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INTERnt, FZ !1 H I LOCI n LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction Fort! 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 SBN 978 -932444- 8-6 90000 800.795.1747 USGBC.org 9 781932 4 4 4 18 6 EFTA00281517 flUME FEORA ME C 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 isopen 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 EFTA00281518  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 Horst, Inc Joel Ann Todd, Vice-Chair, LSC Joel Ann Todd Muscoe Martin M2 Architecture Stuart Carron JohnsonDiversey, Inc. Holley Henderson H2 Ecodesign, LLC Christine Magar Greenform Kristin Shewfelt Architectural Energy Corporation Jessica Millman Agora DC Bryna Dunn Moseley Architects Neal Billetdeaux JJR Greg Kats Managing Good Energies Mark Webster Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Bob Thompson EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch Malcolm Lewis Constructive Technologies Group, Inc. John Boecker 7Group Sara O'Mara Choate Construction Company Alex Zimmerman Rep Canada Green Building Council Ian Theaker Rep Canada Green Building Council Sustainable Sites TAG Bryna Dunn, Chair Moseley Architects Stewart Comstock, Vice-Chair Maryland Department of the Environment Michele Adams Cahill Associates Gina Baker Burt Hill Ted Bardacke Global Green USA Stephen Benz Sasaki Mark Brumbaugh Brumbaugh SE Associates Laura Case Emory University Campus Services Zach Christeson the HOK Planning Group Jay Enck Commissioning Sc Green Building Services Ron Hand EfFECT. Sustainable Design Solutions 2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION iii EFTA00281520  Richard Heinisch Acuity Lighting Group Michael Lane Lighting Design Lab Marita Roos HNTB ZoIna Russell Hord Coplan Macht, Inc. Alfred Vick Ecos Environmental Design, Inc. Water Efficiency TAG Neal Billetdeaux, Chair DR John Koeller,Vice-Chair , Alliance for Water Efficiency David Carlson Columbia University Bill Hoffman H.W. Hoffman and Associates, LLC Geoff Nara Civil & Environmental Consultants Stephanie Tanner U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Daniel Yeh University of South Florida David Bracciano Tampa Bay Water Robert Rubin NCSU-BAE and McKim & Creed Winston Huff SSR Engineers Robert Benazzi Jaros Baum & Bolles Gunnar Baldwin TOTO USA, INC Heather Kinkade Forgotten Rain, LLC Shabbir Rawalpindiwala Kohler Company Bill Wall Clivus New England, Inc. Energy and Atmosphere TAG Greg Kats, Chair GoodEnergies Marcus Sheffer, Vice-Chair 7group Drury Crawley US Department of Energy Jay Enck Commissioning & Green Building Solutions, Inc. Ellen Franconi IPMVP and AEC Mark Frankel New Buildings Institute Nathan Gauthier Harvard Green Campus Initiative Rusty Hodapp Dallas/Fort Worth, Energy & Transportation Management John Hogan City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development Bion Howard Building Environmental Science and Technology Dan Katzenberger Engineering, Energy, and the Environment Bob Maddox Sterling Planet Brenda Morawa BVM Engineering, Inc. Erik Ring LPA, Inc. Michael Rosenberg Oregon Department of Energy Mick Schwedler Trane Cord Shymko I PMVP and G.P. Shymko & Associates Gail Stranske CTG Energetics Michael Zimmer Thompson Hine LLP Materials and Resources TAG Mark Webster, Chair Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. Steven Baer, Vice-chair Five Winds International Paul Bertram NAIMA Chris Dixon NBBJ Ann Edminster Design AVEnues Iv LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION EFTA00281521 Lee Gros Lee Gros Architect and Artisan, Inc Theresa Hogerheide-Reusch Reusch Design Services Nadav Malin BuildingGreen, LLC. Nancy Malone Siegel & Strain Architects Kirsten Ritchie Gensler Wayne Trusty Athena Sustainable Materials Institute Denise Van Valkenburg MASCO Retail Cabinet Group Gabe Wing Herman Miller, Inc. Indoor Environmental Quality TAG Bob Thompson, Chair EPA Indoor Environment Management Branch Steve Taylor, Vice-Chair Taylor Engineering Nancy Clanton Clanton and Associates Alexis Kurtz OveArup 8cPartners George Loisos Loisos+ Ubelohde Prasad Vaidya The Weidt Group Daniel Bruck BRC Acoustics 8c Tech. David Lubman David Lubman 8cAssociates Charles Salter Salter Associates Ozgem Omelctekin DMJM Harris Jude Anders Shoreline Concepts, LLC Brian Cloward MithunArchitects+Designers+Planners Larry Dylchuis Herman Miller, Inc Francis (Bud) Offerman Indoor Environmental Engineering Christopher Schaffner The Green Engineer Dennis Stanke 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 Environmental Communications Keith Winn Catalyst Partners Gina Baker Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates Kirsten Childs Craton Collaborative Architects,.. Holley Henderson, Chair H2 Ecodesign, LLC Don Horn U.S. General Services Administration Scot Horst Horst, Inc Liana Kallivoka Austin Energy Green Building Program Jill Kowalski EwingCole Fran Mazarella U.S. General Services Administration Roger McFarland HOK Denise Van Valkenburg, Vice Chair Steelcase Inc. Ken Wilson Envision Design Elaine Aye Green Building Services Carlie Bullock-Jones Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback 8c Associates Rico Cedro ICrueck & Sexton Hellen Kessler HJICessler Associates, Inc Mehran Khazra Guttmann & Blaevoet Consulting Engineer 2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION EFTA00281522  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 EFTA00281523 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 xvii 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 EFTA00281524  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—Equipment and Appliances 177 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 EFTA00281525 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 2009 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Ix EFTA00281526 x LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2O09 EDITION EFTA00281527  Hri .,.._„., r't I. WHY MAKE YOUR BUILDING GREEN? 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 EFTA00281528  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 andpracticesareprovingtheireffectiveness. The LEED rating systems and reference guides will evolve as well. Project teams must comply with the version of the ratingsystem 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,toxinsand 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 EFTA00281529 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 isa 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 EFTA00281530  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 ratingsystem. 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 ratingsystem. 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 addressaspecific issue ora conflict requires resolution.Toaddresssuch 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 ratingsystem 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 ratingsystem 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 2O09 EDITION LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION xv EFTA00281532  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. zvl LEED REFERENCE GUIDE FOR GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 2009 EDITION EFTA00281533 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. Havingsatisfied 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 desig