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 - roofing
What 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.