LEED Process - 16 Flashcards
What is USGBC’s mission?
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
What roles does the GBCI perform?
- Maintains quality control on the project certification through global green building standards set and annually reviewed by our board members.
- Provides credentialing programs
(Green Business Certification Inc. is an American organization that provides third-party credentialing and verification for several rating systems relating to the built environment.)
What is the difference between a prerequisite and a credit?
+ Prerequisite are mandatory project characteristics, measurements, qualities, values or functions a project must meet to be considered. No points are gained here.
+ Credits are optional points that can be awarded after prerequisites are met.
How many points do prerequisites earn?
None
What are Minimum Program Requirements?
Help define what types of buildings the rating systems are used to evaluate.
(Their purpose is:
- Provide guidance on what types of projects are eligible for certification
- Protect the integrity of the LEED program
- Reduce the number of issues that come from the certification process)
What is the difference between an MPR and a Prerequisite?
+ MPRs give guidance to what type of projects can be considered for certification
+ Prerequisites are mandatory project characteristics, measurements, values or functions the project need to achieve certification
What is Regional Priority used for?
+ These are credits and points awarded for addressing specific regional environmental properties
*** Can only be gained in the US
What is the minimum number of points a project must earn for certification?
40 (Certified)
What rating system would be best for a 3-story residential building?
LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Lowrise (for single family homes and muli-family residential buildings of 1 to 3 stories)
Who approves the LEED rating systems?
USGBC member committees develop the LEED Rating System
What makes LEED transparent (5)?
- Using a consensus process (that has a balanced and transparent committee structure)
- Technical Advisory Groups (to ensure scientific consistency and rigor)
- Opportunities for stakeholder comment and review
- Member ballot of new rating systems and certain changes to existing rating systems
- A fair and open appeals process
How often is the LEED Addenda published?
Quarterly
How are credit points determined?
Their ability to impact different environmental and human health concerns.
What are the 7 LEED impact categories?
- Reverse contribution to global climate change
- Enhance individual human health and well-being
- Protect and restore water resources
- Protect, enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Promote sustainable and regenerative material resources cycles
- Build greener economy
- Enhance social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life
What is LEED online used for (5)?
It is the repository for all LEED project documents:
- Document submission
- Update credit templates
- View + Submit CIR’s
- Contact customer service
- View & respond to reviewer comments
What is a LEED scorecard?
Lists all the credits for the specific rating system and helps the project team track which ones are ideal for the project.
When is the LEED scorecard used?
- Created during the charrette
2. Used as a guide throughout the project
What does the LEED reviewer do?
Reviews the final submission and gives a formal ruling on the full application.
(Two types of review 1. Split 2. Combined)
What is a CIR?
A Credit Interpretation Ruling is a formal inquiry about a credit detail.
*** Used for clarifications, not changes
What is the International Green Construction Code (IgCC)?
Provides model code language to establish baseline regulations for new and existing buildings relating to:
- Energy conservation
- Water efficiency
- Building owner responsibilities
- Site impacts
- Building waste
- Materials and other considerations
What is ASHRAE 189.1?
- The ASHRAE 189.1 standard is the “International Green Construction Code” is set up to be an all–in–one, go–to solution for strategic green building design.
- Written as a code meant to be enforceable
- **(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers Inc.)
What credit can you earn by having a LEED AP on a project?
Innovative Credit
What does a LEED AP do?
They help streamline the application and certification process.
Who can be a LEED AP?
Anyone who has a GA and passes the AP exam.
What are the Minimum Program Requirements (MPR) for a LEED project (3)?
- Must be in a permanent location on existing land
- Must use a reasonable site-boundary
- Must comply with the project size requirements
What are CREDIT INTERPRETATION RULINGS (CIR)?
Provide technical and administrative guidance for MPR, Prerequisites, and Credits.
(Submit after project registration, 600 word max)
CIRs can be used for what purpose(s)?
CIRs are use to ask one clear and concise question for technical and administrative guidance on MPRs, Prerequisites, or Credits.
For multiple building developments who determines the LEED PROJECT BOUNDARY?
The project team.
What is LEED Online?
LEED online is the primary resource for managing the LEED documentation process.
What are some of the features of LEED Online (5)?
- Manage project details
- Complete documentation requirements for LEED credits and prerequisites
- Upload supporting files
- Submit applications for review
- Receive reviewer feedback
Where can the LEED Score Card be found?
USGBC’s website
What are the LEED Reference Guides used for?
A user’s manual that guides a LEED project from registration to certification of the design and construction of a project.
What do the LEED Reference Guides contain (3)?
- Strategies
- Case studies
- Documentation requirements for each credit and prerequisite in a rating system
Who can access LEED Online?
Anyone assigned to a project by the project administrator
What general documentation must be submitted for LEED certification (4)?
- Project photos/drawings
- Typical floor plans
- Elevations
- Project narrative
What organization is responsible for LEED project registration?
GCBI
What is a LEED intent?
Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit. (USGBC)
What does a PREREQUISITE represent?
Represents the key criteria that define green building performance.
Why do projects need to meet prerequisites?
Represent the key criteria that define green building performance.
How many CERTIFICATION LEVELS are available to a LEED project?
4
What are the different certification levels LEED projects can earn?
- Certified
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
How are CIRs submitted?
Credit interpretation requests must be submitted through LEED Online.
What are the amount of points a credit can earn (credit weighting) based on?
How well the credit address environmental and health concerns.
What is environmental sustainability?
Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations. (EPA)
What is considered a construction HARD COST?
Construction hard cost are considered to be CSI MasterFormat 2004 Edition Divisions:
+ 03-10
+ 31 (Section 31.60.00 Foundations)
+ 32 (Sections 32.10.00 Paving, 32.30.00 Site Improvements, and 32.90.00 Planting)
What is a construction hard cost?
\+ Hard costs are mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project.
\+ Examples of hard costs include:
- masonry
- wood
- steel
- carpet
- tile
- mechanical systems
- roofingWhat are some examples of construction hard costs?
- Cement
- Steel
- Drywall
- Wood
- Land
What are CONSTRUCTION SOFT COSTS?
Expense items that are not considered direct construction costs i.e. legal fees, building permitting.
What factors dictate how much a projects CERTIFICATION fees will cost (3)?
+ Rating system
+ Project size (area) in square feet
+ Date of registration
LEED promotes what type of approach to sustainability?
A whole building approach
When can a LEED project be eligible to display the LEED plaque and other marketing material?
Following the acceptance of a final certification review.
What does each category in the LEED rating system consist of?
Prerequisites and credits
What are names of the LEED Rating Systems?
+ Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
+ Interior Design and Construction(ID+C)
+ Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
+ Neighborhood Development (ND)
+ Homes
What is LEED?
An internationally recognized green building certification system
What does LEED stand for?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What parts of the LEED rating system are optional?
Credits
How is LEED developed?
Developed via open, consensus-based process led by LEED volunteer committees.
What is the total number of points available a LEED project can earn?
110 Possible points
What are the different point/certification levels for LEED certification?
+ Certified, 40-49 points
+ Silver, 50-59 points
+ Gold, 60-79 points
+ Platinum, 80+ points
What are LEED credit templates?
The documentation forms used to prove the requirements of a prerequisite or credit have been met
What is a PRELIMINARY RATING?
The target score the project team will attempt to achieve.
Can a project earn MULTIPLE CERTIFICATIONS?
Yes, though depends on the rating systems.
What are some ways the TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE is referred to?
- Ecology, environment, economics
- People, profit, planet
- Economics, ecology, social equity
What is the triple bottom line?
A change from being primarily financially driven to considering economics, environment, and social responsibility
What is a LEED CREDIT?
Part of the LEED Rating System, Projects earn points by meeting the requirements of credits.
What is the highest LEED CERTIFICATION LEVEL?
Platinum
What is a LEED category?
A subset of the LEED Rating System.
What is a CIR?
+ CIR is a credit interpretation ruling
(Process for project applicants seeking technical and administrative guidance on how LEED credits apply to their projects and vice versa.)
What is USGBC and what do they promote?
A non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are:
- designed
- built
- operated
What does SUSTAINABILITY mean?
Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Who develops LEED?
Volunteer committees
What types of projects would LEED BD+C be used for?
New construction and major renovations.
What types of projects would LEED ID+C be used for?
Interior fit-outs.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Core & Shell be used for?
+ New core and shell construction. (Covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system.)
What types of projects would LEED for Homes be used for?
High-performance green homes.
What types of projects would LEED O+M be used for?
Existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction.
What types of projects would LEED for Neighborhood Development be used for?
New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing:
- residential uses - nonresidential uses - mix
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Schools be used for?
The design and construction of K12 schools. (addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment.)
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Retail be used for?
The different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Healthcare be used for?
Sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities.
True or False: Can a product can earn LEED certification?
False
True or False: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects
False (Generally so but this is situation dependent)
What does the BUILDING FOOTPRINT consists of?
The area on a project site used by the building structure and defined by the perimeter of the building plan.
How many points can be earned in the Innovation category?
6 points
How many Regional Priority credits can a LEED project earn?
4 points
How many LEED AP’s are required to participate in a project to earn one Innovation point?
1 Principal participant
Who is the PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR?
The individual who initially registers the project will be identified by GBCI as the Project Administrator
How can Innovation credit be earned?
+ Doubling the credit requirements
+ Using a new strategy that is quantifiable
+ Achieving Pilot Credits
What LEED credit category awards points for achieving exemplary performance?
Innovation
How do you earn Innovation credit for exemplary performance?
Must meet the performance level defined by the next step in the threshold progression on credits that allow exemplary performance.
What are the requirements for submitting an Innovation credit for an Innovative strategy?
Identify in writing the: \+ Intent of credit. \+ Compliance requirements. \+ Submittals to demonstrate compliance. \+ Strategies used to meet the requirements.
How are Innovation points for innovative performance measured?
The submitted credit must be quantifiable.
What is the maximum number of points a project can earn under the Regional Credit category?
4 Points
Who fills out the LEED Scorecard?
The project team does during the LEED charrette.
Who can become a LEED AP with specialty?
Anyone that passes GBCI’s exams.
What do LEED APs with specialty do on a project?
Help streamline the certification process
What is EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE?
Performance above and beyond the LEED requirements
Who uses LEED?
\+ Architects \+ Real estate professionals \+ Facility managers \+ Engineers \+ Interior designers \+ Landscape architects \+ Construction managers \+ Lenders \+ Government officials
Can prerequisites earn exemplary performance?
No
Which has precedent in a project, LEED requirements or local codes?
Local codes
What codes must LEED projects follow?
Projects should review relevant and applicable:
- laws - codes - local ordinances - statutes - industry-related standards
What additional green building project and building construction budget are there?
- Life cycle cost analysis
- Green Building experts
- Contingency plans for additional Research
What is USGBC’s mission?
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
What is USGBC’s vision?
Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
What are the roles of GBCI?
- Administration of the LEED exams
- Overseeing LEED Credential Maintenance
- Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects
What other green building rating systems are available?
- Green Globes
- BREEAM
- Green Star
- IgCC
What are LEED Interpretations?
LEED Interpretations, just like Project Credit Interpretation Rulings (Project CIRs), are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements.
What are LEED Addenda?
Clarifications (by USGBC) to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides.
What are USGBC’s seven guiding principles?
- Promote the triple bottom line
- Establish leadership
- Reconcile humanity with nature
- Foster social equity
- Maintain integrity
- Be inclusive
- Exhibit transparency
What does the LEED Volume Program help with?
Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale
When would the Campus Program be used (3)?
The Campus Program is used when:
- less than twenty-five projects
- non-uniform in size
- do not have to be adjacent.
How many LEED adaptations are there?
21
What LEED rating system has recertification?
O+M
How often must LEED O+M projects recertify?
Every 5 years.
What are the LEED impact categories?
- Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
- Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
- Protect and Restore Water Resources
- Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources
What are three important factors of the LEED Green Building Rating System?
- Voluntary
- Consensus-based
- Market-driven
What are the point values of a LEED credit based on?
The ability to mitigate the environmental harms of a building and to promote beneficial effects.
In what 3 ways are LEED Interpretations different than Project CIRs?
- Precedent-setting
- Published online
- Subject to consensus-based review
What are 3 benefits of LEED Interpretations?
- Can be applied to multiple projects
- Part of the LEED conversation
- Reviewed by USGBC committees
What LEED developments address specific space types and international requirements?
LEED Rating System Adaptations
What is the LEED Pilot Credit Library?
Allows credits to be refined through LEED project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for introduction into LEED
What type of project requires a master site for registration?
Campus
What is an LPE?
+ Licensed Professional Exemption (LPE)
+ Pptional credit documentation path in which professionals can submit license information and a declaration of compliance in lieu of a number of otherwise required submittals.
What are the phases of the LEED integrative process?
- Discovery
- Design and Construction (Implementation)
- Occupancy, Operations, and Performance Feedback
What are the benefits of LEED-certified buildings (6)?
- Lower operating costs and increased asset value
- Reduced waste sent to landfills
- Energy and water conservation
- More healthful and productive environments for occupants
- Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
- Qualification for tax rebates, zoning allow
What are ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE PATHS (ACPs)?
Alternative Compliance Paths, or ACPs, allow international projects to identify equivalent means of demonstrating compliance to the credit requirements.
What best defines the project boundary?
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)
What components are included in the impact category for Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change?
- GHG Emissions Reduction from Transportation Energy Use
- GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use
- GHG Emissions Reduction by Embodied Energy of Water Reduction
- GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply
- Global Warming Potential Reduction from Non-Energy Related Driversv
