budget (SI units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance type Fuel Function
Efficiency idle Rate Efficiency idle Rate

Ice machine, water- Elec Ice 0.1676 kWh/ na 15.57 kWh/100 kg ice na
cooled SCU (self- kg ice
contained unit) H ≥ 91
kg/day (must be on a
chilled loop)

Chest freezer, solid or Elec Refrig 15.90V + na 9.541V + 0.130 kWh/day na

glass door 0.943 kWh/
day

Chest refrigerator, solid Elec Refrig 3.53V + na ≤ 4.417V + 0.475 kWh/ na

or glass door 2.04 kWh/ day
day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 26.50V + 4.1 na ≤ 21.449V + 0.893 kWh/ na

freezer, 0 < V < 0.42 m3 kWh/day day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 26.50V + 4.1 na ≤ 25.901V – 1.00 kWh/ na

freezer, 0.42 ≤ V < kWh/day day
0.85 m3

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 26.50V + 4.1 na ≤ 8.834V + 13.50 kWh/ na

freezer, 0.85 ≤ V < kWh/day day
1.42 m3
LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 26.50V + 4.1 na ≤ 15.90V + 3.50 kWh/ na

freezer, 1.42 ≤ V m3 kWh/day day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 4.24V + na ≤ 4.169V + 1.382 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0 < V < 3.34 kWh/ day
0.42 m3 day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 4.24V + na ≤ 4.947V + 1.050 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0.42 ≤ V < 3.34 kWh/ day
0.85 m3 day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 4.24V + na ≤ 3.109V + 2.625 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0.85 ≤ V < 3.34 kWh/ day
1.42 m3 day

Glass-door reach-in Elec Refrig 4.24V + na ≤ 3.887V + 1.500 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 1.42 ≤ V m3 3.34 kWh/ day
day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 14.13V + 1.38 na ≤ 8.834V + 1.25 kWh/ na

freezer, 0 < V < 0.42 m3 kWh/day day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 14.13V + 1.38 na ≤ 4.819V – 1.000 kWh/ na

freezer, 0.42 < V < kWh/day day
0.85 m3

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 14.13V + 1.38 na ≤ 5.760V + 6.125 kWh/ na

freezer, 0.85 ≤ V < kWh/day day
1.42 m3
APPENDICES

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 14.13V + 1.38 na ≤ 5.583V + 6.333 kWh/ na

freezer, 1.42 ≤ V m3 kWh/day day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 3.53V + na ≤ 3.145V + 1.411 kWh/day na

refrigerator, 0 < V < 2.04 kWh/
0.42 m3 day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 3.53V + na ≤ 1.307V + 2.200 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0.42 ≤ V < 2.04 kWh/ day
0.85 m3 day
 514

TABLE 1B (CONTINUED). Commercial Kitchen Appliance Prescriptive Measures and Baseline for Energy Cost Budget (SI units)

Baseline energy usage for energy modeling path Levels for prescriptive path

Baseline Baseline Prescriptive Prescriptive

Appliance type Fuel Function
Efficiency idle Rate Efficiency idle Rate

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 3.53V + na ≤ 1.979V + 1.635 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 0.85 ≤ V < 2.04 kWh/ day
1.42 m3 day

Solid-door reach-in Elec Refrig 3.53V + na ≤ 2.120V + 1.416 kWh/ na

refrigerator, 1.42 ≤ V m3 2.04 kWh/ day
day

Clothes washer Gas Sanitation 1.72 MEF 2.00 MEF

Door-type dish machine, Elec Sanitation na 1.0 kW na 0.70 kW

high temp

Door-type dish machine, Elec Sanitation na 0.6 kW na 0.6 kW

low temp

Multitank rack conveyor Elec Sanitation na 2.6 kW na 2.25 kW

dish machine, high temp

Multitank rack conveyor Elec Sanitation na 2.0 kW na 2.0 kW

dish machine, low temp

Single-tank rack Elec Sanitation na 2.0 kW na 1.5 kW

conveyor dish machine,
high temp

Single-tank rack Elec Sanitation na 1.6 kW na 1.5 kW

conveyor dish machine,
low temp

Undercounter dish Elec Sanitation na 0.9 kW na 0.5 kW

machine, high temp

Undercounter dish Elec Sanitation na 0.5 kW na 0.5 kW

machine, low temp

The energy efficiency, idle energy rates, and water use requirements, where applicable, are based on the following test methods:
ASTM F1275 Standard Test Method for Performance of Griddles
ASTM F1361 Standard Test Method for Performance of Open Deep Fat Fryers
ASTM F1484 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Steam Cookers
ASTM F1496 Standard Test Method for Performance of Convection Ovens
ASTM F1521 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Range Tops
ASTM F1605 Standard Test Method for Performance of Double-Sided Griddles
ASTM F1639 Standard Test Method for Performance of Combination Ovens
ASTM F1695 Standard Test Method for Performance of Underfired Broilers
ASTM F1696 Standard Test Method for Energy Performance of Single-Rack Hot Water Sanitizing, ASTM Door-Type Commercial Dishwashing
Machines
ASTM F1704 Standard Test Method for Capture and Containment Performance of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Ventilation Systems
ASTM F1817 Standard Test Method for Performance of Conveyor Ovens
ASTM F1920 Standard Test Method for Energy Performance of Rack Conveyor, Hot Water Sanitizing, Commercial Dishwashing Machines
APPENDICES

ASTM F2093 Standard Test Method for Performance of Rack Ovens

ASTM F2140 Standard Test Method for Performance of Hot Food Holding Cabinets
ASTM F2144 Standard Test Method for Performance of Large Open Vat Fryers
ASTM F2324 Standard Test Method for Prerinse Spray Valves
ASTM F2380 Standard Test Method for Performance of Conveyor Toasters
ARI 810-2007: Performance Rating of Automatic Commercial Ice Makers
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 72–2005: Method of Testing Commercial Refrigerators and Freezers with temperature setpoints at 3°C for
mediumtemp refrigerators, -18°C for low-temp freezers, and -26°C for ice cream freezers.
515

TABLE 2. Supermarket refrigeration prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget

Prescriptive Baseline for

Item Attribute
Measure Energy Modeling Path

Commercial Refrigerator and Energy Use Limits ASHRAE 90.1-2010 ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Addendum g.
Freezers Addendum g. Table 6.8.1L Table 6.8.1L

Commercial Refrigeration Energy Use Limits ASHRAE 90.1-2010 ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Addendum g.
Equipment Addendum g. Table 6.8.1M Table 6.8.1M

TABLE 3. Walk-in coolers and freezers prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget

Baseline for
Item Attribute Prescriptive Measure
Energy Modeling Path

Envelope Freezer insulation R-46 R-36

Cooler insulation R-36 R-20

Automatic closer Yes No

doors

High-efficiency low- 40W/ft (130W/m) of door 40W/ft (130W/m) of door frame (low
or no-heat reach-in frame (low temperature), 17W/ temperature), 17W/ft (55W/m) of door frame
doors ft (55W/m) of door frame (medium temperature)
(medium temperature)

Evaporator Evaporator fan motor Shaded pole and split phase Constant-speed fan
and control motors prohibited; use PSC or
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EMC motors

Hot gas defrost No electric defrosting Electric defrosting

Condenser Air-cooled condenser Shaded pole and split phase Cycling one-speed fan
fan motor and motors prohibited; use PSC or
control EMC motors; add condenser
fan controllers

Air-cooled condenser Floating head pressure controls 10°F (-12°C) to 15°F

design approach or ambient subcooling (-9°C) dependent on suction temperature

Lighting Lighting power 0.6 W/sq.ft. 0.6 W/sq.ft.

density (W/sq.ft.) (6.5 W/sq. meter) (6.5 W/sq. meter)

Commercial Refrigerator and Energy Use Limits na Use an Exceptional Calculation Method if
Freezers attempting to take savings

Commercial Refrigerator and Energy Use Limits na Use an Exceptional Calculation Method if
Freezers attempting to take savings

TABLE 4. Commercial kitchen ventilation prescriptive measures and baseline for energy cost budget

Strategies Prescriptive Measure Baseline

Kitchen hood control ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Section 6.5.7.1, except that ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Section 6.5.7.1 and Section G3.1.1
Section 6.5.7.1.3 and Section 6.5.7.1.4 shall apply Exception (d) where applicable
if the total kitchen exhaust airflow rate exceeds
2,000 cfm (960 L/s) (as opposed to 5,000 cfm
APPENDICES

(2,400 L/s) noted in the ASHRAE 90.1-2010

requirements)
APPENDICES
516