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LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction
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2009 Edition
EFTA00281516
LEED® 2009 for Commercial Interiors
Total Possible Points** 110*
Sustainable Sites 21
Water Efficiency 11
Energy & Atmosphere 37
0 Materials & Resources 14
Indoor Environmental Quality 17
'Out of a possible 100 points + 10 bonus points
"Certified 40+ points, Silver 50+ points,
Gold 6O+ pants, Platinum 804- points
• Innovation in Oesign 6
O Regional Priority 4
800.795.1747
USGBC.org SBN 978 -932444- 8-6
90000
9 781932 4 4 4 1 8 6
EFTA00281517
flUME FEORA MEC
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 LEEDtgreen 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 18,000 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 andbalancedand provides a comprehensive platform forcarryingout 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
moll-Street, NW
Suite Soo
Washington, DC 20036
www.usgbc.org
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright sci 2009 by the U.S. Green Building Council. MI rights reserved.
The U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. (USGBC) devoted significant time and resources to create
this LEED ®Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction, 2009 Edition. USGBC
authorizes individual use of the Reference Guide. In exchange for this authorization, the user
agrees:
(t) to retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the Reference Guide,
(2) not to sell or modify the Reference Guide, and
C3) not to reproduce, display, or distribute the Reference Guide in any way for any public or
commercial purpose, including display on a website or in a networked environment.
Unauthorized use of the Reference Guide violates copyright, trademark, and other laws and is
prohibited.
The text of the federal and state codes, regulations, voluntary standards, etc., reproduced in the
Reference Guide is used under license to USGBC or, in some instances, in the public domain. MI
other text, graphics, layout, and other elements of content in the Reference Guide are owned by
USGBC and are protected by copyright under both United States and foreign laws.
NOTE: for downloads of the Reference Guide:
Redistributing the Reference Guide on the intemet or otherwise is STRICTLY prohibited even if
offered free of charge. DOWNLOADS OF THE REFERENCE GUIDE MAY NOT BE COPIED OR
DISTRIBUTED. THE USER OF THE REFERENCE GUIDE MAY NOT ALTER, REDISTRIBUTE,
UPLOAD OR PUBLISH THIS REFERENCE GUIDE IN WHOLE OR IN PART, AND HAS NO
RIGHT TO LEND OR SELL THE DOWNLOAD OR COPIES OF THE DOWNLOAD TO OTHER
PERSONS.
DISCLAIMER
None of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the Reference Guide, including the
USGBC, its members, its contractors, or the United States government, 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 Reference Guide, or for any injuries, losses, or damages
(including, without limitation, equitable relief) arising from such use or reliance. Although the
information contained in the Reference Guide is believed to be reliable and accurate, all materials
set forth within are provided without warranties ofany kind,eitherexpress orimplied,includingbut
not limited to warranties of the accuracy or completeness of information contained in the training
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, its contractors, and the United States government 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 Reference Guide.
U.S. Green Building Council
2101 L Street, NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
II LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION
EFTA00281519
TRADEMARK
LEED° is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.
LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction
For the Design, Construction and Renovation of Commercial and Institutional Interiors Projects
2009 Edition
ISBN # 978-t-932444-15-5
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction, 2009 Edition, has been
made possible only through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, staff members, and others in
the USGBC community. The Reference Guide drafting was managed and implemented by USGBC
staff and consultants and included review and suggestions by many Technical Advisory Group
(TAG) members.We especiallyextend our deepestgratitude to all ofour 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 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 SE Associates
Emory University Campus Services
the HOK Planning Group
Commissioning Sc Green Building Services
EfFECT. Sustainable Design Solutions
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION iii
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Richard Heinisch
Michael Lane
Marita Roos
ZoIna Russell
Alfred Vick
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 and 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
Cord Shymko
Gail Stranske
Michael Zimmer
Materials and Resources TAG
Mark Webster, Chair
Steven Baer, Vice-chair
Paul Bertram
Chris Dixon
Ann Edminster Acuity Lighting Group
Lighting Design Lab
HNTB
Hord Coplan Macht, Inc.
Ecos Environmental Design, Inc.
DR
Alliance for Water Efficiency
Columbia University
H.W. Hoffman and Associates, LLC
Civil & Environmental Consultants
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
University of South Florida
Tampa 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 Inc.
Five Winds International
NAIMA
NBBJ
Design AVEnues
Iv LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION
EFTA00281521
Lee Gros
Theresa Hogerheide-Reusch
Nadav Malin
Nancy Malone
Kirsten Ritchie
Wayne Trusty
Denise Van Valkenburg
Gabe Wing
Indoor Environmental Quality TAG
Bob Thompson, Chair
Steve Taylor, Vice-Chair
Nancy Clanton
Alexis Kurtz
George Loisos
Prasad Vaidya
Daniel Bruck
David Lubman
Charles Salter
Ozgem Omelctekin
Jude Anders
Brian Cloward
Larry Dylchuis
Francis (Bud) Offerman
Christopher Schaffner
Dennis Stanke Lee Gros Architect and Artisan, Inc
Reusch Design Services
BuildingGreen, LLC.
Siegel & Strain Architects
Gensler
Athena Sustainable Materials Institute
MASCO Retail Cabinet Group
Herman Miller, Inc.
EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch
Taylor Engineering
Clanton and Associates
OveArup 8cPartners
Loisos+ Ubelohde
The Weidt Group
BRC Acoustics 8c Tech.
David Lubman 8cAssociates
Salter Associates
DMJM Harris
Shoreline Concepts, LLC
MithunArchitects+Designers+Planners
Herman Miller, Inc
Indoor Environmental Engineering
The Green Engineer
Trane Company
This edition of the reference guide builds on the work of those who helped create previous
versions:
LEED for Commercial Interiors Version 2.0 Core Committee
Penny Bonda
Keith Winn
Gina Baker
Kirsten Childs
Holley Henderson, Chair
Don Horn
Scot Horst
Liana Kallivoka
Jill Kowalski
Fran Mazarella
Roger McFarland
Denise Van Valkenburg, Vice Chair
Ken Wilson
Elaine Aye
Carlie Bullock-Jones
Rico Cedro
Hellen Kessler
Mehran Khazra Environmental Communications
Catalyst Partners
Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates
Craton Collaborative Architects,..
H2 Ecodesign, LLC
U.S. General Services Administration
Horst, Inc
Austin Energy Green Building Program
EwingCole
U.S. General Services Administration
HOK
Steelcase Inc.
Envision Design
Green Building Services
Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback 8c Associates
ICrueck & Sexton
HJICessler Associates, Inc
Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineer
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
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Laurie McMahon Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers
Ralph Muehliesen Illinois Institute of Technology
Georgina Sikorsld INVISTA
A special thanks to USGBC staff for their invaluable efforts in developing this LEED Reference
Guide especially Sonia Punjabi for her technical expertise and extraordinary commitment, Lauren
Riggs for her dedication and hard work, and Brendan Owens and Peter Templeton for their vision
and guidance.
vl LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2O09 EDITION
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Preface
Introduction xi
I. Why Make Your Building Green? xi
II. LEED° Green Building Rating System' xi
III. Overview and Process xiii
IV. LEED Online Documentation Requirements xvi
V. Certification Application xvi i
VI. Certification Strategy xviii
VII. Exemplary Performance Strategies xix
VIII. Regional Priority xix
IX. Tools for Registered Projects xx
X. How to Use This Reference Guide xx
Sustainable Sites (SS) 1
Credit 1 Site Selection 5
Credit 1 Option 1: Select A LEED-Certified Building 8
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 1: Brownfield Redevelopment 10
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 2: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control 13
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 3: Stormwater Design—Quality Control 18
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 4: Heat Island Effect—Nonroof 21
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 5: Heat Island Effect—Roof 27
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 6: Light Pollution Reduction 32
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 7: Water Efficient Landscaping —Reduce by 50% 35
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 8: Water Efficient Landscaping —No Potable
Water Use or No Irrigation 35
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 9: Innovative Wastewater Technologies 44
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 10: Water Use Reduction -30% Reduction 54
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 11: On-site Renewable Energy 59
Credit 1 Option 2, Path 12: Other Quantifiable Environmental Performance 66
Credit 2 Development Density and Community Connectivity 69
Credit 3.1 Alternative Transportation —Public Transportation Access 79
Credit 3.2 Alternative Transportation —Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms 85
Credit 3.3 Alternative Transportation —Parking Availability 91
Water Efficiency (WE) 97
Prerequisite 1 Water Use Reduction 99
Credit 1 Water Use Reduction 111
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) 115
Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Commissioning of Building Energy Systems 119
Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance 137
Prerequisite 3 Fundamental Refrigerant Management 147
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION vii
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Credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Power 153
Credit 1.2 Optimize Energy Performance —Lighting Controls 161
Credit 1.3 Optimize Energy Performance—HVAC 165
Credit 1.4 Optimize Energy Performance Appliances 177 —Equipment and
Credit 2 Enhanced Commissioning 183
Credit 3 Measurement and Verification 187
Credit 4 Green Power 197
Materials and Resources (MR) 207
Prerequisite 1 Storage and Collection of Recyclables 211
Credit 1.1 Tenant Space—Long-Term Commitment 217
Credit 1.2 Building Reuse—Maintain Interior Nonstructural Components 221
Credit 2 Construction Waste Management 227
Credit 3.1 Materials Reuse 233
Credit 3.2 Materials Reuse—Furniture and Furnishings 239
Credit 4 Recycled Content 243
Credit 5 Regional Materials 253
Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 259
Credit 7 Certified Wood 267
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) 277
Prerequisite 1 Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance 281
Prerequisite 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control 291
Credit 1 Outdoor Air Delivery Monitoring 297
Credit 2 Increased Ventilation 305
Credit 3.1 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—During Construction 315
Credit 3.2 Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan—Before Occupancy 323
Credit 4.1 Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants 331
Credit 4.2 Low-Emitting Materials—Paints and Coatings 337
Credit 4.3 Low-Emitting Materials—Flooring Systems 343
Credit 4.4 Low-Emitting Materials—Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products 349
Credit 4.5 Low-Emitting Materials—Systems Furniture and Seating 353
Credit 5 Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 359
Credit 6.1 Controllability of Systems—Lighting 367
Credit 6.2 Controllability of Systems—Thermal Comfort 373
Credit 7.1 Thermal Comfort—Design 379
Credit 7.2 Thermal Comfort—Verification 387
Credit 8.1 Daylight and Views— Daylight 393
Credit 8.2 Daylight and Views—Views for Seated Spaces 407
Innovation in Design (ID) 415
Credit 1 Innovation in Design 417
Credit 2 LEED,' Accredited Professional 421
vill LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 20u9
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Regional Priority (RP) 425
Credit 1 Regional Priority 427
Glossary 429
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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x LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2O09 EDITION
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Hri
I. WHY MAKE YOUR BUILDING GREEN? r't
.,.._„.,
The environmental impact of the building design, construction, and operations industry is
enormous. Buildings annually consume more than30% of the total energy and more than 60%of the
electricity used in the United States. In z006, the commercial building sector produced more than
1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide, an increase of more than 30% over 1990 levels.' Each day s
billion gallons of potable water are used solely to flush toilets. Atypical North American commercial
building generates about 1.6 pounds of solid waste per employee per day; in a building with 1,500
employees, that can amount to 300 tons of waste per year. Development alters land from natural,
biologically diverse habitats to hardscape that is impervious and devoid of biodiversity. The far-
reaching influence of the built environment necessitates action to reduce its impact.
Green building practices can substantially reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts
through high-performance, market-leading design, construction, and operations practices. As
an added benefit, green operations and management reduce operating costs, enhance building
marketability, increase workers' productivity, and reduce potential liability resulting from indoor
air quality problems.
Examples abound. Energy efficiency measures have reduced operating expenses of the Denver
Dry Goods building by approximately $75,000 per year. Students in day-lit schools in North
Carolina consistently score higher on tests than students in schools using conventional lighting
fixtures. Studies of workers in green buildings reported productivity gains of up to t6%, including
less absenteeism and higher work quality, based on "people-friendly" green design. Karges
Faulconbridge, Inc., renovated a former grocery store for its new headquarters and diverted 88% of
the construction waste from landfills through reuse and recycling. The largest high-rise real estate
project in Sacramento, the Joe Sema Jr. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters Building
(Cal/EPA), was able to save $610,000 a year by implementing energy efficiency measures, making
it 34% more energy efficient than required by California's 1998 energy code. In short, green design,
construction, and operations have environmental, economic, and social elements that benefit all
building stakeholders, including owners, occupants, and the general public.
II. 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 1.0, was launched at the
USGBC Membership Summit in August 1998. After extensive modifications, LEED Green Building
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION xi
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Rating System Version z.o was released in March z000, with LEED Version 2.1 following in zooz 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.
Projectteams interact withthe Green BuildingCertification Institute (GBCI) forprojectregistration
and certification. GBCI was established in 2008 as a separately incorporated entitywith 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
introducedintothe marketplace, and innovative designs andpractices areprovingtheireffectiveness.
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 LEED
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 5 environmental categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and
Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental 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 ofthebuilding,such asgreenhousegas emissions,fossilfuel 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.
xi' LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION
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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:
■ MI LEED credits are worth a minimum of r point.
■ MI LEED credits are positive, whole numbers; there are no fractions or negative values.
■ All LEED credits receive asingle,static weight in each rating system; there are no individualized
scorecards based on project location.
■ MI LEED rating systems have 100 base points; Innovation in Design (or Operations) and
Regional Priority credits provide opportunities for up tole) 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 LEED certification.
2. The relative importance ofbuilding impacts in each category are set to reflect values based on
the NISTweightings. 4
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.
The details of the weightings process vary slightly among individual rating systems. For example,
LEED for Existing Buildings: includes credits related to solid waste management but LEED
for New Construction 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 www.usgbc.org.
III. OVERVIEW AND PROCESS
The LEED Green Building Rating System for Commercial Interiors is a set of performance standards
for certifying the design and construction of commercial or institutional buildings and high-rise
residential 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.
2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION xill
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Prerequisites and credits in the LEED Green Building Rating Systems address 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 prerequisites and credits have identical structures; see Section X of this Introduction.
When to Use LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED 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 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 only' LEED rating system; others may be eligible fora
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].
Minimum Program Requirements
A project must adhere to LEED's Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), or possess minimum
characteristics 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: (1) give clearguidance to customers, (a) protect the integrity ofthe LEED
program, and (3) reduce challenges that occur during the LEED certification process. The MPRs will
evolve over time in tandem with the LEED rating systems. In order to be eligible for certification
under any LEED 2009 Rating System, projects must comply with each associated M PR. The MPRs
can be found in the LEED 2009 Rating Systems. In addition,definitions and more extensive guidance
on certain issues are provided in a separate document, titled Supplemental Guidance, available on
the USGBC website.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) reserves the right to revoke LEED certification
from any LEED 2009 project upon gaining knowledge of non-compliance with any applicable MPRs.
If such a circumstance occurs, no registration or certification fees paid to GBCI will be refunded.
NOTE: ExceptionstoalltheMPRswillbeconsideredon acase-by-casebasisforspecialcircumstances.
Direction on the nature of allowable exceptions is given in the Supplemental Guidance document.
Registration
Project teams interested in earning LEED for Commercial Interiors certification for their buildings
must first register the project with GBCI. Projects can be registered on the GBCI website (www.gbci.
orgy. The website also has information on registration costs for USGBC national members as well
zlv LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION
EFTA00281531
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.
LEED-Online
LEED-Online is the primary resource for managing the LEED documentation process. From LEED-
Online, project teams can manage project details, complete documentation requirements for LEED
credits and prerequisites, upload supporting files, submit applications for review, receive reviewer
feedback, and ultimately earn LEE!) certification. LEED-Online provides a common space where
members of a project team can work togetherto document compliance with the LEED rating system.
MI project teams pursuing LEED certification are required to use LEED-Online and its submittal
documentation paths. LEED submittals are instrumental in demonstrating credit compliance
becausetheycontain all the documentation requirements foreach LEED credit. Additionally, LEED-
Online contains embedded calculators and tables to ensure that the submittal package delivered to
GBCI is complete and accurate.
LEED-Online also features several support capabilities. It enables team members to view and
submit credit interpretation requests, contact customer service, generate project-specific reports,
and consult supplementary LEED resources, such as FAQs, tutorials, offline calculators, and sample
documentation. Applicants with multiple projects will have access to reporting tools that use data
from projects across their entire LEED portfolio. LEED certificates for successful projects are also
issued through using LEED-Online.
Credit Interpretation Requests and Rulings
In some cases, a LEED project team may encounter challenges when interpreting the requirements
of a prerequisite or credit for their project, perhaps because the reference guide does not sufficiently
address aspecific issue ora conflict requires resolution. Toaddress such issues,acredit interpretation
ruling process has been established for each LEED rating system. See the GECI website for more
information, at www.gbci.org.
Credit interpretation requests must be submittedonline. Provide a brief but clear description of the
challenge encountered, refer to the prerequisite or credit information found in the rating system and
reference guide, and emphasize the intent of the prerequisite or credit If possible, the project team
should offer potential solutions to the problem or a proposed interpretation. Follow the detailed
instructions in LEED-Online.
Communications related to credit interpretation requests will be in electronic format.
Review and Certification
To earn LEED for Commercial Interiors certification, the applicant project must satisfy all the
prerequisites and credits worth the minimum number of points to warrant the desired project
rating. Projects must comply with the version of the rating system that is current in LEED-Online at
the time of project registration.
Appeals
Appeals may be filed after the design phase review, the construction phase review, or the full
application review. Please see the GBCI website for more information on appeals.
Fees
Information on certification fees can be found on the GBCI website. GBCI will acknowledge
receipt of the application and proceed with application review when all project documentation
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and payments have been received and processed. Registration fees, appeal review fees, and any
additional fees required to expedite LEED certification are not refundable.
Updates and Addenda
This is the first edition of the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Interior Design and
Construction, 2009. As LEED for Commercial Interiors continues to improve and evolve, updates
and addenda will be made available. USGBC cannot be held liable for any criteria set forth herein
that may not be applicable to later versions of LEED rating systems, and GBCI reserves the right to
modify its policies from time to time.. Updates and addenda will be accumulated between revisions
and will be formally incorporated in major revisions. In the interim, between major revisions,
USGBC may issue updates or addenda to clarify criteria.
The prerequisites, credits, amendments and addenda current at the time of project registration will
continue to guide the project throughout its certification process
Information Privacy and Policy Guidelines
For more information on the privacy policy of the U.S. Green Building Counil, Inc. (USGBC), refer
to the Policies and Guidelines section of the USGBC website, at www.usgbc.org. With the support
of its members, volunteers, and other stakeholders, USGBC is the developer of the LEED rating
systems.
Green Building Certification Institute, Inc. (GBCI) implements the LEED rating systems and
carries out credentialing programs relating to LEED. For more information on the privacy policy of
GBCI including the privacy policy on documentation submitted through LEED-Online, refer to the
Policies and Guidelines section of the GBCI website, at www.gbci.org. Projects whose information
should be treated as confidential may select this option during registration; project confidentiality
status may be changed at any time through LEED-Online. Please review the GBCI privacy policy for
further details.
IV. LEED-ONLINE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
All LEED for Commercial Interiors certification applications must include the required LEED-
Online documentation: general documentation requirements, documentation requirements for all
prerequisites, and documentation requirements for all pursued credits.
General Requirements
LEED certification application requires the submission of an overall project narrative with the
completed LEED-Online documentation requirements. The project narrative describes the
applicant's organization, building, site, and team. This narrative helps the LEED review team
understand the major elements of the project and building performance, and it also aids in
highlighting projects in future communications efforts. General documentation also requires the
basic details pertaining to project site conditions, construction scope and timeline, occupant and
usage data, and project team identification. Project teams must address all the elements in the
general documentation requirements, providing details and clarifications where appropriate, and
they may include any optional elements that are helpful in describing the project.
Credit Substitution
The LEED 2009 rating systems do not allow credit substitution using another version. Currently
registered LEED projects that want to use LEED 2009 credits need to switch to the new version in
entirety. USGBC expects that most projects will find this switch feasible and advantageous.
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V. CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
earn LEED certification, the applicant project must satisfy all the prerequisites and qualify for a
minimum number of points to attain the established project ratings as listed below. Having satisfied
the basic prerequisites ofthe program, applicant projects are then rated according to their degree of
compliance within the rating system.
After registration, the project design team should begin to collect information and perform
calculations to satisfy the prerequisite and credit documentation requirements. Because
documentation should be gathered throughout design and construction, it is helpful to designate a
LEED team leader who will be responsible for managing its compilation.
LEED 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.
Design Phase Review
Each project is allotted a design phase review that consists of a preliminary design phase review
and a final design phase review. GBCI formally rules on the design phase application by designating
each attempted credit as either anticipated or denied. Participating in a design phase review does
not guarantee award of any credit and will not result in LEED certification. This process enables
project teams to assess the likelihood of credit achievement and requires follow-through to ensure
the design is executed in the construction phase according to design specifications.
Construction Phase Review
At the completion of construction, the project team submits all attempted credits for review,
including any newly attempted design credits. If the project team has had a design phase review and
any of the design phase anticipated credits have since changed, additional documentation must be
submitted to substantiate continued compliance with credit requirements. Upon receipt of the full
certification application and fee, a final review will be conducted. All applicant -verified design phase
credits that were designated as anticipated and have not changed since the design phase review will
be declared as awarded. All other credits will be designated as either awarded or denied.
Project teams should refer to LEED-Online and the rating system scorecards to get information
on credits that can be submitted for design phase review and credits that must be submitted for
construction phase review.
LEED 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
GBCI recognizes buildings that achieve t of the rating levels with a formal letter of certification.
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VI. CERTIFICATION STRATEGY
Timeline and Project Design Phases
Project teams should study the principles and objectives of LEED as early in the site selection and
design process as possible. The project design phases mentioned throughout this reference guide
correspond to the architectural design and planning steps commonly used in the construction
industry:
r. Predesign entails gathering information, recognizing stakeholders' needs, and establishing
project goals.
2. Schematic design explores several design options and alternatives, with the intent of
establishing an agreed-upon project layout and scope ofwork.
3. Design development begins the process of spatial refinement and usually involves the first
design of a project's energy systems.
4. Construction documents carry the design into the level of details for all spaces and systems
and materials so that construction can take place.
5. Construction.
6. Substantial completion is a contractual benchmark that usually corresponds to the point at
which a client could occupy a nearly completed space.
7. Final completion.
8. Certificate of occupancy is the official recognition by a local building department that a
building conforms to applicable building and safety codes.
Related Credits
When pursuing LEED certification, it is important to consider how credits are interconnected and
how their synergies and trade-offs will ultimately affect both the project and the other credits the
team may consider pursuing. Consult the Related Credits section of each prerequisite and credit to
help inform design and construction decisions leading to certification.
Consistent Documentation across Credits
Several kinds of project information are required for consistent LEED documentation across
various credits. If the number of full-time employees (PTEs) is used in one credit, it should be used
consistently throughout all credits. LEED-Online contains many features specifically designed to
assist project teams with this process. Pay special attention to overlapping project data; doing so will
help the application and review process go smoothly.
Operations and Maintenance in LEED for Commercial Interiors
The LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Interior Design and Construction contains
information on operations and maintenance to help project teams streamline green= practices
once the LEED design and construction project has been completed. Although not required as part
of the LEED certification process, upfront planning for green operations and maintenance can
help building owners, operators, and maintenance staff ensure that the commercial interiors space
continues to operate in a sustainable manner.
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VII. EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES
Exemplary performance strategies result in performance that greatly exceeds the performance
level or expands the scope required by an existing LEED 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 than 1 compliance path, an Innovation in Design
point can be earned by satisfying more than 1 compliance path if their benefits are additive. See the
Innovation in Design credit section for further details.
The credits for which exemplary performance points are available through expanded performance
are noted throughout this reference guide and in LEED-Online by the logo shown below.
The list for exemplary performance points available is as follows:
Sustainable Sites
SS Credit 1
SS Credit 3 Site Selection
Alternative Transportation
Water Efficiency
WE Credit 1 Water Use Reduction
Energy and Atmosphere
EA Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance
EA Credit 4 Green Power
Materials and Resources
MR Credit 1.2
MR Credit 2
MR Credit 3
MR Credit 4
MR Credit 5
MR Credit 6
MR Credit 7 Building Reuse—Maintain Interior Nonstructural Components
Construction Waste Management
Materials Reuse
Recycled Content
Regional Materials
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Certified Wood
Indoor Environmental Quality
IEQ Credit 8.2 Daylight and Views—Views for Seated Spaces
VIII. REGIONAL PRIORITY
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 additional
points may be earned by achieving Regional Priority credits, with t point earned per credit. 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.
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IX. TOOLS FOR REGISTERED PROJECTS
LEED offers additional resources for LEED project teams on the USGBC website, at www.usgks.
orgfprojecttools. The Registered Projects Tools website provides resources for starting the project,
including rating system errata, documentation requirements, and referenced industry standards.
Also consult the website for the following:
Declarant definitions and other definitions. This resource describes the team members who
are required to sign off on certain documentation requirements and indicates the prerequisites
and credits for which each team member is responsible. The required declarant is noted in the
corresponding credit documentation section of LEED-Online.
Licensed Professional Exemption Form. The Licensed Professional Exemption Form can be used
by a project team's registered professional engineer, registered architect, or registered landscape
architect as a streamlined path to certain credits, bypassing otherwise -required submittals. This
form is used in conjunction with the declarations in LEED-Online to document any exemptions.
The form is required for any eligible submittal requirements the project team wishes to waive; the
exemption is invalid without a properly executed Licensed Professional Exemption Form. Licensed
Professional Exemptions are noted in the corresponding credit documentation section of LEED-
Online.
X. HOW TO USE THIS REFERENCE GUIDE
The LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Interior Design and Construction is a supporting
document to the LEED for Commercial Interiors Rating System. The guide helps project teams
understand the criteria,the reasons behind them,strategiesfor implementation,and documentation
requirements. It includes examples of strategies that can be used in each category, case studies of
buildings that have implemented these strategies successfully, and additional resources. It does not
provide an exhaustive list of strategies for meeting the criteria or all the information that a project
team needs to determine the applicability of a credit to the project.
Rating System Pages
The rating system, published in its entirety on the USGBC website, is imbedded in this reference
guide. Each prerequisite and credit discussion begins with a gray page that mirrors the rating
systems' Intent and Requirements. This Reference guide addresses the Intents and Requirements
for the LEED zoo9 Commercial Interiors Rating System. The Potential Technologies and Strategies
includ