LEED Study Guide
LEED Study Guide
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Category & Credit Name Points Intent Requirements Code or Standard Exemplary Perf.
To avoid development on inappropriate sites.
Locate in a neighborhood certified under LEED-ND.
To reduce vehicles miles traveled (vehicles
Certified Plan or Certified Project under LEED-ND v4, Stage 2 or Stage 3 under LEED-ND Pilot or LEED-ND
?
LT LEED® for Neighborhood Development Location 16 kilometers traveled). To enhance livability and N/A Not Available
v2009.
improve human health by encouraging daily
Credit is mutually exclusive with other credits in the Location and Transportation category.
physical activity.
Option 1. Locate the project on previously developed land.
US Department of Agriculture, US CFR Title 7 (Prime
Option 2. Site that doesn’t meet any of the sensitive land criteria:
To avoid the development of environmentally Farmland Designation)
- Prime Farmland
sensitive lands and reduce the environmental FEMA Flood Zone Designations
?
LT Sensitive Land Protection 1
impact from the location of a building on a
- Floodplains
US Fish and Wildlife Service, Threatened and Endangered
Not Available
- Habitat for threatened or endangered species
site. Species
- Within 100 feet of water bodies, except for minor improvements
NatureServe Heritage Program (species habitat)
- Within 50 feet of wetlands, except for minor improvements
Option 1. (1 point) - Locate the project on an infill location in a historic district. US EPA National Priority List
Option 2. (1 point) - Locate the project site in one of the following: US HUD Federal Empowerment Zone, Federal Enterprise
To encourage project location in areas with A EPA National Priorities Listed Site, Federal Empowerment Zone, Federal Enterprise Community, Federal Community, and Federal Renewal Community Yes, historic district
LT? High-Priority Site 2 development constraints and promote the Renewal Community, Federal Low-Income Community, or Federal Qualified Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult US Dept. of Treasury, Community Development Financial infil location, plus
health of the surrounding area. Development Area (DDA) Institutions Fund another criteria
Option 3. (2 points) - Locate the project on a brownfield site with soil or groundwater contamination where US HUD Qualified Census Tracts and Difficult Development
jurisdiction requires remediation and perform remediation as required. Areas
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Category & Credit Name Points Intent Requirements Code or Standard Exemplary Perf.
To reduce pollution from construction
Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all construction activities.
SS? Prerequisite Construction Activity Pollution Prevention activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway 2012 US EPA Construction General Permit Not Available
Plan must follow 2012 US EPA Construction General Permit or local equivalent, whichever is more stringent.
sedimentation, and airborne dust.
To assess site conditions before design to Survey and document: Topography, Hydrology, Climate, Vegetation, Soils, Human use, Human health effects
Natural Resources Conservation Service, web soil survey
?
SS Site Assessment 1 evaluate sustainable options and inform Survey should demonstrate the relationship between site features and these topics, and describe how these
TR-55 initial water storage capacity
Not Available
related decisions about site design. features influenced the design.
Preserve and protect min 40% of existing greenfields from development and construction activity.
-AND- US EPA ecoregions
To conserve existing natural areas and restore
Option 1. (2 points) - Restore 30% of total site using native or adapted vegetation and, restore disturbed or Land Trust Alliance accreditation Yes, double (60% or
SS Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat 2 damaged areas to provide habitat and
compacted soils that will be vegetated. Natural Resources Conservation Service, web soil survey $0.80/sq.ft.)
promote biodiversity.
Option 2. (1 point) - Donate $0.40 per sq.ft. of the total site to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or Sustainable Sites Initiative
conservation organization.
Open and accessible space at least 30% of the total site (min 25% of this space must be vegetated or have
To create exterior open space that
vegetated canopy)
?
SS Open Spaces 1
encourages interaction with the environment,
One or more of the following: Pedestrian-oriented paving or turf, Recreation-oriented paving or turf, Garden N/A Not Available
social interaction, passive recreation, and
space w/ diverse year round plantings, Garden space dedicated to food or community gardens, or Habitat
physical activities.
that meets criteria of SS Credit Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
To reduce runoff volume and improve water Option 1. (2-3 points) - Manage runoff on site for the 95th (2 points) or 98th (3 points) percentile rainfall
Yes, manage 100% of
quality by replicating the natural hydrology event using low-impact development and green infrastructure US EPA Technical Guidance on Implementing the Rainwater
rainwater that falls
?
SS Rainwater Management 3 and water balance of the site, based on Projects on zero lot lines with min 1.5 FAR meet 85th (3 points) percentile event. Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section
within project
historical conditions and undeveloped Option 2. (3 points) - Natural land cover conditions (3 points) - Annual postdevelopment runoff must not 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act
boundary.
ecosystems in the region. exceed predevelopment values.
Option 1. (2 points) - Install roof and nonroof measures for 50% of nonroof area and 75% roof area, by
To minimize effects on microclimates and Achieve both options
weighted average ASTM Standards E903 and E892
SS? Heat Island Reduction 2 human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat and locate 100% of
Option 2. (1 point) - At least 75% of parking spaces under cover. Any roof used must meet one of the Cool Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1)
islands. parking under cover.
following: 3-year aged SRI of at least 32, Vegetated roof, or Be covered by energy generation systems.
To increase night sky access, improve
Meet both uplight and light trespass requirements using either Option 1 (BUG method - prescriptive) or
nighttime visibility, and reduce the IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance User Guide
?
SS Light Pollution Reduction 1
consequences of development for wildlife and
Option 2 (Calculation). Trespass requirements depending on MLO Lighting Zone.
IES TM-15-11, Addendum A
Not Available
Internally illuminated signage must not exceed 200 cd/m3 (nits) at night and 2000 cd/m during the day.
people.
Option 1. No permanent irrigation required after 2 years.
WE Prerequisite Outdoor Water Use Redction To reduce outdoor water consumption. EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool Not Available
Option 2. Reduce irrigation water demand by 30% using EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and as amended
EPAct 2005
Reduce water use by 20% from baseline.
Uniform Plumbing Code 2006
?
WE Prerequisite Indoor Water Use Resduction To reduce indoor water consumption. All eligible new toilets, urinals, private lavatory faucets, and showerheads must be WaterSense labeled.
International Plumbing Code 2006
Not Available
Meet minimum water efficiency for appliances, equipment, and processes.
ENERGY STAR
EPA WaterSense
To support water management and identify
?
WE Prerequisite Buliding-Level Water Metering opportunities for additional water savings by Track (and share with USGBC) monthly and annual water usage data for 5 years. N/A Not Available
tracking water consumption.
Option 1. (2 points) - No permanent irrigation required after 2 years.
?
WE Outdoor Water Use Reduction 2 To reduce outdoor water consumption. Option 2. Reduce irrigation water demand by 50% (1 point) or 100% (2 points), can count nonpotable N/A Not Available
sources.
Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 and as amended
EPAct 2005
Reduce water use by 25% - 50% from baseline. Uniform Plumbing Code 2006
WE Indoor Water Use Resduction 6 To reduce indoor water consumption. 55% reduction
Meet additional water efficiency for appliances, equipment, and processes. International Plumbing Code 2006
ENERGY STAR
EPA WaterSense
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Category & Credit Name Points Intent Requirements Code or Standard Exemplary Perf.
To increase participation in demand response
technologies and programs that make energy Design the building and equipment to allow participation in demand response programs through load
?
EA Demand Response 2 generation and distribution systems more shedding or shifting (does not include on-site energy generation).
efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce Participation in programs is required where they are available.
N/A Not Available
To reduce ozone depletion and support early Option 1. Use no refrigerants or use only refrigerants that have an ODP of zero and a GWP of less than 50.
compliance with the Montreal Protocol while Option 2. Select refrigerants to minimize or eliminate the use of compounds that deplete the ozone and/or
?
EA Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1
minimizing direct contributions to climate contribute to climate change, and perform calculation showing that all HVAC&R equipment is within
N/A Not Available
change. acceptable levels.
To encourage the use of products and Option 1. (1 point) Use 20 products from at least 5 manufacturers as follows:
materials for which life-cycle information is - Product-specific Type III EPD – full credit per product
available and that have environmentally, - Industry-wide (generic) EPD – ½ credit per product
ISO 14044-2006, Environmental Management, Life cycle
Building Production Disclosure and Optimization - economically, and socially preferable life-cycle - Third-party certified (ISO 14044) Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) – ¼ credit per product Option 1 - 40 products
MR 2 assessment requirements and guidelines
Environmental Product Declarations impacts. To reward project teams for selecting - Other USGBC approved programs Option 2 - 75% by cost
ISO 14021, 14025, 14040, 21930
products from manufacturers who have Option 2. (1 point) Use 50% (by cost) materials that show improvements in at least 3 areas, including global
verified improved environmental life-cycle warming potential. Products harvested, manufactured and purchased within 100 miles are valued at 200%
impacts. cost.
Option 1. (1 point) Use 20 products from at least 5 manufacturers that demonstrate chemical inventory of
To encourage the use of products and their product to at least 0.1% using:
materials for which life-cycle information is - Manufacturer Inventory
available and that have environmentally, - Health Product Declaration (HPD)
economically, and socially preferable life-cycle - Cradle to Cradle (v2 Basic level or v3 Bronze)
impacts. To reward project teams for selecting - Other USGBC approved program
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – products for which the chemical ingredients in Option 2. (1 point) Use 25% (by cost), meeting one: Option 1 - 40 products
MR 2 GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark
Material Ingredients the product are inventoried using an accepted - GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark with no benchmark hazards down to 100 ppm with any ingredients assessed Option 2 - 50% by cost
Cradle-to-Cradle Certified™ Product Standard
methodology and for selecting products (100% value), or all ingredients assessed (150% value)
verified to minimize the use and generation of - Cradle to Cradle V3 Silver or V2 Gold (100%), or V3 Gold or V2/V3 Platinum (150%)
harmful substances. To reward raw material - International ACP – REACH Optimization with no substances of very high concern (100%)
manufacturers who produce products verified - Other USGBC approved program
to have improved life-cycle impacts. Option 3. (1 point) Use 25% (by cost), with 3rd party verification showing validated sourcing for at least 99%
of a product's ingredients (by weight).
Certification of Sustainable Recyclers
To reduce construction and demolition waste Option 1. Recycle and/or Salvage nonhazardous construction and demolition materials.
European Commission Waste Framework Directive
disposed of in landfills and incineration - Min 50%, including at least 3 material streams (1 point)
MR Construction and Demolition Waste Management 2 2008/98/EC Achieve both options.
facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling- Min 75%, including at least 4 material streams (2 points)
European Commission Waste Incineration Directive
materials. Option 2. (2 points) - Do not generate more than 2.5 pounds of waste per square foot (12.2 kg/m2) floor area
2000/76/EC
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Ventilation for Acceptable
To contribute to the comfort and well-being
Indoor Air Quality (with errata)
of building occupants by establishing Meet separate ventilation and monitoring requirements for both mechanically and naturally ventilated
?
EQ Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
minimum standards for indoor air quality spaces.
CEN Standard EN 15251-2007 Not Available
CEN Standard EN 13779-2007
(IAQ).
CIBSE Applications Manual AM10, March 2005
Outdoors:
Prohibit smoking outside except in designated areas, at least 25 feet from entries, outdoor air intakes, and
To prevent or minimize exposure of building
operable windows, and in all areas used for business purposes (e.g. sidewalk sale).
occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air
?
EQ Environmental Tabacco Smoke Control
distribution systems to environmental tobacco
Include no-smoking signage (stating policy) within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances. Not Available
Indoors:
smoke.
Prohibit smoking in all nonresidential areas
Prohibit smoking in residential areas, or implement significant measures to minimize exposure.
ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007
Option 1. (1 point) - Comply with all applicable requirements for entryway systems, cross-contamination
CEN Standard EN 779-2002 Meet both options,
To promote occupants’ comfort, well-being, prevention, filtration, natural ventilation design calculations, and mixed-mode design calculations.
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 and incorporate
EQ Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies 2 and productivity by improving indoor air Option 2. (1 point) - Comply with all applicable requirements for exterior contamination prevention,
CIBSE Applications Manual AM10, March 2005 additional Option 2
quality. increased ventilation, carbon dioxide monitoring, source control and monitoring, and natural ventilation
CIBSE Applications Manual 13, 2000 strategy.
room by room calculations.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
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Category & Credit Name Points Intent Requirements Code or Standard Exemplary Perf.
Option 1. (1-3 points) Comply with 2 or more of the 5-7 categories. CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010
- Interior paints and coatings AgBB-2010
- Interior adhesives and sealants SCAQMD Rule 1113
- Flooring Canadian VOC Concentration Limits for Architectural
To reduce concentrations of chemical Option 1 - All points
- Composite Wood Coatings
contaminants that can damage air quality, and 100% of products
EQ Low-Emitting Materials 3 - Ceilings, walls, thermal, and acoustic insulation SCAQMD Rule 1168
human health, productivity, and the Option 2 - 100% of
- Furniture (if in scope) CARB 93120 ATCM
environment. products
- Exterior applied products (LEED-HC and LEED-S only) ANSI/BIFMA M7.1 Standard Method for Determining VOC
Option 2. (1-3 points) Budget Calculation Method Emissions from Office Furniture Systems, Components and
If some products in a category don’t meet requirements, calculate percentage compliance using a weighted Seating
average. ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard
Develop and implement an IAQ plan for construction and preoccupancy phases of the building
Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning National Contractors
To promote the well-being of construction Meet or exceed SMACNA Control Measures and protect absorptive materials from moisture damage
Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied
workers and building occupants by minimizing Install MERV 8 filters in return air grille and return or transfer duct inlet opening for any equipment that will
EQ Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan 1 Buildings under Construction, 2nd edition, 2007 (chapter 3) Not Available
indoor air quality problems associated with be operated during construction. Install final filters immediately prior to occupancy.
ASHRAE 52.2-2007
construction and renovation. Prohibit use of tobacco inside the building and within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of building entrance during
CEN Standard EN 779-2002
construction.
Option 1. (1 point) - Flush-out with 14,000 cu.ft. of outdoor air per sq.ft. prior to occupancy
- Maintain temperature between 60 F to 80 F (15 C to 27 C)
EPA Compendium of Methods IP-1, IP-3, IP-6, IP-10, TO-1,
- Keep relative humidity no higher than 60%
To establish better quality indoor air in the TO-11, TO-15, TO-17
- Occupancy can begin after 3,500 cu.ft/sq.ft.
?
EQ Indoor Air Quality Assessment 2 building after construction and during
Option 2. (2 points) - Perform air quality testing to show airborne contaminants do not exceed maximum
ISO 16000-3, 16000-6, 4224, 7708, 13964 Not Available
occupancy. ASTM D5197-0e91, D5149-02(2008)
levels of Formaldehyde, Particulates (PM10), Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), Target chemicals
CDPH Standard Method v1.1-2010
from CDPH Standard Method v1.1, Carbon monoxide, Ozone (only in EPA nonattainment areas), and
Particulates (PM2.5) (only in EPA nonattainment areas)
ASHRAE 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for
Human Occupancy
ISO 7730-2005, Ergonomics of the thermal environment
To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, Design - Design HVAC and envelope to meet ASHRAE 55-2010 or ISO and CEN Standards
EN 15251:2007, Indoor environmental input parameters for
?
EQ Thermal Comfort 1 and well-being by providing quality thermal Controls - Provide thermal comfort controls for 50% of individual occupant spaces and all shared
design and assessment of energy performance of buildings
Not Available
comfort. multioccupant spaces.
addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting
and acoustics
ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook, 2011 edition
To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, Option 1. (1 point) - Provide individual multi-scene lighting controls for at least 90% of occupant spaces.
EQ Interior Lighting 2 and well-being by providing high-quality Provide multi-scene lighting controls for all multioccupant spaces. The Lighting Handbook, 10th Edition, IES Not Available
? lighting. Option 2. (1 point) - Implement at least 4 additional strategies.
Implement measures to address:
To provide workspaces and classrooms that ASHRAE 2011, HVAC Applications Handbook
- HVAC Background Noise
promote occupants’ well-being, productivity, Measurement devices must meet ANSI S1.4 for type 1
EQ Acoustic Performance 1 - Sound Transmission Not Available
and communications through effective (precision) or type 2 (general purpose) devices, or local
- Reverberation Time
acoustic design. equivalent
- Sound Reinforcement and Masking Systems.
Provide glare control for all regularly occupied spaces and meet one option:
Option 1. (2-3 points) - Complete daylight model to show spatial daylight autonomy of at least 55% (2 points)
To connect building occupants with the
or 75% (3 points) is achieved using regularly occupied floor area. IES Lighting Measurements (LM) 83-12
outdoors, reinforce circadian rhythms, and
?
EQ Daylight 3
reduce the use of electrical lighting by
Option 2. (1-2 points) - Complete daylight model to show between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for 75% (1 point) or The Lighting Handbook, 10th edition, Illuminating Not Available
90% (2 points) of regularly occupied floor area. Engineering Society (IES)
introducing daylight into the space.
Option 3. (2-3 points) - Achieve between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for 75% (2 points) or 90% (3 points) of
regularly occupied floor area.
Achieve at least 2 for 75% of regularly occupied floor area:
To give building occupants a connection to - Multiple views at least 90 degrees apart
Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Meet requirements for
?
EQ Quality Views 1 the natural outdoor environment by providing - Views of at least 2: flora, fauna, sky, movement, and/or distant objects
Performance and the Indoor Environment 90% of area.
quality views. - Views through nearby vision glazing
- Quality views (rated at least 3 in referenced standard)
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