Document the status of your site, using information from whatever source you find most useful. You will not need to submit this documentation for LEED, but it’s worth having on file.
If you find your project does meet all the criteria after reviewing each one, you are ready to document the credit. To do so, you’ll simply need to provide information on your project location and check off appropriate boxes verifying credit compliance.
If your project does not meet all the criteria, check to see if the project footprint can be adjusted to avoid development in sensitive areas. For example, if a portion of your site is located within 100 feet of wetlands, do not develop on that portion of the site. Instead of having a larger building footprint, build up, with a smaller footprint.
If the project site is already selected, start researching each of the credit criteria to see if any part of the development—buildings, hardscape, roads or parking areas—impacts sensitive areas as defined by the credit language. Refer to the sections below for each of the main credit criteria.
If your project site has not yet been selected, use the credit criteria to select an environmentally appropriate site that will comply with the credit. Research site options as part of your normal due diligence. Do not develop sensitive areas of the site, or areas bordering on sensitive areas.
Design the HVAC system to limit relative humidity (RH) to 60% or lower during both occupied and unoccupied load conditions. Be sure that your HVAC design and controls meet both ASHRAE 55 and the RH requirements of IEQc10.
