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For Public Use and Display
LEED 2009 for Commercial Intern..
USGBC Member Approved November 2008 A
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FIUME YEON UORE©
The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity.
Breakthroughs in building science, technology, and operations are now available to designers, builders, operators,
and owners who want to build green and maximize both economic and environmental performance.
Through the L EED'' green building certification program, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is transforming
the built environment. The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most
important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non sustainable and expensive
sources of energy, and threats to human health. The work of innovative building professionals is a fundamental
driving force in the green building moment. Such leadership is a critical component to achieving USGBC's mission of
a sustainable built environment for all within a generation.
USGBC MEMBERSHIP
USGBC's greatest strength is the diversity of our membership. USGBC is a balanced, consensus based nonprofit
with more than t8,000 member companies and organizations representing the entire building industry. Since its
inception in 1993, USGBC has played a vital role in providing a leadership forum and a unique, integrating force for
the building industry. USGBC's programs have three distinguishing characteristics:
Committee -based
The heart of this effective coalition is our committee structure, in which volunteer members design strategies
that are implemented by staff and expert consultants. Our committees provide a forum for members to resolve
differences, build alliances, and forge cooperative solutions for influencing change in all sectors of the building
industry.
Member-driven
Membership is open and balanced and provides a comprehensive platform for carrying out important programs and
activities. We target the issues identified by our members as the highest priority. We conduct an annual review of
achievements that allows us to set policy, revise strategies, and devise work plans based on members' needs.
Consensus-focused
We work together to promote green buildings, and in doing so, we help foster greater economic vitality and
environmental health at lower costs. We work to bridge ideological gaps between industry segments and develop
balanced policies that benefit the entire industry.
Contact the U.S. Green Building Council
2101 L Street, NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20037
(800) 795-1747 Office
(2O2) 82.8-5110 Fax
www.usgbc.org
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright 2009 by the U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. MI rights reserved.
The U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. (USGBC°) devoted significant time and resources to create this LEED° Rating
System. USGBC authorizes individual use of the LEED Rating System. In exchange for this authorization, the user
agrees:
s. to retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the LEED Rating System,
a. not to sell or modify the LEED Rating System, and
3. not to reproduce, display, or distribute the LEED Rating System in any way for any public or commercial
purpose.
Unauthorized use of the LEED Rating System violates copyright, trademark, and other laws and is prohibited.
DISCLAIMER
None of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the LEED Rating System, including the USGBC, its
members, its members, volunteers, or contractors, assume any liability or responsibility to the user or any third
parties for the accuracy, completeness, or use of or reliance on any information contained in the LEED Rating
System, or for any injuries, losses, or damages (including, without limitation, equitable relief) arising from such use
or reliance. Mthough the information contained in the LEED Rating System is believed to be reliable and accurate,
all materials set forth within are provided without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but
not limited to warranties of the accuracy or completeness of information or the suitability of the information for any
particular purpose.
As a condition of use, the user covenants not to sue and agrees to waive and release the U.S. Green Building Council,
its members, volunteers, and contractors from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action for any injuries,
losses, or damages (including, without limitation, equitable relief) that the user may now or hereafter have a right to
assert against such parties as a result of the use of, or reliance on, the LEED Rating System.
U.S. Green Building Council
2101 L Street, NW
Suite Soo
Washington, DC zany
TRADEMARKS
USGBC°, U.S. Green Building Council and LEED° are registered trademarks of the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The LEED 2009 Rating System has been made possible only through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers,
staff members, and others in the USGBC community. The Rating System improvement work was managed and
implemented by USG BC staff and included review and input by many Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members
with oversight by the LEED Steering Committee. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our LEED committee
members who participated in the development of this guide, for their tireless volunteer efforts and constant support
of USGBC's mission:
LEED Steering Committee
Scot Horst, Chair, LSC
Joel Ann Todd, Vice-Chair, LSC
Muscoe Martin
Stuart Carron
Holley Henderson
Christine Magar
Kristin Shewfelt
Jessica Millman
Bryna Dunn
Neal Billetdeaux
Greg Kats
Mark Webster
Bob Thompson
Malcolm Lewis
John Boecker
Sara O'Mara
Alex Zimmerman
Ian Theaker
Sustainable Sites TAG
Bryna Dunn, Chair
Stewart Comstock, Vice-Chair
Michele Adams
Gina Baker
Ted Bardacke
Stephen Benz
Mark Brumbaugh
Laura Case
Zach Christeson
Jay Enck
Ron Hand
Richard Heinisch
Michael Lane
Marita Roos
Zolna Russell
Alfred Vick Horst, Inc
Joel Ann Todd
M2 Architecture
JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
H2 Ecodesign, LLC
Greenform
Architectural Energy Corporation
Agora DC
Moseley Architects
JJR
Managing Good Energies
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch
Constructive Technologies Group, Inc.
7Group
Choate Construction Company
Rep Canada Green Building Council
Rep Canada Green Building Council
Moseley Architects
Maryland Department of the Environment
Cahill Associates
Burt Hill
Global Green USA
Sasaki
Brumbaugh &Associates
Emory University Campus Services
the HOK Planning Group
Commissioning & Green Building Services
EJFECT. Sustainable Design Solutions
Acuity Lighting Group
Lighting Design Lab
HNTB
Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.
Ecos Environmental Design, Inc.
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Water Efficiency TAG
Neal Billetdeaux, Chair
John Koeller,Vice-Chair
David Carlson
Bill Hoffman
Geoff Nara
Stephanie Tanner
Daniel Yeh
David Bracciano
Robert Rubin
Winston Huff
Robert Benazzi
Gunnar Baldwin
Heather Kinkade
Shabbir Rawalpindiwala
Bill Wall
Energy & Atmosphere TAG
Greg Kats, Chair
Marcus Sheffer, Vice-Chair
Drury Crawley
Jay Enck
Ellen Franconi
Mark Frankel
Nathan Gauthier
Rusty Hodapp
John Hogan
Bion Howard
Dan Katzenberger
Bob Maddox
Brenda Morawa
Erik Ring
Michael Rosenberg
Mick Schwedler
Gord Shymko
Gail Stranske
Michael Zimmer
Materials & Resources TAG
Mark Webster, Chair
Steven Baer, Vice Chair
Paul Bertram
Chris Dixon
Ann Edminster
Lee Gros
Theresa Hogerheide-Reusch
Nadav Malin
Nancy Malone JJR
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Columbia University
H.W. Hoffman and Associates, LLC
Civil & Environmental Consultants
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
University of South Florida
'Pampa Bay Water
NCSU-BAE and McKim & Creed
SSR Engineers
Jaros Baum & Bolles
TOTO USA, INC
Forgotten Rain, LLC
Kohler Company
Clivus New England, Inc.
GoodEnergies
7group
US Department of Energy
Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc.
IPMVP and AEC
New Buildings Institute
Harvard Green Campus Initiative
Dallas/Fort Worth, Energy & Transportation Management
City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development
Building Environmental Science and Technology
Engineering, Energy, and the Environment
Sterling Planet
BVM Engineering, Inc.
LPA, Inc.
Oregon Department of Energy
Trane
I PMVP and G.P. Shymko & Associates
CTG Energetics
Thompson Hine LLP
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Five Winds International
NAIMA
NEW
Design AVEnues
Lee Gros Architect and Artisan, Inc
Reusch Design Services
BuildingGreen, LLC.
Siegel & Strain Architects
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Kirsten Ritchie
Wayne Trusty
Denise Van Valkenburg
Gabe Wing
Indoor Environmental
Bob Thompson, Chair
Steve Taylor, Vice-Chair
Nancy Clanton
Alexis Kurtz
George Loisos
Prasad Vaidya
Daniel Bruck
David Lubman
Charles Salter
Ozgem Omektekin
Jude Anders
Brian Cloward
Larry Dykhuis
Francis (Bud) Offerman
Christopher Schaffner
Dennis Stanke Gensler
Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
MASCO Retail Cabinet Group
Herman Miller, Inc.
Quality TAG
EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch
Taylor Engineering
Clanton and Associates
OveArup 8cPartners
Loisos+ Ubelohde
The Weidt Group
BRC Acoustics & Tech.
David Lubman & Associates
Salter Associates
DMJM Harris
Shoreline Concepts, LLC
MithunArchitects+Designers+Planners
Herman Miller, Inc
Indoor Environmental Engineering
The Green Engineer
Trane Company
The LEED wog for Commercial Interiors Rating System builds on the work of those who helped create previous
versions:
LEED for Commercial Interiors Version 2.0 Core Committee
Holley Henderson, Chair H2 Ecodesign, LLC
Denise Van Valkenburg, Vice Chair Steelcase Inc.
Penny Banda Environmental Communications
Keith Winn
Gina Baker
Kirsten Childs
Don Horn
Scot Horst
Liana Kallivoka
Jill Kowalski
Fran Mazarella
Roger McFarland
Ken Wilson
Elaine Aye
Carlie Bullock-Jones
Rico Cedro
Hellen Kessler
Mehran Khazra
Laurie McMahon
Ralph Muehliesen
Georgina Sikorski Catalyst Partners
Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates
Craton Collaborative Architects,•
U.S. General Services Administration
Horst, Inc
Austin Energy Green Building Program
EwingCole
U.S. General Services Administration
HOK
Envision Design
Green Building Services
Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates
ICrueck & Sexton
RIKessler Associates, Inc
Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineer
Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers
Illinois Institute of Technology
INVISTA
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LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS PROJECT CHECKLIST
Sustainable Sites
❑ Credit 1
❑ Credit 2
❑ Credit 3.1
❑ Credit 3.2
❑ Credit 3.3 Site Selection
Development Density and Community Connectivity
Alternative Transportation —Public Transportation Access
Alternative Transportation —Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms
Alternative Transportation —Parking Availability 21 Possible Points
1-5
6
6
2
2
Water Efficiency 11 Possible Points
O Prerequisite 1 Water Use Reduction Required
❑ Credit 1 Water Use Reduction 6-11
Energy and Atmosphere
• Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems
El Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance
El Prerequisite 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management
❑ Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Power
❑ Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Controls
❑ Credit 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance—HVAC
❑ Credit 1.4 Optimize Energy Performance —Equipment and Appliances
❑ Credit 2 Enhanced Commissioning
❑ Credit 3 Measurement and Verification
❑ Credit 4 Green Power
Materials and
O Prerequisite
❑ Credit 1.1
❑ Credit 1.2
❑ Credit 2
❑ Credit 3.1
❑ Credit 3.2
❑ Credit 4
❑ Credit 5
❑ Credit 6
❑ Credit 7 Resources
Storage and Collection of Recyclables
Tenant Space—Long-Term Commitment
Building Reuse—Maintain Interior Nonstructural Components
Construction Waste Management
Materials Reuse
Materials Reuse—Furniture and Furnishings
Recycled Content
Regional Materials
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Certified Wood
Indoor Environmental Quality
O Prerequisite 1
• Prerequisite 2
❑ Credit 1
❑ Credit 2
❑ Credit 3.1
❑ Credit 3.2 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control
Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring
Increased Ventilation
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS 37 Possible Points
Required
Required
Required
1-5
1-3
5-10
1-4
5
2-5
5
14 Possible Points
Required
1
1-2
1-2
1-2
1
1-2
1-2
1
1
17 Possible Points
Required
Required
1
1
1
1
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❑ Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants 1
❑ Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings 1
❑ Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems 1
❑ Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials—Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products 1
❑ Credit 4.5 Low-Emitting Materials—Systems Furniture and Seating 1
❑ Credit 5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1
❑ Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems—Lighting 1
❑ Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems—Thermal Comfort 1
❑ Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort—Design 1
❑ Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort—Verification 1
❑ Credit 8.1 Daylight and Views—Daylight 1-2
❑ Credit 8.2 Daylight and Views—Views for Seated Spaces 1
Innovation in Design
O Credit 1
O Credit 2 Innovation in Design
LEED Accredited Professional
Regional Priority
❑ Credit 1 Regional Priority 6 Possible Points
1-5
1
4 Possible Points
1-4
LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors
100 base points; 6 possible Innovation in Design and 4 Regional Priority points
Certified 40-49 points
Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80 points and above
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LEO) 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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Preface FIo CaL17
Introduction
I. LEED° Green Building Rating System"
II. Overview and Process
III. Minimum Program Requirements
IV. Exemplary Performance Strategies
Minimum Program Requirements
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Credit 1
Credit 2
Credit 3.1
Credit 3.2
Credit 3.3 1
Site Selection 1
Development Density and Community Connectivity 4
Alternative Transportation —Public Transportation Access 6
Alternative Transportation —Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms 7
Alternative Transportation —Parking Availability 8
Water Efficiency (WE)
Prerequisite 1 Water Use Reduction
Credit 1 Water Use Reduction 9
9
11
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) 13
Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems 13
Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance 15
Prerequisite 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management 16
Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Power 17
Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Controls 18
Credit 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance—HVAC 19
Credit 1.4 Optimize Energy Performance —Equipment and Appliances 21
Credit 2 Enhanced Commissioning 22
Credit 3 Measurement and Verification 24
Credit 4 Green Power 26
Materials and Resources (MR) 27
Prerequisite 1 Storage and Collection of Recyclables 27
Credit 1.1 Tenant Space—Long-Term Commitment 28
Credit 1.2 Building Reuse—Maintain Interior Nonstructural Components 29
Credit 2 Construction Waste Management 30
Credit 3.1 Materials Reuse 31
Credit 3.2 Materials Reuse—Furniture and Furnishings 32
Credit 4 Recycled Content 33
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Credit 5 Regional Materials 34
Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 35
Credit 7 Certified Wood 36
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) 37
Prerequisite 1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance 37
Prerequisite 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control 38
Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 40
Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 41
Credit 3.1 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction 43
Credit 3.2 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy 44
Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants 46
Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings 48
Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems 49
Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials—Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products 51
Credit 4.5 Low-Emitting Materials—Systems Furniture and Seating 52
Credit 5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 54
Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems—Lighting 55
Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems—Thermal Comfort 56
Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort—Design 57
Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort—Verification 58
Credit 8.1 Daylight and Views—Daylight 59
Credit 8.2 Daylight and Views—Views for Seated Spaces 63
Innovation in Design (ID)
Credit 1
Credit 2 Innovation in Design
LEED° Accredited Professional 65
65
66
Regional Priority (RP) 67
Credit 1 Regional Priority 67
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L_
I. LEED° GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM
Background on LEED'
Following the formation of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in 1993, the organization's members quickly
realized that the sustainable building industry needed a system to define and measure "green buildings." USGBC
began to research existing green building metrics and rating systems. Less than a year after formation, the members
acted on the initial findings by establishing a committee to focus solely on this topic. The composition of the
committee was diverse; it included architects, real estate agents, a building owner, a lawyer, an environmentalist, and
industry representatives. This cross section of people and professions added a richness and depth both to the process
and to the ultimate product.
The first LEED Pilot Project Program, also referred to as LEED Version t.o, was launched at the USGBC Membership
Summit in August 1998. After extensive modifications, LEED Green Building Rating System Version 2.0 was released
in March 2000, with LEED Version 2.1 following in 2002 and LEED Version 2.2 following in zoos.
As LEED has evolved and matured, the program has undertaken new initiatives. In addition to a rating system
specifically devoted to building operational and maintenance issues (LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations
& Maintenance), LEED addresses the different project development and delivery processes that exist in the U.S.
building design and construction market, through rating systems for specific building typologies, sectors, and
project scopes: LEED for Core & Shell, LEED for New Construction, LEED for Schools, LEED for Neighborhood
Development, LEED for Retail, LEED for Healthcare, LEED for Homes, and LEED for Commercial Interiors.
Project teams interact with the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) for project registration and
certification. GBCI was established in 2008 as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green
Building Council. GBCI administers credentialing and certification programs related to green building practice.
These programs support the application of proven strategies for increasing and measuring the performance of
buildings and communities as defined by industry systems such as LEED.
The green building field is growing and changing daily. New technologies and products are being introduced into
the marketplace, and innovative designs and practices are proving their effectiveness. The LEED rating systems and
reference guides will evolve as well. Project teams must comply with the version of the rating system that is current
at the time of their registration. USGBC will highlight new developments on its website on a continual basis at www.
usgbc.org.
Features of LED
The LEED Green Building Rating Systems are voluntary, consensus -based, and market-driven. Based on existing and
proven technology, they evaluate environmental performance from a whole building perspective over a building's
life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building in design, construction, and operation.
The LEED rating systems are designed for rating new and existing commercial, institutional, and residential
buildings. They are based on accepted energy and environmental principles and strike a balance between known,
established practices and emerging concepts. Each rating system is organized into s environmental categories:
Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental
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Quality. An additional category, Innovation in Design, addresses sustainable building expertise as well as design
measures not covered under the 5 environmental categories. Regional bonus points are another feature of LEED
and acknowledge the importance of local conditions in determining best environmental design and construction
practices.
The LEED Credit Weightings
In LEED 2009, the allocation of points between credits is based on the potential environmental impacts and human
benefits of each credit with respect to a set of impact categories. The impacts are defined as the environmental
or human effect of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the building, such as greenhouse gas
emissions, fossil fuel use, toxins and carcinogens, air and water pollutants, indoor environmental conditions. A
combination of approaches, including energy modeling, life-cycle assessment, and transportation analysis, is used to
quantify each type of impact. The resulting allocation of points among credits is called credit weighting.
LEED 2009 uses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's TRACI' environmental impact categories as the basis
for weighting each credit. TRACI was developed to assist with impact evaluation for life-cycle assessment, industrial
ecology, process design, and pollution prevention.
LEED 2009 also takes into consideration the weightings developed by the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST); these compare impact categories with one another and assign a relative weight to each.
Together, the 2 approaches provide a solid foundation for determining the point value of each credit in LEED 2009.
The LEED 2009 credit weightings process is based on the following parameters, which maintain consistency and
usability across rating systems:
■ All LEED credits are worth a minimum oft point.
■ MI LEED credits are positive, whole numbers; there are no fractions or negative values.
■ All LEED credits receive a single, static weight in each rating system; there are no individualized scorecards
based on project location.
■ All LEED rating systems have too base points; Innovation in Design (or Operations) and
■ Regional Priority credits provide opportunities for up tom bonus points.
Given the above criteria, the LEED 2009 credit weightings process involves 3 steps:
1. A reference building is used to estimate the environmental impacts in 13 categories associated with a typical
building pursuing LEE!) certification.
2. The relative importance of building impacts in each category are set to reflect values based on the NIST
weightings.'
3. Data that quantify building impacts on environmental and human health are used to assign points to individual
credits.
Each credit is allocated points based on the relative importance of the building-related impacts that it addresses.
The result is a weighted average that combines building impacts and the relative value of the impact categories.
Credits that most directly address the most important impacts are given the greatest weight, subject to the system
design parameters described above. Credit weights also reflect a decision by LEED to recognize the market
implications of point allocation. The result is a significant change in allocation of points compared with previous
LEED rating systems. Overall, the changes increase the relative emphasis on the reduction of energy consumption
and greenhouse gas emissions associated with building systems, transportation, the embodied energy of water, the
embodied energy of materials, and where applicable, solid waste.
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The details of the weightings process vary slightly among individual rating systems. For example, LE ED for Existing
Buildings: includes credits related to solid waste management but LEED for New Construct ion does not. This
results in a difference in the portion of the environmental footprint addressed by each rating system and the relative
allocation of points. The weightings process for each rating system is fully documented in a weightings workbook.
The credit weightings process will be reevaluated over time to incorporate changes in values ascribed to different
building impacts and building types, based on both market reality and evolving scientific knowledge related to
buildings. A complete explanation of the LEED credit weightings system is available on the USGBC website, at WNW.
pnbC.Olg.
Regional Priority Credits
To provide incentive to address geographically specific environmental issues, USGBC regional councils and chapters
have identified 6 credits per rating system that are of particular importance to specific areas. Each regional priority
credit is worth an additional t point, and a total of 4 regional priority points may be earned. Upon project registration,
LEED-Online automatically determines a project's regional priority credits based on its zip code. If the project
achieves more than 4 regional priority credits, the team can choose the credits for which these points will apply. The
USGBC website also contains a searchable database of regional priority credits.
II. OVERVIEW AND PROCESS
The LEED 2009 Green Building Rating System for Commercial Interiors is a set of performance standards
for certifying the design and construction of tenant spaces for office, restaurant, healthcare, hotel/resort and
education buildings of all sizes, both public and private. The intent is to promote healthful, durable, affordable, and
environmentally sound practices in tenant space design and construction.
Prerequisites and credits in the LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors Rating System addresses 7 topics:
■ Sustainable Sites (SS)
■ Water Efficiency (WE)
■ Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
■ Materials and Resources (MR)
■ Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
■ Innovation in Design (ID)
■ Regional Priority (RP)
LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors certifications are awarded according to the following scale:
Certified 40-49 points
Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80 points and above
GEM will recognize buildings that achieve t of these rating levels with a formal letter of certification.
When to Use LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors
LEED zoo9 for Commercial Interiors addresses the specifics of tenant spaces primarily in office, retail, and
institutional buildings. Tenants who lease their space or do not occupy the entire building are eligible.
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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LEED for Commercial Interiors was designed to work hand-in-hand with the LEED for Core & Shell certification
system. LEED for Core & Shell is used by developers to certify the core and shell of a project; it prepares the building
for environmentally conscious tenants.
Many projects clearly fit the defined scope of only1LEED rating system; others may be eligible for a or more. The
project is a viable candidate for LEED certification if it can meet all prerequisites and achieve the minimum points
required in a given rating system. If more than t rating system applies, the project team can decide which to pursue.
For assistance in choosing the most appropriate LEED rating system, please e-mail [email protected].
Registration
Project teams interested in earning LEED certification for their buildings must first register the project with GBCI.
Projects can be registered on the GBCI website (www.gbci.org). The website also has information on registration
costs for USGBC national members as well as nonmembers. Registration is an important step that establishes
contact with GBCI and provides access to software tools, errata, critical communications, and other essential
information.
Certification
To earn LEED certification, the applicant project must satisfy all the prerequisites and qualify fora minimum
number of points to attain the established project ratings as listed below. Having satisfied the basic prerequisites of
the program, applicant projects are then rated according to their degree of compliance within the rating system.
LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors provides the option of splitting a certification application into two phases,
design and construction, in lieu of a combined design and construction review. Documentation for design phase
credits, identified in LEED-Online, can be submitted for review at the end of the design phase; the submittals for
these credits can be fully evaluated based on documentation available during this phase of the project. For example, if
a project site meets the requirements of LEED for Commercial Interiors SS Credit 3.1, Alternative Transportation —
Public Transportation Access, the likelihood of credit achievement can be assessed prior to the completion of
construction. The LEED credit itself, however, is not awarded at the design review stage.
For more information on the LEED certification process including LEED-Online, Credit Interpretation Requests and
Rulings,Appeals, and Fees please see the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 2009
Edition and visit www.us gbcAL or www.gbclorg.
III. MINIMUM PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The LEED zoo9 Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) define the minimum characteristics that a project
must possess in order to be eligible for certification under LEED 2009. These requirements define the categories
of buildings that the LEED rating systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals: to give
clear guidance to customers, to protect the integrity of the LEED program, and to reduce challenges that occur
during the LEED certification process. It is expected that MPRs will evolve over time along with LEED rating system
improvements. The requirements will apply only to those projects registering under LEED 2009.
To view the list of MPRs, please read the Minimum Program Requirements section of this document.
IV. EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES
Exemplary performance strategies result in performance that greatly exceeds the performance level or expands the
scope required by an existing LEED 2009 for Commercial Interiors credit. To earn exemplary performance credits,
teams must meet the performance level defined by the next step in the threshold progression. For credits with more
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
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than 1 compliance path, an Innovation in Design point can be earned by satisfying more than t compliance path if
their benefits are additive.
The credits for which exemplary performance points are available through expanded performance or scope are noted
in the LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction, 2009 Edition and in LEED-Online.
Endnotes
Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI). U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development. http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/std/sab/
traci/.
Relative impact categoryweights based on an exercise undertaken by NIST (National Institute of Standards and
Technology) for the BEES program. http://www.bfrl.nist.govioaejsofnvarefbeesf.
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NORMIJIM p DMAY EEMEENERI'S NOTE: Defirctions, exceptions and more extensive guidance on issues in this document are avai ab e 'n a
separate document titled: `LEER 2009 MPR Supplemental Guidance'. Terms that are italicized and underlined
here are defined in the Supplemental Guidance document (they are marked as such only the first time that
they appear).
This document identifies the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), or minimum characteristics that a project
must possess in order to be eligible for LEED Certification. LEED projects must complywith each applicable MPR
described below. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green Building Rating Systems
were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals: to give clear guidance to customers, to protect the
integrity of the LEED program, and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process. The
requirements in this document will apply to all those, and only those projects certifying under LEED 2009. Projects
that upgrade to LEED 2009 from earlier versions of LEE!) are subject to the MPRs. It is expected that MPRs will
evolve over time with the LE ED rating system, however only those MPRs in place at the time that a LEED project
registers or upgrades will apply to that project.
LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, and Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance were
designed to evaluate commercial, institutional, or high-rise residential buildings; as such, any project applying for
LEED Certification under one of these rating systems must include a building that falls under one of these categories.
LEED for Commercial Interiors was designed to evaluate interior spaces of commercial or institutional buildings; as
such, projects applying for certification under LEED for Commercial Interiors must include a space that falls under
one of these categories.
NOTE: CERTIFICATION MAY BE REVOKED FROM ANY LEED PROJECT UPON GAINING KNOWLEDGE OF
NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE MPR. IF SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE OCCURS, REGISTRATION
AND/OR CERTIFICATION FEES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
All exceptions to MPRs that are not already defined in the LEED 2009 MPR Supplemental Guidance
document will be considered on a case-by-case basis for special circumstances. Details on the process for
review of MPR clarification requests will be posted in summer 2009.
LEED 2009 Minimum Requirements for Commercial Interiors
1. Must Comply with Environmental Laws
The LEED project building or space, all other real property within the LEED project boundary, and all go 'e work
must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local building-related environmental laws and regulations in
place where the project is located. This condition must be satisfied from the date of LEED project registration or
the initiation of schematic design, whichever comes first, until the date that the building receives a certificate of
occupancy or similar official indication that it is ready for use.
2. Must be a Complete, Permanent Building or Space
All LEED projects must be designed for, constructed on, and operated on a permanent location on already
existing land. No building or space that is designed to move at any point in its lifetime may pursue LEED
Certification.
The LEED project scope must include a complete interior space distinct from other spaces within the same
building with regards to at least one of the following characteristics: ownership, management, lease, or party wall
separation.
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Additionally, construction prerequisites and credits may not be submitted for review until substantial completion
of construction has occurred.
3. Must Use a Reasonable Site Boundary
If any land was or will be disturbed for the purpose of undertaking the LEED project, then that land must be
included within the LEED project boundary.
4. Must Comply with Minimum Floor Area Requirements
The LEED project must include a minimum of 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area.
5. Must Comply with Minimum Occupancy Rates
Full Time Equivalent Occupancy
The LEED project must server or more Pull Time Equivalent (FTE) occupant(s), calculated as an annual average
in order to use LEED in its entirety. If the project serves less than 1 annualized FTE, optional credits from the
Indoor Environmental Quality category may not be earned (the prerequisites must still be earned).
6. Must Commit to Sharing Whole-Building Energy and Water Usage Data
All certified projects must commit to sharing with USGBC and/or GBCI all available actual whole-project energy
and water usage data fora period of at least 5 years. This period starts on the date that the LEED project begins
typical physical occupancy if certifying under New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, or Commercial Interiors,
or the date that the building is awarded certification if certifying under Existing Buildings: Operations &
Maintenance. Sharing this data includes supplying information on a regular basis in a free, accessible, and secure
online tool or, if necessary, taking any action to authorize the collection of information directly from service or
utility providers. This commitment must carry forward if the building or space changes ownership or lessee.
7. Must Comply with a Minimum Building Area to Site Area Ratio
The gross floor area of the LEED project building must be no less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED
project boundary.
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NOME:21E SaTES
SS Credit 1: Site Selection
1-5 Points
Intent
'lb encourage tenants to select buildings that employ best practices systems and green strategies.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Select a LEED certified building (5 points).
OR
OPTION 2
Locate the tenant space in a building that has in place t or more of the following characteristics at time of
submittal (1 - 5 points). Each of the following options may also be met by satisfying the requirements of the
corresponding LEED 2009 for New Construction credit.
PATH 1. Brownfield Redevelopment (1 point)
Abuilding developed on a site documented as contaminated (by an ASTM 21903-97 Phase II Environmental
Site Assessment or a local voluntary cleanup program) OR
Abuilding on a site classified as a brovmfield by a local, state or federal government agency.
Effective remediation of site contamination must have been completed.
PATH 2. Stormwater Design—Quantity Control (1 point)
Abuildingthat prior to its development had less than or equal top% imperviousness and has implemented
a stormwater management plan that is equal to or is less than the predevelopment 11/2 year 24-hour rate and
quantity discharge.
OR
Abuilding that prior to its development had more than so% imperviousness and has implemented a
stormwater management plan that reduced predevelopment 11/2 year 2.4-hour rate and quantity discharge
by 25% of the annual on-site stormwater load. This mitigation can be achieved through a variety of measures
such as perviousness of site, stormwater retention ponds, and harvesting of rainwater for reuse.
Stormwater values are based on actual local rainfall unless the actual exceeds the 10-year annual average local
rainfall, in which case the to-year annual average should be used.
PATH 3. Stormwater Design—Quality Control (1 point)
Abuildingthat has in place site stormwater treatment systems designed to remove at least 80% of the average
annual site area's total suspended solids (TSS) and 40% of the average annual site area's total phosphorus
(TP).
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These values are based on the average annual loadings from all storms less than or equal to the 2-year 24-hour
storm. The building must implement and maintain best management practices (BMPs) outlined in Chapter
4, Part a Urban Runoff, of the EPA Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint
Pollution in Coastal Waters, January 1993 (EPA 840B92002) or the local government's BM P document,
whichever is more stringent.
PATH 4. Heat Island Effect—Nonroof (1 point)
Abuilding that provides shade (or will provide shade within 5 years of landscape installation); and/ or uses
light-colored or high-albedo materials with a solar reflectance index (SRI)' of at least 29; and/or has open-
grid pavement areas that individually or in total equals at least 30% of the site's nonroof impervious surfaces,
such as parking areas, walkways, plazas, and fire lanes.
OR
A building that has placed a minimum of sct%of parking spaces underground or covered by structured
parking.
OR
Abuilding that has an open-grid pavement system (less than so% impervious) for sct% of the parking lot area.
PATH 5. Heat Island Effect—Roof (1 point)
Abuildingwhose roofing has a solar reflectance index (SRI) of the following minimum values for at least 75%
of the roof surface;
Rad Tips Slid. H it
Low-sloped roof s 2:12 78
Steep-sloped roof > 2:12 29
OR
Abuilding that has installed a vegetated roof for at least so% of the roof area.
OR
Abuilding that has both high SRI roofs and vegetated roofs that satisfy the following area requirement:
Tot Areaal Roof [
$ k Area of SRI Roof X 1.33 ) ( Area of Vegetated Roof X 2 )
PATH 6. Light Pollution Reduction (1 point)
Abuildingwhose nonemergency interior luminaires with a direct line of sight to any openings in the envelope
(translucent or transparent) must have their input power reduced (by automatic device) by at least so%
between 11.. and 5M. After-hours override may be provided by a manual or occupant -sensing device
provided the override lasts no more than 30 minutes.
The solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of the constructed surface's ability to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is
defined so that a standard blacksurface (reflectance o.o5, emittanceo.00) is o and a standard white surface (reflectance o.8o, emittance o.90)
is too. To calculate the SRI for a given material, obtain the reflectancevalue and cmittance value for thc material.SRI is calculated according to
ASTM E 1980. Reflectance is measured according co ASTM E 9o3, ASTM E 1918 or ASTM C 1549. Emittance is measured according to ASTM E
408 or ASTNt C1371.
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OR
A building whose openings in the envelope (translucent or transparent) with a direct line of sight to any
nonemergency luminaires must have shielding (with transmittance of less than so%) that is controlled or
closed by automatic device between it M. ands.
PATH 7. Water Efficient Landscaping —Reduce by 50% (2 points)
Abuilding that employs high-efficiency irrigation technology OR uses harvested rainwater or recycled site
water to reduce potable water consumption for irrigation by at least so% over conventional means.
PATH 8. Water Efficient Landscaping —No Potable Water Use or Irrigation (2 points in addition to
Path 7)
Abuilding that uses only harvested rainwater or recycled site water to eliminate all potable water use for site
irrigation (except for initial watering to establish plants), OR does not have permanent landscaping irrigation
systems.
PATH 9. Innovative Wastewater Technologies (2 points)
Abuildingthat reduces the use of municipally provided potable water for building sewage conveyance by at
leastsc%, OR treats t00% of wastewater on-site to tertiary standards.
PATH 10. Water Use Reduction -30% Reduction (1 point)
Abuilding that meets the 30% reduction in water use requirement for the entire building and has an ongoing
plan to require future occupants to comply.
PATH 11. On-site Renewable Energy (1-2 points)
Abuildingthat supplies at least 2.5% (t point) ors% (z points) of the building's total energy use (expressed as
a fraction of annual energy cost) from on-site renewable energy systems.
PATH 12. Other Quantifiable Environmental Performance (1 point)
Abuildingthat has in place at the time of selection other quantifiable environmental benefits.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
During the building selection process, give preference to those properties which exhibit green building strategies and
technologies.
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SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity
6 points
Intent
To channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserve habitat and
natural resources.
Requirements
OPTION 1. Development Density
Select space in a building that is located in an established, walkable community with a minimum density of
60,000 square feet per acre net. The density calculation is based on a typical two-story downtown development
and must include the area of the project being built.
OR
OPTION 2. Community Connectivity
Select space in a building on a site that meets the following criteria:
■ Is located within 0.-mile of a residential area or neighborhood with an average density of 10 units per acre
net
■ Is within 0.-mile of at least 10 basic services
■ Has pedestrian access between the building and the services.
For mixed-use projects, no more than 1 service within the project boundary maybe counted as 1 of the 10
basic services, provided it is open to the public. No more than 2. of the 10 services required maybe anticipated
(i.e. at least 8 must be existing and operational). In addition, the anticipated services must be documented
appropriately to demonstrate that they will be operational in the locations indicated within r year of occupation
of the applicant project.
Examples of basic services include the following:
■ Bank
■ Place of Worship
■ Convenience Grocery
■ Day Care Center
■ Cleaners
■ Fire Station
■ Beauty Salon
■ Hardware
LEED 2009 FOR COMMERCIAL INTERIORS ■ Laundry
■ Library
■ Medical or Dental Office
■ Senior Care Facility
■ Park
■ Pharmacy
■ Post Office
■ Restaurant ■ School
■ Supermarket
■ Theater
■ Community Center
■ Fitness Center
■ Museum
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Proximity is determined by drawing a 112-mile radius around a main building entrance on a site map and counting
the services within that radius.
Greenfield developments and projects that do not use existing infrastructure are not eligible.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
During the site selection process, give preference to urban sites with pedestrian access to a variety of services.
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SS Credit 3.1: Alternative Transportation —Public Transportation Access
6 points
Intent
'lb reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Requirements
OPTION 1. Rail Station Proximity
Locate the project in a building within 1/2-mile walking distance (measured from a main building entrance) of an
existing (or planned and funded) commuter rail, light rail or subway station.
OR
OPTION 2. Bus Stop Proximity
Locate the project within 1/4-mile walking distance (measured from a main building entrance) oft or more stops
for 2 or more public campus or private bus lines usable by tenant occupants.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Perform a transportation survey of potential tenant occupants to identify transportation needs. Locate the building
near mass transit.
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SS Credit 3.2: Alternative Transportation —Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms
2 points
Intent
'lb reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Requirements
Provide secure bicycle racks and/or storage (within 200 yards of a main building entrance) for 5% or more of tenant
occupants (measured at peak periods).
Provide shower and changing facilities in the building, or within zoo yards of a building entrance, for 0.596 of full-
time equivalent (FTE) occupants.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Select a building with transportation amenities such as bicycle racks and shower/changing facilities or add them as
part of the tenant fit-out.
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SS Credit 3.3: Alternative Transportation —Parking Availability
2 points
Intent
To reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Requirements
CASE 1. Projects with an Area Less Than 75% of the Total Building Area
OPTION 1
Parking spaces provided to tenant must meet but not exceed minimum number required by local zoning
regulations.
Preferred parking' must be provided for carpools orvanpools capable of serving 5% or more of tenant
occupants.
OR
OPTION 2
No parking is provided or subsidized for tenant occupants.
CASE 2. Projects with an Area 75% or More of the Total Building Area
OPTION 1
Parking capacity must meet but not exceed minimum local zoning requirements.
Preferred parking must be provided for carpools orvanpools, capable of serving596 of the building occupants.
OR
OPTION 2
No new parking is added for rehabilitation projects.
Preferred parking must be provided for carpools or vanpools, capable of senings% of the building occupants.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Select a building with minimized car parking capacity and include limited parking inclusions in the lease.
Preferred parking refers to the parking spots that arc closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for
handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price.
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MTEE EVYMERCY
WE Prerequisite 1: Water Use Reduction
Required
Intent
To increase water efficiency within the tenant space to reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater
systems.
Requirements
Employ strategies that in aggregate use zo% less water than the water use baseline calculated for the tenant space