LEED v5 BDC Core and Shell Public Comment 1

RATING
SYSTEM
BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:
CORE AND SHELL
FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT

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

Prerequisite: Climate Resilience Assessment ................................................................................... 6
Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment ............................................................................................ 7
Prerequisite: Carbon Assessment ...................................................................................................... 8
Prerequisite: Tenant Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 9
Credit: Green Leases .......................................................................................................................... 10
Credit: Integrative Design Process ................................................................................................... 12
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) ............................................ 13

LT Credit: Sensitive Land Protection ................................................................................................ 13
LT Credit: Equitable Development .................................................................................................... 14
LT Credit: Active Travel Facilities ..................................................................................................... 22
LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management ............................................................................ 25
LT Credit: Electric Vehicles ................................................................................................................ 27
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS)..................................................................... 29

SS Prerequisite: Minimized Site Disturbance .................................................................................. 29
SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design .............................................................................................. 30
SS Credit: Protect and Restore Biodiverse Habitat ......................................................................... 31
SS Credit: Accessible Open Space ................................................................................................... 33
SS Credit: Rainwater Management .................................................................................................... 34
SS Credit: Enhanced Resilient Site Design ...................................................................................... 35
SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ...................................................................................................... 37
SS Credit: Light Pollution and Bird Collision Reduction ................................................................ 39
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ..................................................................... 42

WE Prerequisite: Water Metering and Reporting ............................................................................ 42
2
WE Prerequisite: Minimum Water Efficiency ................................................................................... 43
WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency............................................................................................. 47
WE Credit: Water Reuse ..................................................................................................................... 52
WE Credit: Water Metering and Leak Detection ............................................................................... 53
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA) ....................................................... 54

EA Prerequisite: Operational Carbon projection and Decarbonization plan ................................ 54
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency .................................................................................. 56
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning ............................................................................... 57
EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting ........................................................................... 58
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management ............................................................... 59
EA Credit: Electrification .................................................................................................................... 62
EA Credit: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads........................................................................................... 64
EA Credit: Enhanced Energy Efficiency ........................................................................................... 67
EA Credit: Renewable Energy ............................................................................................................ 71
EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning ....................................................................... 74
EA Credit: Grid-Interactive ................................................................................................................. 79
EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management ............................................................................... 81
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) .................................................... 83

MR Prerequisite: Planning for Zero Waste Operations ................................................................... 83
MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon .................................................................................... 84
MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse ......................................................................................... 86
MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon .............................................................................................. 89
MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials .................................................................................................... 92
MR Credit: Optimized Building Products.......................................................................................... 96
MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion ............................................................ 99
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ........................................ 100

3
EQ Prerequisite: Fundamental Air Quality ..................................................................................... 100
EQ Prerequisite: No Smoking or Vehicle Idling ............................................................................. 102
EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility.......................................................................................... 103
EQ Credit: Enhanced Air Quality ..................................................................................................... 104
EQ Credit: Occupant Experience ..................................................................................................... 105
EQ Credit: Connecting with Nature ................................................................................................. 107
EQ Credit: Enhanced Building Accessibility ................................................................................. 108
EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces ............................................................................................................. 109
EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring .............................................................................. 111
PRIORITIES AND INNOVATION (IN) .................................................... 112

IN Credit: Project Priorities .............................................................................................................. 112
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional ....................................................................................... 113
APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM REQUIREMENTS ............................... 114
4
SCORECARD
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

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.
7
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.
8
Prerequisite: Tenant Guidelines
Required
Intent
To communicate and coordinate the sustainable design and construction features of a base building with the
tenants and facilitate tenant LEED certification so that the completed space more comprehensively addresses
the rating system requirements.
Requirements
Create Tenant Guidelines, to be shared with all tenants before signing the lease, including the following
content:
• A description of the sustainable design and construction features incorporated in the core and shell
project and the project’s sustainability goals and objectives, including those for tenant spaces.
• Guidance and recommendations for incorporating sustainable strategies, products, materials and
services in the tenant spaces. Refer to the attempted LEED prerequisites and credits of the base
building for content requirements.
• A point of contact, from the base building team, for further coordination of base building design and
construction documentation.
9
Credit: Green Leases
6 points
Intent
To ensure the tenants complete the sustainable design and construction features started by the base building
so that the completed space comprehensively addresses the rating system requirements.
Requirements
Demonstrate compliance with the following options for a maximum of 6 points.
Option 1. Standard Green Lease (1-6 points)

Develop a standard green lease document that establishes tenant fit-out standards incorporating tenant
requirements, as described below. Commit to incorporating the green lease documentation in each future
tenant lease.
For any spaces or systems intended to be fit out by the project owner, identify the standards for the future fit-
out, incorporating the criteria referenced in the standard green lease document and commit to performing the
fit-out(s) in accordance with these standards.
Tenant Requirements shall include standards to ensure compliance with the following prerequisites for any
tenant-installed systems:
- IP Prerequisite: Social Equity Assessment
- IP Prerequisite: Climate Resilience Assessment
- SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design
- WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency
- EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency
- EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning
- EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting for all ASHRAE 90.1 Metering
requirements.
- MR Prerequisite: Planning for Zero Waste Operations
- EQ Prerequisite: Fundamental Air Quality
- EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility
Points are awarded according to Table 1 by incorporating the specified number of additional best practices into
the green lease.
• Require tenant to pay for tenant’s electric and non-electric energy use and water use,
• Implement cost recovery clause for energy efficiency upgrades benefiting the tenant,
• Disclose tracked common area energy use, peak demand, peak thermal demand, and onsite
combustion emissions to tenants,
• Disclose tracked common area water use to tenants,
• Disclose whole-building ENERGY STAR score to tenants,
• Ensure brokers or leasing agent(s) have energy training,
• Implement energy management best practices,
• Request annual tenant energy disclosure,
• Require energy efficiency fit out for tenants that improves upon EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy
Efficiency requirement,
• Establish a tenant energy efficiency engagement and training plan,
• Demonstrate innovation in leasing,
• Meter or submeter additional tenant energy beyond that required in EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering
and Reporting.
10
Number of additional best practices Points
incorporated into the lease
Less than 5 1
5 to 8 2
9 to 12 3
12 to 15 4
AND/OR
Option 2. Executed Standard Green Lease (2 points)

One additional point is awarded by providing documentation of an executed tenant green lease or tenant letter
of attestation meeting the criteria in Option 1.
AND / OR
Option 3. Green Lease Leaders Recognition (1 - 6 points)

Earn Green Lease Leaders recognition:
• At the Silver level (1 point)
• At the Gold level (3 points)
• At the Platinum level (6 points)
11
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 restoration and conservation 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 restoration and conservation. 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.
12
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).
13
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.
14
• 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
15
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.
16
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 Residential density Nonresidential density
acre of buildable (DU/acre) (FAR)
land
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.
17
• 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

Weekday Weekend Points
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
18
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
19
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 1
commercial purposes
Previously developed and Adjacent site with bordering parcels 2
currently 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.
20
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.

21
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.
22
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-
term bicycle storage
spaces for every
Short-term At least 2.5% of all peak visitors but no 5,000 square feet
storage fewer than four spaces per building (465 square meters),
but no fewer than two
Meet the storage storage spaces per
requirements for the building
At least 15% of all nonresidential and At least 5% of regular
At least 5% of all regular building residential portions of building occupants,
regular building occupants but no the project separately 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.
23
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.
24
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.
25
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.
26
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
27
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 Point(s)
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.
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.
28
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.
29
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).
30
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
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
31
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.
32
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.
33
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
th th
95 Percentile 85 Percentile 2
98th Percentile 90th Percentile 3
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).
34
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 two 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 two 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
35
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 two 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:
o Install tsunami danger area and evacuation route signage.
o 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 two or more of the following:

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

36
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).
37
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
Slope Initial SRI
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.
38
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.
39
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/m 2 (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
40
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.
41
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.
42
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 below for only the base
building fixtures and fittings, appliances, equipment, process water and outdoor water use. For tenant spaces,
include manufacturer documentation for the base building’s fixtures and fittings, appliances and equipment in
the Prerequisite: Tenant Guidelines.
Option 1. Minimum Indoor Fixture and Fittings Efficiency

Meet the minimum water efficiency requirements for Fixtures and Fittings outlined below.
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.
43
Table 2. Baseline water consumption of fixtures and fittings
Fixture or Fitting Baseline installed flush or Baseline installed flush
flow rate (IP) or 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.
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.
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
44
Combination Countertop or ≤ 1.5 gal/pan ≤ 5.7 liters/pan
Oven stand
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
tempering system, 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
vacuum generators or device into 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
45
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).
46
WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency
1–5 points
Intent
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 (1-2 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
40% 2
AND/OR
Option 2. Appliance and Equipment 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.
Table 3. 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
tank, door performance equivalent
Single tank, ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or
conveyor performance equivalent
Multiple tank, ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or
conveyor performance equivalent
Flight machine ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or
Food Boilerless / ≤ 1.7 gal/hr./pan including ≤ 6.4 liters/hr./pan including
Steamer 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 ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or
Oven stand performance equivalent
Roll-in ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR or
Food waste Disposer 3-8 gpm, full load condition; 11-30 lpm, full load condition;
disposer 10 minute automatic shutoff or 10 minute automatic shutoff or
1 gpm, no-load condition 3.8 lpm, no-load condition
Scrap collector Maximum 2 gpm makeup Maximum 7.6 lpm makeup
water water
Pulper Maximum 2 gpm makeup Maximum 7.6 lpm makeup
water water
Strainer basket No additional water usage No additional water usage
Table 4: Compliant laboratory and medical equipment

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. For 1520-mm sterilizer: 28.5
tray liters/DIN tray
For 48-in sterilizer: 7.5 gal/U.S. For 1220-mm sterilizer: 28.35
tray liters/DIN tray
Sterile process washer 0.35 gal/U.S. tray 1.3 liters/DIN tray
X-ray processor, 150 mm or Film processor water recycling unit

more in any dimension
Digital imager, all sizes No water use
48
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.
Table 5. Compliant municipal steam systems

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 (1 – 3 points)
Path 1: No irrigation (3 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 – 3 points)

Reduce the project’s theoretical irrigation requirement (TIR) by at least 50% from the calculated baseline.
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
75% 2
100% 3
Option 4. Optimize Process Water Use (1 – 3 points)
Path 1. Cooling tower and evaporative condenser cycles of concentration (1-3 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
49
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.
Table 8. Points for cooling tower cycles

Cooling tower cycles Points
Maximum number of cycles achieved without exceeding any maximum concentration 1
levels or affecting operation of condenser water system
Meet the maximum calculated number of cycles to earn 1 point, and increase the 2
number of 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
Meet the maximum calculated number of cycles to earn 1 point, and increase the 3
number of cycles by a minimum of 30% 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
30% 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 (1-3 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
100% 3
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
50
Path 3. Process Water use (1-3 points)
Demonstrate that the project is using minimum 20% alternative water to meet process water demand for 1 point,
using minimum 30% alternative water to meet process water demand for 2 points or using minimum 40%
alternative water to meet process water demand for 3 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
Projects served by district systems are eligible to achieve Path 3 if the district system complies with minimum
thresholds for alternative water use.
51
WE Credit: Water Reuse
1 – 2 points
Intent
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 (1 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.
52
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 meters for future tenant spaces so that tenants will be capable of independently metering water consumption
dedicated to their space. Provide a sufficient number of meters to capture total potable water use with a minimum of
one per floor.
Additionally, install permanent water meters for each applicable base building 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.
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 within the project’s scope; water sensors can be installed on
each flush fixture or for a group of flush fixtures (i.e., 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 or tenant will address and remedy any detected leak.

53
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.
• The plan shall be a narrative no more than two (2) pages in length.
54
• 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.

55
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
56
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 and On-Going Commissioning

Comply with EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning Option 1 Path 2.
Tenant guidelines for both Options 1 and 2:

For base building control, monitoring, air handling, heating and cooling systems that require future
interconnection with tenant systems, provide tenant guidelines informing the tenant commissioning process,
including guidance for design review checks, functional tests, and updates to the building systems manual
relevant to the interconnected systems commissioning.
57
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.
Exception: Future tenant utility services and meters that will be installed in the tenant scope of work.
58
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 refrigerant-containing equipment for refrigerant leaks
and repair all leaks identified. 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.
59
Table 1. GWP caps for refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump products
GWP limit or
Compliance
prohibited
Subsector Products and Systems Date
substances
Stationary air conditioning Residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat
and heat pumps 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 621, List #1 prohibited Jan. 1,2027
equipment (self- edition 7
contained) Ice cream makers within the scope of UL 621, edition 7 List #1 prohibited Jan. 1,2028
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 hrs. List #1 prohibited Jan. 1, 2027
Remote automatic Jan 1, 2027

commercial ice machines See list #2 of prohibited substances
Cold storage With ≥ 200 lb. refrigerant charge, excluding high temperature 150 Jan 1, 2026
warehouses, side of cascade system
Retail food supermarkets, With < 200 lb. refrigerant charge 300 Jan 1, 2026
Retail food remote
condensing units High temperature side of cascade system 300 Jan 1, 2026
Chillers (process) Industrial process refrigeration with exiting fluid ≥ to -50 °C (- 700 Jan 1, 2026
58 °F) and < -30 °C (-22 °F)
Industrial process refrigeration with exiting fluid ≥ to -30 °C (- 700 Jan 1, 2028
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 temperature of 300 Jan 1, 2026
refrigerant entering the evaporator ≥ -30 °C (-22 °F)
High temperature side of cascade system and temperature of 300 Jan 1, 2026
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
60
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
61
EA Credit: Electrification
1-4 points – 4 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
Comply with Option 1 and/or Option 2 for a maximum of 4 points:
Option 1. Electrification (1-4 points)

Comply with Path 1, 2, or 3. For Paths 1 and 2:
• Include all heating and service hot water systems necessary to meet total building heating and service
water heating load in the calculations of weighted average COP.
• Future heating or service water heating systems must be included in the calculations with a COP of 1.0.
• Future equipment may be excluded from the calculations and deemed as compliant when the applicable
plumbing code, or as-built drawings for projects with tenancy confirm a weighted average COP of at
least 2 for future installed equipment.
Path 1. No on-site combustion (3-4 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 weighted average
efficiency of at least:
• 1.5 COP (3 points)
• 2.0 COP (4 points)
Path 2. No onsite combustion except at low temperatures (1-3 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 1.7 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.
Path 3. No onsite combustion – limited scope (1-2 points)

Do not install onsite combustion equipment in the project except for emergency support systems.
Heating equipment in climate zones 3 and above or service water heating systems with total SWH capacity
exceeding 34,000 Btu/h (10 kW) installed in the project scope of work must have a combined weighted average
COP or UEF of 2.0. Points are awarded according to Table 1 based on the project scope of work.
62
Table 1. Points for no on-site combustion, limited scope
Minimum project scope of work Points
One or more heating, service water heating, or process heating systems 1
At least 30% of the project’s peak combined heating and service water heating load 2
For all Paths:

• 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).
Option 2. Electrification Readiness (1 points)

Provide building infrastructure that ensures the capability of operating the building without on-site combustion
(or operating without on-site combustion for outside air temperatures above 20°F (-6.5 °C)), and of installing
heating and service water heating systems that will have a weighted average COP of 2.0.
Include the details for electrification readiness in the project plans and the tenant guidelines; and include tenant
guidance for designing and installing efficient electrified systems. Provide the following infrastructure as
applicable to the project application, and sized to ensure the capability to meet the requirements referenced
above:
• Dedicated physical space for future electric space heating, service water heating, or process heating
equipment. Provide designated spaces of sufficient size for outdoor heat pump equipment.
• Chase ways with space for refrigerant lines, condensate drainage, or other required piping.
• When electrical distribution systems are installed within the project scope, provide junction box in the
same physical space as the space allocated for the future electric equipment; and dedicated electrical
panel space for an appropriately phased branch circuit sized to accommodate the future electric
equipment or appliances to meet the specified load.
• For portions of the building where ventilation air is not installed within the project scope of work,
infrastructure such as shafts, ductwork, etc. capable of supporting energy recovery ventilation for at
least 50% of ventilation air.
63
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 shall have a proposed
envelope performance factor less than or equal to the base envelope performance factor.
Option 1. Reduce Infiltration (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) shall use a whole
building air leakage test.
Table 1: Caps on air leakage rates

Building Conditioned Pressure test Maximum Air Leakage
Floor Area (CFA) conditions New Construction Major Renovation
≥ 5,000 ft (465 m )
2 2
At pressure difference of 2
0.13 cfm/ft (0.65 0.20 cfm/ft2
50 Pascal (0.2 in H2O) L/s*m2) 1 (1.0 L/s*m2) 1
At pressure difference of 0.18 cfm/ft2 0.27 cfm/ft2
75 Pascal (0.3 in H2O) (0.90 L/s*m2) 1 (1.35 L/s*m2) 1
2 2
< 5,000 ft (465 m ) 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 / OR
Option 2. Ventilation heat recovery (1 point)

Each fan system supplying outdoor air shall have an energy or heat recovery system with a minimum 70%
enthalpy recovery ratio or a minimum of 75% sensible heat recovery ratio. Provision shall be made to bypass or
control the energy recovery system during moderate outside air conditions. Fan systems must supply a
minimum of 50% of the ventilation air required for the project per ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 Ventilation Rate
Procedure to qualify for this option.
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.
AND / OR
64
Option 3. Thermal bridging (1 point)
Comply prescriptively with the thermal bridging requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 2022, Section 5.5.5.
Without exceptions for 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.
• 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:
• Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) following the Passive House Institute (PHI) protocol, or
• 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). Points are awarded according
to Table 3.
Table 3. Points for percentage improvement due to envelope measures (1-2 points)
Points Percent improvement in sum of peak heating and cooling loads
1 10%
2 20%
AND / OR
HVAC – Heating and cooling loads (1 points).

Total System Performance Ratio (TSPR). Demonstrate a 15% improvement in the sum of peak heating and
cooling loads for the 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 project’s location and climate zone
determined in accordance with the ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Mechanical System Performance Rating Method
(Normative Appendix L).
OR
65
Case 3. Peak heating and cooling load performance index (ASHRAE 90.1 Appendix G Energy
Simulation)
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.
Points are awarded according to Table 4.
Table 4. Points for Performance Index for peak heating and cooling loads:
Performance Index Points
0.5 1
0.4 2
0.3 3
66
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 (7 points)

Combine Regulated Loads and Plug and Process Loads for a maximum of 7 points.
Regulated loads (1-6 points)

Apply Case 1 or Case 2. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Case 1. ASHRAE 90.1-2019 with additional efficiency

(Available only to projects registered before January 1, 2028)
• Comply with the provisions of ASHRAE 90.1 2019 Sections 5 through 10
• Earn up to six points by accruing additional efficiency credits in accordance with Section 11 of ASHRAE
90.1-2022:
o Central systems: 1 point for every 13 energy credits where the Core and shell project includes a
central HVAC system or service water heating system that includes chillers, boilers, service water
heating equipment, or loop pumping systems with heat rejection.
o All other: 1 point for every 9 energy credits for all other core and shell projects.
• 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

• Comply with the provisions of ASHRAE 90.1 2022 Sections 5 through 11, including the minimum
additional efficiency requirements in Section 11. (2 points)
• Up to four additional LEED points are rewarded for projects that document incremental ASHRAE 90.1
2022 Section 11 credits, above the minimum required.
o Central systems: 1 point for every 13 incremental energy credits where the Core and shell project
includes a central HVAC system or service water heating system that includes chillers, boilers,
service water heating equipment, or loop pumping systems with heat rejection.
o All other: 1 point for every 9 incremental energy credits for all other Core and shell projects.
67
Table 1. Points for ASHRAE 90.1-2022 Section 11 Credits
Compliance Path
Case 1. ASHRAE
Case 2. ASHRAE 90.1-2022
90.1-2019 Sections 5
Points Sections 5 to 11
to 10
Central All Other
All Other Central systems
systems
1 13 Credits 9 Credits NA NA
2 26 Credits 18 Credits Min required by 90.1-2022 Min required by 90.1-2022
3 39 Credits 27 Credits Min required + 13 credits Min required + 9 credits
Table 1 notes:
• 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.
AND/OR
Plug and Process Loads (PPL) (1-3 points)

Combine Plug Load Management and Energy Efficiency Plug and Process Equipment for a maximum of 3
points.
Plug Load Management (1 point)

This is limited to projects with at least some receptacles installed within the project scope of work.
Implement all the following:

• Provide plug load monitoring (metering) and tracking for the receptacles installed within the project
scope of work with the capability for monitoring plug loads for the whole building, for each floor, and for
tenant spaces with gross area greater than 5,000 ft2 (465 m2), and separate monitoring and tracking of
switched vs. non-switched receptacles.
• Configure the plug load monitoring system with the capability for expandability to monitor future plug
loads for each floor and/or for individual tenant spaces, and to separately monitor and track switched vs.
non-switched receptacles.
• Provide a plug load dashboard that is accessible through an application to all regular occupants of the
building displaying base building plug loads; and with the capability for tenants to choose whether to
display plug loads to their occupants.
• Commission equipment to ensure that it is properly set up to achieve reductions via low-power modes.
Energy Efficient Plug and Process Equipment (1–3 points)

Demonstrate that all eligible equipment installed in the project scope meets the Table 1 criteria. Points are
awarded according to Table 2 for a maximum of 3 points.
68
Table 2. Plug and Process Equipment criteria for Case 1
Equipment Category Applicable Equipment Criteria Points
People Conveyance • Elevators ISO 25745. 2
• Escalators At least Class A rated
• Moving Walkways
Data Center Electrical Electrical System Design ASHRAE 90.4-2022. 1
System Design electrical loss component (ELC)
is at least 20% lower than the maximum
design electrical loss.
Refrigeration Referenced in ASHRAE 10% improvement beyond ASHRAE 1
systems: 90.1-Section 6.8 Tables 90.1 Section 6.8 Tables
AND not ENERGY STAR
eligible
Refrigerated Warehouse California Title 24-2022 Section 120.6
refrigerated warehouse requirements
Airport equipment: Baggage handling Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) with 2
equipment variable frequency drive
Aircraft + jetway air Preconditioned Air (PCA) Systems with
conditioning efficiencies meeting ASHRAE 90.1
prescriptive efficiencies for HVAC
equipment
Data Centers:
Data centers that comprise at least 40% of the project’s gross area with the electrical system in the project
scope earn 2 points for complying with the Data Center electrical system requirements.
Warehouse:
Refrigerated warehouses that comprise at least 20% of the project’s gross floor area with the refrigeration
systems in the project scope earn 2 points for complying with the Refrigeration system requirements.
Option 2. Energy Simulation (1-7 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:
• Table 4 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 3, 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.
69
Table 3. Points for percentage improvement in PI below PIT
Percentage Reduction Percentage Reduction
excluding renewable or including renewable
contribution contribution Points
10%
2% 1
5% 20% 2
8% 30% 3
11% 40% 4
14% 50% 5
17% 60% 6
20% 70% 7
Table 4. 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
70
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
Apply Option 1 and / or Option 2 for a maximum of 4 points.
Option 1. Renewable supply or procurement (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 the
percentage of total annual base building site energy use, where base building energy use is defined as the
greater of the estimated site energy consumption from base building energy meters or 25% of the total predicted
building energy use:
(a) Tiers 1 – 3: The percentage of total annual base building 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
Points Percent of Annual Percent of Annual
Minimum Rated Annual Base
or Base Building Site Base Building Site
Capacity1 Building Site
Energy Energy
Energy
A * 1 W / ft2
1 or 15% 35% 100%
(A * 10.8 W/m2)
A * 2 W / ft2
2 or 30% 70% 200%
(A * 21.6 W/m2)
3 65% 100%
4 100% 200%
71
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.
• 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 procurement can only be applied to
project electricity use or district energy use up to 100% of total predicted building annual electricity plus
district energy use. Renewable fuels can only be applied to project fuel use or district heat up to 100% of
total predicted building annual fuel plus district heat use.
• Vintage: EACs credited to the project must be generated no earlier than 18-months before the LEED
project 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 base building
annual electricity use.
AND / OR
Option 2. Renewable energy readiness (1 point)

Design the project for renewable energy readiness. Document renewable energy readiness features in the
project design and provide tenant guidelines indicating how tenants can leverage these features to install
renewable energy capacity for their tenant space. Tenant guidelines shall include a copy of the construction
documents or a comparable document indicating the information below. Projects shall either document solar
readiness in accordance with the criteria below or an equivalent solar readiness standard, or document
equivalent onsite renewable energy readiness for another qualifying renewable energy source.
Solar readiness:
72
Solar Zone: A designated solar zone shall be included in the project design.
• Designate a dedicated solar zone area equal to at least 40% of the gross roof area.
• Conduct an analysis to determine the most appropriate location for optimal location of the solar zone,
avoiding shading from trees, buildings, etc., and accounting for future construction that may result in
shading.
• Perform a wind and load analysis and confirm that the roof or other structure encompassing the solar
zone is designed to accommodate all mounting configurations identified in the tenant guidelines.
• Total area shall be comprised of areas that have no dimension less than five feet and are no less than
160 square feet.
• No obstruction, such as vents, chimneys, or roof-mounted equipment shall be located in the solar zone
or planned for future installation in the solar zone.
• Any obstruction located on the roof or other part of the building that projects above a solar zone shall be
located at least twice the distance, measured in the horizontal plane, of the height difference between
the highest point of the obstruction and the horizontal projection of the nearest point of the solar zone,
measured in the vertical plane. (Exceptions: projects located within 10 degrees of the earth’s equatorial
plane, or any obstruction located north of all points of the solar zone in the northern hemisphere, or any
obstruction located south of all points of the solar zone in the southern hemisphere).
• All sections of the solar zone located on steep-sloped roofs shall have an azimuth range between 90
degrees and 300 degrees of true north.
• If the project is intended to include future mechanical or electrical equipment in or near the solar zone,
tenant guidelines shall include a sample plan showing how the equipment can be installed to maintain
the integrity of the solar zone.
Mounting Considerations: Identify the panel-mounting options most likely to be implemented in a future solar
panel installation. Provide documentation confirming that the roof warranty is not affected by the future
installation of solar panels. Install roof-penetrating mounts at the time of roof installation if analysis indicates
roof-penetrating mounts are best-suited for the project application. (Note: roof-penetrating mounts must be
designed to limit thermal bridging and included in the envelope commissioning).
Interconnection pathways: Construction documents shall indicate locations reserved for inverters and
metering equipment, and a pathway reserved for routing of conduit from the solar zone to the point of
interconnection with the electrical service. For projects with high service water heating loads, where there is the
potential for the solar zone to be used for water heating, construction documents shall indicate a pathway for
routing of plumbing from the solar zone to the water-heating system.
Electrical service:
• The main electrical service panel shall have a minimum busbar rating of 200 amps.
• The main electrical service panel shall have a reserved space to allow for the installation of a double
pole circuit breaker for a future solar electric installation. The reserved space shall be permanently
marked as “For future solar electric”.
73
EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning
1-3 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 3 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 Building Enclosure. (1 point)

• 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.
OR
Path 2: Enhanced Commissioning for Building Enclosure and MEP Systems (2 points)
▪ Comply with Path 1, AND
▪ Provide commissioning for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, data center, process, building monitoring,
and renewable energy systems or components installed within the project scope of work. For any
systems or controls that require future interconnection with tenant systems, provide templates for future
commissioning of these interconnections addressing the most likely tenant interconnection scenarios in
the systems manual and tenant guidelines. At a minimum, provide these templates for design review
checks, functional tests, and systems manual addenda.
AND / OR
Option 2. Monitoring-Based Commissioning (MBx) (1-2 points)

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

B. Fault Detection and Diagnostic Systems (FDD) (Limited to projects applying Path 1 with at least 20% of total
predicted building heating and cooling capacity installed within the project scope of work).
Table 1. Points for Monitoring Based Commissioning

A. Energy Information System B. Fault Detection and
Diagnostic System
Path 1 (Default Path) 1 point 1 points
Path 2 (1) Basic Monitoring (1 point)
(Smaller, Simpler Projects) (2) Enhanced Monitoring (2 points)
74
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 ft 2 (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).
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:
Monitoring: Monitoring and/ or metering
▪ Energy Systems (Table 2: Paths 1A and 2A)
▪ HVAC Systems (Table 3: Paths 1B).
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 (Table 3: Paths 1B). 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, tenants, and the
monitoring-based commissioning provider (MBCxP). The process shall include the following:
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.
▪ Coordination with tenants for commissioning of tenant improvements, particularly as it relates to
interconnection with base building systems.
▪ 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
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
75
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
▪ 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.
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.
76
Table 2. Technology requirements for Energy Information System (EIS) / Energy Monitoring.
Path 1A Path 2A
Basic Enhanced
Monitoring Monitoring
Visualization and reporting of total project energy use and tenant energy use by energy source
(For tenant energy distribution not in project scope, EIS must be expandable to address the requirements)
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
Weekly1 x x (Electric) x (Electric)
Daily1 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
Tenant portal with capability to provide visualization and x x x
reporting of tenant energy use by energy source and base
building data for shared systems serving the tenants.
Monitoring, visualization, and reporting of data for the following end-uses, at least hourly
(For project scope, with capability to monitor, visualize, and report future fitouts)
Monitoring required in EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and
Reporting3
Onsite electric generation x x x
HVAC electrical use x x
Interior lighting x x
Exterior lighting x x
Receptacle circuits x x
Refrigeration systems x x
Incremental monitoring beyond EA Prerequisite: Metering and
Reporting3
Electric vehicle charging x x x
Thermal and/or electric storage x x
Elevators, escalators, and/or moving walkways x x
Computer room IT equipment2 x x
Commercial kitchen equipment2 x x
2
Other process equipment x x
Tenant energy use per energy source and end-use data for x x
tenant spaces > 10,000 ft2 (930 m2), or the capability for the
system to monitor these upon tenant buildout.
Table 2 notes:
1. Weekly and Daily comparison of energy consumption for tenant energy use by energy source is only required for
electricity for tenant spaces greater than 10,000 ft2 (930 m2).
2. 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.
3. 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.
77
Table 3. Technology requirements for Fault detection and diagnostics system
Path 1B
Systems with Fault Detection:

HVAC: At least 80% of installed cooling, heating, and fan capacity
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
1
Air terminal units x
Pumps1 x
1
Exhaust fans x
FDD software shall include all of the following functions:
Monitoring and reporting of faults 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
Improper economizer operation x
Faulty sensor readings x
Data/communication faults x
Setpoint overrides x
Improper equipment schedules x
Non-optimal zone temperature setpoints x
Simultaneous heating and cooling x
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
78
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
as a percentage of peak electric 0.2 kWh / kW 0.4 kWh / kW
demand
Thermal storage capacity
1.0 kWh / kW • 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 Response System-Level Controls or
Building Automation System Demand Side Management.
79
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.
• 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:
• Signal from a demand response (DR) program provider
• Data obtained through an API indicating high grid emissions.
• Peak demand tariff period when the grid is operating in the highest demand window.
• 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.
80
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 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 with future equipment necessary to meet
the project’s heating or cooling load and projects receiving district thermal energy are not eligible for this option).
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):

• 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.
• 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):

• 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.
• 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)

Applicable only to projects with at least 20% of total predicted heating and cooling capacity in the project scope
of work.
Design, construct, and operate the project refrigerant-using equipment to minimize refrigerant leakage:
Design.
• Refrigerant-using equipment shall be self-contained, with no field-installed piping:
81
o For equipment with refrigerants > 700 GWP AND
o For at least 80% of the total GWP of refrigerants used in the project
• Specify an “automatic leak detection” system in fully enclosed spaces with equipment that has an
overall refrigerant charge exceeding 100 tons of equivalent CO2 emissions (tCO2e).
Installation.
• Field-installed refrigerant piping shall use brazed or press type fittings.
• 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:
• Updating the refrigerant inventory
• Tracking and recording refrigerant charge and leakage rates for all refrigerant using equipment
• Ensuring that installation, maintenance, and removal of refrigeration-containing equipment is performed by
appropriately certified refrigeration personnel, including in tenant spaces
• Annual audit and calibration of automatic leak detection systems
• 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
• Maximum time frame for repairing leaks identified.
• 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.
82
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 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 the tracking and monitoring of ongoing waste management post-occupancy.
For all projects:

Communicate the building’s infrastructure and service options information in the Tenant Guidelines.
83
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, 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
84
Rebar (fabricated) 850
Rebar (unfabricated) 760
Hollow Structural Sections (fabricated) 1,898
Hollow Structural Sections from Electric Arc 1,652

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

framing, etc.)
For all projects:

Communicate the embodied carbon measurements and material suppliers in the Tenant Guidelines.
85
MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse
1–5 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 (1-5 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% 2
30% 3
40% 4
50% 5
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 Procurement of Off-site 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.
86
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
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.
87
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) Count, weight, volume, or floor area
Interior walls Linear or Surface 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 2. Reuse % per Material Type
Reuse % per Material Type = Amount of Material Type Reused / Total Amount of Material Type in CS Scope
88
MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon
1-8 points – 2 points from Options 1-3 are required for LEED Platinum projects
Intent
To reduce embodied carbon of major structural and enclosure materials on new construction and renovation
projects. To track carbon emissions during the construction process. To understand the lifecycle impacts of
building structures and enclosures.
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 (1-7 Points)

Conduct a cradle-to-grave (modules A-D) 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
Path 5 50% 6
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
89
Option 2. Procurement of Low-Embodied Carbon Construction Materials (1-5 Points)
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 Points
the whole project
Path 1 10% 1
Path 2 20% 2
Path 3 30% 3
Path 4 40% 4
Path 5 50% 5
OR
Option 3. EPD Analysis (Prescriptive) (1-6 Points)

Purchase structure, enclosure, and hardscape materials that have lower-embodied carbon impacts than industry
benchmarks as demonstrated by EPDs. This option compares 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 Source of Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Category Threshold
Non-Wood GSA Better than average Top 40% thresholds Top 20%
Products Thresholds* thresholds
Materials not on Better than CLF Better than EC3 “achievable” N/A
GSA list Baseline
Structural N/A Facility-specific EPDs Facility-specific EPD with N/A

Wood Products for >50% of total source disclosure for >25% of
volume total volume
*Note: if EPA releases new reference values, those will replace the GSA Interim IRA Thresholds before January
2025.
90
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
Cladding/gypsum sheathing 1 point
Structural wood and composites 1 point 2 points
AND/OR
Option 4: Track Carbon Emissions from Construction Activities (1-3 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
operations, plus fuel usage for contractor and subcontractor materials
deliveries and waste hauling

91
MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials
1 point
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 Points
the criteria per category)
Any 5 categories >90% of each product category 1
7 or more categories >90% of each product category 2 (EP)
Products to be specified and installed by tenants may be excluded. A project on which no applicable products
are specified and installed in a given category, achieves compliance for the category.
Communicate the base building’s product list in the Tenant Guidelines.
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.
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.
92
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).
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, meets 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.
93
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.
● Paints and coatings:
94
● 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.
95
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 life-cycle impacts. To reward project teams for selecting
products from manufacturers who have verified improved environmental life-cycle impacts.
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
96
Figure 1. Optimized Product Valuation by Eligible Product Documentation
97
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.
Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for Selecting Optimized Products

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.

98
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
For all CS Projects:

Include the building’s approved Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan in the Tenant
Guidelines.

99
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 of 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 that 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.
• Follow ASHRAE 62.1-2022 addendum ab for demand control ventilation employed in densely occupied
spaces follow ASHRAE 62.1-2022 addendum ab.
• 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.
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.
AND
For Healthcare projects, provide pressurized entryway vestibules at high-volume building entrances.
100
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.
101
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.
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.
102
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 code.
AND
Include the following strategies:
1. All regularly used exterior building 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.
103
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)
Path 1. Increased Ventilation (1 point)

Increase breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates, except during outdoor pollution events, to 95% of all
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.
AND/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*
PM2.5 10 ug/m3
Formaldehyde 20 µg/m³
Ozone 10 ppb
*[references for enhanced IAQ limits]
AND/OR
Option 2. Enhanced Outdoor Air Quality Investigation (1 point)

In addition to the local and regional air quality include the additional guidance from ASHRAE Guideline 42,
section 4 and use the local survey information to determine preferred locations for outdoor air intakes and
exhaust discharges.
Also follow guidance in section 6.1.
104
EQ Credit: Occupant Experience
1-4 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. Sound Environment (1 point):
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.
AND/OR
Option 2. 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
105
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.
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
≥75% EP
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.

106
EQ Credit: Connecting with Nature
1-2 points
Intent
To encourage holistic biophilic design with benefits for both human health and the environment.
Requirements
Option 1. Integrating Nature Indoors (1 point)
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.
OR
Option 2. Integrating Nature In and Around the Building Perimeter (2 points)

Complete Option 1
AND
Demonstrate holistic biophilic design by incorporating façade design, or design strategies within 20 feet of the
building exterior, that utilize biophilic elements to positively impact both occupants and the environment.
Examples may include dynamic or kinetic façade elements that respond to environmental conditions, design
elements that provide habitat for local wildlife, vegetative cover provide shading or glare control, etc.

107
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:

Physical Accessibility 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
2. All doors are 3’-0” (0.9 meters) wide with clear passage 34” (0.86
meters)
Access beyond
3. 3’ x 5’ (0.9 meters x 1.5 meters) clear floor space in front of appliances
Federal, state, or local
and fixtures
regulatory requirements
4. accessibility features in all primary elevators
5. design meeting spaces to accommodate mobility devices for at least
10% of occupants
6. incorporate accessible and inclusive equipment and activities in fitness
facilities
7. slope all floor transitions that exceed ¼” (0.6 mm)
8. where non-accessible routes are provided (i.e. stairs) provide an
alternate accessible route that starts and terminates at the same location
9. ramp and stair handrails at more than one height to accommodate a
range of people
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
private residences
4. provide accessible alerts for emergency situations (strobes, sirens etc.)
5. use motion sensors for lighting
occupants safely 6. provide closed risers (visually and physically) in all stairs
interact with the 7. use tonal contrast between walls / floors, walls / doors, walls / casework
building and its 8. provide visual and tactile warnings at floor level changes
amenities and physical 9. avoid down and other potential allergens in finish materials
hazards are minimized
Wayfinding 1. provide wayfinding signage that clearly indicates exits, entrances, and
major functions in the project
2. provide non-text diagrams and symbols at signage
3. provide Braille, visual and auditory cues and/or continuous linear
indicators on paths of travel
space navigation is
4. design consistent paths of travel throughout the project
simple and achievable
5. use pattern and color blocking to identify key access spaces
for all occupants 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.
108
EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces
1 point
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 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
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 2. Operable Windows (2 points)
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 3. 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).
109
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)
110
EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring
1 point
Intent
To support better management of indoor air quality and identify opportunities for health-based approach to
building operations.
Requirements
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.
111
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.
112
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.
113
APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM
REQUIREMENTS
• EA CREDIT: ELECTRIFICATION – 4 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
• EA CREDIT: ENHANCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY – 7 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
• EA CREDIT: RENEWABLE ENERGY – 4 points are required for LEED Platinum projects
• MR CREDIT: REDUCE EMBODIED CARBON – 2 points from Options 1-3 are required for LEED
Platinum projects
114

LEED v5 BDC Core and Shell Public Comment 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

LEED v5 BDC Core and Shell Public Comment 1

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

LEED v5 BDC Core and Shell Public Comment 1

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

RATING

FIRST PUBLIC COMMENT DRAFT

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

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

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

Prerequisite: Tenant Guidelines .......................................................................................................... 9

Credit: Green Leases .......................................................................................................................... 10

Credit: Integrative Design Process ................................................................................................... 12

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) ............................................ 13

LT Credit: Equitable Development .................................................................................................... 14

LT Credit: Active Travel Facilities ..................................................................................................... 22

LT Credit: Transportation Demand Management ............................................................................ 25

LT Credit: Electric Vehicles ................................................................................................................ 27

SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS)..................................................................... 29

SS Prerequisite: Resilient Site Design .............................................................................................. 30

SS Credit: Protect and Restore Biodiverse Habitat ......................................................................... 31

SS Credit: Accessible Open Space ................................................................................................... 33

SS Credit: Rainwater Management .................................................................................................... 34

SS Credit: Enhanced Resilient Site Design ...................................................................................... 35

SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ...................................................................................................... 37

SS Credit: Light Pollution and Bird Collision Reduction ................................................................ 39

WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ..................................................................... 42

WE Credit: Enhanced Water Efficiency............................................................................................. 47

WE Credit: Water Reuse ..................................................................................................................... 52

WE Credit: Water Metering and Leak Detection ............................................................................... 53

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA) ....................................................... 54

EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Efficiency .................................................................................. 56

EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning ............................................................................... 57

EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering and Reporting ........................................................................... 58

EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management ............................................................... 59

EA Credit: Electrification .................................................................................................................... 62

EA Credit: Reduce Peak Thermal Loads........................................................................................... 64

EA Credit: Enhanced Energy Efficiency ........................................................................................... 67

EA Credit: Renewable Energy ............................................................................................................ 71

EA Credit: Enhanced and Ongoing Commissioning ....................................................................... 74

EA Credit: Grid-Interactive ................................................................................................................. 79

EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management ............................................................................... 81

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) .................................................... 83

MR Prerequisite: Assess Embodied Carbon .................................................................................... 84

MR Credit: Building and Materials Reuse ......................................................................................... 86

MR Credit: Reduce Embodied Carbon .............................................................................................. 89

MR Credit: Low-Emitting Materials .................................................................................................... 92

MR Credit: Optimized Building Products.......................................................................................... 96

MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion ............................................................ 99

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ........................................ 100

EQ Prerequisite: No Smoking or Vehicle Idling ............................................................................. 102

EQ Prerequisite: Building Accessibility.......................................................................................... 103

EQ Credit: Enhanced Air Quality ..................................................................................................... 104

EQ Credit: Occupant Experience ..................................................................................................... 105

EQ Credit: Connecting with Nature ................................................................................................. 107

EQ Credit: Enhanced Building Accessibility ................................................................................. 108

EQ Credit: Resilient Spaces ............................................................................................................. 109

EQ Credit: Air Quality Testing and Monitoring .............................................................................. 111

PRIORITIES AND INNOVATION (IN) .................................................... 112

IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional ....................................................................................... 113

APPENDIX I. LEED PLATINUM REQUIREMENTS ............................... 114

Impact area alignment

Decarbonization Quality of Life Ecological Conservation and Restoration

Impact area alignment