LEED v5 BDC New Construction Public Comment 1

RATING
SYSTEM
BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:
NEW CONSTRUCTION
FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT

APRIL 2024 1
SCORECARD ..........................................................................................5
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS, PLANNING, AND ASSESSMENTS .............6

Prerequisite: Climate Resilience Assessment ................................................................................ 6
Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment ......................................................................................... 7
Prerequisite: Carbon Assessment ................................................................................................... 8
Credit: Integrative Design Process .................................................................................................. 9
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) .......................................... 10

LT Credit: Sensitive Land Protection ............................................................................................. 10
LT Credit: Equitable Development ................................................................................................. 11
LT Credit: Compact and Connected Development ....................................................................... 14
LT Credit: Active Travel Facilities .................................................................................................. 19
LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management ......................................................................... 22
LT Credit: Electric Vehicles ............................................................................................................ 24
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) .................................................................. 26

SS Prerequisite: Minimized Site Disturbance ............................................................................... 26
SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design .......................................................................................... 27
SS Credit: Protect and Restore Biodiverse Habitat ..................................................................... 28
SS Credit: Accessible Open Space ................................................................................................ 30
SS Credit: Enhanced Resilient Site Design ................................................................................... 32
SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ................................................................................................... 34
SS Credit: Light Pollution and Bird Collision Reduction ............................................................. 36
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ................................................................... 39

WE Prerequisite: Water Metering and Reporting.......................................................................... 39
WE Prerequisite: Minimum Water Efficiency ................................................................................ 40
WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency ......................................................................................... 44
WE Credit: Water Reuse .................................................................................................................. 48
WE Credit: Water Metering and Leak Detection ........................................................................... 49

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA) ..................................................... 51
EA Prerequisite: Operational Carbon Projection and Decarbonization Plan ............................ 51
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency ............................................................................... 53
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning ........................................................................... 54
EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting ........................................................................ 55
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management ............................................................ 56
EA Credit: Electrification ................................................................................................................. 58
EA Credit: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads ....................................................................................... 59
EA Credit: Enhanced Energy Efficiency ........................................................................................ 62
EA Credit: Renewable Energy ........................................................................................................ 66
EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning .................................................................... 68
EA Credit: Grid-Interactive .............................................................................................................. 73
EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management ............................................................................ 75
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) ................................................. 77

MR Prerequisite: Planning for Zero Waste Operations ................................................................ 77
MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon................................................................................. 78
MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse ..................................................................................... 80
MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon ........................................................................................... 83
MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials ................................................................................................ 86
MR Credit: Optimized Building Products ...................................................................................... 90
MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion ......................................................... 93
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ........................................ 94

EQ Prerequisite: Fundamental Air Quality .................................................................................... 94
EQ Prerequisite: No Smoking or Vehicle Idling ............................................................................ 96
EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility ........................................................................................ 97
EQ Credit: Enhanced Air Quality .................................................................................................... 98
EQ Credit: Occupant Experience ................................................................................................... 99

EQ Credit: Connecting with Nature .............................................................................................. 102
EQ Credit: Enhanced Building Accessibility ............................................................................. 103
EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces .......................................................................................................... 104
EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring ........................................................................... 106
PROJECT PRIORITIES AND INNOVATION (IN) ................................. 109

IN Credit: Project Priorities ........................................................................................................... 109
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional .................................................................................... 110
APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM REQUIREMENTS ............................. 111

SCORECARD
5
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS, PLANNING, AND
ASSESSMENTS
Prerequisite: Climate Resilience Assessment
Required
Intent
To promote comprehensive assessment for climate resilience, aiming to increase awareness of hazards
and risks, in order to reduce vulnerabilities, while striving to ensure long-term safety and sustainability.
Requirements
Identify observed, projected, and future natural hazards and assess relevant effects to the project site and
building function. Identified hazards may be currently affecting the project or may affect it in the future.
Qualifying hazards are site-specific natural hazards that include, but are not limited to:
• Drought
• Earthquake
• Extreme Heat and Cold
• Flooding
• Hurricane and High Winds
• Hail
• Landslide
• Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge
• Tornado
• Tsunami
• Wildfire and Smoke
• Winter Storm
• Other (Specify)
The assessment shall demonstrate the relationships between the most impactful hazard(s) and the
planning, design, operations, and maintenance of the project to potentially enhance the project’s
resilience to natural hazards and extreme environmental stressors, including acute and chronic changing
climate conditions.
Not all hazards listed will apply to the project site. Provide reasoning for not addressing any identified
hazard(s).
Impact area alignment
Decarbonization Quality of Life Ecological Conservation and Restoration
6
Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment
Required
Intent
To promote social equity by conducting an analysis using a social impact checklist, and encouraging
prioritization of community well-being, inclusivity, and diversity for positive social outcomes.
Requirements
Complete the LEED Project Team Checklist for Social Impact (or equivalent*) to identify and address
issues of inequity related to the project, its community, team, and supply chain. Evaluate impacts based
on the following core themes:
• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Inclusivity
• Health and Wellness
• Community Engagement
• Workforce Impacts
• Diversity and Representation
Engage in research and consultation with key stakeholders and community members to ensure that all
checklist items are marked as either "Yes" or "No.”
Provide justification for each response marked as “Yes,” “No,” or “N/A” (Not Applicable). In cases of “No”
responses, the project team must, whenever feasible, include a description of their planned approach to
address the identified issue.
*Projects may submit equivalent checklists from established certifications, aligned with promoting equity
and community well-being.

Prerequisite: Carbon Assessment
Required
Intent
To understand and reduce long term carbon emissions including onsite combustion, grid-supplied
electricity, refrigerants, and upfront embodied carbon.
Requirements
Develop a 25-year projected carbon assessment for the project by utilizing the data from the following
prerequisites:
• EA Prerequisite: Operational Carbon Projection and Decarbonization Plan
o For operational carbon, projects must use the results from the business as usual (BAU)
projection through 2050, as amended by decarbonization measures outlined in their
decarbonization plan, if applicable. For emissions from grid-supplied electricity beyond
2050, projects must use the 2050 emissions factor.
o Operational emissions must be broken down into emissions from onsite combustion and
emissions from grid-supplied electricity. (These are considered as two sources.)
• EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
o For refrigerant emissions, projects must use the total refrigerant global warming potential
as developed in the prerequisite, and most projects must assume a 5% annual leakage
rate. However, projects that pursue Option 2. Limit refrigerant leakage of the EA Credit:
Enhanced Refrigerant Management must assume a 2.5% annual leakage rate.
• MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon
o For the upfront embodied carbon of the initial construction, projects must include:
- The total GWP of the covered materials in the structure, enclosure and hardscape
(SandE), as developed in the prerequisite.
- Plus 0.5 times the GWP of the covered materials in the SandE of the baseline project
to account for other upfront embodied carbon, including MEP, interiors and
furnishings.
- Plus, the A4-A5 emissions for projects that pursue that option
o Projects must assume that every 10 years (in years 10 and 20). renovations will cause
additional amounts of embodied carbon to be released each time equaling 0.25 times the
GWP of the covered materials in the SandE of the baseline. However, projects that
purchase carpet, ceiling tiles, gypsum wall board, and/or furnishings that are certified
closed loop, as documented in MR Credit: Optimized Building Products”, can reduce the
0.25 by 0.05 for each material certified.
• Optional: LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management
o Using the VMT estimate as developed in the credit, and the projected carbon per mile
over the next 25 years as provided by USGBC to develop an assessment of the 25-year
carbon emissions associated with vehicle use.
The assessment must include the following:

• Annual carbon emissions from each of the four sources (onsite combustion, grid-supplied
electricity, refrigerants, and embodied carbon) each year over the 25 years covered.
• Cumulative emissions from each of the four sources each year over the 25 years covered.
• Cumulative emissions over 25 years from each source and from all sources, in total and per
square foot, and the percentage of the total from each source.

Credit: Integrative Design Process
1 point
Intent
To support high-performance, cost-effective, and cross-functional project outcomes through an early

analysis and planning of the interrelationships among systems. To provide a holistic framework for project
teams to collaboratively address decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and
restoration across the entire LEED rating system.
Requirements
Beginning in pre-design and continuing throughout the design phases, identify and use opportunities to
achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems. Assemble and convene a diverse and
interdisciplinary project team. Ensure the process is an equitable, team effort through organized
facilitation.
Work as a team to define project goals that address each of the LEED version 5 system goals:
decarbonization, quality of life, and ecosystem conservation and restoration. Some goals are likely to
address more than one system goal. Provide relevant analyses to inform the LEED project’s documents,
including the owner’s project requirements (OPR), basis of design (BOD), design and construction
documents.
*Additional points are available under Project Priorities and Innovation to reward project teams for
including more topic areas for pre-design assessment and planning.

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT)
LT Credit: Sensitive Land Protection
1 point
Intent
To cultivate community resilience by avoiding the development of environmentally sensitive lands that
provide critical ecosystem services and reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building
on a site.
Requirements
Meet one of the following:
Case 1: Previously developed sites
Locate the development footprint on land that has been previously developed.
OR
Case 2: Nonpreviously developed sites
Preserve and protect from all development and construction activity 40% of the greenfield area on the site
and locate the development footprint on land that does not meet the following criteria for sensitive land:
• Prime farmland. Prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide or local importance as
defined by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400 to 699, Section
657.5 (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) and identified in a state Natural
Resources Conservation Service soil survey (NRCS) (or local equivalent for projects outside the
U.S.).
• Floodplains. A flood hazard area shown on a legally adopted flood hazard map or otherwise
legally designated by the local jurisdiction or the state. For projects in places without legally
adopted flood hazard maps or legal designations, locate on a site that is entirely outside any
floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year (100-year floodplain).
• Habitat. Land identified as habitat for the following:
o species listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act or
the state’s endangered species act, or
o species or ecological communities classified by NatureServe as GH (possibly extinct), G1
(critically imperiled), or G2 (imperiled), or
o species listed as threatened or endangered specifies under local equivalent standards
(for projects outside the U.S.) that are not covered by NatureServe data.
o Water bodies. Areas on or within 100 feet (30 meters) of a water body, except for minor
improvements.
o Wetlands. Areas on or within 50 feet (15 meters) of a wetland, except for minor
improvements.
• Steep slopes. For unstable, undeveloped slopes between 15% and 25%, protect from all
development and construction activity 40% of the steep slope area on the site (if such areas
exist). For unstable, undeveloped slopes steeper than 25%, protect from all development and
construction activity 60% of the steep slope area on the site (if such areas exist).

LT Credit: Equitable Development
1-2 points
Intent
To support the economic and social vitality of communities, provide opportunities for communities to live
and work in close proximity, encourage project location in areas with development constraints, and
promote the ecological, cultural, and health of the surrounding area while understanding the needs and
goals of existing residents and businesses.
Requirements
Meet any combination of the options below for a maximum of 2 points.
Option 1: Priority Sites (1–2 points)
Path 1: Brownfield Remediation (2 points)
Locate on a brownfield where soil or groundwater contamination has been identified, and where the local,
state, or national authority (whichever has jurisdiction) requires its remediation. In cases of voluntary
remediation by the project team, provide confirmation by the local, state, or national authority (whichever
has jurisdiction) to verify that the site is a brownfield. Perform remediation to the satisfaction of the
relevant authority.
OR
Path 2: Community Benefits (1 point)
Locate the project within one of the following economically disadvantaged community locations:
• Census tract* in which household income is at or below 80% AMI.
• Census tract in which at least 20% of population is at or below poverty rate of state, provincial, or
other regional jurisdiction.
• Census tract in which unemployment is at least 150% of the state, provincial, or other regional
jurisdiction.
*or local equivalent government-defined municipal tract for projects outside the U.S.
AND
Utilize the results of the Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment and partner with at least one organization
that supports the local community and help fulfill at least one critical need or goal of the surrounding
community.
AND/OR
Option 2: Housing and Jobs Proximity
Path 1: Support Local Economy (1 point)
Employ individuals that live within the administrative district of the project site for 15% of the construction
jobs created by the LEED project.
AND/OR
Path 2: Employment Opportunity (1 point)
Meet one of the following:
• For projects where the total gross floor area is 50% or more residential, locate the project
boundary within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of existing full-time equivalent jobs, such
that the number of jobs equals or exceeds 20% of the number of dwelling units in the project.
• For projects where the total gross floor area is 75% or more nonresidential, locate the project
boundary within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of existing or planned transit stops and
dwelling units, such that the number of dwelling units exceeds the number of new full-time
equivalent jobs located in the project.
OR
Path 3: Affordable Housing in Residential or Mixed-Use Projects (2 points)
For residential or mixed-use projects, include a proportion of new rental and/or for-sale affordable
dwelling units priced for households earning less than the area median income (AMI). Rental units must
be maintained at affordable levels for a minimum of 15 years. Existing dwelling units are exempt from
requirement calculations. Meet or exceed the minimum thresholds in Table 1. Projects must meet or
exceed the requirements mandated through inclusionary zoning by their local jurisdictions.
Table 1. Minimum Affordable Units
Unit Type Requirements

Rental Dwelling Units Rental units, at least 10% of the project's total
residential floor area, priced for up to 60% AMI.
For-Sale Dwelling Units For-sale units at least 10% of the project's total
residential floor area, priced for up to 80% AMI.
Schools (2 points)
Meet any of the options above.
OR
Option 3: Equitable Access to Resources (2 points)
Establish resource sharing with adjacent communities by demonstrating compliance with the following:
Path 1. Public Use Spaces (1 point)
In collaboration with the school authorities, ensure that at least three of the following types of spaces in
the school are accessible to and available for shared use by the public:
• auditorium,
• gymnasium,
• cafeteria,
• one or more classrooms,
• playing fields and stadiums,
• joint parking.
Provide access to toilets in joint-use areas after normal school hours.
AND/OR
Path 2. Community partnership (1 point)
In collaboration with the school authorities, contract with the community or other organizations to provide
at least two types of dedicated-use spaces in the building, such as the following:
• commercial office,
• health clinic,
• community service centers (provided by state or local offices),
• police office,
• library or media center,
• parking lot,
• one or more commercial businesses.
Provide access to toilets in joint-use areas after normal school hours.
Data Centers, Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Locate the project building at a minimum of 300 feet (90 meters) distance from the property lines of the
nearest sensitive receptors (i.e., residential areas, schools, daycare centers, places of worship, hospitals,
community centers, and public parks).
AND
Meet any of the options above.
OR
Option 4: Equitable Construction (2 points)
Provide access to workforce development training for construction workers through one of the following:
• Job-Related Skills training through on the job training in a Department of Labor registered
apprenticeship program (or local equivalent for projects located outside U.S.) demonstrating that
15% or more of total project construction hours were performed by participants enrolled in
registered apprenticeship programs.
• Life-Skills training programs conducted on the construction site including topics such as, financial
literacy, debt management, first-time home buying, or entrepreneurship training, etc.
demonstrating scheduling of one course per month for the duration of construction.

LT Credit: Compact and Connected Development
1-6 points
Intent
To conserve land and ecosystem resources by encouraging development in areas with existing
infrastructure. To promote livability, walkability, and transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle
distance traveled and associated emissions.
Requirements
Option 1. Surrounding Density (1 – 2 points)
Locate on a site whose surrounding existing density within a ¼-mile (400-meter) offset of the project
boundary meets the values in Tables 1 or 2. Use either the “separate residential and nonresidential
densities” or the “combined density” values.
Table 1. Points for average existing density within 1/4 -mile of project (IP units)
Combined density Separate residential and nonresidential densities Points
Square feet per acre Residential density Nonresidential density

of buildable land (DU/acre) (FAR)
22,000 7 0.5 1
35,000 12 0.8 2
Table 2. Points for average existing density within 400 meters of project (SI units)
Combined density Separate residential and nonresidential densities Points
Square meters per Residential density Nonresidential density

hectare of buildable (DU/hectare) (FAR)
land
5,050 17.5 0.5 1
8,035 30 0.8 2
DU = dwelling unit; FAR = floor-area ratio.
AND/OR
Option 2. Access to Transit (1 – 4 points)
Path 1. Public Transit Service (1 – 4 points)
Locate any functional entry of the project within a ¼-mile (400-meter) walking distance of existing or
planned bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops, or within a ½-mile (800-meter) walking distance of
existing or planned bus rapid transit stops, passenger rail stations (i.e. light, heavy, or commuter rail) or
commuter ferry terminals. The transit service at those stops and stations in aggregate must meet the
minimums listed in Table 3.
Both weekday and weekend trip minimums must be met.

• For each qualifying transit route, only trips in one direction are counted towards the threshold.
• For weekend trips, only trips on the day with the higher number of trips are counted towards the
threshold.
• If a qualifying transit route has multiple stops within the required walking distance, only trips from
one stop are counted towards the threshold.
• Planned stops and stations may count if they are sited, funded, and under construction by the
date of the certificate of occupancy and are complete within 24 months of that date.
Table 3. Minimum Daily Public Transit Service
Weekend Points
Weekday Trips
Trips
72 30 1
120 70 2
144 108 3
360 216 4
OR
Path 2. Project-Sponsored Transit Service (1 – 2 points)
Commit to providing year-round transit service (vans, shuttles, buses) for regular occupants and visitors
that meets the minimums listed in Table 4. Service must provide transportation between the project site
and external destinations (e.g., residential areas, public transportation stations) and guaranteed for at
least 3 years from the project’s certificate of occupancy.
Provide at least one accessible transit stop shelter within a ¼-mile (400-meter) walking distance from a
functional entry of the project.
• For each qualifying transit route, total trips (inbound and outbound) are counted towards the
threshold.
• If a qualifying transit route has multiple stops within the required walking distance, only trips from
one stop are counted towards the threshold.
• Only directly accessible trips within the specified distances are allowed. Trips available from
connected transit facilities do not contribute to the minimum trips under Path 2.
Table 4. Minimum daily project-sponsored transit service
Total Daily Trips Points

30 1
45 2
AND/OR
Option 3. Walkable Location (1 – 2 points)
Locate on a site that meets a location-efficiency score in Table 5 via Walk Score® or meets the values
listed in Table 6 for existing and publicly available uses (see Appendix 1) within a ½-mile (800-meter)
walking distance from the building’s main entrance.
Table 5. Points for Location-efficiency

Walk Score® Points
60 - 69 1
70 or more 2
Table 6. Points for Public Uses
Uses Points
4–7 1
≥8 2
The following restrictions apply.

• A use may be counted as only one type (e.g., a retail store may be counted only once even if it
sells products in several categories).
• No more than two uses in each use type may be counted (e.g., if five restaurants are within
walking distance, only two may be counted).
• The counted uses must represent at least three of the five categories, exclusive of the building’s
primary use category.
Schools
Option 1. Surrounding Density and Development (1 – 2 points)
Path 1. Surrounding Density (1 - 2 points)
Meet Option 1. Surrounding Density requirements listed above.
Physical education spaces that are part of the school campus but are located outside the project
boundary, such as playing fields and ancillary buildings used during sporting events only (e.g., concession
stands) and playgrounds with play equipment are excluded from the development density calculations.
OR
Path 2. Connected Site (1 - 2 points)
Locate the project on a previously developed site that also meets one of the connected site conditions
listed below.
• To qualify as an adjacent site, at least a contiguous 25% of the project boundary must border
parcels that are previously developed sites.
• To qualify as an infill site, at least 75% of the project boundary must border parcels that are
previously developed sites.
• Bordering rights-of-way do not constitute previously developed land; it is the status of the property
on the other side of the right-of-way that contributes to the calculation. Any part of the boundary
that borders a water body is excluded from the calculation.
Table 7. Points for Connected Site
Type of site Points

Adjacent 1
Infill 2
AND/OR
Option 2. Access to Transit or Pedestrian Access (1 – 4 points)
Path 1. Access to Transit

Meet Option 2. Access to Transit listed above.
OR
Path 2. Pedestrian Access (1 – 2 points)
Locate the project with an attendance boundary where dwelling units are within no more than a 3/4-mile
(1200-meter) walking distance (for grades 8 and below, or ages 14 and below), and 1 1/2-mile (2400-
meter) walking distance (for grades 9 and above or ages 15 and above) of a functional entry of a school
building. Provide pedestrian access to the site from all residential areas in the attendance boundary.
Points are awarded according to Table 8.
Table 8. Points for Dwelling Units Within Walking Distance
Percentage of Dwelling Units in Points

Attendance Boundary
50% 1
60% 2
Data Centers, Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Achieve any combination of Option 1 and/or 2 for a maximum of 6 points.
Option 1. Surrounding Development and Resources (1- 2 points)
Path 1. Development and Adjacency (1–2 points)
Locate the project on a site that meets one of the site conditions listed below.
• To qualify as an adjacent site, at least a contiguous 25% of the project boundary must border
parcels that are previously developed sites.
• Bordering rights-of-way do not constitute previously developed land; it is the status of the property
on the other side of the right-of-way that contributes to the calculation. Any part of the boundary
that borders a water body is excluded from the calculation.
Table 9. Points for Development and Adjacency
Type of site Points

Previously developed site that was used for industrial or commercial 1
purposes
Previously developed and Adjacent site with bordering parcels currently 2
used for industrial or commercial purposes
OR
Path 2. Transportation Resources (1–2 points)
Locate the project on a site that has two or three (1 point) or four (2 points) of the following transportation
resources:
• The site is within a 10-mile (16 kilometer) driving distance of a main logistics hub, defined as an
airport, seaport, intermodal facility, or freight village with intermodal transportation.
• The site is within a 1-mile (1600-meter) driving distance of an on-off ramp to a highway.
• The site is within a 1-mile (1600-meter) driving distance of an access point to an active freight rail
line.
• The site is served by an active freight rail spur.
A planned transportation resource must be sited, funded, and under construction by the date of the
certificate of occupancy and complete within 24 months of that date.
AND/OR
Meet Option 2 and/or Option 3 requirements under New Construction above.
Healthcare
Provide at least one continuous connection or a pathway that physically connects the project to an existing
external vehicular or pedestrian circulation network.
Achieve any combination of options for a maximum of 6 points.
Option 1. Surrounding Density (1 point)

Locate on a site whose surrounding existing density within a ¼-mile (400-meter) offset of the project
boundary is:
1. At least 7 dwelling units per acre (17.5 DU per hectare) with a 0.5 floor-area ratio. The counted density
must be existing density, not zoned density, or
2. At least 22,000 square feet per acre (5 050 square meters per hectare) of buildable land.
For previously developed existing rural healthcare campus sites, achieve a minimum development density
of 30,000 square feet per acre (6890 square meters per hectare).
AND/OR
Meet Option 2 or Option 3 requirements under New Construction above.

LT Credit: Active Travel Facilities
1-2 points
Intent
To promote infrastructure that supports multi-modal transportation choices and reduce vehicle distance
traveled and associated emissions. To encourage affordable transit opportunities that increase physical
activity and protect environmental and public health.
Requirements
Option 1. Bicycle Network and Storage (1 point)
Bicycle Network
Design or locate the project such that a functional entry and/or bicycle storage is within a 200-yard (180-
meter) walking distance or bicycling distance of a bicycle network that meets the following criteria:
• is a contiguous network that spans a distance of at least 3-miles (4800-meters) from the project
boundary and provides a comfortable transportation experience.
• consists of bicycle paths, lanes or multi-use trails that are at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) wide for a
two-way path and at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide for a one-way path, or streets with a maximum
speed limit of 25 mph (40 kph).
Planned bicycle trails or lanes may be counted if they are fully funded by the date of the certificate of
occupancy and are scheduled for completion within three years of that date.
AND
Bicycle Storage
Provide short-term bicycle storage within 200 feet (60 meters) walking distance to any main entrance, but
no fewer than four storage spaces per building.
Provide long-term bicycle storage within 300 feet (90 meters) walking distance from any functional entry,
but no fewer than four storage spaces per building in addition to the short-term bicycle storage spaces.
Long-term storage must be indoors or covered to protect bicycles from weather.
Shared micromobility storage, bicycle sharing stations, and/or publicly available bicycle parking may be
counted for up to 50% of the required short-term and long-term storage space if it meets the maximum
allowable walking distance, is not double counted (i.e., the short-term and the long-term storage spaces
are counted separately), and the storage location is communicated to the building occupants and visitors.
Table 1. Number of Spaces Required for Short- and Long-term Bicycle Storage
Commercial,
Institutional, Residential Mixed-Use Retail
Schools, Healthcare
At least two short-
Meet the storage term bicycle storage
requirements for the spaces for every
Short-term At least 2.5% of all peak visitors but no
nonresidential and 5,000 square feet
storage fewer than four spaces per building
residential portions of (465 square meters),
the project separately but no fewer than two
storage spaces per
building
At least 15% of all At least 5% of regular

At least 5% of all regular building building occupants,
regular building occupants but no but no fewer than two
occupants but no less than one storage spaces per
Long-term
fewer than four storage space per building in addition
storage
storage spaces per three dwelling unit to the short-term
building in addition to
in addition to short- bicycle storage
short-term storage term storage spaces
spaces
Schools projects can exclude students grade 3 and younger from regular building occupant count for long-
term storage.
Healthcare projects can exclude patients from regular building occupant count for long-term storage.
AND/OR
Option 2. Enhanced Facilities (1 point)
Implement at least one of the following enhanced facilities for one point.
Path 1. Shower and Changing Facilities

Provide access to on-site showers with changing facilities for 1% of all regular building occupants. Off-site
showers and changing facilities are acceptable if they meet the needs of all occupants and are within a
1/4-mile (400-meters) walking distance.
AND/OR
Path 2. Bicycle Maintenance

Provide a bicycle repair station that includes tools, air pump and stand and a parts vending machine in
the area dedicated to long-term bicycle storage. For residential projects, the location must be indoors
within a covered and secure area of the building and communicated to residents.
AND/OR
Path 3. Micromobility Benefits

Offer complimentary bike share and/or micromobility membership to all regular building occupants at least
annually. For projects that are 50% or more residential, install electrical outlets for charging e-bikes
and/or e-scooters for at least 10% of the required long-term bicycle storage area as required by Option 2.
Large occupancy projects

The following guidance should be applied when determining the number of showers needed for projects
with a large number of occupants:
Provide at least one on-site shower with changing facility for the first 100 regular building occupants and
one additional shower for every 150 regular building occupants thereafter, up to 999 regular building
occupants.
• one additional shower for every 500 regular building occupants, for the additional 1,000 – 4,999
regular building occupants
• one additional shower for every 1,000 regular building occupants, for the additional 5,000 +
regular building occupants.
Schools
Meet Option 1 and Option 2 above.

AND
Provide dedicated bicycle lanes that extend from the student bike-parking location to at least the end of
the school property without any barriers (e.g., fences on school property).
AND/OR
Meet Option 3. Enhanced facilities for one additional point.
Healthcare
Residential healthcare spaces with non-bicycling occupants may exclude these occupants from the Option
2. Bicycle storage requirements.

LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management
1-2 points
Intent
To reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use for transportation through
encouraging alternative transportation networks. To promote more livable and healthy communities
through reduced vehicle miles traveled and associated emissions.
Requirements
Transportation Demand Assessment
Assess the number of vehicle miles traveled and carbon emissions associated with the regular building
occupant commuting trips to and from the project building as outlined below:
• Estimate the vehicle miles traveled using the methodology outlined in the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Mixed-Use Trip Generation Model.
• Calculations are performed assuming in the baseline case that all regular building occupants
commute in single occupancy vehicles. The analysis requires an estimate of a normal pathway
the vehicles may take across a roadway network.
• Assess alternative transportation and active travel options available to regular building occupants.
The calculations must account for seasonal variations in the use of alternative commuting
methods and should indicate the distribution of commuting trips using each type of alternative
transportation strategy.
Estimate total reduction of carbon emissions using the methodology outlined in the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Simplified Emissions Calculations or MOVES program.
AND
Implement one or more of the following strategies for one point each up to a total of two points.
Option 1. No Parking (2 points)
Provide no off-street parking in the project.
OR
Option 2. Reduced Parking (1 - 2 points)
Path 1. Reduce Parking (1 point)

Provide parking capacity that is a 40% reduction below the baseline, using the base ratios for parking
spaces, by building type, found in Appendix 4. Table 1. Base Ratios for Parking. Alternatively, projects
may demonstrate baseline and reduced parking capacity using calculations for the most appropriate land
use found in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Manual, 6th Edition or a
comparable resource applied by a qualified transportation engineer or planner.
AND/OR
Path 2. Carshare (1 point)

Provide access to carshare vehicles within a ¼-mile (400-meter) walking distance of any functional entry
in the project or provide carshare vehicle parking space(s) for at least 1% of total parking spaces,
rounded up to the nearest whole number. If the project has fewer than 100 parking spaces, provide one
carshare vehicle parking space. Establish an agreement between the project and carshare company
guaranteeing that new or existing carshare vehicle space(s) will be dedicated for a minimum of two years
from the certificate of building occupancy.
AND/OR
Path 3. Unbundling Parking (1 point)

Sell parking separately from all property sales or leases. For owner-occupied projects, do not provide free
parking for employees. Implement a parking fee at local market rate or at least equal to the daily roundtrip
cost of public transit for one person, whichever is greater.
AND/OR
Path 4. Transit Passes and Guaranteed Ride Home Program (1 point)

Provide regular building occupants the cost of a monthly public transit pass or active transportation (e.g.,
bike share), to and from the project building, subsidized to 75% of the regular price, not to exceed the
maximum allowable amount by the employer. Commit to providing a guaranteed ride home program for
employees. The program must provide five free rides to employees who have carpooled, taken public
transit, walked, or cycled to work and must leave because of an unexpected emergency.
AND/OR
Path 5. Flexible Work Arrangements (1 point)

Provide flexible work arrangements and develop internal policies that improve travel efficiency and reduce
employees commute time by eliminating or reducing at least 40% of peak period vehicle trips through
telework, flextime or hybrid work schedule, compressed work weeks, staggered shifts, or other
arrangements that reduce or eliminate at least 40% of peak period vehicle trips. These policies must
outline the terms under which employees can engage in flexible work arrangements and describe how the
program will be promoted to employees.
For all projects

The credit calculations must include all existing and new off-street parking spaces that are subsidized,
leased or owned by the project, including parking that is outside the project boundary but is used by the
project. For shared or pooled parking, calculate parking capacity using the project’s share of pooled
parking. On-street parking in public rights-of-way is excluded from these calculations.
Mixed-use projects should determine the percentage reduction by first aggregating the parking amount of
each use type (as specified by the base ratios) and then determining the percentage reduction from the
aggregated parking amount.
Do not include parking spaces for fleet and inventory vehicles unless these vehicles are regularly used by
employees for commuting as well as business purposes.

LT Credit: Electric Vehicles
1-2 points
Intent
To encourage the use of electric vehicles and infrastructure and help diminish the negative health effects
on communities by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants emitted from conventionally
fueled cars and trucks.
Requirements
Option 1. Projects with No Parking (1 point)

Inform project occupants and visitors about the availability of public or on-street public EV charging
stations within a 1/4-mile (400-meter) radius of the project’s geographic center.
Implement one of the following:

a) Contribute financially via an agreement with the local authority to support the installation cost of a
minimum of five (5) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment(s) (EVSE) at a public parking lot or on-
street public parking located within a 1/4-mile (400-meter) radius of the project’s geographic
center. The agreement must confirm that the EVSE installation is at least Level 2 charging
capacity (208 – 240 volts) or greater for each required space.
b) Install electrical outlets for charging e-bikes and/or e-scooters for at least 25% of the long-term
bicycle parking or storage in the project required by Option 1 of LTc Active Travel Facilities.
AND/OR
Option 2. Projects with Parking (1 – 2 points)
Path 1. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (1-2 points)

Install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) meeting the thresholds listed in Table 1. Clearly identify
and reserve these spaces for the sole use by plug-in electric vehicles with signage and/or pavement
markings. EVSE must:
• Provide a Level 2 charging capacity (208 – 240 volts) or greater for each required space.
• Comply with the relevant regional or local standard for electrical connectors such as SAE Surface
Vehicle Recommended Practice J1772, SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler or IEC
62196 of the International Electrotechnical Commission for projects outside the U.S.
• Meet the connected functionality criteria for ENERGY STAR certified EVSE and be capable of
responding to time-of-use market signals (e.g. price). For projects integrating EVSE with demand
response program or load flexibility and management strategies, refer to EAc Grid Interactive.
Table 1. Points for Installed EVSE (% of total parking spaces)

Commercial Residential Point(s)
10% or at least 5 spaces*, whichever is greater 20% 1
20% or at least 10 spaces*, whichever is greater At least 40% 2
*Percentage thresholds apply if the total parking capacity within the project is up to or equal to the
minimum required spaces
Table 2. Equivalency for EV Charging Points

Type Weighted Equivalency
Level 2 (installed) 1
DC Fast Charger 10
AND/OR
Path 2. Electric Vehicle Readiness (1 point)
Make the minimum number of total parking spaces used by the project electric vehicle ready (EV-ready)
as specified in Table 3. To be EV-ready, include a dedicated electrical circuit with sufficient capacity for
each required space. Each circuit shall have conduit and wire sufficient to provide Level 2 charging or
greater and shall end at an electrical box or enclosure located near each required space. An EV-ready
space must have full electrical circuits that are plug-and-play ready at the time of construction and are
capable of charging when an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is installed in the future.
Any space with an installed EVSE counted for credit under Option 1 may not be counted for credit as an
EV-ready space under Option 2.
Table 3. Points for EV-Ready Parking (% of total parking spaces)

Commercial Residential Points
At least 20% At least 40%
1
or at least 10 spaces, whichever is greater or at least 20 spaces, whichever is greater
Schools
Meet Case 1 or Case 2 above.
AND/OR
Option 3: Mitigate Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions (1 points)

Develop and implement a plan for acquiring at least 1 electric bus and/or for every other school-owned
bus serving the school to meet the following emissions standards within seven years of the building
certificate of occupancy:
• nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of 0.20 grams or less per brake horsepower-hour; and
• particulate matter emissions of 0.01 grams or less per brake horsepower-hour.
Emission standards must be met for each bus and not by an average of the entire fleet serving the school
AND
Develop and implement a plan for 50% of all other (non-bus) vehicles owned or leased to serve the school
to be electric vehicles.
Warehouses and Distribution Centers
Option 1. Electric Vehicle Charging (2 points)

Provide an on-site fleet with at least one yard tractor that is powered by electricity and provide on-site
charging for the vehicles.
OR
Option 2. Reduced Truck Idling (2 points)

Provide an electrical connection for at least 50% of all dock door locations and/or truck parking locations
to limit truck idling on the site.
Provide signage to communicate a reduced idling policy.

SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS)
SS Prerequisite: Minimized Site Disturbance
Required
Intent
To limit site disturbance from design and construction activities and preserve existing native vegetation,
healthy soils, and wildlife habitats.
Requirements
Minimize site disturbance by designing and constructing the project site to meet all of the following
requirements, as applicable to the project:
● Special-Status Vegetation: Conserve 100% of Special-Status vegetation located on-site as

defined by local, state, or federal entities.
● Invasive Vegetation: Indicate locations of existing invasive vegetation species on site and
address removal and control of invasive species before and during construction. Include only
native and adapted vegetation that is not currently listed as invasive.
● Erosion, Sedimentation, and Soils: Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation
control plan for all construction activities associated with the project. The plan must conform to
the erosion and sedimentation requirements of the 2017 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) Construction General Permit (CGP) or EU Taxonomy: DNSH, Pollution Prevention, Item 4
Noise and Dust, or local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. Projects must apply the CGP
regardless of size. The plan must specify how the construction activities are designed to minimize
soil disturbance and protect construction workers from natural hazards (see Prerequisite: Climate
Resilience Assessment).
● Healthy Habitat: Develop and implement strategies to minimize damage to plant communities
identified as healthy by the project team during construction and ongoing project activities.
Establish exclusion zones demarcated by physical barriers to minimize intrusion or disturbance of
identified healthy plant communities during construction activities.

SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design
Required
Intent
Reduce the risk of catastrophic natural events on-site and in adjacent landscapes by designing,
building, and maintaining sites to be resilient.
Requirements
Design for baseline flooding mitigation:
Flooding: Design and build critical utilities, including electrical service infrastructure, HVAC service
infrastructure, communications services infrastructure, wastewater systems, and backup
power/generators, to withstand flood events up to the 500-year floodplain level. Define the 500-year
floodplain based on locally applicable science-based projections as outlined by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios or consider equivalent current and region-specific data. In
addition, meet one of the following:
o Locate critical utilities at or above the 500-year floodplain level, as defined by local or regional
standards. For projects outside of the U.S., locate the critical utilities at or above the floodplain
level corresponding to a 500-year return period (a flood event with a 0.2% annual probability). If
unable to determine the 500-year floodplain due to insufficient data, implement flood-resistant
design measures based on the best available information and best management practices.
o Incorporate critical utilities within protective flood-proofed enclosures designed to withstand such
flood events.
o Implement best management techniques, including but not limited to elevated foundations, flood
barriers, waterproofing materials, green infrastructure, and flood vents designed to minimize
damage from floodwaters. Take into account topography, rainfall patterns, and potential sources
of flooding (e.g., rivers, storm surges).

SS Credit: Protect and Restore Biodiverse Habitat
1–2 points
Intent
To conserve existing natural areas, enhance biodiversity, and restore damaged areas to provide thriving
habitats for local wildlife.
Requirements
Preserve and protect from all development and construction activity 40% of greenfield area on the site (if
such areas exist).
AND
Restore a portion of the site, including the building footprint, identified as previously disturbed (if such
areas exist) and follow vegetation and soil requirements below. Vegetated roof surfaces may be included
in the habitat area calculations if the plants are native or adapted and provide habitat. Dedicated athletic
fields that are solely for athletic uses are exempted from counting toward the total site area. These areas
may not count toward the protected greenfield or restored habitat areas. Points are awarded according to
Table 1.
Table 1. Points for percentage of area restored

Restored Area Points BD+C
20% of previously disturbed area 1
40% of previously disturbed area 2
Soil Restoration
Restore soils on site disturbed by previous development and from current construction activities. These
requirements apply only to previously disturbed areas that will be re-vegetated. Specify the methods used
in the soil restoration process and include the depth of restoration (inches/centimeters).
Neither imported soils nor manufactured soil blends designed to serve as topsoil may be mined from the
following locations or contain the following:
● soils defined regionally by the Natural Resources Conservation Service web soil survey (or local
equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of
statewide or local importance,
● soils from other greenfield sites, and
● sphagnum peat moss or organic amendments that contain sphagnum peat.
Vegetation Biodiversity and Pollinator Habitat

Plant native and climate-adapted vegetation that is not currently listed as invasive (see the Prerequisite:
Minimize Site Disturbance). Include at least 15 species native or adapted to the project’s EPA Level III
ecoregion (or local equivalent for projects outside of the U.S.). Include a minimum of two out of the
following categories: tree, shrub, and ground cover. Designate with signage a portion of the habitat area
consisting of native flowering plants appropriate for local pollinators and totaling at least 110 square feet
(10 square meters).
Zero Lot Line Project Projects Only:

Meet the above requirements, as applicable to the project site.
AND
Provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.40 per square foot (US $4 per square meter) for the
total site area (including the building footprint), or at least $5,000, whichever is greater. Financial support
must be provided to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or conservation organization within the
same EPA Level III ecoregion or the project’s state (within the same country, region, climate zone, or
within 100 miles of the project [160 kilometers] for projects outside the U.S.). For U.S. projects, the land
trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Alliance.

SS Credit: Accessible Open Space
1 point
Intent
To create exterior open space that encourages interaction with the environment, social interaction,
passive recreation, and physical activities. To increase the site users’ ability to access outdoor spaces by
incorporating elements of accessibility, inclusivity, and health and wellness into the site design.
Requirements
Provide outdoor space greater than or equal to 30% of the total site area (including building footprint).
At least 25% of the required outdoor open space must be vegetated space planted with two or more types
of vegetation or have overhead vegetated canopy. Plant vegetation that is not currently listed as invasive
and that is native or adapted to the project’s EPA Level III ecoregion (or local equivalent for projects
outside of the U.S.).
The outdoor space must be one or more of the following:

● social area: a pedestrian-oriented paving or landscape area that accommodates outdoor social
activities,
● recreational area: a recreation-oriented paving or landscape area that encourages physical
activity,
● biodiverse green space: a landscape area that provides opportunities for year-round visual
interest that includes two or more types of vegetation out of the following categories: tree, shrub,
and ground cover,
● garden: a garden space dedicated to community gardens or urban food production, or
● habitat area: preserved or created habitat that meets the criteria of SS Credit Protect or Restore
Habitat and includes elements of human interaction. These areas automatically meet the
vegetation criteria of this credit.
Extensive or intensive vegetated roofs that are physically accessible can be used toward the minimum
vegetation requirement, and qualifying roof-based physically accessible paving areas can be used toward
credit compliance.
Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space if the side slope gradients average 1:4
(vertical:horizontal) or less and are vegetated.
AND
Provide site access and usability as required by local and national accessibility standards (e.g.,
Americans with Disabilities Act). In addition, meet at least 4 of the following criteria for open space
accessibility, inclusivity, and health and wellness:
● publicly accessible during daylight hours and open to all members of the community,
● accessible to persons with disabilities and service animals,
● includes seating for 5% of occupants,
● includes elements that reduce noise pollution,
● designed to reflect the cultural and social diversity of the surrounding community,
● designed with input from community stakeholders, including representatives from historically
underserved or marginalized groups, and/or
● designed with input from behavioral health professionals and/or community stakeholders with
expertise in safety, neurodiversity, and/or social health and wellness.

SS CREDIT: RAINWATER MANAGEMENT
1-3 points
Intent
To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance
of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region to avoid contributing
to flooding downstream in frontline communities.
Requirements
Meet one of the following options:
Option 1. Percentile of Rainfall Events (1-3 points)
In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, retain on site the runoff from the associated
percentile of regional or local rainfall events. The percentile event volume must be retained (i.e. infiltrated,
evapotranspirated, or collected and reused) using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure
(GI) practices. GI and LID strategies can be either structural or non-structural. Points are awarded
according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for percentile of regional or local rainfall events retained
All Projects Zero Lot Line Projects Points

90th Percentile 80th Percentile 1
OR
Option 2. Natural Land Cover Conditions (3 points)
Calculate the difference between the projected runoff volume under the proposed design conditions and
the runoff volume under natural land cover conditions that existed prior to any disturbance. Retain (i.e.
infiltrate, evapotranspirate, or collect and reuse) on site the increase in runoff volume using LID and GI
practices.
For Zero Lot Line Projects only:

Project teams may combine onsite and offsite strategies to retain runoff from the associated percentile
regional or local rainfall event for points, according to Table 1. Engage with local or regional authorities to
coordinate offsite rainwater management strategies that meet the credit’s intent (e.g. participating in
community-wide rainwater management programs).

SS Credit: Enhanced Resilient Site Design
2 points
Intent
Reduce the risk of catastrophic natural events on-site and in adjacent landscapes by designing,
building, and maintaining sites to be resilient.
Requirements
Design, construct the site and site structures based on the following best practices for at least 2 of the
highest priority hazards identified for compliance with the Prerequisite: Climate Resilience Assessment:
Drought: Comply with WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use Reduction requirements. Specify native and/or
drought-tolerant adapted/appropriate plantings. Makeup water for any created water features must
comply with SITES C3.4, or local equivalent.
AND/OR
Extreme Heat: Meet 2 or more of the following:
o Provide shaded external spaces adjacent to buildings for use during extreme heat events.
o Provide evaporative cooling solutions (fountains, misters, water features, etc.).
o Orient buildings and massing to self-shade in summer and extreme heat conditions.
o Provide outdoor cooling stations with emergency backup power.
o Demonstrate proximity to an emergency cooling station within one-quarter mile.
o Use paving materials with an initial solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.33
o Use an open-grid pavement system (at least 50% unbound)
AND/OR
Flooding: In addition to meeting Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design, meet two or more of the following
strategies, in accordance with ASCE 24 and FEMA 543 standards, or local equivalent:
o Critical Utilities
▪ Locate critical utilities in new construction above the Design or Base Flood Elevation, plus
freeboard as recommended.
▪ In retrofits, locate critical utilities inside protective floodproofed enclosures to prevent water
intrusion.
▪ Design new potable water systems to resist flood damage, infiltration of floodwaters, and
discharge of effluent.
▪ Elevate onsite wellheads above surrounding landscape to allow contaminated surface water
to drain away.
▪ Design new sewage systems to avoid infiltration and backup from rising floodwaters.
▪ Design and anchor plumbing conduits, water supply lines, gas lines and electric cables that
must extend below the DFE (Design Flood Elevation) to resist the effects of flooding.
▪ Design and anchor rainwater storage tanks to resist flood forces.
o All structural materials, finish materials, and connectors used below DFE must be flood resistant.
o Certify the project under a qualifying flood-resilient design standard(s).
AND/OR
Hail: Design and construct the site and site structures according to FORTIFIED Commercial High Wind
and Hail Specific Design Requirements for Hail, or local equivalent.
AND/OR
Hurricanes and High Winds: Design and construct the site and site structures according to FORTIFIED
Commercial Wind standards, or local equivalent. For projects in high-wind areas, design and construct
the site and site structures to comply with wind design measures per ASCE/SEI 7-10 in specified FEMA
zones, or a local equivalent. Backup Power is required in hurricane-prone regions. Install electrical
connections with a transfer switch or docking station (storm switch) to support connection of backup
power for critical mechanical and electrical systems. Create windbreaks using landscape forms,
vegetation, and other locally appropriate natural systems.
AND/OR
Sea Level Rise: Design and construct the site to accommodate at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) of flooding
based on sea level rise projections. In addition, meet 2 or more of the following:
o Incorporate elevated foundations to minimize projected flood damage to buildings.
o Use materials resistant to projected water damage for construction.
o Apply sealants and coatings to prevent projected water infiltration into structures.
o Install flood barriers to block projected floodwaters from entering buildings.
o Design green infrastructure solutions to manage projected storm surge and stormwater runoff
effectively.
o Ensure backup power systems are in place to maintain critical functions during projected flooding
events.
o Develop integrated drainage systems to manage projected excess flooding efficiently.
o Engage in community-level planning, partnerships, and/or design workshops to coordinate flood
mitigation efforts effectively and equitably address the needs of populations vulnerable to
projected flooding.
o Retrofit existing structures to enhance their resilience to future flood risks.
o Develop integrated drainage systems to manage projected excess flooding efficiently.
AND/OR
Tsunami: Mitigate the impact of tsunami through site planning strategies as described in Designing for
Tsunamis (US National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program), or local equivalent. Additionally,
incorporate the following elements from the TsunamiReady Guidelines:
• Install tsunami danger area and evacuation route signage.
• Install Public Alert-notified NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) receivers in critical facilities and public
venues, or local equivalent.
AND/OR
Wildfire: Follow wildfire management practices pertaining to wildland-urban interface design, vegetation
management, debris disposal, and fire safety for equipment referenced in the NWCG Standards for
Mitigation 2023, or a local equivalent. Design and construct the site and site structures in compliance with
SITES v2 Credit 4.11: Reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, or local equivalent. Reduce fuel using the
Zone Concept (firewise.org ‘Safer from the Start’ Appendix E), or a local equivalent.
AND/OR
Winter Storms: Meet 2 or more of the following:

• Provide adequate ingress/egress for vehicles and snow removal equipment.
• Provide a snow-removal plan, including compatible road material, areas for accumulated snow,
and roof snow removal.
• Ensure safe walking surfaces to exterior parking areas, considering heated sidewalks with
renewable energy sources.
• Specify native or adapted planting with a capacity for heavy snow loads.

SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction
1–2 points
Intent
To mitigate disparate impacts on microclimates and habitats caused by heat islands and extreme heat
events.
Requirements
Meet the following requirements, as applicable to the project site:
Tree Equity
For all U.S. projects only, evaluate the American Forests Tree Equity score for the site location. For
projects in areas ranked “High Priority” and “Highest Priority”, utilize the results of the evaluation to inform
an increase in on-site canopy cover from the existing condition. Projects with no exterior work are exempt
from this requirement.
For international projects, refer to the Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment and evaluate the tree cover
on-site and in the surrounding community, either by utilizing a local tree census or conducting a site
assessment. Analyze the project’s local community composition to identify any neighboring underserved
and/or disadvantaged populations with lower tree canopy presence. Utilize the results of the evaluation to
inform an increase in on-site canopy cover from the existing condition to provide shade to neighboring
underserved and/or disadvantaged areas. Projects with no exterior work are exempt from this
requirement.
AND
Choose one of the following options:
Option 1. Nonroof and Roof (2 points)
Meet the following criterion:

Area of Area of High- Area of
Nonroof Reflectance Roof Vegetated Roof
Measures
————— + —————— + —————— ≥ +
Total Site
0.5 0.75 0.75 Paving Area Total Roof Area
Alternatively, an SRI and SR weighted average approach may be used to calculate compliance.
Use any combination of the following strategies.
Nonroof Measures
● Use the existing plant material or install plants that provide shade over paving areas (including
playgrounds) on the site within 10 years of planting. Install vegetated planters. Plants must be in
place at the time of occupancy permit and cannot include artificial turf.
● Provide shade with structures covered by energy generation systems, such as solar thermal
collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
● Provide shade with architectural devices or structures. If the device or structure is a roof, it shall
have an aged solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.28 as measured in accordance with
ANSI/CRRC S100. If the device or structure is not a roof, or if aged solar reflectance information
is not available, it shall have at installation an initial SR of at least 0.33 as measured in
accordance with ANSI/CRRC S100.
● Provide shade with vegetated structures.
● Use paving materials with an initial solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.33.
● Use an open-grid pavement system (at least 50% unbound).
High-Reflectance Roof
Use roofing materials that have an aged SRI equal to or greater than the values in Table 1. If aged SRI is
not available, the roofing material shall have an initial SRI equal to or greater than the values in Table 1.
Table 1. Minimum solar reflectance index value, by roof slope
Aged SRI
Slope Initial SRI
Low-sloped roof ≤ 2:12 82 64
Steep-sloped roof > 2:12 39 32
Roof area that consists of functional, usable spaces (such as helipads, recreation courts, and similar
amenity areas) may meet the requirements of nonroof measures. Applicable roof area excludes roof area
covered by mechanical equipment, solar energy panels, skylights, and any other appurtenances.
Vegetated Roof
Install a vegetated roof using native or adapted plant species.
OR
Option 2. Parking Under Cover (1 point)

Place 100% of parking spaces under cover. Any roof used to shade or cover parking must (1) have an
aged SRI of at least 32 (if aged value information is not available, use materials with an initial SRI of at
least 39 at installation), (2) be a vegetated roof, or (3) be covered by energy generation systems, such as
solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
The credit calculations must include all existing and new off-street parking spaces that are leased or
owned by the project, including parking that is outside the project boundary but is used by the project. On-
street parking in public rights-of-way is excluded from these calculations.

SS Credit: Light Pollution and Bird Collision Reduction
1 point
Intent
To increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce the consequences of
development for wildlife and people.
Requirements
Meet the following uplight requirements and light trespass requirements. Meet these requirements for all
exterior luminaires located inside the project boundary (except those listed under “Exemptions”), based
on the following:
● the photometric characteristics of each luminaire when mounted in the same orientation and tilt
as specified in the project design; and
● the lighting zone of the project property (at the time construction begins). Classify the project
under one lighting zone using the lighting zones definitions provided in the Illuminating
Engineering Society and DarkSky International (IES/IDA) Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) User
Guide.
Uplight
Do not install any uplights onsite.
Light Trespass
Do not exceed the following luminaire backlight and glare ratings (based on the specific light source
installed in the luminaire), as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A, based on the mounting location
and distance from the lighting boundary.
Table 1. Maximum Backlight and Glare Ratings
Orient all luminaires less than two mounting heights from the lighting boundary such that the backlight
points toward the nearest lighting boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented
toward the building are exempt from the backlight rating requirement.
Internally Illuminated Exterior Signage

Do not exceed a maximum luminance level of 160 cd/m2 (nits) during nighttime hours and 3,500 cd/m2
(nits) during daytime hours.
Exemptions from Light Trespass Requirements

The following exterior lighting is exempt from the requirements, provided it is controlled separately from
the nonexempt lighting:
● specialized signal, directional, and marker lighting for transportation;
● lighting for theatrical purposes for stage, film, and video performances;
● government-mandated roadway lighting;
● hospital emergency departments, including associated helipads; and
● lighting for the national flag in lighting zones 2, 3, or 4.
AND
Bird Collision Deterrence

Design and build the building, site structures, glazed corners, glazed railings, and fly-through conditions
to be visible as physical barriers to birds. For all site structures and façade materials included in the first
40 feet (12 meters) above grade (measured from grade at all points), and 40 feet (12 meters) above any
green roof, use only glazing and materials listed in the American Bird Conservancy's (ABC) Threat Factor
Database with a Threat Factor of 30 or below, or meet alternative prescriptive criteria outlined by the
ABC. All glazed corners or fly-through conditions must also have a Threat Factor of 30 or below.
For the purposes of this credit, qualifying materials include glazing that incorporates physical signals to
birds created by fritting and UV coatings; non-glazing, opaque and non-reflective materials such as
concrete; glazing behind qualifying sunshades and screens; glazing to which materials such as qualifying
window films have been applied. For the purposes of this credit, fly-through conditions are defined as an
open pathway for flight through and between site structures.

WATER EFFICIENCY (WE)
WE Prerequisite: Water Metering and Reporting
Required
Intent
To conserve potable water resources, support water management, and identify opportunities for
additional water savings by tracking water consumption.
Requirements
• Install (or utilize existing) permanent water meters to monitor, record and report the total water
consumption for each water source for the building and associated grounds. Report whole-project
use for each type of water source supplied to the building and associated grounds, with the
following additional provisions: The facility manager and/or tenant must be able to access the
meter data.
• Meter alternative water sources separately from municipally supplied potable water.
• Projects whose water use for irrigation is metered at the campus system level must submit an
engineering calculation that accurately reflects the water consumption of the landscaped area
within the project boundary or prorate irrigation data for the project boundary from the campus
meter.
• Commit to sharing with USGBC the resulting whole-project water usage data at least annually.
The requirements may be applied to the project scope of work and exclude future tenant utility services
and submeters that will be installed in the tenant scope of work.

WE Prerequisite: Minimum Water Efficiency
Required
Intent
To reduce potable water consumption and the associated energy consumption and carbon emissions
required to treat and distribute water and preserve potable water resources through an efficiency first
approach. To support high-performance, cost-effective water system design outcomes and water
management in operations by estimating projected annual potable water use.
Requirements
FOR ALL PROJECTS
Estimate projected annual potable water use of the building and grounds, including all water using
processes, equipment, and fixtures.
AND
Meet the minimum water efficiency requirements for Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3 outlined below.
Option 1. Minimum Fixture and Fittings Efficiency
Meet the minimum water efficiency requirements for Fixtures and Fittings outlined below.
Projects located where standard supply pressure is different than the LEED baseline supply pressure
may calculate the water consumption of flow fixtures and fittings at the local standard supply pressure.
Path 1. Prescriptive Path – Maximum Flush and Flow Rates
For all the new and existing fixtures and fittings within the project boundary, do not exceed the maximum
flush and flow rates listed in Table 1.
• All newly installed toilets, urinals, and showerheads that are eligible for labeling must be
WaterSense labeled.
• Projects located outside of the U.S. and Canada must comply with the maximum WaterSense
flush and flow rates for the toilet (water closet), urinal, private lavatory faucets and showerhead
fixtures.
Table 1. Maximum installed flush or flow rates for prescriptive path
Fixture or Fitting Maximum installed flush or Maximum installed flush

flow rate (IP) or flow rate (SI)
Toilet (water closet)* 1.28 gpf** 4.8 lpf**
Urinal* 0.50 gpf 1.9 lpf
Public lavatory (restroom) faucet 0.50 gpm 1.9 lpm
Private lavatory faucets* 1.50 gpm 5.7 lpm
Kitchen faucet 1.8 gpm 6.8 lpm
Showerhead* 2.00 gpm 7.6 lpm
*The WaterSense label is available for this fixture type. Private lavatory faucets do not have to be
WaterSense labeled but must comply with the maximum 1.5 gpm / 5.7 lpm WaterSense limit.
** For dual-flush toilets, the full-flush volume shall be equal to or less than the maximum installed flush
rate of 1.28 gpf / 4.8 lpf.
OR
Path 2. Performance Path – Calculated Reduction

For all the new and existing fixtures and fittings within the project boundary, reduce aggregate water
consumption by 20% from the baseline listed in Table 2. All newly installed toilets, urinals, and
showerheads, that are eligible for labeling, must be WaterSense labeled. Projects located outside the
U.S. and Canada no longer are required to meet maximum WaterSense flush/flow rates for the
calculation path.
Table 2. Baseline water consumption of fixtures and fittings
Fixture or Fitting Baseline installed flush or Baseline installed flush or

flow rate (IP) flow rate (SI)
Toilet (water closet)* 1.6 gpf** 6.0 lpf
Urinal* 1.0 gpf 3.8 lpf
Public lavatory (restroom) faucet 0.50 gpm at 60 psi 1.9 lpm at 415 kPa
Private lavatory faucets* 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa
Kitchen faucet 2.2 gpm at 60 psi 8.3 lpm at 415 kPa
Showerhead* 2.5 gpm at 80 psi per shower 9.5 lpm at 550 kPa per
stall shower stall
*The WaterSense label is available for this fixture type. Private lavatory faucets do not have to be
WaterSense labeled but must comply with the maximum 1.5 gpm / 5.7 lpm WaterSense limit.
**For dual-flush toilets, the full-flush volume shall be equal to or less than the maximum installed flush rate
of 1.28 gpf / 4.8 lpf.
AND
Option 2. Minimum Appliance and Process Water Efficiency
Newly installed appliances, equipment, and processes within the project boundary must meet the
requirements listed in Tables 3 and 4 below. Existing appliances and equipment can be excluded.
Table 3. Standards for appliances
Appliance Requirement
Residential clothes washer ENERGY STAR or performance equivalent
Commercial clothes washer ENERGY STAR for commercial clothes washers with ≤ 8.0 cubic feet
(227 liters) capacity or performance equivalent
Residential dishwashers (standard ENERGY STAR or performance equivalent
and compact)
Pre-rinse spray valves ≤ 1.3 gpm (4.9 lpm)

Ice machine ENERGY STAR or performance equivalent and use either air-cooled or
closed-loop cooling, such as chilled or condenser water system
Commercial Kitchen Equipment Requirement (IP) Requirement (SI)

Dishwasher Undercounter ≤ 1.6 gal/rack ≤ 6.0 liters/rack
Stationary, single ≤ 1.4 gal/rack ≤ 5.3 liters/rack
tank, door
Single tank, ≤ 1.0 gal/rack ≤ 3.8 liters/rack

conveyor
Multiple tank, ≤ 0.9 gal/rack ≤ 3.4 liters/rack

conveyor
Flight machine ≤ 180 gal/hour ≤ 680 liters/hour

Food Steamer Boilerless / ≤ 2 gal/hr/pan ≤ 7.5 liters/hr/pan
Connectionless
Steam Generator ≤ 5 gal/hr/pan ≤ 19 liters/hr/pan
Combination Countertop or stand ≤ 1.5 gal/pan ≤ 5.7 liters/pan
Oven
Roll-in ≤ 1.5 gal/pan ≤ 5.7 liters/pan
Table 4. Standards for processes
Process Requirement
Heat rejection and cooling No once-through cooling with potable water for any equipment or appliances that
reject heat
Cooling towers and Equip with
evaporative condensers Makeup water meters
Conductivity controllers and overflow alarms
Efficient drift eliminators that reduce drift to max of 0.001% of recirculated water
volume for counterflow towers and 0.002% of recirculated water flow for cross-
flow towers
Discharge water temperature Where local requirements discharge temperature of fluids into drainage system,
tempering using tempering device that runs water only when equipment discharges hot
water
OR
Provide thermal recovery heat exchanger that cools drained discharge water
below code-required maximum discharge temperatures while simultaneously
preheating inlet makeup water
OR
If fluid is steam condensate, return it to boiler
Venturi-type flow-through Use no device that generates vacuum by means of water flow through device into
vacuum generators or drain
aspirators
AND
Option 3. Minimum Outdoor Water Use Efficiency
Create a landscape management plan that includes the following information:

• Maintenance instructions for vegetation health, pest management and control of invasive
species. Include a schedule for harvest of food producing gardens if installed on site.
• Anticipated irrigation allotment and watering schedule for both long-term and establishment
period.
• Soil management, including process for identifying soil deficiencies, soil testing, and applying
amendments and fertilizers.
AND
Reduce outdoor water use through one of the following options. Nonvegetated surfaces, such as
permeable or impermeable pavement, should be excluded from landscape area calculations. Athletic
fields and playgrounds (if vegetated) and food gardens may be included or excluded at the project team’s
discretion.
Path 1. No irrigation
Show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigation system beyond a maximum two-year
establishment period.
OR
Path 2. Efficient irrigation

Reduce the project’s landscape water requirement by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the
site’s annual Theoretical Irrigation Requirement (TIR). Reductions must be achieved through plant
species selection and irrigation system efficiency, as calculated by the TIR methodology outlined by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency
1–6 points
Intent
required to treat and distribute water and reward use of alternative water sources that preserve potable
water resources.
Requirements
Implement strategies below for a maximum of 5 points. Projects with a cooling tower can earn up to a
maximum of 4 points from Options 1, 2, and 3.
Option 1. Fixture and Fittings – Calculated reduction (1-3 points)
Further reduce fixture and fitting water use from the calculated baseline in Prerequisite: Minimum Water
Efficiency, Option 1, Path 2. Include fixtures and fittings necessary to meet the needs of the occupants
(water closets, urinals, lavatories, and showers when documenting LT Credit Active Travel, Option 3.
Enhanced Facilities). Some of these fittings and fixtures may be outside the project boundary. Additional
potable water savings can be earned above the prerequisite level using alternative water sources. Points
are awarded according to Table 1.
Any future installed fixtures must be included in the calculations as neutral (same as the baseline water
consumption rates) unless one of the following can be provided:
• Applicable plumbing code
• Tenant final construction drawings
Table 1. Points for Reducing Indoor Water Use

Percentage reduction Points
30% 1
35% 2
40% 3
AND/OR
Option 2. Appliance and Process Water (1-2 points)
Newly installed equipment within the project boundary must meet the minimum requirements in Table 2,
3, 4, and/or 5. One point is awarded for meeting all applicable requirements in any one table for a
maximum of two points. All applicable newly installed equipment listed in each table must meet the
standard. Existing appliances and equipment can be excluded.
Table 2: Compliant commercial washing machines

To use Table 2, the project must process at least 120,000 lbs. (57,606 kg) of laundry per year.
Table 2. Compliant Commercial Washing Machines

Washing machine Requirement (IP units) Requirement (SI units)
On-premise, minimum capacity 2400 lbs. (10,886 kg) Maximum 1.8 gals per Maximum 7 liters per 0.45
per 8-hour shift pound * kg *
*Based on equal quantities of heavy, medium, and light soil laundry.
Table 3: Compliant Commercial Kitchen Equipment

To use Table 3, the project must serve at least 100 meals per day of operation.
44
Standards for appliances
Commercial Kitchen Equipment Requirement (IP) Requirement (SI)
Dishwasher Undercounter ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance
equivalent
Stationary, single ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance
tank, door equivalent
Single tank, ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance

conveyor equivalent
Multiple tank, ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance

conveyor equivalent
Flight machine ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance

equivalent
Food Steamer Boilerless / ≤ 1.7 gal/hr/pan including ≤ 6.4 liters/hr/pan including
Connectionless condensate cooling water condensate cooling water
Steam Generator ≤ 2.2 gal/hr/pan including ≤ 8.3 liters/hr/pan including
condensate cooling water condensate cooling water
Combination Countertop or stand ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance
Oven equivalent
Roll-in ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or performance

equivalent
Food waste Disposer 3-8 gpm, full load condition; 10- 11-30 lpm, full load condition; 10-
disposer minute automatic shutoff or 1 minute automatic shutoff or 3.8
gpm, no-load condition lpm, no-load condition
Scrap collector Maximum 2 gpm makeup water Maximum 7.6 lpm makeup water
Pulper Maximum 2 gpm makeup water Maximum 7.6 lpm makeup water
Strainer basket No additional water usage No additional water usage
Table 4: Compliant laboratory and medical equipment
Lab equipment Requirement (IP units) Requirement (SI units)

Reverse-osmosis water purifier 75% recovery
Steam sterilizer For 60-in sterilizer: 6.3 gal/U.S. tray For 1520-mm sterilizer: 28.5
For 48-in sterilizer: 7.5 gal/U.S. tray liters/DIN tray
For 1220-mm sterilizer: 28.35
liters/DIN tray
Sterile process washer 0.35 gal/U.S. tray 1.3 liters/DIN tray
X-ray processor, 150 mm or more in Film processor water recycling unit

any dimension
Digital imager, all sizes No water use
Table 5: Compliant Municipal Steam Systems

To use Table 5, the project must be connected to a municipal or district steam system that does not allow
the return of steam condensate.
Steam system Requirement
Steam condensate disposal Cool municipally supplied steam condensate (no return) to drainage
system with heat recovery system or reclaimed water
OR
Reclaim and use steam condensate 100% recovery and reuse
AND/OR
Option 3. Outdoor Water Use (1-2 points)
Path 1: No irrigation (2 points)
Show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigation system beyond a maximum two-year
establishment period.
OR
Path 2: Reduced Irrigation (1-2 points)
Reduce the project’s theoretical irrigation requirement (TIR) by at least 50% from the calculated baseline.
Points are awarded according to Table 6. Reductions may be achieved using any combination of
efficiency, alternative water sources, and smart scheduling technologies.
Table 6. Points for Reducing Outdoor Water Use
Percentage reduction Points
50% 1
100% 2
AND/OR
Option 4. Optimize Process Water Use (1-2 points)
Path 1. Cooling tower and evaporative condenser cycles of concentration (1-2 points)
For cooling towers and evaporative condensers, conduct a one-time potable water analysis, measuring at
least the five control parameters listed in Table 7.
Table 7. Maximum Concentrations for Parameters in Condenser Water
Parameter Maximum level

Ca (as CaCO3) 600 ppm
Total alkalinity 500 ppm

SiO2 150 ppm
Cl- 300 ppm
Conductivity 3300 μS/cm

ppm = parts per million
µS/cm = micro siemens per centimeter
Calculate the maximum number of cooling tower cycles by dividing the maximum allowed concentration
level of each parameter by the actual concentration level of each parameter found in the potable makeup
water analysis. Limit cooling tower cycles to avoid exceeding maximum values for any of these
parameters.
The materials of construction for the water system that come in contact with the cooling tower water shall
be of the type that can operate and be maintained within the limits established in Table 8. Points are
awarded according to Table 8.
Table 8. Points for Cooling Tower Cycles

Cooling tower cycles Points
Maximum number of cycles achieved without exceeding any maximum concentration levels or 1
affecting operation of condenser water system
Meet the maximum calculated number of cycles to earn 1 point, and increase the number of 2
cycles by a minimum of 25% by increasing the level of treatment and/or maintenance in
condenser or make-up water systems
OR
Meet the maximum calculated number of cycles to earn 1 point and use a minimum 20%
alternative water
Projects whose cooling is provided by district cooling systems are eligible to achieve Path 1 if the district
cooling system complies with the above requirements.
OR
Path 2. Optimize water use for cooling (1-2 points)

To be eligible for Option 2, the baseline system designated for the building using ASHRAE 90.1-2019 or
90.1-2022 Appendix G Table G3.1.1-3 must include a cooling tower (systems 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13).
Achieve increasing levels of cooling tower water efficiency beyond a water-cooled chiller system with axial
variable-speed fan cooling towers having a maximum drift of 0.002% of recirculated water volume and
three cooling tower cycles. Points are awarded according to Table 9.
Table 9. Points for Reducing Annual Water Use Compared to Water-Cooled Chiller System
Percentage Reduction Points

25% 1
50% 2
Projects whose cooling is provided by district cooling systems are eligible to achieve Path 2 if the district
cooling system complies with the above requirements.
OR
Path 3. Process Water Use (1-2 points)
Demonstrate that the project is using minimum 20% alternative water to meet process water demand for 1
point or using minimum 30% alternative water to meet process water demand for 2 points. Ensure that
alternative water is of sufficient quality for its intended end use.
Minimum percentage of alternative water used should be based on water use during the month with the
highest water demand.
Process water uses eligible for achievement of Path 3 must represent at least 10% of total building
regulated water use and may not include water used for cooling. Eligible subsystems may include:
• Boilers,
• Humidification systems,
• Other subsystems using process water.

WE Credit: Water Reuse
1 - 2 points
Intent
required to treat and distribute water, preserve potable water resources, and increase water system
resilience by using alternative water supply.
Requirements
Option 1. Reuse-Ready System (2 point)
Install a water supply system to allow the supply of reclaimed or alternative water to one or more of the
following end-uses. Space shall be provided for treatment equipment as applicable to end uses:
• All urinals and water closets
• Makeup water systems, such as cooling towers or boilers
OR
Option 2. Alternative Water Sources (2 points)

Incorporate one of the following water reuse strategies for indoor, outdoor, and/or process water:
• Onsite water reuse system
• Municipally supplied reclaimed water
Projects can also earn points for alternative water in Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency.

WE Credit: Water Metering and Leak Detection
1 point
Intent
To conserve potable water resources, support water management, limit potential material waste due to
water leak damages, and identify opportunities for additional water savings by tracking water
consumption.
Requirements
Option 1. Submeters (1 point)
Install permanent water meters for each applicable subsystem defined below:
• Indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings. Meter systems serving at least 80% of indoor fixtures and
fittings described in Prerequisite: Minimum Water Efficiency, either directly or by deducting all
other measured water use from the measured total water consumption of the building and
grounds.
• Irrigation system
• Each makeup water system (e.g., cold water inlet for domestic hot water, swimming pools, chilled
water systems, process water systems)
• Commercial kitchen (if the kitchen serves at least 100 meals per day of operation)
• Laundry (if the project includes commercial laundry equipment that processes at least 120,000
lbs. (57,606 kg) of laundry per year or if the project includes a public laundry room)
The facility manager and/or tenant must be able to access the submeter data in real-time via local
network, BMS, cloud service, app, or online database. All submeters must be capable of recording data at
least hourly.
Healthcare Projects Only
In addition to the requirements above, install water meters in any five of the following:
• purified water systems (reverse-osmosis, de-ionized);
• filter backwash water;
• water use in the dietary department;
• water use in laundry;
• water use in laboratory;
• water use in central sterile and processing department;
• water use in physiotherapy and hydrotherapy and treatment areas;
• water use in surgical suite;
• closed-looped hydronic system makeup water; and
• cold-water makeup for domestic hot water systems.
If a Healthcare project does not include five of the additional subsystems listed above within the project
scope, the project may alternatively submeter the water subsystems that are applicable to the project
scope.
Residential Only
Install a permanent water meter for each residential dwelling unit that measures the total potable water
use for the unit. These meters need not to be utility-owned/utility-grade.
OR
Option 2. Leak Detection Sensors (1 point)
Install permanent water flow meter / sensors for each applicable subsystem defined below:
• Project irrigation system at the point of entry, if irrigation is included in the project scope
• At least 50% of the project flush fixtures; water sensors can be installed on each flush fixture or
for a group of flush fixtures (e.g., one per restroom facility)
• Each makeup water system (e.g., cold water inlet for domestic hot water, swimming pools,
chilled water systems, process water systems)
The leak detection system should be able to identify a leak triggered by abnormal flow rate above normal
range, or physically detect a water leak, and initiate an alarm upon a leak detection.
The facility manager and/or tenant must be able to access the sensor data in real-time via local network,
BMS, cloud service, app, or online database.
Develop an action plan that addresses how the building manager or tenant will have access to data in
real-time; and how the building manager and/or tenant will address and remedy any detected leak.

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA)
EA Prerequisite: Operational Carbon Projection and
Decarbonization Plan
Required
Intent
To enable building stakeholders to visualize how their current design decisions will impact their project’s
long-term operational carbon emissions and to ensure that stakeholders are planning for low carbon
outcomes from the project’s inception.
Requirements
Comply with all the following:
Analyze Efficiency, Peak Load Reduction, and Decarbonization Measures.

Analyze efficiency, peak load reduction and decarbonization measures during the early stages of the
design process and account for the results in design decision making using any combination of the
following methodologies:
1. Simplified energy modeling OR

2. Analysis from similar projects OR
3. Analysis from published data
Predict Annual Energy Use and Breakdown of Energy Use by System

Predict the amount of each type of energy the project will use annually in terms of site energy and submit
the data to USGBC.
• Projects using the prescriptive path for EA: Prerequisite Minimum Energy Efficiency and EA:
Credit Enhanced Energy Efficiency shall estimate annual energy use applying any of the
methodologies above or more detailed modeling if desired.
• Projects using energy simulation for EA: Prerequisite Minimum Energy Efficiency and EA: Credit
Enhanced Energy Efficiency shall estimate annual energy use through an energy model.
Estimate the amount of energy and energy type used for each of the following end-uses: space heating;
service hot water; cooking; cooling; refrigeration; ventilation; plug and process loads; other.
Sign off on Carbon Projection.

Using the annual energy use data submitted and predicted future grid emissions, USGBC will generate a
“business as usual” (BAU) projection of the project’s carbon emissions from energy use from the present
through 2050. Such BAU projection assumes that the project’s use, occupancy, and systems remain
unchanged. The building owner or owner’s representative shall attest that they have reviewed the BAU
carbon projection.
Create a Decarbonization Plan.
Option 1: Design the project to be capable of operating above 20 °F (-6.5 °C) using electricity only and
without onsite combustion, except for emergency power.
OR
Option 2: If the project has not been designed to be capable of operating above 20 °F (-6.5 °C) using
electricity only and without onsite combustion, create a plan detailing how this end state could be
achieved by 2050.
51
• The plan shall be a narrative no more than two (2) pages in length.
• The narrative shall describe the retrofits to be made, with the approximate timeline and cost of
each of the retrofit measures.
• Equipment and/or building materials that will be discarded due to the required retrofits should be
described along with new equipment to be purchased.
• Electrification “readiness” strategies incorporated into the initial design should be described
along with a rough estimate of the avoided cost, avoided disruption, and avoided materials
waste afforded by each readiness measure. Some common readiness strategies include
oversizing electrical panels and/or service or installing conduit for future loads, enhanced
envelope, or heating distribution systems that can accommodate the lower temperatures of
future heat pumps
• The building owner or owner’s representative shall attest that they have reviewed the
Decarbonization Plan.
52
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency
Required
Intent
To promote resilience and reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions that disproportionately impact frontline communities by achieving a minimum
level of energy efficiency.
Requirements
Comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 or an approved equivalent standard. The referenced
version of Standard 90.1 with errata shall be:
• 2019 with Addendum cr for projects registered prior to January 1, 2028.
• 2022 for projects registered on or after January 1, 2028
53
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning
Required
Intent
To improve energy performance and limit GHG emissions by verifying that systems are operating as per
their design intent.
Requirements
Option 1. Fundamental Commissioning

Comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 commissioning requirements for building systems,
controls, and the building envelope, with the following additional provisions:
• The referenced version of Standard 90.1 with errata shall be:
o 2019 for projects registered prior to January 1, 2028
o 2022 for projects registered on or after January 1, 2028
• All projects shall provide commissioning. Section 4.2.5.2 exceptions shall not apply.
• By the end of the design development phase, Owner shall designate a commissioning provider
(CxP) with experience completing commissioning on at least two projects of equal or larger scope
and complexity.
• Develop the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and the Basis of Design (BoD) by the end of
the design development phase, updating through construction; review these documents in the
Commissioning design review.
OR
Option 2. Enhanced Commissioning

Comply with EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning Option 1, Path 1 (Enhanced
Commissioning for MEP systems) and Path 2 (Enhanced Commissioning for Building Enclosure)
54
EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting
Required
Intent
To support energy management practices and facilitate identification of ongoing opportunities for energy
and greenhouse gas emissions savings by tracking and reporting building energy use and demand.
Requirements
Install (or utilize existing) measurement devices to monitor, record, and report whole-building and tenant
energy use for each type of energy supplied to the building, for each electrical end-use, and for
equipment per ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, with the following additional provisions:
• The referenced version of Standard 90.1 with errata shall be:
o 2019 for projects registered prior to January 1, 2028
o 2022 for projects registered on or after January 1, 2028
• Buildings eligible for exceptions to 90.1-2019 Section 10.4.6 or 90.1-2022 Section 10.4.7 shall
install measurement devices capable of monitoring whole-building energy use for each building
energy source and building peak electricity demand at least monthly.
• Install an electricity meter for each non-transient residential dwelling unit.
• Meter and report the following separately from total electrical energy with recording and reporting
requirements identical to those defined for total electrical energy:
o On-site renewable electricity generation
o Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) associated with electric vehicle charging used
primarily for off-site vehicles.
• Commit to sharing metered data with USGBC at least annually.
55
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Required
Intent
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerants by accelerating the phase-out of refrigerants with
high global warming potential and by reducing refrigerant leakage.
Requirements
Option 1. No Refrigerants
Do not use refrigerants in the project.
OR
Option 2. Refrigerants
Comply with the following:
Refrigerant Inventory. Complete an inventory of the refrigerant-containing equipment installed

within the project scope of work and any existing equipment owned by the building owner. The
inventory shall include the refrigerant type, global warming potential (GWP), amounts of refrigerants
contained in each, and the total GWP of all refrigerants.
Global warming potential of refrigerants. For all new refrigerant containing equipment, do not
exceed the global warming potential (GWP) maximums in Table 1 below in accordance with the Table
2 schedule for non-A5 (developed) countries and A5 (developing) countries. Evaluate available
alternatives during the design process for any refrigerants with GWP > 700.
Leak check. Prior to substantial completion, check both new and existing refrigerant-containing
equipment for refrigerant leaks and repair all identified leaks. For systems with field-assembled
joints, perform leak check, vacuum check, and pressure check prior to charging with refrigerant.
Exception: Natural refrigerants with GWP < 25 are exempted from leak check requirements.
Table 1. GWP Caps for Refrigerants in Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump Products
GWP limit or prohibited Compliance

Subsector Products and Systems substances Date
Stationary air conditioning Residential and light commercial air conditioning and
and heat pumps heat pumps systems 700 Jan 1, 2025
Variable refrigerant flow systems 700 Jan 1, 2026
Heat pump service hot water heaters (including heat pumps used for service hot water 700 Jan 1, 2025
heating)
Chillers Comfort cooling 700 Jan 1, 2025
Data centers, computer room air conditioning and information technology equipment 700 Jan 1, 2027
cooling
Vending machines 150 Jan 1, 2025
Retail food – refrigeration stand-alone units 150 Jan 1, 2025
Retail food -refrigerated 500 g of refrigerant or less and outside scope of UL 621,
150 Jan. 1,2027
food processing and edition 7
dispensing More than 500 g of refrigerant and outside scope of UL List #1 prohibited Jan. 1,2027
equipment (self-contained) 621, edition 7
Ice cream makers within the scope of UL 621, edition 7 List #1 prohibited Jan. 1,2028
56
Retail food – other remote refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment List #1 prohibited Jan 1, 2027
Self-contained automatic Batch type: harvest rate <=1,000 lb. ice per 24 hours 150 Jan 1, 2026
commercial ice machines
Continuous type: harvest rate <=1,200 lb. ice per 24 hrs 150 Jan 1, 2026
Batch type: harvest rate above 1,000 lb. ice per 24 hrs List #1 prohibited Jan. 1,2027
Continuous type: harvest rate above 1,200 lb. ice per 24 List #1 prohibited Jan. 1, 2027
hrs
Remote automatic Jan 1, 2027
commercial ice machines See list #2 of prohibited substances
Cold storage warehouses, With ≥ 200 lb. refrigerant charge, excluding high 150 Jan 1, 2026
Retail food supermarkets, temperature side of cascade system
Retail food remote With < 200 lb. refrigerant charge 300 Jan 1, 2026
condensing units
High temperature side of cascade system 300 Jan 1, 2026
Chillers (process) Industrial process refrigeration with exiting fluid ≥ to -50 700 Jan 1, 2026
°C (-58 °F) and < -30 °C (-22 °F)
Industrial process refrigeration with exiting fluid ≥ to -30 700 Jan 1, 2028
°C (-22 °F)
Ice Rinks 700 Jan 1, 2025
Industrial process With 200 or more lb. refrigerant charge excluding high 150 Jan 1, 2026
refrigeration (not using temperature side of cascade system and temperature of
chillers) refrigerant entering the evaporator ≥-30 °C (-22 °F)
With less than 200 lb. refrigerant charge and 300 Jan 1, 2026
temperature of refrigerant entering the evaporator ≥ -30
°C (-22 °F)
High temperature side of cascade system and 300 Jan 1, 2026
temperature of refrigerant entering the evaporator ≥ -30
°C (-22 °F)
With refrigerant entering evaporator ≥ 50 °C (-58 °F) and 700 Jan 1, 2028
< -30 °C (-22 °F)
Table 1 Notes:
1. Source: EPA 2023 AIM Act Technology Transitions Rule using 100-year GWP values from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) (water heating matches HVAC heat
pump requirements). Additional reference guidance will be provided for projects outside the US with GWP values referenced to the IPCC’s Fifth or Sixth Assessments (AR5
or AR6).
2. Prohibited substances:
• List # 1 Prohibited: R-402A, R-402B, R-404A, R-407A, R-407B, R-407C, R-407F, R-407H, R-408A, R-410A, R-410B, R-411A, R-411B, R-417A, R-417C, R-420A, R-
421A, R-421B, R-422A, R-422B, R-422C, R-422D, R-424A, R-426A, R-427A, R-428A, R-434A, R-437A, R-438A, R-507A, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, R-125/290/134a/600a,
(55/1/42.5/1.5), RB-276, RS-24 (2002 formulation), RS-44 (2003 formulation), GHG-X5, Freeze 12
• List #2 Prohibited: R-402A, R-402B, R-404A, R-407B, R-408A, R-410B, R-417A, R-421A, R-421B, R-422A, R-422B, R-422C, R-422D, R-424A, R-428A, R-434A, R-
438A, R-507A, R-125/290/134a/600a (55/1/42.5/1.5), RS-44 (2003 formulation), GHG-X5
Table 2. Schedule for GWP Limit Compliance.
Registration Projects in non-A5 (developed) countries to Projects in A5 (developing) countries to

year comply for all products and systems with comply for all products and systems with
compliance dates on or before: compliance dates on or before:
2026 Jan. 1, 2025 NA
2027 Jan. 1, 2026 NA
2028 Jan. 1, 2027 NA
2029 Jan. 1, 2028 Jan. 1, 2025
2030 Jan. 1, 2028 Jan. 1, 2026
After 2030 Jan. 1, 2028 Jan. 1, 2027

57
EA Credit: Electrification
1-5 points – 5 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
Intent
To encourage building designs that do not depend on burning fuel onsite except in extreme situations,
leading to better indoor and outdoor air quality and to low carbon operations as the grid decarbonizes.
Requirements
Option 1. No On-Site Combustion (5 points)

Design and operate the project from start-up with no on-site combustion except for emergency support
systems.
To qualify, space heating equipment in climate zones 3 and above and service hot water heating (SWH)
equipment with total project SWH capacity exceeding 34,000 Btu/h (10 kW) must have a combined weighted
average COP of at least 2.
OR
Option 2: No On-Site Combustion Except at Low Temperatures (1-4 points)
Space Heating (2 points)

Design space heating to be capable of operating without on-site combustion at outside air (OSA)
temperatures above 20°F (-6.5 °C). Projects in climate zones 3 and above must have a weighted average
space heating equipment efficiency of at least 2.0 COP.
Service Water Heating (1 point)

Design service water heating systems to be capable of operating without on-site combustion at outside air
temperatures above 20°F (-6.5 °C). Projects with total service water heating capacity exceeding 34,000
Btu/h (10 kW) must have a weighted average service hot water equipment efficiency of at least 2 UEF (2
COP) OR domestic hot water solar fraction of at least 0.4.
Cooking and Other Process Loads (1 point)

Design cooking, laundry, process equipment, and on-site power generation except emergency support
systems to be capable of operating without on-site combustion (projects that do not have these systems
automatically earn this point).
For both Options 1 and 2, refer to the additional criteria below:

• COP rating conditions. For air-source equipment, use outdoor air temperature (OAT) AHRI
rating conditions of 17°F db/15°F wb (-8°C db/-9°C wb), or the next highest OAT rating conditions
if not applicable. For liquid-source equipment, use design conditions.
• Emergency support systems refers to power generators or backup systems designed to

operate in the event of a power outage or extreme temperature event (systems are not exempt
for locations where power outages commonly occur for more than 200 hours per year).
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EA Credit: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads
1-5 points
Intent
To reduce the size and cost of the low-carbon 2050 grid, which must have the capacity to meet the
heating and cooling loads of buildings during peak temperature events, and to increase the survivability
and resiliency of buildings experiencing loss of power.
Requirements
Comply with any combination of Options 1-4 for a maximum of 5 points.
Projects using energy simulation and the ASHRAE 90.1 Building Envelope Trade-off compliance path for
EA: Prerequisite Minimum Energy Efficiency and EA: Credit Enhanced Energy Efficiency must have a
proposed envelope performance factor less than or equal to the base envelope performance factor.
Option 1. Infiltration and Balanced Ventilation (1 point)
Comply with both of the following:
Infiltration. Demonstrate through an air leakage test a measured air leakage of the building envelope
less than or equal to Table 1, below. Buildings smaller than 25,000 square feet (2,322 square meters)
must use a whole building air leakage test.
Table 1. Caps on Air Leakage Rates
Building Pressure test conditions Maximum Air Leakage1

Conditioned Floor across the building
New Construction Major Renovation
Area (CFA) envelope
≥ 5,000 ft2 (465 m2) At pressure difference of 50 0.13 cfm/ft2 0.20 cfm/ft2
Pascal (0.2 in H2O) (0.65 L/s*m2) 1 (1.0 L/s*m2) 1
At pressure difference of 75 0.18 cfm/ft2 0.27 cfm/ft2
Pascal (0.3 in H2O) (0.90 L/s*m2) 1 (1.35 L/s*m2) 1
< 5,000 ft2 (465 m2) At 50 Pascal 1 ACH 1.5 ACH
(0.2 in in H20)
1. Air leakage per ft2 or m2 of building envelope area
AND
Balanced Ventilation. Design the supply and exhaust airflows within 10% of each other and include a
Test, Adjusting, and Balance (TAB) report demonstrating balanced ventilation in the commissioning
scope.
AND / OR
Option 2. Ventilation Heat Recovery (1 point)
Each fan system supplying outdoor air must have an energy or heat recovery system with a minimum
70% enthalpy recovery ratio or a minimum of 75% sensible heat recovery ratio. Provision must be made
to bypass or control the energy recovery system during moderate outside air conditions.
Exceptions: Kitchen exhaust and supply and, in aggregate, fan systems supplying no more than 10% of
the project’s total outdoor air, provided that such systems in total do not provide more than 20% of the
project’s total outdoor air.
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AND / OR
Option 3. Thermal Bridging (1 point)
Comply prescriptively with the thermal bridging requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 2022, Section 5.5.5
without applying exceptions for projects in climate zones 0 through 3.
AND / OR
Option 4. Peak Thermal Load Reductions (1 to 3 points)
Comply with all of the following:

• Demonstrate an improvement in peak heating and cooling loads using Case 1, Case 2, or Case 3
below, using measured building air leakage for the proposed envelope inputs as applicable.
• Measure building envelope air leakage using air leakage testing.
• Demonstrate balanced ventilation meeting the criteria in Option 1 above.
• Limit thermal bridging per Option 3 above, or ASHRAE 90.1-2019 addendum av, or 90.1-2022.
Case 1. Limit Maximum Sensible Peak Heating and Cooling Loads
Limit the sum of peak heating and peak cooling loads per unit of conditioned floor area (CFA) to be less
than or equal to the thresholds specified in Table 2. Calculate peak loads using one of the following:
o Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) following the Passive House Institute (PHI) protocol, or
o WUFI Passive Design Tool, following the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) protocol
Table 2. Points for meeting caps on sum of sensible peak heating and cooling loads
Points New Construction Major Renovation

1 16 Btu-h/ft2 (50 W/m2) 20 Btu-h/ft2 (63 W/m2)
OR
Case 2. Percentage improvement in peak thermal loads
Envelope – heating and cooling loads (1-2 points)

Demonstrate a percent improvement in the sum of peak heating and cooling loads for the proposed
envelope performance factor compared to the base envelope performance factor determined in
accordance with the ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Building Envelope Trade-off Option (Normative Appendix C).
Table 3. Points for Percentage Improvement in Peak Thermal Loads from Envelope
Points Percent Improvement

1 10%
2 20%
AND / OR
HVAC – Heating and cooling loads due to ventilation (1 point)

Demonstrate a minimum 15% improvement in the sum of peak heating and cooling loads for the Total
System Performance Ratio (TSPR) TSPR proposed building design versus the product of the TSPR
reference building design and the 90.1 Table L5-4 Mechanical Performance Factors (MPF) for the
60
project’s location and climate zone determined in accordance with the ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Mechanical
System Performance Rating Method (Normative Appendix L).
OR
Case 3. Peak heating and cooling load performance index (ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G)
Demonstrate a Performance Index (PI) calculated in accordance with ASHRAE 90.1 Normative Appendix
G “Performance Rating Method, replacing all references to “cost” with “the sum of peak heating and peak
cooling loads.
Table 4. Points for Performance Index for Peak Heating and Cooling Loads:
Performance Index Points

0.5 1
0.4 2
0.3 3
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EA Credit: Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Intent
To design buildings with minimal energy use to reduce the environmental and societal damage caused by
resource extraction, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions and to facilitate the transition to a clean
energy future.
Requirements
Option 1. Prescriptive (10 points)
Combine Regulated Loads and Plug and Process Loads for a maximum of 10 points.
Regulated Loads (1-7 points)
Apply Case 1 or Case 2. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Case 1. ASHRAE 90.1-2019 with additional efficiency (1-7 points)

(Available only to projects registered before January 2, 2028)
• Comply with the provisions of ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Sections 5 through 10
• Earn points by accruing additional efficiency credits in accordance with Section 11 of ASHRAE
90.1-2022.
• Where ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Section 11 references the prescriptive requirements of ASHRAE
90.1-2022 Sections 5 to 10, such as lighting power density or equipment efficiency, replace those
references with the parallel references in ASHRAE 90.1-2019.
OR
Case 2. ASHRAE 90.1-2022 with additional efficiency (4-7 points)

• Comply with the provisions of ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Sections 5 through 11, including the minimum
additional efficiency requirements in Section 11. (4 points)
Additional LEED points are rewarded for projects that document incremental ASHRAE 90.1 2022
Section 11 credits, above the minimum required.
Table 1. Points for ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Section 11 Credits
Points Compliance Path

Case 1. ASHRAE 90.1-2019 Case 2. ASHRAE 90.1-2022
Sections 5 to 10 Sections 5 to 11
1 25 Credits
2 50 Credits NA
3 75 Credits
4 100 Credits Min required by 90.1-2022
5 125 Credits Min required by 90.1-2022 plus 25 credits
Table 1 Notes:
1. Excludes 90.1 2022 Section 11 Additional Efficiency Requirements credits for E01, P01, R01, Q01, Q02, Q03, and G01
through G06, except to meet the minimums required by ASHRAE 90.1 2022 for Case 2 because these are recognized in
other LEED Energy and Atmosphere credits.
2. Informative Note: ASHRAE 90.1 2022 requirements can be viewed at https://www.ashrae.org/technical-
resources/standards-and-guidelines/read-only-versions-of-ashrae-standards.
62
AND/OR
Plug and Process Loads (PPL) (1 – 4 points)
Comply with either Path 1 or Path 2 for a maximum of 4 points.
Path 1. Prescriptive Path - Plug and Process Load (1 – 4 points)
Combine Plug load management and Energy Efficient Plug and Process Load Equipment for a maximum
of 4 points.
Plug load Management (1 point)

Implement all the following:
o Provide plug load monitoring (metering) and tracking for the whole building, each floor, and
tenants > 5000 gross sf, and separate monitoring and tracking of switched vs. non-switched
outlets.
o Provide a plug load dashboard that is accessible through an application to all regular occupants
of the building, provided that individual tenants can opt out of displaying their plug loads to other
tenants.
o Commission equipment to ensure that it is properly set up to achieve reductions via low-power
modes
o Designate a plug load champion, responsible for advising on PPL policies, including control
strategies, monitoring the dashboard and energy use data, and communications
o For building types and/or tenant types with IT departments, PCs, monitors, and visual displays
shall be controlled off when not in use, except 8 hours a week.
Energy Efficient Plug and Process Load Equipment (1 – 4 points)

Install eligible plug and process equipment meeting the criteria in Table 2. Points are awarded using one
of the following methods in case 1 and case 2:
Case 1. Percentage of eligible equipment (1 – 4 points)
Points are awarded according to Table 3 based on the minimum total rated load of eligible equipment
within the project scope meeting the Table 2 criteria AND the percent of eligible equipment meeting the
criteria by rated power.
Case 2. Eligible equipment by equipment category (1-2 points)
Install 100% of eligible equipment to meet the Table 2 criteria:

• For one Table 2 equipment category (1 point)
• For two or more Table 2 equipment categories (2 points)
For each ENERGY STAR Products category, at least 0.1 W/ft2 (1.1 W/m2) of eligible equipment must be
installed.
Table 2. Plug, Process, Refrigeration, and Conveyance Equipment criteria
63
Equipment Category Applicable Equipment Criteria
ENERGY STAR Products - • Office equipment ENERGY STAR rated or approved equivalent
Plug loads and small appliances • Appliances
• Electronics
• Other
(i.e. Vending Machines, pool pumps,
water coolers)
ENERGY STAR Products - • Commercial Food Service Equipment ENERGY STAR rated or approved equivalent
Process Loads • Data Center / server equipment
• Commercial laundry equipment
• Electric vehicle chargers (EVSE)
• Other (i.e. laboratory grade
refrigerators and freezers
People Conveyance • Elevators ISO 25745.
• Escalators At least Class A rated
• Moving Walkways
Data Center Electrical System Electrical System Design ASHRAE 90.4-2022.
Design electrical loss component (ELC) is at least
20% lower than the maximum design electrical loss.
Refrigeration systems: Referenced in ASHRAE 90.1-Section 6.8 10% improvement beyond ASHRAE 90.1 Section
Tables AND not ENERGY STAR eligible 6.8 Tables
Refrigerated Warehouse California Title 24-2022 Section 120.6 refrigerated
warehouse requirements
Airport equipment: Baggage handling equipment Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) with variable
frequency drive
Aircraft + jetway air conditioning Preconditioned Air (PCA) Systems with efficiencies
meeting ASHRAE 90.1 prescriptive efficiencies for
HVAC equipment
Table 3. Points for Eligible Plug and Process Equipment
Minimum total rated load of eligible equipment meeting

the equipment criteria
0.1 W/ft2 0.2 W/ft2 0.4 W/ft2 0.6 W/ft2
(1.1 W/m2) (2.2 W/m2) (4.3 W/m2) (6.5 W/m2)
Minimum Percent of eligible 90% 1 point 2 points 3 points 4 points
equipment meeting the criteria 75% 1 point 2 points 3 points
60% 1 point 2 points
50% 1 point
OR
Path 2. Performance Path - Plug and Process Load (1 – 4 points)
Using the ASHRAE 90.1 Section G2.5 exceptional calculation method, demonstrate a minimum
percentage improvement in total plug, process, refrigeration, and conveyance loads. Points are awarded
according to Table 4.
Table 4. Points for Percent improvement in Plug and Process Loads – Performance Path
Percent improvement Points

10% 1
20% 2
30% 3
40% 4
Option 2. Energy Simulation (10 points)

Demonstrate a percentage improvement in the Performance Index (PI) below the Performance Index
Target (PIT) calculated in accordance with ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 Normative Appendix G
“Performance Rating Method” with the following additional provisions:
64
• Table 5 below replaces 90.1 Table 4.2.1.1. Building Performance Factors.
• All references to “Cost” shall be replaced with “Source Energy” per 90.1-2022 Informative
Appendix I. The electric site-to-source energy conversion factor shall be 2.0 based on future
projections for the U.S. A lower national average value may be used as applicable for projects
outside of the U.S.
• Energy efficiency measures for plug and process loads shall be modeled using Section G2.5
Exceptional Calculation Method or approved calculations in the LEED reference guidance. The
Performance Index and percentage improvement shall be calculated with and without the plug
and process savings.
Points are awarded according to Table 5, with lower thresholds for projects excluding the onsite
renewable energy contribution from the Proposed Building Performance, and higher thresholds for
projects including the onsite renewable contribution.
Table 5. Points for Percentage Improvement in PI below PIT
Percentage Reduction
Percentage Reduction excluding or including renewable
renewable contribution contribution Points
3% 10% 1
6% 20% 2
9% 30% 3
12% 40% 4
15% 50% 5
18% 60% 6
21% 70% 7
24% 80% 8
27% 90% 9
30% 100% 10
Table 6. Building Performance Factors
Climate Zone
Building Type 0A 0B 1A 1B 2A 2B 3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C 5A 5B 5C 6A 6B 7 8
Multifamily 0.78 0.77 0.83 0.79 0.82 0.82 0.82 0.83 0.77 0.72 0.81 0.75 0.68 0.75 0.74 0.66 0.68 0.65 0.68
Healthcare/hospital 0.76 0.74 0.77 0.74 0.73 0.69 0.70 0.71 0.69 0.70 0.70 0.68 0.73 0.70 0.74 0.73 0.75 0.77 0.80
Hotel/motel 0.76 0.75 0.80 0.74 0.76 0.73 0.74 0.75 0.76 0.72 0.73 0.73 0.71 0.72 0.72 0.70 0.71 0.69 0.69
Office 0.6 0.59 0.58 0.58 0.58 0.57 0.56 0.59 0.52 0.53 0.58 0.54 0.55 0.58 0.56 0.54 0.57 0.50 0.53
Restaurant 0.68 0.65 0.64 0.63 0.63 0.59 0.64 0.62 0.61 0.66 0.65 0.65 0.70 0.68 0.67 0.72 0.71 0.74 0.76
Retail 0.58 0.55 0.54 0.54 0.49 0.47 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.52 0.50 0.56 0.56 0.52 0.59 0.57 0.55 0.53 0.56
School 0.61 0.70 0.69 0.68 0.59 0.60 0.59 0.59 0.58 0.50 0.59 0.63 0.52 0.62 0.59 0.53 0.51 0.52 0.57
Warehouse 0.28 0.29 0.24 0.27 0.23 0.24 0.27 0.23 0.20 0.34 0.26 0.29 0.41 0.33 0.29 0.45 0.38 0.40 0.44
All others 0.67 0.66 0.70 0.64 0.60 0.55 0.58 0.58 0.62 0.59 0.58 0.62 0.60 0.60 0.64 0.62 0.62 0.61 0.63
65
EA Credit: Renewable Energy
Intent
To encourage and recognize the use of renewable energy to reduce environmental and economic
impacts associated with fossil fuel energy use and increase the supply of new renewable energy within
the electrical grid, fostering a just transition to a green economy.
Requirements
Option 1 (5 points)
Supply or procure 100% of the project’s annual site energy consumption from Tier 1 and/or Tier 2
renewable energy meeting the renewable energy criteria referenced below.
OR
Option 2 (1-4 points)

Supply or procure renewable energy meeting the Renewable Energy Criteria referenced below. A
maximum of four points are awarded as the sum of points documented for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 in
Table 1 based on:
(a) Tiers 1 – 3: The percentage of total annual site energy use supplied or procured by renewable energy
OR
(b) Tier 1: The minimum rated renewable capacity where A = the sum of the gross floor area of all floors
up to the three largest floors.
Table 1. Points for Renewable Energy Procurement

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Percent of Percent of Percent of
Points Minimum Rated
or Annual Site Annual Site Annual Site
Capacity1
Energy Energy Energy
A * 1 W / ft2
1 or 5% 20% 50%
(A * 10.8 W/m2)
A * 2 W / ft2
2 or 10% 40% 100%
(A * 21.6 W/m2)
3 20% 60%
4 35% 80%
100% Tier 1 and/or Tier 2
5
renewable energy
RENEWABLE ENERGY CRITERIA (Options 1 and 2)

Renewable Energy Classifications
• Tier 1: On-site renewable energy generation or equity project.
The renewable generation equipment may be located:
o On the project site
o On the campus on which a project is located
o On the site of equity project, provided that the renewable power system is provided, installed,
and commissioned at no cost to the equity entity, that the ownership of the renewable power
system is transferred to the equity entity, and that the rights to the power provided be given to
the equity entity.
Tier 1 renewable systems shall be installed and commissioned within the project scope of work or a
separate commissioning scope of work completed before the final LEED application.
66
• Tier 2: New off-site renewable electricity
o Off-site renewable electricity produced by new generation asset(s):
- Contracted to be operational within two years of building occupancy, OR
- Contracted no more than five years after commercial operations date (COD).
• Tier 3: Off-site renewable energy

o Off-site renewable electricity that is Green-e Energy certified or equivalent
o Renewable Fuels that are Green-e certified or equivalent
Renewable Energy Contract Length:

• Contract length shall be ten years or prorated across ten years for shorter contract lengths.
Renewable Energy Environmental Attributes:

• Ownership: All environmental attributes (Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) or Renewable Energy
Certificates (RECs)) associated with renewable energy generation must be retired on behalf of the
LEED project for the renewable energy procurement to contribute to credit achievement.
• Project energy source: Renewable electricity generation and EAC / REC procurement can only be
applied to project electricity use or district energy use up to 100% of annual electricity plus district
energy use. Renewable fuels can only be applied to project fuel use or district heat up to 100% of
annual fuel plus district heat use.
• Vintage: EACs credited to the project must be generated no earlier than 18 months before the LEED
project's initial submission date.
• Location: Tier 2 and Tier 3 renewable assets must be located in the same country or region where
the LEED project is located.
• Tier 2 bulk purchase: Green-e Energy certification or equivalent is required for a one-time purchase
or annual purchase of EACs or renewable power totaling more than 100% of the project’s annual
electricity use.
67
EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning
1-4 points
Intent
To further ensure that the constructed project functions as it was designed, and that it continues to
maintain its energy performance over time.
Requirements
Comply with either or both of the following options for a maximum of 4 points.
Option 1. Enhanced Commissioning (1-2 points)

From predesign through the warranty period, comply with ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 202-2018
Commissioning Process for the referenced systems relevant to carbon emissions, energy, demand,
indoor environmental quality, water efficiency, air and water tightness, resilience, and durability. Owner
shall designate the Commissioning Provider (CxP) and / or Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider
(BECxP) prior to the design development phase, or early enough to ensure implementation of the
Standard 202 commissioning process.
Path 1: Enhanced commissioning for MEP systems (1 point)

Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, control, data center, process, building monitoring, and
renewable energy systems.
Path 2: Enhanced commissioning for building enclosure (1 – 4 points)

• Comply with ASTM E2947-21a Standard Guide for Building Enclosure Commissioning.
• At a minimum, field testing shall include building air leakage testing, infrared imaging, and
water penetration testing.
AND / OR
Option 2. Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBCx) (1-3 points)

Implement monitoring-based commissioning complying with the following requirements. Points are
awarded according to Table 1 for Monitoring Based Commissioning (MBCx) with:
A. Energy Information Systems with energy monitoring and/or

B. Fault Detection and Diagnostic Systems (FDD)
Table 1. Points for Monitoring Based Commissioning
A. Energy Information System B. Fault Detection and

Diagnostic System
Path 1 (Default Path) 1 point 2 points
Path 2 (1) Basic Monitoring (1 point) 1 point
(Smaller, Simpler Projects) (2) Enhanced Monitoring (2 points)
Path 2 Applicability Criteria for smaller, simpler projects: Projects with HVAC supplied by unitary systems
and/or electric heating and/or central heating, AND EITHER
• Residential building type with less than 10,000 ft2 (930 m2) common area, OR
• Building gross floor area less than 25,000 ft2 (2,300 m2) OR
• Total installed cooling, total installed heating, and total installed refrigeration capacities are each
less than 340 kBtu/h (28 tons, 100 kW).
68
FOR ALL PATHS:
Projects pursuing this credit must have in place the following:
1. Technology. Provide technology meeting the specified criteria for the MBCx Path(s) pursued.
Technology requirements are incremental to the EA Prerequisite Energy Metering and Reporting
requirements:
o Monitoring: Monitoring and/ or metering
▪ Energy Systems (Table 2: Paths 1A and 2A)
▪ HVAC Systems (Table 3: Paths 1B and 2B).
o Analytic platform: A remotely accessible platform with software functionality to perform smart
analytics and visually present the data:
▪ Energy Information System (Table 2: Paths 1A and 2A)
▪ Fault Detection and Diagnostics (FDD) (Table 3: Paths 1B and 2B). FDD software shall be
integrated with the Building Automation System if included in the project.
2. Process and Communications: A commitment to implement MBCx for a minimum of three years,
either through a three-year contract with an independent MBCx provider or through an MBCx provider
who is a qualified staff person with tasks included in their job description. The MBCx provider shall
communicate regularly with the building operator and/or energy manager and perform other services
as per the Process requirements for MBCx Path(s) pursued. MBCx shall commence no later than
building occupancy and shall be fully coordinated between the commissioning provider, facilities
management, and the monitoring-based commissioning provider (MBCxP). The process shall include
the following:
o Ongoing Commissioning Plan (All Paths). Develop an on-going commissioning plan

addressing the following, including any technology and process requirements specific to the
path(s) pursued:
▪ Roles and responsibilities.
▪ Software technology description.
▪ Data or points to be tracked, with frequency and duration for trend monitoring, and baseline
reference or acceptable values when applicable.
▪ Review process that will be used to evaluate performance.
▪ Action plan for identifying, prioritizing, correcting, and verifying correction of operational errors
and deficiencies.
▪ Frequency of analyses or review in the first year, and in subsequent analysis cycle(s) if
different than the first year
o MBCx Review of System, Equipment and Operational controls (All Paths). MBCxP shall
conduct a review of the following systems and equipment as applicable by the end of the
warranty period, and at least every two years subsequently, integrating the review with the
Energy Information review and/or Fault Detection and Diagnostics review as applicable:
▪ System sensor calibration.
▪ Equipment operation matches occupancy schedules.
▪ Zone temperature setpoints and deadbands,
▪ Control system overrides.
▪ Control system resets.
▪ Trend analysis of hot water/chilled water valve operation.
▪ Energy recovery operation.
▪ Daylighting controls
o Energy Information Review (Path 1A and 2A). MBCxP review and coordination of energy
information with facilities staff:
▪ Dynamically: Identify anomalies and alert staff expeditiously.
▪ At least monthly: Review and reporting summary of anomalies and trends
69
▪ At least quarterly: Review and reporting summary with regards to occupancy/equipment
schedules
▪ At least annually: Review and reporting summary of energy use intensity trend, benchmark,
energy saving opportunities, actions taken, planned actions.
o Fault Detection and Diagnostics Review (Path 1B). MBCxP review and coordination of fault
detection information with facilities staff:
▪ Regular analysis occurring on a cycle. The analysis for each cycle shall include MBCxP
review of fault detection and diagnostics, identification of operational errors, investigation to
determine the root cause of errors and deficiencies, discussion and prioritization of issues,
identification and implementation of a corrective action plan, incorporation of the plan in the
work order system, and verification of correct operation once corrective action has been
taken.
- Analysis cycle at least quarterly for the first year. Subsequent analysis cycles shall be at
least annually.
- Documentation pertaining to system operation shall be updated during each analysis
cycle.
- At each analysis cycle, the MBCxP shall meet with staff and review the summary report.
▪ Regular communications with staff.
- The MBCxP shall alert facilities staff expeditiously when major faults are identified.
- At least monthly, the MBCxP shall provide a summary of faults detected. At least
quarterly, MBCxP shall communicate with facilities staff to discuss and prioritize issues.
Table 2. Technology Requirements for Energy Information System (EIS) / Energy Monitoring
Path 1A Path 2A
(1) Basic (2) Enhanced
Monitoring Monitoring
Visualization and reporting of total project energy use and energy use by energy source
Annual energy benchmarking of energy use intensities x x x
Comparison of energy consumption to prior interval, and to x x x
same interval of prior year:
Annually x x x
Monthly x x x
Weekly x x (Electric) x (Electric)
Daily x x (Electric) x (Electric)
Hourly “Loadshape” (daily, weekly, peak day, and average x x (Electric) x (Electric)
monthly and annual for weekday and weekend)
Normalization of energy consumption x x
Automated reporting of energy use anomalies x x
Heat map charts x
Greenhouse gas emissions reporting x
Monitoring, visualization, and reporting of data for the following end-uses, at least hourly:
Monitoring required in EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and
Reporting2
Onsite electric generation x x x
HVAC electrical use x x
Interior lighting x x
Exterior lighting x x
Receptacle circuits x x
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Refrigeration systems x x
Incremental monitoring beyond Prerequisite2
Electric vehicle charging x x x
Thermal and/or electric storage x x
Elevators, escalators, and/or moving walkways x x
Computer room IT equipment1 x x
Commercial kitchen equipment1 x x
Other process equipment1 x x
Tenant energy use per energy source and end-use data for x x
tenant spaces > 10,000 ft2 (930 m2)
Table 2 notes:
1. Exception to monitoring and visualization requirements: computer room IT, commercial kitchen, or other
process equipment in spaces with less than 10 kW rated capacity for the referenced equipment.
2. Path 1A and Path 2A (Basic Monitoring) require visualization and reporting of monitoring data that is mostly
mandatory in EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting (Incremental monitoring requirements are
focused on large loads). Path 2A (Enhanced Monitoring) requires incremental metering beyond the
requirements in EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting.
Table 3. Technology Requirements for Fault Detection and Diagnostics System
Path 1B Path 2B
Systems with Fault Detection:

HVAC: At least 80% of installed cooling, heating, and fan capacity x
All chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and boilers x
DX heating, cooling, and service water heating systems with capacity ≥ 65,000 Btu/h x
(19 kW)
Air handling units1 x
Air terminal units1 x
Pumps1 x
Exhaust fans1 x
FDD software shall include all of the following functions:
Monitoring and reporting of faults x x
Direct link from reported fault to view relevant trend data x
Fault sorting and filtering x
Exporting of fault reports (summary reports and detailed individual faults) x
Data historian capable of storing at least three years of trend data x
Covered faults shall include at least 80% of the following, as applicable: x x
Improper economizer operation x x
Faulty sensor readings x x
Data/communication faults x x
Setpoint overrides x x
Improper equipment schedules x x
Non-optimal zone temperature setpoints x x
Simultaneous heating and cooling x x
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Control sensor overrides x
Improper valve and damper operation x
Improper operation of control system reset algorithms x
Equipment short cycling x
Improper chiller and boiler plant lockouts x
Unstable/hunting control loop x
Improper energy recovery equipment operation x
Table 3 notes:
1. Exception: Up to 10% of rated power of AHUs, air terminal units, pumps, and exhaust fans
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EA Credit: Grid-Interactive
1–2 points
Intent
To enhance power resiliency, and position buildings as active partners contributing to grid
decarbonization, reliability, and power affordability through integrated management of building loads in
response to variable grid conditions.
Requirements
Evaluate grid-interactive measures with regard to the current and forecasted grid context, location,
building type, and ownership structure and account for the results in decision-making.
Provide interval recording meters and equipment capable of accepting an external signal.
Apply Option 1, Option 2, and/or Option 3 for a maximum of 2 points.
Option 1: Thermal and/or Electric Energy Storage (1 – 2 points)
Provide onsite electric storage and/or thermal storage meeting the criteria in Table 1.
Include automatic load management controls capable of storing the electric or thermal energy during off-
peak periods or periods with low grid carbon intensity; and using stored energy during on-peak periods or
periods of high grid carbon intensity.
Table 1. Peak Storage Capacity Relative to Peak Demand
1 point 2 points
Electric storage capacity
0.2 kWh / kW 0.4 kWh / kW
as a percentage of peak electric demand
Thermal storage capacity
1.0 kWh / kW 2.0 kWh / kW
as a percentage of peak coincident
or Btu / Btu/h or Btu / Btu/h
thermal demand (heating + cooling +
or ton-hrs / ton or ton-hrs / ton
service water heating + process heat)
AND / OR
Option 2. Demand-Side Management (1-2 points)
Comply with Path 1 and/or Path 2 for a maximum of two points. On-site electricity generation and fuel
combustion cannot be used to meet the demand-side management criteria.
Path 1. Demand Response Program Participation (1 point)

Enroll in a minimum one-year (DR) contract with a qualified DR program provider, with the intention of
multiyear renewal.
AND / OR
Path 2. Automated Demand Side Management (1 point)

Install demand site management controls using Automated Demand Respond System-Level Controls or
Building Automation System Demand Side Management.
Automated Demand Response System-Level controls.

Provide automated demand response (ADR) controls for at least two of the following for systems installed
within the tenant scope of work.
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• HVAC systems (50% of rated capacity).
• Lighting systems (50% of power)
• Automatic receptacle controls
• Service water heating (90% of capacity)
• Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)
Building Automation System Demand Side Management

• Develop a plan for shedding at least 10% of the project’s peak electricity demand for a minimum
of one hour. The plan must address both winter and summer peaks considering electrified grid
projections.
• Have in place a control system that automatically sheds electricity demand in response to triggers
denoting strain on the grid or high grid emissions, Examples include:
o Signal from a demand response (DR) program provider
o Data obtained through an API indicating high grid emissions.
o Peak demand tariff period when the grid is operating in the highest demand window.
o Time-of-use rate when pricing is highest.
Option 3. Power Resiliency (1 point)

Identify critical equipment that requires continuous operation. Design the project to be able to island and
operate independently from the grid to power the critical loads with the project’s onsite renewable and
energy storage systems for at least three days.
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EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
1–2 points
Intent
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the use of refrigerants with low global warming
potential and promoting better refrigerant management practices.
Requirements
Apply Option 1 and/or Option 2 for a maximum of two points.
Option 1. No Refrigerants or Low GWP from Refrigerants (1-2 points)
Apply Path 1, Path 2, or Path 3.
Path 1. No Refrigerants (1 point)

Do not use refrigerant-containing equipment in the project (projects served by District Energy Systems
(DES) are ineligible for this path).
OR
Path 2. Low GWP Refrigerants (1 point)

Apply Case 1 or Case 2 as applicable to the project.
Note: Tables 1 and 2 refer to the tables in the Fundamental Refrigerant Management Prerequisite.
Case 1. In non-A5 countries (developed):

o For projects registering through the end of 2025, install refrigerants that have a weighted average
global warming potential (GWP) for all installed equipment that is < 100% of the weighted
average of the caps in Tables 1 and 2.
o For projects registering in 2026 or later, install refrigerants that have a weighted average global
warming potential (GWP) for all installed equipment that is < 80% of the weighted average of the
caps in Tables 1 and 2.
Case 2. In A5 countries (developing):

o For projects registering through the end of 2028, install refrigerants that have a weighted average
global warming potential (GWP) for all installed equipment that is < 100% of the weighted average of
the caps in Tables 1 and 2.
o For projects registering in 2029 or later, install refrigerants that have a weighted average global
warming potential (GWP) for all installed equipment that is < 80% of the weighted average of the caps
in Tables 1 and 2.
OR
Path 3. Ultra-Low GWP Refrigerants (2 points)

Use refrigerants that have an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a weighted average global
warming potential (GWP) of less than 25.
AND/OR
Option 2. Limit Refrigerant Leakage (1 point)

Design, construct, and operate the project refrigerant-using equipment to minimize refrigerant leakage:
• Design.
o Refrigerant-using equipment shall be self-contained, with no field-installed piping:
▪ For equipment with refrigerants > 700 GWP AND
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▪ For at least 80% of the total GWP of refrigerants used in the project
o Specify an “automatic leak detection” system in fully enclosed spaces with equipment
that has an overall refrigerant charge exceeding 100 tCO2e.
• Installation.
o Field-installed refrigerant piping shall use brazed or press type fittings.
o Refrigerant-using equipment shall be installed and tested in accordance with published
best practice for limiting refrigerant leakage.
• Operation. Have in place a refrigerant maintenance plan and designate a responsible oversight
party through a third-party service provider contract or by designating a qualified staff person with
tasks included in their job description. The plan shall include standards for record-keeping and
protocols for:
o Updating the refrigerant inventory
o Tracking and recording refrigerant charge and leakage rates for all refrigerant using
equipment
o Ensuring that installation, maintenance, and removal of refrigeration-containing equipment is
performed by appropriately certified refrigeration personnel, including in tenant spaces
o Annual audit and calibration of automatic leak detection systems
o For equipment without automatic leak detection systems, checking pressure loss and
leaks at least as frequently as follows for equipment containing refrigerant with total GWP
as follows: every 24 months for 50 tCO2e or less; every 12 months for 50 to 500 tCO2e;
every 3 months for more than 500 tCO2e
o Maximum time frame for repairing leaks identified.
o More frequent leakage testing and repair if the total annual refrigerant recharge/leakage
exceeds 5%
At a minimum, protocols must meet the more stringent of the manufacturers’ recommendations
and regulatory requirements.
Retail
Option 3. GreenChill Certification for Food Retailers (1 – 2 points)
Available to projects where food retailing constitutes more than 20% of the project’s gross area.
Demonstrate achievement of EPA’s GreenChill Certification for projects in the US. For international
projects, comply with the relevant GreenChill requirements for the certification level.
• GreenChill Silver Certification (1 point)
• GreenChill Gold or Platinum Certification (2 points)
Projects that achieve GreenChill Silver Certification and where the food retailing is less than 50% of the
project’s gross area can pursue Option 1 or 2 for the remaining project area for 1 additional point.
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MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR)
MR Prerequisite: Planning for Zero Waste Operations
Required
Intent
To reduce the disproportionate burden of landfills and incinerators that is generated by building
occupants’ waste hauled to and disposed of in landfills and incinerators through reduction, reuse, and
recycling service and education, and to conserve natural resources for future generations. To set up the
building for success in attempting zero waste operations.
Requirements
During design, work with the owner to identify waste minimization goals and strategies for the project to
divert waste post-occupancy. Create a plan for materials recovery and circularity during operations.
Consider all of the following opportunities in the plan:

• Consideration of reusable infrastructure in lieu of ongoing disposables (e.g. storage and
dishwashers for dish/flatware).
• Identify and follow local laws and regulations for hazardous waste, take-back-program (EPR),
recycling, and composting.
• Estimate waste generation and recyclables for the building as per local/federal codes or local best
practices. If guidelines do not exist, review the calculator at www.zerowastedesign.org
• Provide dedicated areas accessible to waste haulers, janitorial staff, and convenient for building
occupants for the collection and storage of recyclable materials for the entire building.
o Recyclable materials must include mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics,
organics/food waste, and metals.
▪ Mixed recyclables are acceptable for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass,
plastics, and metals if required by local conditions.
▪ Planning for the storage of organics/food waste recycling is required even if
service is not available at the time of building occupancy.
• Plan separate storage areas for the safe collection, storage, and diversion/disposal of any
anticipated batteries, mercury-containing equipment/lamps, and electronic waste.
• Consider methods for sharing, repairing, and/or reusing materials and products in the building
and provide adequate space as applicable to the project.
• Plan for building operators to track and monitor ongoing waste management post-occupancy.
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MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon
Required
Intent
To track the upfront embodied carbon (i.e. the embodied carbon from the extraction and manufacturing
phases) of major materials used in the structure, enclosure, and hardscape, which constitutes the bulk of
the embodied carbon emissions on new construction and major renovation projects, and to enable
projects to see how they compare with baseline values.
Requirements
All projects must track the embodied carbon impacts (Global Warming Potential, or GWP) and quantities
of the covered structural, enclosure and hardscape materials for the project and compare the results to
the values found in Table 1, using either whole building life-cycle assessment or EPDs. Projects must
compare the total GWP of the structure, enclosure, and hardscape of their project with the total GWP of a
baseline project that used the same amount of each material and that met the values in Table 1.
Reductions are not required for this prerequisite. Material values must be based on as-built quantities and
the embodied carbon data must include at least a cradle-to-gate scope (modules A1-A3 at least).
Products for which embodied carbon data is not available may use regional or country averages.
At a minimum, covered materials include the asphalt, concrete, cement, structural masonry units,
insulation, glass, and steel used in the structure, enclosure, and hardscape.
Table 1: Embodied Carbon Benchmarks for Assessment
Material Benchmark GWP (kgCO2e/ton

unless otherwise stated)
Asphalt 72.6
Concrete (strength class, PSI)
≤2499 277
3000 318
4000 352
5000 382
6000 407
≥7200 402
Cement 858
Concrete Masonry Units 290
Glass 1,401
Board and Foam Insulation 4.0 (1 m2 @ RSI-1)
Steel
Rebar (fabricated) 850
Rebar (unfabricated) 760
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Hollow Structural Sections (fabricated) 1,898
Hollow Structural Sections from Electric Arc Furnaces 1,652

(unfabricated)
Hot-Rolled Sections (fabricated) 1,163
Hot-Rolled Sections (unfabricated) 869
Cold-Formed and Galvanized (stud, track, framing, 2,408

decking, etc.)
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MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse
1–3 points
Intent
To reduce embodied carbon, keep materials in circularity, reduce demand for virgin material sourcing,
preserve cultural resources and histories, and foster markets for reuse materials.
Requirements
Demonstrate reduced environmental effects during initial project decision-making by reusing existing
building resources or by fostering markets for reuse materials. Achieve points through building and/or
material reuse.
Option 1. Building Reuse (1-3 points)
Maintain the existing building structure (including floor and roof decking) and enclosure (the exterior skin
and framing, excluding window assemblies and nonstructural roofing materials). Calculate reuse of the
existing project area according to Table 1.
Historic, abandoned, or unsafe buildings: Portions of buildings deemed structurally unsound or hazardous
can be excluded from the credit calculations.
Table 1. Points for Reuse of Existing Building Structural Elements
Percent of existing walls, floors, and roof reuse by project area Points
20% 1
35% 2
50% 3
65% Exemplary Performance
AND/OR
Option 2. Material Reuse (1-2 points)
Salvage Assessment: For projects with deconstruction or demolition in scope, conduct a salvage
assessment prior to deconstruction or demolition activities and identify materials that can be retained
onsite or diverted to reuse markets. Materials sent for offsite reuse contribute to Path 1. Materials
retained onsite contribute to Path 2.
Assess Off-site Procurement of Salvaged or Reused Materials: For all projects, survey and identify
material procurement opportunities from offsite reuse and/or salvage sources.
Path 1: Salvaging Materials

Send applicable materials from the project deconstruction or demolition to other projects or offsite salvage
and reuse vendors/markets. Calculate the percent salvaged per material type by using equation 1. Earn
points according to Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2. Points for Salvaging Materials
Salvage Strategies Points

Salvage at least 50% of 1 targeted material types 1 point
Salvage at least 50% of 2 other material types
Salvage equivalent weighted average
At least 50% of 2 targeted material types 2 points
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At least 50% of 4 other material types
Salvage equivalent weighted average
Table 3. Salvage Material Types and Correlating Units*
Material Type Unit

Targeted Materials
Carpeting Surface Area
Ceilings Surface Area
Furniture (ancillary and systems) Count, weight, volume,
or floor area
Other Materials
Dimensional lumber Board Foot or Linear
Doors Count
Casework Linear
Floor Covering Materials (not including carpet) Surface Area
Lighting fixtures Count
Plumbing fixtures Count
Mechanical equipment Count
Door hardware Count
Project defined other Project defined
*Materials have minimum quantities
Equation 1. Salvage % per Material Type
Salvage % per Material Type = Amount of Material Type Salvaged/ Total Amount of Material Type in
Deconstruction / Demolition Scope
AND/OR
Path 2: Reusing Materials

Reuse materials (keep in place, purchase, or acquire from applicable salvage sources or reuse markets).
Calculate the percent reused per material type by using equation 2. Earn points according to Table 4 and
Table 5.
Table 4. Points for reusing materials
Reuse Strategies Points

Reuse at least 25% of 1 targeted material types 1 point
Reuse at least 25% of 2 other material types
Reuse equivalent weighted average
Reuse at least 25% of 2 targeted material types 2 points
Reuse at least 25% of 4 other material types
Reuse equivalent weighted average
Table 5. Reuse Material Types and Correlating Units*
Material Type Unit

Targeted Materials
Carpeting Surface Area
Ceilings Surface Area
Furniture (ancillary and systems) Pieces, weight, volume, or floor area
Interior walls Linear or Surface Area
Other Materials
Dimensional lumber Board Foot or Linear
Doors Count
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Casework Linear
Floor Covering Materials (not including carpet) Surface Area
Lighting fixtures Count
Plumbing fixtures Count
Mechanical equipment Count
Door hardware Count
Project defined other Project defined
*Materials have minimum quantities
Equation 2. Reuse % per Material Type
Reuse % per Material Type = Amount of Material Type Reused / Total Amount of Material Type in New
Construction Scope
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MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon
1–6 points – 2 points from Options 1-3 are required for LEED Platinum projects
Intent
To reduce embodied carbon of major structure, enclosure, hardscape materials and from construction
processes on new construction and renovation projects.
Requirements
Reduce embodied carbon of major structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials. All documentation is to
be based on as-built materials and quantities. All ancillary structures, such as parking structures or
outbuildings within the LEED project boundary must be included in the calculations. Projects comply with
one or more of the Options below for points.
Option 1. Whole Building Life-Cycle Assessment (1-6 Points)

Conduct a cradle-to-grave (modules A-D, excluding operating energy) whole building life-cycle
assessment (WBLCA) of the project’s structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials. All ancillary
structures, such as parking structures or outbuildings, within the LEED project boundary must be included
in the calculations. Compare results to a baseline project and earn points according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for Whole Building LCA Improvements
Pathways Reduction of GWP Points
Path 1 10% 2
Path 2 20% 3
Path 3 30% 4
Path 4 40% 5
Earn an additional 1 point if the project shows a 20% reduction in 3 or more impact categories in addition
to GWP.
No impact category assessed as part of the life-cycle assessment may increase by more than 10%
compared with the baseline building. All pathways must be based on as-built final construction materials
and quantities.
The baseline and proposed projects must be of comparable size, function, orientation, and operating
energy performance. Minimum included impact categories for the WBLCA:
● global warming potential (greenhouse gasses), in kg CO2e;
● depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, in kg CFC-11e;
● acidification of land and water sources, in moles H+ or kg SO2e;
● eutrophication, in kg nitrogen eq or kg phosphate eq;
● formation of tropospheric ozone, in kg NOx, kg O3 eq, or kg ethene; and
● depletion of nonrenewable energy resources, in MJ using CML / depletion of fossil fuels in
TRACI.
OR
Option 2. Procurement of Low-Embodied Carbon Construction Materials (1-4 Points)
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Purchase structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials that, in total for the whole project, have lower
embodied carbon emissions than if the project would have selected products that met industry average
benchmarks (cradle-to-gate modules A1-A3 at least).
At a minimum, include the following covered materials when included in the project: asphalt, concrete,
structural masonry, steel, board insulation, aluminum extrusions, structural wood and composites,
cladding, and exterior glazing including frames. Compare results from the actual as-built material
quantities to a hypothetical baseline project defined as one that uses the same amounts of each material,
and where each material has the GWP equal to the values in Table 1 of Prerequisite: Assess Embodied
Carbon. Where benchmark GWP values are not available from the Prerequisite Table 1, use CLF
Baselines for those product categories.
Earn points by reducing embodied carbon from the baseline project according to Table 2.
Table 2. Points for Procurement of Low-Embodied Carbon Materials
Pathways Reduction of total GWP for the Points

whole project
Path 1 10% 1
Path 2 20% 2
Path 3 30% 3
Path 4 40% 4
OR
Option 3. EPD Analysis (Prescriptive) (1-5 Points)

Purchase structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials that have lower-embodied carbon impacts than
industry benchmarks as demonstrated by EPDs. This option compares all products within each product
category to the GWP limits found in Table 3. Trade-offs or combinations of product categories are not
allowed for this option.
Points are awarded for achieving Tier 1 through Tier 3 limits for purchased materials according to Table
4. Points are additive for up to a maximum of 5 points from any product categories.
Table 3. GWP Limit Thresholds for Product Categories
Product Category Source of Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

Threshold
Non-Wood GSA Better than average Top 40% thresholds Top 20%
Products Thresholds* thresholds
Materials not on Better than CLF Better than EC3 N/A

GSA list Baseline “achievable”
Structural Wood N/A Facility-specific EPDs Facility-specific EPD with N/A

Products for >50% of total volume source disclosure for >25%
of total volume
*Note: if EPA releases new reference values, those will replace the GSA Interim IRA Thresholds before
January 2025.
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Table 4. Points for Upfront Embodied Carbon Savings from Specific Materials
GWP Limits
Product Category Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

Concrete 1 point 2 points 3 points
Masonry - 1 point -
Structural steel 1 point 2 points 3 points
Reinforcing steel - 1 point
Asphalt - 1 point
Exterior glazing (includes frames) - 1 point
Foam and Board insulation 1 point
Cladding/gypsum sheathing 1 point
Structural wood and composites 1 point 2 points
AND/OR
Option 4: Track Carbon Emissions from Construction Activities (1-2 Points)

Earn points for tracking carbon emissions during construction activities. Earn points according to Table 5.
Table 5. Points for Tracking Emissions During Construction Activities
Pathway Type of Construction-Phase Emissions to Track LCA Points

Modules
Path 1 Track all fuel and utility usage for contractor jobsite operations A5 1
Path 2 Track all fuel and utility usage for contractor and subcontractor jobsite A5 2
operations
Path 3 Track all fuel and utility usage for contractor and subcontractor jobsite A4 and A5 3 (EP)
operations, plus fuel usage for contractor and subcontractor materials deliveries
and waste hauling
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MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials
2 points
Intent
To reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality and the environment, and
to protect the health, productivity, and comfort of installers and building occupants.
Requirements
Specify and install paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, walls, ceilings, insulation, furniture,
and/or composite wood products that meet low-emitting criteria. Earn points according to Table 1.
Table 1. Thresholds for Low-Emitting Materials
Number of product categories Threshold (% of products that meet the Points

criteria per category)
Any 3 categories >90% of each product category 1
Any 5 categories >90% of each product category 2
6 or more categories >90% of each product category 3 (EP)
PRODUCT CATEGORIES:
Paints and Coatings

Paints and coatings, by volume, cost, or surface area, meet the volatile organic compound (VOC)
emissions and VOC content evaluation. A VOC content budget may be used.
The paints and coatings product category includes all interior paints and coatings wet-applied on site,
specialized finishes (dyes, sealers, hardeners and toppings for concrete floors), and plasters. Include at a
minimum the following types of paints and coatings, as defined in SCAQMD Rule 1113: XX.
Exclude foamed-in place and sprayed insulation (include in Insulation category).
Adhesives and Sealants

Adhesives and sealants, by volume or cost, meet the VOC emissions and VOC content evaluation. A
VOC content budget may be used.
The adhesives and sealants product category includes all interior adhesives and sealants wet-applied on
site. Include at a minimum the following types of adhesives and sealants, as defined in SCAQMD Rule
1168.
Flooring
Non-structural flooring materials, by surface area or cost, meet the VOC emissions evaluation
The flooring product category includes all types of hard and soft surface flooring finishes (ex. carpet,
ceramic tile, vinyl, rubber, engineered, solid wood, stone, terrazzo, laminates), raised flooring systems,
wall base, transition strips/stair nosing, entryway systems, area rugs, wood and composite wood
subflooring, underlayments, and other floor coverings.
Exclude poured concrete, subflooring (include subflooring in the composite wood category, if applicable),
water-resistive barriers (material installed on a substrate to prevent bulk water intrusion), and wet-applied
products applied on the floor (include in paints and coatings category).
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Walls
Wall systems, by surface area or cost, meet the VOC emissions evaluation.
The walls product category includes all finish wall treatments (wall coverings, wall paneling, wall tile),
gypsum or curtain walls, retail slatwall, trim, interior and exterior doors, non-structural wall framing, interior
and exterior windows, window treatments, countertops, laminate/veneer used for built-in cabinetry, non-
structural sandwich panels, and CMU.
Exclude cabinetry (include the composite wood components of built-in cabinetry in the composite wood
category and free-standing cabinetry in the furniture category), and vertical structural elements (include
structural wood panels or structural composite wood in the composite wood category, if applicable),
bathroom accessories, and door hardware.
Ceilings
Ceilings products, by surface area or cost, meet the VOC emissions evaluation.
The ceilings product category includes all ceiling panels, ceiling tile, surface ceiling structures such as
gypsum or plaster, suspended systems (including canopies and clouds), and glazed skylights.
Exclude overhead structural elements (include structural elements in the composite wood category, if
applicable).
Insulation
Insulation products, by surface area or cost, meet the VOC emissions evaluation.
The insulation product category includes all thermal and acoustic boards, batts, rolls, blankets, sound
attention fire blankets, foamed-in place, loose-fill, blown, and sprayed insulation.
Exclude insulation for HVAC ducts and plumbing piping from the credit. Insulation for HVAC ducts may be
included at the project team’s discretion.
Furniture
Furniture in the project scope of work, by cost, area, or number of units, meets the furniture emissions
evaluation.
The furniture product category includes all seating, desks and tables, filing/storage, free-standing
cabinetry, systems furniture, moveable/demountable partitions, bathroom/toilet partitions, shelving,
lockers, specialty and custom fixtures and furniture, and furnishing items (such as area rugs, cubicle
curtains, mattresses, and mirrors) purchased for the project.
Exclude office and bathroom accessories, art, recreational items, and planters from the credit.
Composite Wood
Composite wood products, by area or cost, meet the Formaldehyde emissions evaluation.
The composite wood product category includes all particleboard, medium density fiberboard (both
medium density and thin), hardwood plywood with veneer, composite or combination core, and wood
structural panels or structural wood products.
If a composite wood product has a finish or treatment applied off-site (including but not limited to fire-
retardant, paint, stain or other coating), the off-site applied finish or treatment must also be listed in the
composite wood category and comply with the VOC emissions evaluation criteria.
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Exclude products for which composite wood is a component (ex. wood doors, engineered flooring,
custom furniture). Instead, include the finished product in the flooring, walls, ceilings, or furniture
category, as appropriate.
Low-emitting criteria
VOC emissions evaluation criteria

Product has a qualifying third-party certification, valid at the time of product purchase, that demonstrates
testing according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2–2017 and
compliance with the VOC limits in Table 4-1 of the method. Products used in classrooms may be modeled
using the schools or private office scenario. Products used in all other settings must be modeled using the
private office scenario.
OR
Product is inherently nonemitting, salvaged, or reused:
Inherently nonemitting: Stone, ceramic tile, or solid wood products that have no resins/binders,
adhesives, sealers, coatings, sealants, or joined components (ex. gaskets, internal/core components) that
are not also inherently nonemitting sources.
Salvaged and reused materials: Product is more than one year old at the time of use.
If another product (including but not limited to adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings) is applied to the
inherently nonemitting material and has a separate manufacturer and cost, to the end-user, from the
original material, the applied product may be documented as a separate product and meet the low-
emitting criteria applicable to the applied product, even if applied off-site.
If another product is applied to the INSR material and does not have a separate manufacturer and cost, to
the end-user, the result is considered a new finished product that no longer qualifies as an inherently
nonemitting material and is subject to the VOC emissions evaluation criteria.
Furniture emissions evaluation

Product has a qualifying third-party certification, valid at the time of product purchase, from a USGBC-
approved certification body, that demonstrates testing according to ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1–
2011 (R2016) and complies with ANSI/BIFMA e3-2014e or e3-2019e Furniture Sustainability Standard,
Sections 7.6.1 (for half credit, by cost) OR 7.6.2 (for full credit, by cost), OR 7.6.2 AND 7.6.3 for one and a
quarter credit, by cost.
Seating products must be evaluated using the seating scenario. Classroom furniture must be evaluated
using the standard school classroom scenario. Other products should be evaluated using the open plan
or private office scenario, as appropriate. The open plan scenario is more stringent.
Statements of product compliance must include the exposure scenario(s).
VOC content evaluation

Product meets the VOC content limits outlined in one of the applicable standards and for projects in North
America, methylene chloride and perchloroethylene is specified to not be intentionally added.
Statement of product compliance must be made by the manufacturer or a USGBC-approved third-party.

Any testing must follow the test method specified in the applicable regulation. If the applicable regulation
requires subtraction of exempt compounds, any content of intentionally added exempt compounds larger
than 1% weight by mass (total exempt compounds) must be disclosed.
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● Paints and coatings:
● California Air Resource Board (CARB) 2007 Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for
Architectural Coatings
● South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, amended February 5,
2016, effective date most current at the time of the project’s LEED registration date.
● Adhesives and sealants:
● SCAQMD Rule 1168, amended November 4, 2022, effective date most current at the time of
the project’s LEED registration date.
Formaldehyde emissions evaluation

Product meets one of the following:
● Certified as ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) product under EPA Toxic Substances Control
Act, Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products (TSCA, Title VI) (EPA
TSCA Title VI) or California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure
(ATCM)
● Certified as no added formaldehyde resins (NAF) product under EPA TSCA Title VI or CARB
ATCM
● Wood structural panel manufactured according to PS 1-09 or PS 2-10 (or one of the standards
considered by CARB to be equivalent to PS 1 or PS 2) and labeled bond classification Exposure
1 or Exterior
● Structural wood product manufactured according to ASTM D 5456 (for structural composite
lumber), ANSI A190.1 (for glued laminated timber), ASTM D 5055 (for I-joists), ANSI PRG 320
(for cross-laminated timber), or PS 20-15 (for finger-jointed lumber).
OR
Product is salvaged or reused.
If a composite wood product has a finish or treatment applied off-site (including but not limited to fire-
retardant, paint, stain or other coating), the off-site applied finish or treatment must meet the VOC
emissions evaluation. This applies to a finish or treatment applied less than one before installation to
a salvaged or reused composite wood product.
PROJECT TYPE VARIATIONS:
For projects with:

• Incomplete spaces to be fit-out by building owner: Maintain the product list from this phase to be
referenced on the future fit-out. Commit to achieving LEED ID+C v5 certification for the future fit-
out.
• Speculative spaces to be fit-out by tenant(s): Communicate the base building’s product list in the
Tenant Guidelines.
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MR Credit: Optimized Building Products
1–5 points
Intent
To encourage the use of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available and that have
environmentally, economically, and socially preferable impacts. To reward project teams for selecting
products from manufacturers who have optimized their products across multiple impact areas.
Requirements
Select nonstructural building products that achieve multiple optimization criteria across five impact areas:
climate health, human health, ecosystem health, social health and equity, and circular economy.
Figure 1 illustrates how eligible multi-attribute product documentation and certifications are valued in
LEED, where:
• Column A lists the eligible types of product documentation. All eligible product documentation is
prepared by a manufacturer or certification organization.
• Columns B-F indicate how each product documentation or certification is valued across the
optimized product impact areas. The values in these columns represent a “multi-attribute score”
for the product. The “multi-attribute score” will be multiplied by the number of products, cost,
area, or volume, depending on the credit option and pathway chosen in Option 1 or Option 2.
• A single product may only claim one multi-attribute score per impact area (up to the maximum
score achieved for the product from columns B-F). Some products may have one single attribute,
in which case the multi-attribute score is worth the total for that documentation type. In other
cases, a single product may have more than one certification or documentation and add them
together. In this case, the maximum values from the columns B-F are added together to obtain a
single multi-attribute score (multiplier) for the product, up to a maximum of score of 5.0. Note:
double-counting of impact areas is not allowed.
o For example, if a product has a Product-Specific Type III EPD and a Cradle to Cradle
Silver certification, that product will result in a multi-attribute score of 4.0:
▪ Column A: Climate Health - 1.0 score (maximum of 1.0 from Product-Specific
Type III EPD and 0.5 from Cradle to Cradle Silver)
▪ Column B: Human Health - 1.0 score from Cradle to Cradle Silver
▪ Column C: Ecosystem Health - 1.0 score from Cradle to Cradle Silver
▪ Column D: Social Health and Equity - 0.5 score from Cradle to Cradle Silver
▪ Column E: Circular Economy – 0.5 score from Cradle to Cradle Silver
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Figure 1. Optimized Product Valuation by Eligible Product Documentation
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Option 1: Product Disclosure and Optimization from All Product Categories (1-2 Points)
Select and install nonstructural materials that are optimized across multiple impact areas according to
Figure 1. Products can come from any category so long as they are permanently installed. Products with
eligible documentation are valued for their multi-attribute score, up to a maximum score of 5 per unique
product. See Equation 1 for an example of how to calculate multipliers for a unique product.
Table 1. Points for Selecting Optimized Products from All Product Categories
Total Multi-Attribute Score for all Optimized Products in the Minimum Number of Points
project Manufacturers
Multi-attribute score >100 10 1 Point
Multi-attribute score >200 20 2 Points
Equation 1. Determining Number of Optimized Products

A single product valuation = 1 product X “multi-attribute” score
Example:
• A permanently installed product has a multi-attribute score (sum of columns B-F from Figure 1) of
3.5 across multiple impact areas.
• The product is worth 3.5 “products” for the purposes of Option 1 credit calculation.
OR
Option 2: Optimized Product Categories (1-6 Points)
Select and install nonstructural materials that are optimized across multiple impact areas according to
Figure 1. Create a bill of materials and categorize products by the following product categories:
• Paints and coatings - measured by cost, volume, or area
• Adhesives and sealants - measured by cost, volume, or area
• Flooring - measured by cost or area
• Walls - measured by cost or area
• Ceilings - measured by cost or area
• Insulation - measured by cost or area
• Furniture - measured by cost, area or units
• Composite Wood - measured by cost or area
• Other – measured by cost or area
Earn up to 5 points for selecting optimized products in multiple product categories.
• Any single product category that includes more than 100% of optimized products earns 1 point.
• Any single product category that includes more than 200% of optimized products is eligible for 1
exemplary performance point.
The amount of optimized products per product category is calculated by multiplying each individual
product’s value (cost, area, volume or unit) times the product’s multi-attribute score from Figure 1
(columns B-F). Each individual product’s multi-attribute score in the product category is then added
together to determine the total optimized product value for that product category.
To determine if the product category includes enough optimized products to earn points, compare the
total optimized product value for the category to the total value (without multipliers) for all products in
the product category, including those products that do not have sustainability attributes.

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MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion
1–2 points
Intent
To reduce construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities and the
environmental impacts of manufacturing new materials and products, including embodied carbon. To
delay the need for new landfill facilities that are often located in frontline communities and create green
jobs and materials markets for building construction services.
Requirements
Develop and implement a construction and demolition materials management plan and achieve points
through diversion and recycling. Waste diversion and recycling calculations must be by weight. If volume
is provided for some materials, use an approved volume-to-weight conversion factor. Exclude excavated
soil, land-clearing debris, and hazardous waste from calculations.
Any materials sent to a commingled recycling facility for processing must take the facility average
recycling rate and any materials destined for alternative daily cover (ADC) or incineration/energy recovery
must be included as waste (not diverted).
Divert at least 35% of waste by employing best practice strategies like reuse/salvage, manufacturer take-
back programs, source-separation (with dedicated recycling) of specific materials, and targeting of high
value materials like carpet, ceilings, gypsum board, and furniture. Points are awarded according to Table
1.
Table 1. Points for CandD Diversion. Select any criteria up to a total of 2 points:
Thresholds Points
Divert 35% of all construction and demolition waste materials 1
AND
Source-separate and recycle three materials
Divert 50% of all construction and demolition waste materials 2
AND
Use third-party verified commingled recycling facilities
OR
Source-separate and recycle five materials
OR
source separate and recycle at least 2 targeted materials: Carpet, ceilings, gypsum board, or
furniture
*Minimum quantities are required for source separated materials.
PROJECT TYPE VARIATIONS:
For projects with incomplete or speculative spaces:

• To be completed by building owner: commit to saving the approved construction and demolition
waste management plan and implementing again for the future phase, or certifying the space
under LEED ID+C.
• To be completed by tenant(s): include the building’s approved construction and demolition waste
management plan in the Tenant Guidelines, as an example.
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INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ)
EQ Prerequisite: Fundamental Air Quality
Required
Intent
To design for above average indoor air quality with features to control PM2.5 to support occupant health
and well-being.
Requirements
Investigate Regional and Local Air Quality

Investigate outdoor air quality in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022, Sections 4.1 and 4.2
prior to completion of ventilation system design. Document the investigation using the format from
ASHRAE 62.1-2022 Informative Appendix I1. Review the documentation with building owners or their
representative.
AND
Ventilation and Filtration Design
Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 Sections 5 and 6. Use the Ventilation Rate
Procedure, the IAQ Procedure, the Natural Ventilation Procedure, or a combination thereof. Comply with
the following additional provisions:
• Have particle filters on each ventilation system that supplies outdoor air to occupiable space and
each recirculated air system with flow rate greater than 1,000 cfm (472 L/s) serving regularly-
occupied spaces to meet either:
o minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 13 or higher, in accordance with ASHRAE
Standard 52.2–2017; or
o Equivalent filtration media class of ePM1 50% or higher, as defined by ISO 16890-2016,
Particulate Air Filters for General Ventilation, Determination of the Filtration Performance.
• If using air cleaning systems, they must be tested for effectiveness and safety per ASHRAE
Standard 241-2023 section 7.4 (and Normative Appendix A)
• Follow ASHRAE 62.1-2022 addendum ab for demand control ventilation employed in densely
occupied spaces.
• Provide outdoor airflow measurement device for all mechanical ventilation systems with outdoor
air intake flow greater than 1000 cfm (472 L/s). The device must be capable of measuring the
minimum outdoor air intake flow and be capable of measuring the design minimum outdoor air
intake flow with an accuracy of +/–10%. An alarm must indicate when the outdoor airflow value
varies by 15% or more from the setpoint. Alternatively, for constant-volume systems that do not
employ demand control ventilation, provide an indicator capable of confirming the intake damper
is open to the position needed to maintain the design minimum outdoor airflow as determined
during the system startup and balancing.
• For residential spaces, follow the additional Dwelling Unit Provisions below.
• For healthcare spaces, meet the requirements of Sections 6-10 of ASHRAE Standard 170-2021.
AND
Entryway Systems
Install permanent entryway systems to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used
exterior entrances. Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, slotted
systems that allow for cleaning underneath, rollout mats, and any other materials manufactured as
entryway systems with equivalent or better performance. Entryway systems are not required at doors
leading from the exterior to loading docks or garages but must be installed between these spaces and
adjacent indoor spaces. Entryway Systems are required only at the ground level, for each residential
entrance from the outdoors.
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AND
For Healthcare projects, provide pressurized entryway vestibules at high-volume building entrances.
AND
Construction IAQ Management

Develop and implement an indoor air quality management plan for the construction and preoccupancy
phases of the building. The plan must address all of the following.
• During construction, meet or exceed all applicable recommended control measures of the Sheet
Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for
Occupied Buildings under Construction, 2nd edition, 2007, ANSI/SMACNA 008–2008, Chapter 3.
Protect absorptive materials stored on-site and installed from moisture damage.
• Replace all air filtration media after completion of construction and before occupancy. Confirm
that testing and balance work is completed with new filtration.
AND
Dwelling Unit Provisions
If the project building contains residential units, each dwelling unit must meet all of the following
requirements:
• Design and install a dwelling-unit mechanical ventilation system that complies with Sections 4,
6.6, and 6.7 of ASHRAE 62.2-2022. Supply and balanced mechanical ventilation systems must
be designed and constructed to provide ventilation air directly from the outdoors. Mechanical
ventilation systems are not required when the project meets the exception to Section 4.1.1 of
ASHRAE 62.2-2022.
• Design and install local mechanical exhaust systems in each kitchen and bathroom (including
half-baths) that comply with Sections 5 and 7 of ASHRAE 62.2-2022. Exhaust air to the outdoors.
Do not route exhaust ducts to terminate in attics or interstitial spaces. Recirculating range hoods
or recirculating over-the-range microwaves do not satisfy the kitchen exhaust requirements. For
exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 400 cubic feet per minute (188 liters
per second), provide makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the exhaust air rate. Makeup air
systems must have a means of closure and be automatically controlled to start and operate
simultaneously with the exhaust system. Use ENERGY STAR–labeled bathroom exhaust fans in
all bathrooms (including half-baths) or performance equivalent for projects outside the U.S. A
heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV) may be used to exhaust single
or multiple bathrooms if it has an efficacy level meeting the ENERGY STAR Technical
Specifications for Residential Heat-Recovery Ventilators and Energy-Recovery Ventilators
(H/ERVs) Version 2.3 as certified by the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI).
• Unvented combustion appliances (ovens and ranges excluded) are not allowed.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) monitor must be installed on each floor of each dwelling unit, hard-wired
with a battery backup. CO monitors are required in all types of units, regardless of the type of
equipment installed in the unit.
• Any indoor fireplaces and woodstoves must have solid glass enclosures or doors that seal when
closed. Any indoor fireplaces and woodstoves that are not closed combustion or power-vented
must pass a backdraft potential test to ensure that depressurization of the combustion appliance
zone is less than 5 Pa.
• Space- and water-heating equipment that involves combustion must be designed and installed
with closed combustion (i.e., sealed supply air and exhaust ducting) or with power-vented
exhaust or located in a detached utility building or open-air facility.
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EQ Prerequisite: No Smoking or Vehicle Idling
Required
Intent
To prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution
systems to environmental tobacco smoke, smoke produced from the combustion of cannabis and
controlled substances, the emissions produced by electronic smoking devices, and the emissions
produced by idling vehicles.
Requirements
Smoking includes tobacco smoke, as well as smoke produced from the combustion of cannabis and
controlled substances and the emissions produced by electronic smoking devices.
During Construction: Prohibit smoking inside the building and within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of the
building openings. Install signage that prohibits smoking inside the project during construction.
During Building Operations: Prohibit smoking inside the building with limited exceptions (see below).
Prohibit smoking outside the building except in designated smoking areas located at least 25 feet (7.5
meters) (or the maximum extent allowable by local codes) from all entries, outdoor air intakes, and
operable windows. School projects must prohibit all smoking on site.
Prohibit vehicle idling on site with limited exceptions (see below).
Communicate the no-smoking and vehicle idling prohibition and any designated smoking areas or no idle
zones to occupants. Have in place provisions for enforcement or no-smoking or no-idling signage.
Exceptions for Smoking:

• Units in multiunit residential condo buildings that are sold to tenants and the building owner /
property manager is legally restricted from placing smoking prohibitions on the private property of
the units (including any balconies). Units must meet compartmentalization requirements in the
reference guide.
Exceptions for Vehicle Idling: may include cold weather-related considerations, emergency or safety
situations, or specific vehicle needs/requirements.
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EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility
Required
Intent
To support diverse physical needs of occupants and increase widespread usability of the building.
Requirements
All projects must support access for those with physical disabilities through designs meeting all locally
applicable accessibility codes.
AND
Include the following strategies:
1. All regularly used exterior entrances are ADA compliant with ramps to accommodate elevation
change (not wheelchair lifts).
2. Reception desks, security counters, and service counters all have a front approach wheelchair
accessible section.
3. Provide wave-to-open or vertical hand / foot press door operators at all building entrances.
4. Primary circulation paths are minimum 6 feet (1.8 meters) width.
5. Turn circles in primary circulation paths and all restrooms are minimum 5’-7” (1.7 meters)
Exceptions to the requirements because of a limited scope of work, historic preservation requirements, or
local code exemptions will be considered.
97
EQ Credit: Enhanced Air Quality
1 point
Intent
To design for increased levels of indoor air quality beyond the prerequisite to better protect the health of
building occupants.
Requirements
Option 1. Additional Outdoor Air or Air Cleaning (1 point)
Design the building to exceed the requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2022, section 6. If using the ventilation
rate procedure to comply with EQ Prerequisite: Air Quality, use Path 1 or Path 2; if using the Indoor Air
Quality Procedure, use Path 2.
Path 1. Increased Ventilation (1 point)
Increase breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates, except during outdoor pollution events, to
95% of all regularly occupied spaces by at least 15% above the minimum rates (for 1 point, or
30% for exemplary performance) as determined in EQ Prerequisite: Fundamental Air Quality.
OR
Path 2. Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Procedure (1 point)
In addition to the design compounds and design limits outlined in ASHRAE 62.1-2022 Tables 6-5
and 6-6, design for enhanced indoor air quality using the lower design limits listed below in Table
1.
Table 1. Additional Design Limits for Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Procedure
Design Compound or PM2.5 Enhanced IAQP Design Limit*
PM2.5 10 ug/m3
Formaldehyde 20 µg/m³
Ozone 10 ppb
*[references for enhanced IAQ limits]

AND/OR
Option 2. Automatic Filter Change Notification (1 point)

Automatic Filter Change Notification: Monitor the static pressure differential across
filters (outdoor air and/or recirculating filters) and integrate the monitor with the Building
Automation System (BAS) to notify when filter changes are required.
98
EQ Credit: Occupant Experience
1-6 points
Intent
To optimize people’s comfort, well-being, and enjoyment and maximize the likelihood of consistent
satisfaction and ongoing stewardship related to the indoor environment.
Requirements
Option 1. Customizable Environment (1 point)
Allow occupants choice and flexibility, and, where possible, the ability to alter the space to meet their
individual needs. Demonstrate at least 5 of the strategies below:
1. Accessible quiet spaces to retreat from high levels of sensory stimulation

2. A variety of acoustic settings (quiet, vibrant, etc.) that occupants may choose from
3. Locate spaces with strong smells apart from study, work, and sleeping areas
4. Provide socializing, meeting, dining, eating, and working areas where occupants can sit outside
the main action and have permanent architectural features at their backs to allow for prospecting
5. Provide alternate paths that do not require traveling across a large open space
6. Provide choice in furniture configuration and a variety of seating to accommodate a wide range of
body types
7. Provide lactation rooms
8. Incorporate public indoor space, accessible to the surrounding community, with flexible or
multifunctional use
9. Provide thermal variability and options for occupants to move between zones
AND/OR
Option 2. Thermal Environment (1 point):
Design indoor occupied spaces to meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55–2023, Thermal
Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy with errata.
AND
Address the potential for overcooling in the warm season which contributes to occupant discomfort and
negative health effects. See ASHRAE 55-2023, Informative Appendix E Section E8.1 for possible
considerations.
AND/OR
Option 3. Sound Environment (1 point):
Develop an acoustics plan, mapping the different acoustic zones for the project. Classify areas by intent
and use: loud zone, quiet zone, mixed zone, circulation, and not applicable. Outline acoustical solutions
with a focus on managing acoustical comfort, background noise, speech privacy, reverberation time
and/or impact noise.
AND
• Minimize the effect on building occupants of site exterior noise produced by road traffic, aircraft
flyovers, railroads, outdoor facility MEP and building services equipment, etc.
99
• Address sound transmission between loud and quiet zones
• Achieve a maximum background noise level of 35 dBA from heating, ventilating, and air-
conditioning (HVAC) systems in areas for conferencing, learning, and speaking.
AND/OR
Option 4. Lighting Environment (1-4 points):
Path 1. Visual Comfort and Solar Glare (1 point)
Comply with all of the following requirements for regularly occupied spaces:
• Solar glare control: Provide manual or automatic (with manual override) glare-control
devices.
• Electric Glare Control:
Use light fixtures with a luminance of less than 7,000 candela per square meter (cd/m 2)
between 45 and 90 degrees from nadir.
OR
Achieve a Unified Glare Rating (UGR) rating of <19 using software modeling calculations of
the designed lighting. (Modeling must be performed as outlined in the NEMA white paper on
Unified Glare Rating).
Exceptions include wallwash fixtures properly aimed at walls, as specified by manufacturer’s

data, indirect uplighting fixtures, provided there is no view down into these uplights from a
regularly occupied space above, and any other specific applications (i.e. adjustable fixtures).
• Color Rendering: Use light sources that have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 90.
Or a Color Fidelity Index greater than or equal to 78 and a gamut index between 97 and 110,
determined in accordance with Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) TM-30.
AND/OR
Path 2. Window Access (1 point)
Design the building floorplates and interior layout to provide at least 30% of the regularly occupied area to
be within a 20 ft (6 m) horizontal distance of envelope glazing in each floor. The glazing must have a
visible light transmittance (VLT) above 40%.
AND
For these areas, use interior finishes with a surface reflectance greater or equal to 80% for ceilings and
50% for walls. If included in the project scope, use furniture finishes with a surface reflectance greater or
equal to 45% for work surfaces and 50% for movable partitions.
AND/OR
Path 3. Daylight Simulation (1-2 points)
Perform a daylight simulation analysis for the project to understand and optimize access to daylight and
visual comfort. Use the calculation protocols outlined below. Develop a summary report of the expected
daylight conditions for each regularly occupied space.
100
Achieve an average sDA300/50% value for the regularly occupied floor area of at least 40%. Points are
as follows:
Table 1. Points for Path 3: Daylight Simulation
average sDA300/50% value Points
≥40% 1
≥55% 2
Daylight simulation calculation protocols:

Calculate spatial daylight autonomy 300/50% (sDA300/50%), and annual sunlight exposure1000,250
(ASE1000,250) as defined in IES LM-83-22 for each regularly occupied space in the project.
Additionally, calculate the average sDA300/50% value for the total regularly occupied floor area.
The sDA and ASE calculation grids should be no more than 2 feet (600 millimeters) square and laid out
across the regularly occupied area at a work plane height of 30 inches (760 millimeters) above finished
floor (unless otherwise defined). Use an hourly time-step analysis based on typical meteorological year
data, or an equivalent, for the nearest available weather station. Include any permanent interior
obstructions. Moveable furniture and partitions may be excluded.
*[LM-83 language for modeling of exterior ground/bldgs, commonly excluded from LEED submissions]
If the finishes in the space will not be completed, use the following default surface reflectances: 80% for
ceilings, 20% for floors, and 50% for walls. Assume that the entire floor plate, except for the core, will be
regularly occupied space.

101
EQ Credit: Connecting with Nature
1 point
Intent
To encourage holistic biophilic design with benefits for both human health and the environment.
Requirements
Integrate attributes from The Practice of Biophilic Design by Kellert and Calabrese:
• Direct Experience of Nature. Directly integrate nature into the space by bringing natural
elements inside. Integrate at least 4 attributes.
• Indirect Experience of Nature. Indirectly integrate nature into the space through
representations, mimicry, or patterns of nature. Integrate at least 5 attributes.
• Experience of Space and Place. Cultivate connections that support health and wellbeing by
including spatial or architectural features with characteristics of the natural environment that
positively impact health and wellbeing. Integrate at least 3 attributes.
*strategies can be taken from any biophilic design framework or leading references, such as Terrapin
Bright Green, but must fit into the categories above.
102
EQ Credit: Enhanced Building Accessibility
1 point
Intent
To support diverse needs of occupants and increase widespread usability of the building.
Requirements
Implement at least two strategies within each of the three categories:
1. In non-residential projects, provide at least one fully accessible all-

gender single-use restroom OR one multi-use all-gender restroom on
each floor of the building. All doors are 3’-0” (0.9 meters) wide with
clear passage 34” (0.86 meters)
2. 3’ x 5’ (0.9 meters x 1.5 meters) clear floor space in front of appliances
and fixtures
3. accessibility features in all primary elevators
Physical Accessibility
4. design meeting spaces to accommodate mobility devices for at least
10% of occupants
Access beyond Federal,
5. incorporate accessible and inclusive equipment and activities in fitness
state, or local regulatory
facilities
requirements
6. slope all floor transitions that exceed ¼” (0.6 mm)
7. where non-accessible routes are provided (i.e. stairs) provide an
alternate accessible route that starts and terminates at the same
location
8. ramp and stair handrails at more than one height to accommodate a
range of people
9. Provide height-adjustable workstations and counters where appropriate
Accident Prevention 1. provide non-slip flooring
and Safety 2. fix area rugs to floor below and provide transition strips at all edges
3. provide distraction marking at all glass doors and windows except in
occupants safely interact private residences
with the building and its 4. provide accessible alerts for emergency situations (strobes, sirens etc.)
amenities and physical 5. use motion sensors for lighting
hazards are minimized 6. provide closed risers (visually and physically) in all stairs
7. use tonal contrast between walls / floors, walls / doors, walls / casework
8. provide visual and tactile warnings at floor level changes
9. avoid down and other potential allergens in finish materials
Wayfinding 1. provide wayfinding signage that clearly indicates exits, entrances, and
major functions in the project
space navigation is 2. provide non-text diagrams and symbols at signage
simple and achievable 3. provide Braille, visual and auditory cues and/or continuous linear
for all occupants indicators on paths of travel
4. design consistent paths of travel throughout the project
5. use pattern and color blocking to identify key access spaces
6. provide haptic maps for wayfinding
Alternative strategies that contribute to the widespread inclusivity of the space may be accepted but must
fit into one of the three categories above.

103
EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces
1-2 points
Intent
To support design features that increase the capacity for occupants to adapt to changing climate
conditions and be protected from events that may compromise the quality of the indoor environment and
subsequently occupant health and wellbeing.
Requirements
Option 1. Management Mode for Episodic Outdoor Ambient Conditions (1 point)

Design systems with the capability to operate an episodic outdoor event management mode as described
in ASHRAE Guideline 44. The mode should address varying outdoor conditions or events that could
negatively influence indoor air quality such as wildfire smoke. Include the management mode in the
design and commissioning documents. Verify proper implementation of the mode during commissioning.
Note: The Project is not required to operate under this mode. Procedures for using the management
mode must be prescribed in a Building Readiness Plan.
AND/OR
Option 2. Management Mode for Respiratory Diseases (1 point)
Design occupied spaces with the capability to operate an Infection Risk Management mode which
provides the minimum equivalent clean airflow rates outlined in ASHRAE 241-2023 section 5.1. Include
the management mode in the design and commissioning documents as outlined in ASHRAE 241-2023
Section B10.2 Design Documentation. Verify proper implementation of the mode during commissioning.
Note: The Project is not required to operate under this mode. Procedures for using the Infection risk
management mode must be prescribed in a Building Readiness Plan.
AND/OR
Option 3. Management Mode for Power Outages (1-2 points)
Design the project with the capability to maintain habitable temperatures during a power outage. Consider
extreme heat and cold outdoor temperatures appropriate for the locale in your analysis.
Designate specific thermal safety zones where habitable conditions will be maintained during a power
outage. The total population in all thermally safe zones must be equal to or greater than the normal
building occupancy. The zone occupant density shall be no greater than one person per 20 ft² (1.9 m). All
habitable zones must have access to natural ventilation through features such as windows, doors, panels,
or louvers.
Consider the heat stress index for the general population and for vulnerable populations, such as those in
nursing homes, schools, and inpatient facilities.
Path 1. Consider Extreme Heat (1 point)

Demonstrate through thermal modeling that a building will passively maintain thermally safe
conditions during a power outage that lasts four days during peak summertime conditions of a
typical meteorological year.
AND/OR
104
Path 2. Consider Extreme Cold (1 point)
Demonstrate through thermal modeling or Passive House certification that a building will
passively maintain thermally safe conditions during a power outage that lasts four days during
peak wintertime conditions of a typical meteorological year.
Procedures for using the management mode must be prescribed in the building’s operational
plans.
AND/OR
Option 4. Operable Windows (1 point)

Design 75% of the regularly occupied spaces to have operable windows with the capability to provide
access to outdoor air during heat waves or localized power outages. The windows must meet the opening
size and location requirements of ASHRAE 62.1-2022 section 6.4.
AND/OR
Option 5. Building Safety (1 – 2 points)
Design for one of the hazards identified as high priority in the Prerequisite: Climate Resilience
Assessment:
Path 1. Tornado, Hurricane and High Winds: Safe rooms and areas of refuge (1 point)
Design and build the site and site structures to include safe rooms or refuge areas based on
FEMA P-361 (for projects with public/community use) and P-431 (for projects without
public/community use).
AND/OR
Path 2. Earthquake: Earthquake resilience for furniture and equipment and unobstructed
means of egress (1 point)
Comply with all of the following:
i. Enhanced Non-structural Design - Anchor Heavy Building Contents: In addition to any code
requirements, heavy building contents such as tall bookshelves, storage racks, server
racks, file cabinets, appliances and mounted televisions which are a potential life-safety
hazard are anchored per FEMA E-74 (2011) or equivalent. (REDi Version 1.0 Criterion
2.3.5)
ii. Safer Egress: Stair framing elements and their connections are designed and detailed to
maintain support of the design dead and live loads during the expected lateral drifts of the
primary structure under the code-defined MCE earthquake event with limited
damage. (REDi Version 1.0 Criterion 2.5.1)
iii. Safer Egress - Doors: Egress doors are designed to accommodate drifts (and residual
drifts) such that they remain operable following the design level earthquake. (REDi Version
1.0 Criterion 2.5.2)
105
EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring
1-2 points
Intent
To support better management of indoor air quality and identify opportunities for health-based approach
to building operations.
Requirements
Option 1. Pre-Occupancy Air Testing (1-2 points)

After construction ends and before occupancy, but under ventilation conditions typical for occupancy,
conduct baseline IAQ testing in representative spaces for the contaminants listed in Path 1. Particulate
matter and inorganic gases (for 1 point) and/or Path 2. Volatile organic compounds (for 1 point). Retail
projects may conduct the testing within 14 days of occupancy. The number of measurements should be
specified according to Table 1.
Table 1. Number of Measurements for Pre-Occupancy Air Testing
Total Occupied Floor Area, ft2 (m2) Number of measurements
≤25,000 (2500) 1
>25,000 (2500) and ≤50,000 (5000) 2
>50,000 (5000) and ≤100,000 (10,000) 4
>100,000 (10,000) 6
Path 1. Particulate Matter and Inorganic Gases (1 point)
Test for the particulate matter (PM) and inorganic gases listed in Table 2, using an allowed test method,
and demonstrate the contaminants do not exceed the concentration limits listed in the table. Measure for
an 8-hour period (calculate peak concentration for carbon monoxide and average concentration for
ozone, PM2.5, and PM10).
Table 2. Particulate Matter and inorganic gases
Contaminant (CAS#) Concentration Limit Allowed Test Methods

(µg/m3)
Carbon monoxide (CO) 9 ppm; no more than 2 ppm ISO 4224

above outdoor levels EPA Compendium Method IP-3
GB/T 18883-2002 for projects in China
Direct calibrated electrochemical instrument with

accuracy of +/- 3% of reading and resolution of 0.1 ppm
NDIR CO Sensors with accuracy of 1% of 10 ppm full
scale and display resolution of less than 0.1ppm
PM 10 ISO 14644-1:2015, Particulate monitoring device with accuracy greater of 5

cleanroom class of 8 or lower micrograms/m3 or 20% of reading and resolution (5 min
average data) +/- 5 µg/m3
106
50 μg/m3
Healthcare only: 20 μg/m3
PM 2.5 12 μg/m3 or 35 µg/m3**

OR 10 ug/m3 for projects
pursuing EQ credit Enhanced
Air Quality Option 1 Path 2
Ozone 0.07 ppm Monitoring device with accuracy greater of 5 ppb or 20%
of reading and resolution (5 min average data) +/- 5 ppb
OR 0.01 ppm for projects
pursuing EQ credit Enhanced ISO 13964
Air Quality Option 1 Path 2 ASTM D5149 -– 02
EPA designated methods for Ozone
**Projects in areas with high ambient levels of PM2.5 (known EPA nonattainment areas for PM2.5, or local equivalent) must meet the
35 ug/m3 limit, all other projects should meet the 12 ug/m 3 limit.
AND/OR
Path 2. Volatile Organic Compounds (1 point)
Perform a screening test for Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC). Use ISO 16000-6, EPA TO-17,
or EPA TO-15 to collect and analyze the air sample. Calculate the TVOC value per EN 16516:2017,
CDPH Standard Method v1.2 2017 section 3.9.4, or alternative calculation method as long as full method
description is included in test report. If the TVOC levels exceed 500 µg/m 3, investigate for potential issues
by comparing the individual VOC levels from the GC/MS results to associated cognizant authority health-
based limits. Correct any identified issues and re-test if necessary.
Additionally, test for the individual volatile organic compounds listed in Table 3 using an allowed test
method and demonstrate the contaminants do not exceed the concentration limits listed in the table.
Laboratories that conduct the tests must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test methods they
use.
Exemplary performance is available for projects that test for the additional target volatile organic
compounds specified in CDPH Standard Method v1.2-2017, Table 4-1 and do not exceed the full CREL
levels for these compounds adopted by Cal/EPA OEHHA in effect on June 2016.
Table 3. Volatile organic compounds
Contaminant (CAS#) Concentration Allowed Test Methods

Limit
(µg/m3)
ISO 16000-3, 4;
Formaldehyde 50-00-0 20 µg/m3 (16 ppb)
EPA TO-11a,
EPA comp. IP-6A
Acetaldehyde 75-07-0 140 µg/m3 ASTM D5197-16
Benzene 71-43-2 3 µg/m3 ISO 16000-6

EPA IP-1,
Hexane (n-) 110-54-3 7000 µg/m3 EPA TO-17,
EPA TO-15
Naphthalene 91-20-3 9 µg/m3 ISO 16017-1, 2;
ASTM D6196-15
Phenol 108-95-2 200 µg/m3
Styrene 100-42-5 900 µg/m3
107
Tetrachloroethylene 127-18-4 35 µg/m3
Toluene 108-88-3 300 µg/m3
Vinyl acetate 108-05-4 200 µg/m3
Dichlorobenzene (1,4-) 106-46-7 800 µg/m3
Xylenes-total 108-38-3, 95-47-6, and 106-42-3 700 µg/m3
AND/OR
Option 2. Continuous Indoor Air Monitoring (1 point)
Provide indoor air monitors for all of the following parameters:

● carbon dioxide (CO2)
● particulate matter (PM2.5)
● Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)
● temperature
● relative humidity
Monitors must be building grade or better (for example Reset Air Accredited Monitors grade B or UL 2905
grade B) and located between 3 and 6 feet above the floor. Monitor density and location requirements will
be provided in the reference guide.
Note: Additional points for indoor air monitoring can be earned under the Innovation/Exemplary
Performance, for projects that provide monitoring for the following additional parameters: Nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), Ozone, Particulate matter (PM10, PM1), Formaldehyde
AND/OR
Option 3. Continuous Outdoor Air Monitoring (1 point)
Provide outdoor air monitors for at least three of the following parameters:
● particulates (PM2.5, PM10),
● Nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
● Ozone (O3),
● Carbon monoxide (CO)
Monitors must be building grade or better (for example Reset Air Accredited Monitors grade B or UL 2905
grade B). Monitor density and location requirements will be provided in the reference guide.
108
PROJECT PRIORITIES AND INNOVATION
(IN)
IN Credit: Project Priorities
1 – 9 points
Intent
To promote achievement of credits that address geographically sensitive or adaptation-specific

environmental, social equity, and public heath priorities. To encourage projects to think creatively to test
and accelerate new sustainable building practices and strategies.
Requirements
Achieve any combination of the following options for a maximum of 9 points:
Option 1. Regional and Local Priorities (1 – 7 points)
Achieve a regional priority credit from USGBC’s Credit Library. These credits have been identified by
USGBC as having additional regional importance for the project’s region.
AND/ OR
Option 2. Project Type Priorities (1 – 7 points)
Achieve a project-type credit from USGBC’s Credit Library. These credits have been identified by USGBC
as addressing unique needs for the given adaptation or building application.
AND/OR
Option 3. Exemplary Focus (1 – 7 points)
Achieve an exemplary performance credit from USGBC’s Credit Library. These credits have been
identified by USGBC as going above and beyond an existing LEED v5 prerequisite or credit in the LEED
v5 priority areas of scale, decarbonization, resilience, health, equity, and/or ecosystems.
AND/OR
Option 4. Pilot Credits (1 – 7 points)
Achieve a pilot credit from USGBC’s Credit Library.
AND/OR
Option 5. Innovative Strategies (1 – 4 points)
Achieve significant, measurable, environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED
green building rating system.
Identify the following:

• the intent of the proposed innovation strategy;
• proposed requirements for compliance;
• proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance; and
• the design approach or strategies used to meet the requirements.
109
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional
1 point
Intent
To encourage the team integration required by a LEED project and to streamline the application and
certification process.
Requirements
At least one principal participant of the project team must be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with a
specialty appropriate for the project.
110
APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM
REQUIREMENTS
• EA CREDIT: ELECTRIFICATION – 5 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
• EA CREDIT: ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY – 10 points are required for LEED Platinum
projects
• EA CREDIT: RENEWABLE ENERGY – 5 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
• MR CREDIT: REDUCE EMBODIED CARBON – 2 points from Options 1-3 are required for LEED
Platinum projects
111

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RATING

FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT

INTEGRATIVE PROCESS, PLANNING, AND ASSESSMENTS .............6

Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment ......................................................................................... 7

Prerequisite: Carbon Assessment ................................................................................................... 8

Credit: Integrative Design Process .................................................................................................. 9

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) .......................................... 10

LT Credit: Equitable Development ................................................................................................. 11

LT Credit: Compact and Connected Development ....................................................................... 14

LT Credit: Active Travel Facilities .................................................................................................. 19

LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management ......................................................................... 22

LT Credit: Electric Vehicles ............................................................................................................ 24

SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) .................................................................. 26

SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design .......................................................................................... 27

SS Credit: Protect and Restore Biodiverse Habitat ..................................................................... 28

SS Credit: Accessible Open Space ................................................................................................ 30

SS Credit: Enhanced Resilient Site Design ................................................................................... 32

SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ................................................................................................... 34

SS Credit: Light Pollution and Bird Collision Reduction ............................................................. 36

WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ................................................................... 39

WE Prerequisite: Minimum Water Efficiency ................................................................................ 40

WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency ......................................................................................... 44

WE Credit: Water Reuse .................................................................................................................. 48

WE Credit: Water Metering and Leak Detection ........................................................................... 49

EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency ............................................................................... 53

EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning ........................................................................... 54

EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting ........................................................................ 55

EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management ............................................................ 56

EA Credit: Electrification ................................................................................................................. 58

EA Credit: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads ....................................................................................... 59

EA Credit: Enhanced Energy Efficiency ........................................................................................ 62

EA Credit: Renewable Energy ........................................................................................................ 66

EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning .................................................................... 68

EA Credit: Grid-Interactive .............................................................................................................. 73

EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management ............................................................................ 75

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) ................................................. 77

MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon................................................................................. 78

MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse ..................................................................................... 80

MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon ........................................................................................... 83

MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials ................................................................................................ 86

MR Credit: Optimized Building Products ...................................................................................... 90

MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion ......................................................... 93

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ........................................ 94

EQ Prerequisite: No Smoking or Vehicle Idling ............................................................................ 96

EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility ........................................................................................ 97

EQ Credit: Enhanced Air Quality .................................................................................................... 98

EQ Credit: Occupant Experience ................................................................................................... 99

EQ Credit: Enhanced Building Accessibility ............................................................................. 103

EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces .......................................................................................................... 104

EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring ........................................................................... 106

PROJECT PRIORITIES AND INNOVATION (IN) ................................. 109

IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional .................................................................................... 110

APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM REQUIREMENTS ............................. 111

Impact area alignment

Decarbonization Quality of Life Ecological Conservation and Restoration

Impact area alignment

Decarbonization Quality of Life Ecological Conservation and Restoration

The assessment must include the following: