LEED-CI and LEED-EB Introduction for

Facility Managers
October 9th, 2008 8-10 AM

Presented By:
Kevin Sneed, LEED AP, AIA, IIDA
Partner, Director of Architecture; OTJ Architects
[email protected], 202.621.1369

Kim Pexton, LEED AP

Director of Sustainable Construction; HITT Contracting, INC
[email protected]

Steve Keppler, LEED AP

Sustainable Design Consultant; Keppler & Associates
[email protected]
LEED buildings make good business and financial sense:

Two recent studies (one by the New Buildings Institute, the other by CoStar) have
confirmed that:

• LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24/sf

• LEED buildings have a 3.8% higher occupancy rate
• LEED buildings sell for an average $171/sf more than their non-LEED-rated competitors

LEED buildings are in demand, and the available supply is relatively low. Working to take
advantage of the LEED supply/demand gap makes solid business sense now, and their lower
operating costs will continue to make good business sense into the future.

• LEED building energy use is 25-30% lower, on average, than non-rated buildings
• LEED gold and platinum building energy use can be as high as 50% lower
Data taken from the national CoStar Realty Information Group study
Data taken from the national CoStar Realty Information Group study
In a joint study released this summer by Deloitte and
Charles Lockwood:
“By and large, our respondents’ green retrofits achieved many of the stated objectives. 93 % of our
respondents reported greater ability to attract talent, 81 % saw greater employee retention, 87 %
reported an improvement in workforce productivity, 75 % saw an improvement in employee health, and
73 % reported that they had achieved cost reductions as a result of implementing green measures…”

Data taken from a joint study by Deloitte and Charles Lockwood, released July 2008
LEED projects are becoming more common and
numerous across the US:
LEED projects are certified through several rating
systems, to four certification levels:
LEED CI
• 4 levels: certified, silver, gold, & platinum
• 6 prerequisites
• 57 total possible credits
• 21 credits, minimum, for certification
LEED CI: Prerequisites

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY

LEED-CI certification rating

EA PR1: Fundamental Commissioning

EA PR2: Minimum Energy Performance

EA PR3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

MR PR1: Storage and Collection of Recyclables

EQ PR1: Minimum IAQ Performance

EQ PR2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control

LEED CI: Prerequisites
EA PR1: Fundamental Commissioning

Can be performed by someone from the project’s MEP firm

The only caveat is that that individual may not be part of the design team working on the project

In essence, an effort to actively test all systems after they are installed to ensure that they are all
functioning according to the design intent

EA PR2: Minimum Energy Performance

The project’s MEP systems must be designed to meet or exceed the standards set forth in ASHRAE
90.1-2004
This must be stipulated in the project drawings or proposal, as not all MEP firms automatically design to this
standard

EA PR3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

None of the HVAC&R systems in the project may use CFC based refrigerants
This should also be stipulated in the project drawings or proposal, as the MEP firm must evaluate the base building
components to ensure that they are not CFC based, as well as following this criteria in their own designs

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-CI certification rating
LEED CI: Prerequisites
MR PR1: Storage and Collection of Recyclables

Provide an easily accessible area that serves the entire building and is dedicated to the collection and
storage of non-hazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard,
glass, plastics and metals.
Buildings which are able to provide tenants with pictures, floorplans, and etc. information of building recycling
centers of a sufficient size to satisfy LEED requirements can include such an area as a marketing advantage when
attempting to attract LEED tenants

Commercial Building SF Minimum Recycling Area

0-5,000 SF 82 SF
5,001-15,000 SF 125 SF
15,001-50,000 SF 175 SF
50,001-100,000 SF 225 SF
100,001-200,000 SF 275 SF
200,001 SF + 500 SF

EQ PR1: Minimum IAQ Performance

The project’s MEP systems must be designed to meet or exceed the standards set forth in sections 4-7 of
ASHRAE 62.1-2004

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-CI certification rating
LEED CI: Prerequisites
EQ PR2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
This prerequisite is intended to limit tenant exposure to secondhand smoke, and has two options for
compliance for non-residential buildings:
Option 1:
Prohibit all smoking in the building, AND
Locate any exterior designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from all building entrances, outdoor air
intakes, and operable windows
Option 2:
Prohibit all smoking in the building except in designated areas, AND
Locate any exterior designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from all building entrances, outdoor air
intakes, and operable windows, AND
Locate designated smoking rooms to effectively contain, capture and remove ETS from the building.

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-CI certification rating
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites
Up to 3 points are possible in this category
All 3 points are automatically granted to a project which is located in a LEED building
Points may also be earned, piecemeal, by .5 – 1 point for each item (to a maximum of 3 points), for
each item that can be documented about the building:

•SS CR 1.A: Brownfield Redevelopment

The building was developed on a site documented or classified as a brownfield

•SS CRs 1.B&C: Stormwater Management (by rate & quantity, &/or treating the stormwater)
The stormwater rate and quantity must be reduced to, or beyond, that which was generated on site before anything
was built on the lot

The stormwater must be treated to remove 80% of TSS (total suspended solids) and 40% of the average TP (total
phosphorous)
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CRs 1.D&E: Heat Island Effect (on roof and/or non-roof surfaces)
1.1.D: On the roof: a building must have either a white/highly reflective surface (white pavers or a white
membrane, typically), OR a green roof on at least 50% of the roof area, OR a combination of the two

1.1.E: Off the roof: provide shade, and/or white/highly reflective surfaces, and/or open grid paving, for at least
30% of the site’s impervious surfaces (parking areas, walkways, fire lanes, etc.) OR place a minimum of 50% of
parking spaces underground OR use open-grid paving for 50% of the parking lot area
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 1.F: Light Pollution Reduction
Exterior/site lighting must not cross the site boundary, and light from site lighting fixtures must meet “full cutoff”
requirements so that light generated by those luminaires is restricted from reaching the night sky and causing light
pollution

•SS CRs 1.G&H: Water Efficient Irrigation (reducing potable water consumption)
Requires the use of high-efficiency irrigation technology, OR the use of captured rainwater for site irrigation, and
in doing so reduces the use of potable water for irrigation by 50%, or eliminates its use completely

This does not necessarily mean that a building or building site cannot have any landscaping. A building can use
xeriscaping instead of traditional landscaping, which involves the use of plants native to the area which will do
well without any irrigation. Use of these types of techniques, however, must be coupled with the knowledge that in
the event of a drought, the building landscaping will suffer just as much as native vegetation in any other non-
artificially-irrigated areas.
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 1.J: Water Use Reduction
A building must reduce its water use by 20%, and have an on-going plan to require future residents to comply with
this requirement as well

For base buildings, this will typically involve installing dual-flush units on all toilets, and aerators on faucets, and
may additionally involve installing waterless urinals and low-flow showerheads
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 1.K: On-Site Renewable Energy
A building must supply at least 5% of the building’s total energy use (expressed as a fraction of the annual energy
costs) from on-site renewable energy systems
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
Aimed at channeling urban development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, this requires that projects be
located in areas with a minimum density of 60,000 sf/acre, and requires submission of a map that proves that the
building is within ½ mile of a residential zone with a minimum of 10 units per acre, and has pedestrian access to at
least 10 basic services(laundry, grocery, pharmacy, etc) within a half mile of the project site

DC Metro area buildings are typically able to meet these requirements easily, and often even qualify for exemplary
performance, granting them an extra Innovation credit—a major marketing advantage

This credit can easily be made a part of a LEED-friendly building’s marketing with research
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 3.1: Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access
Aimed at channeling urban development to urban areas with alternative transportation options (buses, subways, etc)
—by being within a ½ mile of a commuter rail station or ¼ mile of 2+ major bus lines
DC Metro area buildings are typically able to meet this requirement easily, and often even qualify for exemplary
performance, granting them an extra Innovation credit—a major marketing advantage

•SS CR 3.2: Alternative Transportation: Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms

Intended to help reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use, it requires that a building, or
a tenant, provide both secure bicycle storage, and convenient changing and showering facilities (within 200 yards
of the building), for 5% or more of tenant occupants

Many DC metro area buildings do not offer this as a building amenity, but could incorporate this relatively easy as
a LEED-friendly renovation, and use it as a marketing advantage

These credits can easily be made a part of a LEED-friendly building with only minor renovations & research
LEED CI: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 3.3: Alternative Transportation: Parking Availability
Case A: for projects occupying less than 75% of the gross building square footage
Parking spaces provided to the tenant shall not exceed the minimum number required by local zoning
regulations, AND Priority parking for car-pools or van-pools will be provided for 5% or more of the
tenant occupants
OR
No parking will be provided or subsidized for tenant occupants
Case A: for projects occupying less than 75% of the gross building square footage
Parking spaces provided to the tenant shall not exceed the minimum number required by local zoning
regulations, AND Priority parking for car-pools or van-pools will be provided for 5% or more of the
tenant occupants
OR
No new parking will be provided for rehabilitation projects, AND Priority parking for car-pools or van-
pools will be provided for 5% or more of the tenant occupants

This credit is especially important to keep in mind during lease negotiations

LEED CI: Water Efficiency
•WE CRs 1.1 & 1.2: Water Use Reduction
Intended to maximize the water efficiency within a tenant space, these two credits build upon each other: CR 1.1 is
obtained with a 20% reduction, and CR 1.2 is obtained with a 30% reduction over baseline values.

This credit, under LEED-CI, only refers to those fixtures installed in the tenant space. However, a LEED-friendly building
should also provide retrofits to flushometers, faucets, showerheads, and urinals.
LEED CI: Energy & Atmosphere
•EA CRs 1.1 & 1.2: Optimize Energy Performance: Lighting Power and Lighting Controls
Intended to reduce lighting fixture energy use: CR 1.1 requires the reduction of lighting power density to 15%,
25%, or 35% below the ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 standard; CR 1.2 requires the use of daylight
responsive controls in all regularly occupied spaces within 15 feet of windows, and under skylights

Building management can also decrease energy use from lighting by stocking and encouraging the use of T5, T5HO, and
CFL lamps, or even requiring the use of these lamps for 90% of tenant fixtures
LEED CI: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 1.3: Optimize Energy Performance: HVAC
Aimed at achieving increasing energy consumption by HVAC systems, this credit has 2 options for compliance:

Case A: implement one or both of the following:

• Equipment Efficiency: Install new HVAC systems which comply with the New Building Institute’s
publication “Advanced Buildings: Energy Benchmark for High Performance Buildings:, sections 2.4-
2.6
AND/OR
• Appropriate Zoning and Controls: every solar exposure must have a separate control zone, interior
spaces must be separately zoned, and private offices and specialty occupancies (pantry, conference
room, etc.) must have active controls which sense space use and modulates HVAC systems in response
to that space’s demand

Case B: reduce energy costs compared to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004:

• Demonstrate that the HVAC performance criteria for the tenant space is 15% below
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 (1 point)
OR
• Demonstrate that the HVAC performance criteria for the tenant space is 30% below
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 (2 points)
LEED CI: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 1.4: Optimize Energy Performance: Equipment & Appliances
Tenants can gain points by ensuring that most or all of their office equipment is Energy-Star Rated. This credit
does not include any HVAC or building envelope products, but does include computers, monitors, refrigerators,
freezers, copiers, fax machines, etc., etc. Some common equipment (microwaves, servers) has not yet been rated
by Energy Star, but in order to gain points in this category, tenants must have 70-90% Energy Star equipment (by
total non-HVAC equipment wattage on the project).

•EA CR 2: Enhanced Commissioning

Following on the idea of the elements listed in the LEED-CI prerequisites, this category requires that all
commissioning procedures, as well as various specific means of oversight over the design team’s MEP contingent,
be conducted by a third party.

Building management can help support this effort by requiring, in the building rules and regulations, that all tenant
appliances be energy-star rated.
LEED CI: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 3: Energy Use: Measurement & Payment Accountability
The intent of this credit is to make tenants responsible for their own energy bills, therefore making them more
aware of their energy use, and more apt to take measures to reduce it. Compliance with this credit is broken into
two categories:
Case A: for projects occupying less than 75% of the gross building square footage
• Install sub-metering equipment for the tenant space, AND
• Negotiate a lease where energy costs are paid by the tenant, and are not included in the base rent.

Case A: for projects occupying more than 75% of the gross building square footage
• Install continuous metering equipment for a myriad of specific tenant energy-consuming equipment
(lighting systems and controls, boiler efficiencies, indoor water riser and outdoor irrigation, VFD
operation, etc), AND
• Develop a Measurement and Verification plan that incorporates the monitoring information from all
equipment required to be monitored, and is consistent with Option B, C, or D of the 2001 IPMVP
Protocol for measuring energy and water savings

•EA CR 4: Green Power

Under this credit, the tenant must purchase green-e certificates, or directly purchase green power, for 50% of their
electricity use, and contract to do so for a minimum of two years.

Energy Use Measurement is a credit that it is especially important to keep in mind during lease negotiations
LEED CI: Materials & Resources
•MR CR 1.1: Tenant Space: Long-Term Commitment
This credit encourages conservation of natural resources by slowing the “churn” of tenant turnover, and rewards
tenants with a credit simply for committing to remain in their location, by the lease, for a minimum of 10 years.

•MR CR 1.2 : Building Reuse: Maintain 40% Non-Structural Interior Components

Aimed at reducing the environmental impact of new tenant construction projects, this credit rewards those tenants
who re use 40% of the non-shell, non-structural components in a space.
Building management can improve the likelihood of this credit’s utility by maintaining, or hiring an architectural
firm to create, accurate building “as-builts” for not only the shell, but the tenant spaces as well.

•MR CRs 2.1 & 2.2 : Construction Waste Management: Divert From Landfill
Encouraging the diversion of recyclable components from the building construction waste stream, these credits
reward tenants and design teams who redirect 50% or 75% of construction waste from landfills.
Building management can increase the ability of design and construction teams to obtain this credit by ensuring
that there is adequate space for the placement of multiple dumpsters or other waste collection receptacles.
LEED CI: Materials & Resources
•MR CRs 3.1 & 3.2 : Resource Reuse
In order to reduce demand on virgin materials, and to reduce waste, these credits encourage design and construction
teams to use salvaged, refurbished, or reused materials for 5-10% of construction materials (excluding furniture).

•MR CRs 4.1 & 4.2: Recycled Content

In order to reduce demand on virgin materials, these credits encourage the use of materials, including furniture,
with 10-20% recycled content (post consumer recycled content + ½ pre-consumer recycled content)

Post consumer recycled content consists of materials that have already been made, and used by consumers, in one
form, and are now entering the recycling stream. Pre-consumer recycled content consists of scrap from the
manufacturing process—material that has not yet been used by consumers.

•MR CR 5.1: Recycled Content: 20% Manufactured Regionally

This credit aims to reduce the “carbon footprint” of the construction process, as well as support the local economy,
by encouraging the use of materials and components (including furniture) which have been manufactured within a
500 mile radius of the project site, totaling 20% of the construction+furniture budget.
LEED CI: Materials & Resources, continued
•MR CR 5.2: Recycled Content: 10% Manufactured & Extracted Regionally
A more strict version of the credit listed above, this credit requires that the materials for materials & components
are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within a 500 mile radius of the project site, totaling
10% of the construction+furniture budget

•MR CR 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

This credit encourages the increased use of virgin materials which can be quickly replenished, by rewarding
construction & design teams which use materials and products made from plants that are typically harvested within
a 10-year or shorter cycle, for a total of 5% of the value of all building materials and construction products used on
the project.
LEED CI: Indoor Environmental Quality
•EQ CR 1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Aimed at sustaining long-term occupant comfort, this credit requires the installation of CO 2 monitoring and alarm
systems, with monitors for densely occupied spaces (those with a density of more than 25 people per 100 sq. ft.);
and for natural ventilation systems, a sensor must be within each naturally vented space. In addition, for all other
mechanical ventilation systems, an outdoor airflow measurement device must be installed to help maintain
operating conditions within 15% of the design minimum outdoor air rate.

•EQ CR 2: Increased Ventilation

Requires that the constructed HVAC system provide additional air ventilation to improve indoor air quality. For
mechanically ventilated spaces, the ventilation rate for all occupied spaces must be at least 30% above ASHRAE
62.1-2004 minimums, and either calculations & diagrams or a multi-zone analytic model to prove the design of the
system will meet these requirements.

The possibilities for compliance with these credits depends heavily on base building system capabilities
LEED CI: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CRs 3.1 & 3.2: Construction IAQ Management
These credits aim to prevent indoor air quality problems after construction, by requiring:
3.1: Monitoring during construction (to ensure that the contractor is following SMACNA IAQ guidelines,
protecting on-site absorptive construction materials, using MERV-8 filters during construction, and replacing all of
those filters post construction and prior to tenant occupancy), AND/OR
3.2: Conducting a flush-out, or conducting indoor air quality testing, of the space after construction has concluded,
and prior to occupancy by the tenant.

•EQ CRs 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, & 4.5: Low Emitting Materials
The intent of these credits is to reduce the irritating, odorous, and/or potentially harmful indoor air contaminants
exposure of both construction workers and tenants. These credits cover requirements for adhesives & sealants,
paints & coatings, carpet, composite wood & laminate adhesives, and systems furniture & seating.

Building management can help support this effort by requiring, in the building rules and regulations, that all tenant build
outs use low-voc paints, adhesives, and sealants.
LEED CI: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CR 5: Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control
In an attempt to minimize exposure of tenants to potentially hazardous materials, this credit requires the use of
permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, etc), at all high volume entryways; and where there are hazardous
gases or chemicals may be used, (including housekeeping, copy rooms, etc), provide deck to deck partitions and
particular exhaust systems; provide separately plumbed contaminant drains for hazardous liquid materials, and
provide regularly occupied areas of the tenant space with new air filtration media of MERV 13 or better.

•EQ CRs 6.1 & 6.2: Controllability of Systems

Aimed at providing a high level of control for building occupants, fostering greater workplace satisfaction and
productivity, these credits require:
6.1: The provision of lighting controls for at least 90% of occupants, and the provision of lighting controls for all
shared multi-occupant spaces where transient groups must share controls.
6.2: The provision of thermal & ventilation controls for at least 50% of the space occupants, and the provision of
thermal & ventilation controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces where transient groups must share controls.
LEED CI: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQs CR 7.1 & 7.2: Thermal Comfort
Aimed at providing a high level of control for building occupants, fostering greater workplace satisfaction and
productivity, these credits require:
7.1: The provision of a thermally comfortable environment, by designing a space that complies with ASHRAE
Standard 55-2004.
7.2: In addition to complying with 7.1, tenants must provide a permanent monitoring system to ensure that the
systems are performing in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004.

•EQs CR 8.1, 8.2, & 8.3: Daylight & Views

In order to ensure that all building occupants have a connection to the outdoors, with access to daylight and views
in all or most of the regularly occupied tenant spaces. For 75-90% of spaces (or, most stringently in 8.3, for 90% of
seated spaces:
• Provide a minimum Daylight Factor of 2% (excluding direct sun)
OR
• Using a computer simulation model, achieve at least 25 footcandles, AND
• Provide daylight redirection and/or glare control devices
LEED CI: Innovation & Design
To encourage innovative thinking from all design teams, LEED-CI rewards that thinking with additional credits
under this category. Up to 5 points may be garnered under this heading, and some common innovation points
include:

• Instituting green housekeeping programs

• Engaging in/instituting green education

Many credits (though not all) also offer extra exemplary performance credits under this category. Some which can
be targeted are:

• Density & Community Connectivity

• Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access
• Water Use Reduction
• Green Power
• Building Reuse
• Regional Materials
• Reuse of Furniture & Furnishings
• Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof

Every project which can claim a LEED Accredited Professional among its members also receives one credit under
this category
LEED EB
• 4 levels: certified, silver, gold, & platinum
• 13 prerequisites
• 92 total possible credits
• 34 credits, minimum, for certification
• 3 month “performance period”
• 12 month occupancy minimum required
• 2 year old buildings (and older)
LEED EB: Prerequisites
A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY
LEED-EB certification rating
SS PR1: Erosion & Sedimentation Control
SS PR2: Age of Building
WE PR1: Minimum Water Efficiency
WE PR2: Discharge Water Compliance
EA PR1: Existing Building Commissioning
EA PR2: Minimum Energy Performance
MR PR1: Source Reduction and Waste Management
MR PR2: Toxic Material Source Reduction
EQ PR1: Outside Air Introduction and Exhaust Systems
EQ PR2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
EQ PR3: Asbestos Removal or Encapsulation
EQ PR4: Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Removal
LEED EB: Prerequisites
SS PR1: Erosion & Sedimentation Control

Develop & implement a site erosion and sedimentation plan, conforming to the EPA 832/R-92-005
(1992), or local standards and controls, preventing during construction the loss of soil to stormwater
runoff and wind erosion, preventing soil from entering streams or sewers, and preventing air pollution
from soil dust.

SS PR2: Age of Building

Buildings seeking certification under LEED-EB must be at least two years old.

WE PR1: Minimum Water Efficiency

Reduce potable water use to a level equal to or below the water use baseline, provide at least one meter
for the overall building water use, and (it is encouraged, but not required) provide metering for cooling
towers and other process water uses.

WE PR2: Discharge Water Compliance

If regulated by the EPA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Clean Water Act
requirements, demonstrate such NPDES compliance (oil separators, grease interceptors, disposal of such
wastes, etc.)

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Prerequisites
EA PR1: Existing Building Commissioning

This prerequisite requires engaging an MEP firm to verify that building systems and assemblies are
performing efficiently, including developing a comprehensive building operation plan to meet the
requirements of current building usage, testing all systems against this operation plan, repairing or
upgrading systems as needed to meet these operational needs, and re-testing until compliance has been
achieved. A 1-5 year plan for achieving compliance may also be submitted, where all low & no-cost
measures are implemented in the first year, and continuous improvement will be made every year of the
submitted plan.
EA PR2: Minimum Energy Performance
Buildings pursuing LEED-EB certification must demonstrate that the building has achieved a minimum
rating of 60 under the EPA Energy Star rating system.

EA PR3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

None of the HVAC&R systems in the building may use CFC based refrigerants, unless a third party
audit shows that system replacement or conversion is not economically feasible (if the simple payback
of the replacement of a chiller would not be achieved within 10 years).

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Prerequisites
MR PR1: Source Reduction and Waste Management

Under this prerequisite, the team must:

1.1: Conduct a “waste stream audit”, identifying a current building baseline for waste types and
amounts (including paper, glass, plastics, cardboard, and metals). The team must then identify
opportunities for waste source reduction, by weight, and diversion into recycling streams, and submit
documentation of a “performance period” wherein the building implements these strategies.
1.2: Provide an easily accessible area that serves the entire building dedicated to the separation,
collection, and storage of materials for recycling (including paper, glass, plastics, cardboard, and
metals), of a capacity designed to accommodate (at a minimum) the volumes identified during the waste
stream audit.

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Prerequisites
MR PR2: Toxic Material Source Reduction

This prerequisite requires that building management establish and maintain a program to reduce the
amount of mercury brought into the building in light bulbs. This program requires that mercury content
of all mercury-containing light bulbs must be maintained below 100 picograms per lumen hour, on a
weighted average.

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Prerequisites
EQ PR1: Outside Air Introduction and Exhaust Systems

Existing building outside air ventilation and distribution systems must supply the air at the ventilation
rate specified under ASHRAE 62.1-2004 under this prerequisite. If this is not feasible due to the
physical constraints of the existing system, that system must be modified to supply at least 10 CFM per
person. A program/plan to maintain these systems, and test all building exhaust to ensure compliance,
must be outlined and implemented.

EQ PR2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control

This prerequisite is intended to limit tenant exposure to secondhand smoke, and has two options for
compliance for non-residential buildings:
Option 1:
Prohibit all smoking in the building, AND
Locate any exterior designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from all building entrances, outdoor air
intakes, and operable windows
Option 2:
Prohibit all smoking in the building except in designated areas, AND
Locate any exterior designated smoking areas at least 25 feet away from all building entrances, outdoor air
intakes, and operable windows, AND
Locate designated smoking rooms to effectively contain, capture and remove ETS from the building.

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Prerequisites
EQ PR3: Asbestos Removal or Encapsulation

Under this prerequisite, buildings must have in place an asbestos management program (which shall
identify all applicable regulatory requirements), and have survey records which identify where asbestos
is located in the building and on the site.

EQ PR4: Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Removal

Under this prerequisite, buildings must have in place an PCB management program (which shall
identify all applicable regulatory requirements), and have survey records which identify where PCB is
located in the building and on the site.

A project MUST adhere to ALL of the prerequisites listed to obtain ANY LEED-EB certification rating
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites
•SS CRs 1.1 & 1.2: Green Site and Building Exterior Management
To earn these credits, a building must have in place over the performance period a low-impact site and green
building exterior management plan that addresses:
(one point earned for every (4) items addressed)
• Maintenance Equipment • Fertilizer Use
• Plantings • Snow Removal
• Animal and Vegetation Pest Control • Cleaning of the Building Exterior
• Landscape Waste • Paints and Sealants used on the Building Exterior
• Irrigation Management • Other Maintenance of the Building Exterior
A narrative overview, and quarterly reports over the performance period, must be provided as part of the submittal
to USGBC LEED-Online.
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 2: High Development Density Building and Area
This credit relates to buildings which have a density of at least 60,000 sq. ft. of building floor space per acre, which
is also located within an area with the same density (generally met by two-story downtown developments).

•SS CR 3.1: Alternative Transportation: Public Transportation Access

Aimed at channeling urban development to urban areas with alternative transportation options (buses, subways, etc)
—by being within a ½ mile of a commuter rail station, or ¼ mile of 2+ major bus lines, or the building occupants
are provided with a shuttle to take them to these public transportation lines.

•SS CR 3.2: Alternative Transportation: Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms

Intended to help reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use, it requires that a building
provide both secure bicycle storage, and convenient changing and showering facilities (within 200 yards of the
building), for 5% or more of tenant occupants

These credits can easily be made a part of a LEED-friendly building with only minor renovations & research
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CRs 3.3 & 3.4: Alt. Transportation: Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Carpools, Telecommuting

3.3: Promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles:

Option 1:
Provide alternative fuel refueling stations for 3% of parking capacity
Option 2:
Provide alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles for 3% of building occupants AND
Provide parking for those vehicles
Option 3:
Provide preferred parking programs for alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles for at least 3% of parking
capacity, and increase, as necessary, the amount of preferred parking to meet demand for such parking for
up to 10% of parking capacity
3.4: Carpooling and telecommuting:
Option 1:
Provide preferred parking and implement programs for car pools or van pools serving 5% of building
occupants and add no new parking
Option 2:
Operate an occupant telecommuting program that reduces commuting frequency by 20% for 20% or more
of the building occupants, and provide the necessary communications infrastructure in the building to
accommodate such telecommuting
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CRs 4.1 & 4.2: Reduced Site Disturbance: Protect or Restore Open Space
Provide native or adapted vegetation, or other ecologically appropriate features (for example, water features,
exposed rock, or other features that are part of the historic natural landscape and provide habitat value), which
cover 50-75% of the site area, excluding the building footprint
•SS CRs 5.1 & 5.2: Stormwater Management, Rate and Quantity Reduction
Have measures in place on site which mitigate at least 25%-50% of the annual stormwater falling on the site

When planting native vegetation, those which provide habitat or food for native species are preferred
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 6.1: Heat Island Reduction: Non-Roof
Provide (existing or within 5 years of landscape installation) shade, and/or white/highly reflective surfaces, and/or
open grid paving, for at least 30% of the site’s impervious surfaces (parking areas, walkways, fire lanes, etc.) OR
place a minimum of 50% of parking spaces underground OR use open-grid paving for 50% of the parking lot area

•SS CR 6.2: Heat Island Reduction: Roof

6.2: On the roof: Have in place over the performance period an energy-star compliant white/highly reflective
material with at least 0.9 emissivity for a minimum of 75% of the roof (white pavers or a white membrane,
typically), OR a green roof on at least 50% of the roof area; and quarterly inspections and records over the
performance period that document compliance
LEED EB: Sustainable Sites, continued
•SS CR 7: Light Pollution Reduction
Option 1:
Shield all outdoor luminaires that are 50 W or more so that they do not emit light to the sky, OR
Provide calculations showing that less than 5% of light emitted by outdoor lighting reaches the night sky
on an annual basis
Measure light trespass on the property perimeter by measuring, at at least eight locations, the lighting
levels at the perimeter and ensure that light levels are raised from these levels no more than 10% when the
lights are on
Option 2:
Provide the same shielding and emission calculations, and measure light trespass by determining that the
maximum candela value of all interior lighting falls within the building, and the maximum candela value
of exterior lighting falls within the property boundary
LEED EB: Water Efficiency
•WE CRs 1.1 & 1.2: Water Efficient Irrigation (reducing potable water consumption)
Requires the use of high-efficiency irrigation technology, OR the use of captured rainwater for site irrigation, and
in doing so reduces the use of potable water for irrigation by 50%-95%, or eliminates its use completely

This does not necessarily mean that a building or building site cannot have any landscaping. A building can use
xeriscaping instead of traditional landscaping, which involves the use of plants native to the area which will do
well without any irrigation. Use of these types of techniques, however, must be coupled with the knowledge that in
the event of a drought, the building landscaping will suffer just as much as native vegetation in any other non-
artificially-irrigated areas.

•WE CR 2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies (reducing potable water consumption)

Reduce the use of potable water for sewage conveyance by 50% under baseline, or treat 100% of wastewater on site
to tertiary standards
Buildings pursuing this credit may use low-flow or composting toilets and waterless urinals, and may also use
greywater or collected rainwater for sewage conveyance.

•WE CRs 3.1 & 3.2: Water Use Reduction (reducing potable water consumption)
Reduce the use of potable water by 10-20% under baseline
This will typically involve installing dual-flush units on all toilets, and aerators on faucets, and may additionally
involve installing waterless urinals and low-flow showerheads
LEED EB: Energy & Atmosphere
•EA CR 1: Optimize Energy Performance
Demonstrate the EPA Energy Star energy performance rating that the building star has achieved.
This credit provides a potential for 1-10 points in the LEED-EB rating system (1 point for a 63 rating, 2 for 67, 3
for 71, 4 for 75, et cetera)

•EA CRs 2.1-2.4: On-Site and Off-Site Renewable Energy

Over the performance period, meet some or all of the building’s total energy use through on-site or off-site (green-e
certified power certificates) renewable energy sources. Points are provided thusly:

LEED-EB points on-site energy off-site energy

1 3% 15%
2 6% 30%
3 9% 45%
4 12% 60%

When purchasing hydropower certificates, it is important to purchase from low-impact hydropower installations
LEED EB: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CRs 3.1-3.3: Building Operation & Maintenance
In order to ensure that the building continues to deliver target performance over the long term, provide:
3.1: building operations and maintenance staff education program that provides each staff person working on the
building at least 24 hours of education per year (training must be of high quality and relevant to the building being
maintained);
3.2: a comprehensive Best Practices Equipment Preventative Maintenance Program that provides in-house or
contractual services to provide post-warranty maintenance;
3.3; a system for continuous tracking and optimization of systems that regular indoor comfort (temperature,
humidity, and CO2) in occupied spaces. The system must include:

• Continuous monitoring of system equipment performance and indoor conditions

• Alarms for performance or conditions that require repair
• A system which delivers prompt repair to problems, once identified
LEED EB: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 4: Additional Ozone Protection
Support early compliance with the Montreal Protocol:
Option 1:
Do not operate base building HVAC, refrigeration, or fire supression systems using CFCs, HCFCs, or
halons
Option 2:
Do not operate base building fire supression systems using CFCs, HCFCs, or halons, AND
Reduce omissions from base building HVAC and refrigeration systems no les than 3% per year, using the
EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Rule 608 procedures, and reduce leakage over the remainder of unit life
below 25
LEED EB: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 5.1-5.3: Performance Measurement: Enhanced Metering
One point is earned for every 4 actions implemented and maintained:

• Electric metering that allows aggregation of loads

• Gas metering that allows aggregation of loads
• Lighting systems and controls
• Water metering that allows aggregation of occupant loads
• Chilled water system efficiency
• Water metering that allows aggregation of process loads
• Cooling load
• Water metering that allows aggregation of irrigation loads
• Boiler efficiencies
• Air and water economizer and heat recovery cycle operation
• Constant and variable motor loads
• Building process and equipment efficiency
• VFD operation
• Air distribution, static pressure, and ventilation air volumes
A narrative overview, and quarterly reports over the performance period, must be provided as part of the submittal to
USGBC LEED-Online.
LEED EB: Energy & Atmosphere, continued
•EA CR 5.4: Performance Measurement: Emission Reduction Reporting
This credit involves identifying building performance parameters that reduce energy use and emissions, track and record
those emission reductions, report the emission reductions using a third-party certification program, retire at least 10% of
the reported emission reductions, and ask the suppliers of goods and services for the building to do the same.

•EA CR 6: Documenting Sustainable Building Cost Impacts

Document the overall building operating costs for the previous five years (or the length of the building occupancy, if
shorter), and track changes in the overall building operation costs, and all LEED-EB financial impacts, over the
performance period.
LEED EB: Materials & Resources
•MR CRs 1.1 & 1.2: Construction, Demolition, & Renovation
For this credit, a Waste Management Policy must be implemented (which covers any future building retrofit, renovation,
or modification on the site) which quantifies the diversions of construction, demolition, and land-clearing debris from
landfill and incineration disposal (by weight or volume). Diversion must reach at least a 50% or 75% diversion level.

•MR CRs 2.1-2.5: Optimize Use of Alternative Materials

In order to achieve this credit, the building must establish a sustainable purchasing program, covering at least office
paper, office equipment, furniture, furnishings, and building materials for use in the building and on the site. One point
(to a max. of 5) will be awarded for each 10% of total purchases (on a dollar basis) that achieve at least one of the
following:
• Contains at least 70% salvaged material from outside sources •Contains at least 50% rapidly renewable material
• Contains at least 70% salvaged material from internal • Is FSC certified wood
building sources
•Contains at least 50% materials harvested &
• Contains 10% post-consumer or 20% post industrial material processed, or extracted & processed, within 500 miles
of the building site
LEED EB: Materials & Resources, continued
•MR CRs 3.1 & 3.2: Optimize Use of IAQ Compliant Products
This credit concerns the development of a policy to use materials with low IAQ emissions. This shall include all materials
used for upgrades, retrofits, renovations, or modifications inside the building. These policies must include, at a
minimum, paint & coatings, adhesives, sealants, carpet, composite panels, and agrifiber products. One point shall be
awarded (up to a max. of 2) for each 45% (by cost of total purchases) of annual purchases that conform with the
following criteria:

• Adhesives and sealants with a VOC less than that described in SCAQMD rule #1168
• Paints and coatings with VOC emissions not exceeding the limits of Green Seal GS-11 requirements
• Carpet or carpet cushion that meets the requirements of the CRI Green Label Plus Carpet Testing Program
• Composite panels and agrifiber products that contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins
LEED EB: Materials & Resources, continued
•MR CRs 4.1 – 4.3: Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials
Implement sustainable purchasing for cleaning products, disposable janitorial paper products, and trash bags. The
percentage of total sustainable cleaning product and material purchases determine the number of points earned, up to 3
points. One point will be awarded for each 30% of the total annual purchases of these products (on a cost basis) that meet
one of the following:
• Cleaning products that meet the Green Seal GS-37 standard, if applicable
• If GS-37 does not apply, use cleaning products that comply with the California Code of Regulations maximum
allowable VOC levels
• Disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags that meet the minimum requirements of the US EPA’s
Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines

•MR CRs 5.1 – 5.3: Occupant Recycling

Have in place a building occupant waste reduction and recycling program, addressing the collection, separation, and
storage of paper, glass, plastics, cardboard, metals, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs diversion from incineration or landfill
by 30%, 40%, or 50%, by weight or volume (batteries and fluorescent bulbs must be to 95%)
LEED EB: Materials & Resources, continued
•MR CR 6: Toxic Material Reduction: Reduced Mercury in Light Bulbs
Building on the prerequisite for this rating system, this credit requires that building management establish and maintain a
program to reduce the amount of mercury brought into the building in light bulbs. This program requires that mercury
content of all mercury-containing light bulbs must be maintained below 80 picograms per lumen hour, on a weighted
average.
The prerequisite requires only maintaining mercury levels below 100 picograms per lumen hour
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality
•EQ CR 1: Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
This credit requires the base building installation of permanent monitoring systems that provide feedback on ventilation
system performance and CO2 levels to maintain minimum ventilation rates, and sound alarms for high CO2 levels.

•EQ CR 2: Increased Ventilation

Under this credit, in mechanically ventilated spaces, the outdoor air ventilation must be increased for all occupied spaces
by at least 30% above the minimum required by ASHRAE 62.1-2004.
•EQ CR 3: Construction IAQ Management Plan
Develop and implement an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan for the construction and occupancy phases of the
building as follows:
• During occupied construction, meet or exceed the relevant SMACNA 1995 sheet metal guidelines
• Protect stored on-site or installed absorptive materials from moisture damage
• If air handlers are used during construction, use MERV 8 filters at each return grille
• Replace all filtration media immediately prior to occupancy
• Remove contaminants that may be remaining at the end of the construction period by conducting a minimum 2-
week flush out with 100% outside air prior to occupancy of the affected space; OR after construction, and prior to
occupancy, conduct a baseline indoor air quality testing procedure, and then for each sampling point where the
maximum concentration levels are exceeded, conduct a 2-week partial flush-out, then retest and repeat until the
proper levels have been met
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CR 4.1: Absenteeism & Health Care Cost Impacts
Document the history of absenteeism and healthcare costs for building occupants for the previous 5 years (or length of
building occupancy, if less, for a minimum of 12 months), and track changes in these levels relative to sustainable
building performance improvements.
•EQ CR 4.2: Other Productivity Impacts
Address and document changes in the productivity, error incidence, or other productivity levels for building occupants
for the previous 5 years (or length of building occupancy, if less, for a minimum of 12 months), and track changes in
these levels relative to sustainable building performance improvements.
•EQ CR 5.1: Non-Cleaning System: Reduce Particulates in Air Distribution
Install MERV 13 or greater filters for all outside air intakes and for the returns for the re-circulation of inside air.
Establish and follow a regular schedule for maintenance and replacement for these filters.
•EQ CR 5.2: Isolation of High-Volume Copying/Print Rooms/Fax Stations
Have structural deck-to-deck partitions, with separate outside exhausting, no air re-circulation, and negative pressure to
contain and isolate high volume copying/print rooms/fax stations. (This includes any of these machines with a monthly
usage of more than 40,000 pages)
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CR 6.1: Controllability of Systems: Lighting
Provide lighting controls, for at least 50% of building occupants, enabling adjustment to suit individual task needs and
preferences, or those of a group sharing a multi-occupant space or workgroup area.
•EQ CR 6.2: Controllability of Systems: Temperature and Ventilation
Provide individual temperature and ventilation controls for at least 50% of the building occupants, enabling adjustments
to suit individual needs and preferences, or those of a group sharing a multi-occupant space or workgroup area.

•EQ CRs 7.1 & 7.2: Thermal Comfort: Compliance and Monitoring
Comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Comfort Conditions for Human Occupancy, and provide a permanent
monitoring system to ensure building performance to this standard.
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CRs 8.1 & 8.2: Daylight
Achieve a minimum daylight factor of 2% in space occupied for critical visual tasks (not including copy rooms, storage
areas, mechanical areas, laundry, and other low-occupancy support areas, and areas whose function would be impeded by
the introduction of daylight). Achieving this 2% daylight level in 50-75% of spaces will earn 1-2 points.

•EQ CRs 8.3 & 8.4: Views

Develop and adopt a space churn renovation plan and policy that specifies the goal of achieving direct line of sight to
vision glazing for building occupants from 90% of all regularly occupied spaces, AND
• Achieve direct line of sight to vision glazing for 45% of regularly occupied spaces, AND/OR
• Achieve direct line of sight to vision glazing for 90% of regularly occupied spaces
•EQ CR 9: Contemporary IAQ Practice
Develop and implement on an ongoing basis an IAQ Management Program based on the EPA document “Building Air
Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers”.
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CR 10.1: Green Cleaning: Entryway Systems
Utilize entryway systems (grills, grates, mats, etc.) to reduce the amount of dirt, pollen, etc. entering the building, and
develop the associated cleaning strategies to maintain those entryway systems, as well as the exterior walkways.

•EQ CR 10.2: Green Cleaning: Isolation of Janitorial Closets

Provide structural deck-to-deck partitions, with separate outside exhaust, no air re-circulation, and negative pressure in all
janitorial closets. Provide hot and cold water, and drains plumbed for appropriate disposal of liquid are stored.

•EQ CR 10.3: Green Cleaning: Low Environmental Impact Cleaning Policy

Have a Cleaning Policy addressing:
• Sustainable cleaning systems
• Use of sustainable cleaning products
• Proper training of maintenance personnel in the hazards, use, and disposal of cleaning chemicals, dispensing
equipment, and packaging
• Use of hand soaps without antimicrobial agents (except where required by health codes)
• Use of cleaning equipment that reduces impacts on IAQ
•EQ CRs 10.4 &10.5: Green Cleaning: Pest Management Policy
Develop, implement, and maintain a low impact integrated indoor pest management policy, which reduces exposure of
personnel and occupants to harmful chemical, biological, and particle contaminants.
LEED EB: Indoor Environmental Quality, continued
•EQ CR 10.6: Green Cleaning: Cleaning Equipment Policy
Develop and implement a cleaning equipment policy that specifies the use of:
• Vaccuum cleaners that meet the Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label Plus Program requirements
• Hot water extraction equipment for carpet cleaning efficient enough that carpets dry in 24 hours
• Powered maintenance equipment which capture fine particulates and operate at less than 70dBA
• Propane-powered equipment with high-efficiency, low-emission engines
• Automated scrubbing machines with variable speed feed pumps
• Battery-powered equipment with environmentally preferable gel batteries
• Active microfiber technology to reduce chemical consumption and prolong life of disposable pads
• Powered equipment ergonomically designed to minimize vibration, noise, and user fatigue
• Equipment with rubber bumpers to reduce damage to building finishes
• A log for all housekeeping equipment purchase and repair, containing equipment cutsheets
LEED EB: Innovation & Design
To encourage innovative thinking from all design teams, LEED-EB rewards that thinking with additional credits
under this category. Up to 5 points may be garnered under this heading, and some common innovation points
include:

• Engaging in/instituting green education

• Monitoring radon levels

Many credits (though not all) also offer extra exemplary performance credits under this category. Some which can
be targeted are:

• Use of Alternative Materials

• Reduced Site Disturbance
• Stormwater Management
• Heat Island Reduction
• Water Use Reduction

Every project which can claim a LEED Accredited Professional among its members also receives one credit under
this category
LEED CI: Gold: Union of Concerned Scientists
• Maximized the use of existing construction and furniture
• Building management was cooperative and supportive, adding bike racks, upgrading building core
with water-conserving measures, etc.
• Very high energy light fixtures with a very low overall wattage/SF consumption
• Many recycled and locally manufactured materials and resources
• Low VOC paints and adhesives throughout
• Greenguard certified furniture
• On time, within a (very restrictive) budget

Has been awarded a USBGC LEED-CI Gold Rating

LEED CI: Gold: The American Wind Energy Association
• Indoor air quality management, both during construction, and after (prior to occupancy)
• Building management was cooperative and supportive, and is actually pursuing LEED-EB
• Very high energy light fixtures with a very low overall wattage/SF consumption
• Many recycled and locally manufactured materials and resources
• Low VOC paints, adhesives, carpet, and furniture throughout
• Daylight and views for 90% of regularly occupied spaces
• 75% Energy Star appliances and equipment
• Double the requirement for Green Power

Currently submitted to the USBGC LEED Online site with a LEED-CI Gold Rating (under review)
LEED NC: Gold: The American Legacy Foundation
• Heat island effect mitigation at the roof level, with a combination of highly reflective white roof
pavers and sections of green roof
• Water efficient landscaping
• Very high energy light fixtures with a very low overall wattage/SF consumption
• Many recycled and locally manufactured materials and resources
• Increased ventilation and outdoor air delivery monitoring
• Thermal comfort design and compliance monitoring
• Certified woods
• Diversion of construction wastes from landfills

Winner of the AIA DC Chapter Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design