Hot Tip

Pursue at least one or two tried-and-true approaches, such as exemplary performance, to back up newer, riskier innovative strategies. 

When possible, support innovative strategies with calculations that track your project’s achievements over the performance period. 

If possible, plan one or two backup strategies in case any of your innovation points are denied during preliminary certification review. 

The intent of a proposed innovation credit cannot be identical to or repetitive of the intent of an existing LEED credit within the EBOM rating system. For example, installing a cutting-edge, ultra-high-efficiency chiller is not an appropriate candidate for an IO credit, because the energy savings resulting from its employment are already captured by EAc1.

In LEED 2009, a credit interpretation ruling (CIR) is project-specific, therefore is neither precedent-setting nor published for other projects to view.

Submit your four best proposals for IO, and plan at least one or two backup strategies in case any of your proposals are denied during the preliminary certification review.

Set goals high, and target more IO approaches than needed, with the expectation that your project may fall short of some goals during the performance period. 

The LEED-EBOM reference guide provides a number of examples of innovation strategies that illustrate sample actions and concepts that would be viable candidates for an innovation credit. See IOc1 in the LEED-

Installing a green roof can contribute to many other LEED credits:

• SSc5.1: Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat 
• SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space 
• SSc6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control 
• SSc6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control 
• WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
• EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance.