CI-2009 IDc1: Innovation in Design 1-5 points

Office Furniture and Equipment Recycling Program Seattle Public Utilities, the owner of the Operations Control Center project, operates a number of facilities in Seattle. Instead of procuring furniture and equipment separately for the OCC project and other facilities, SPU has contracts with a limited number of suppliers so that individual items can be recycled and shared between facilities. Is it likely that this program would be approved as an Innovation in Design credit?

INQUIRY: To help stimulate the development of sustainable product evaluation and certification tools by building professionals, we are seeking to establish an innovation point for specification of products certified under the SMART & California Gold Sustainable Product Programs explained at: http://mts.sustainableproducts.com/SMART_Building_Product_Standard SMART & California Gold provide manufacturers with a transparent measure of sustainable product achievement through consensus based standards. They help customers purchase and specify products that are pursuing a broad definition of quality. Through SMART and California Gold, this broader definition of quality means using products and materials safe for public health and environment as measured by LCA and 12 life cycle impacts; using renewable energy and energy efficiency; using recycled and biobased organic materials with EPA best management practices; increased water conservation; facility and company achievements; social equity; and product reuse and reclamation. SMART & California Gold meet all 24 Sustainable Product Certification Criteria (SPC Criteria) found here: http://sustainableproducts.typepad.com/Sustainable_Product_Certification.... To qualify for this CIR, SMART Gold & California Gold must have at the manufacturing facility 60% Green-e Power or 60% conventional energy reduction from the baseline. SMART & California Platinum must have 80% Green-e or 80% conventional energy reduction for both the manufacturing facility and suppliers. Eighty percent of all SMART & California Gold credits reduce climate change pollution. If a candidate product achieves the necessary criteria, it is certified as a Silver, Gold or Platinum Sustainable Product and must complete independent third party global auditing requirements of manufacturer and supplier facilities. The following Intent, Requirements and Submittals for this Innovation in Design application are suggested: Intent: Help stimulate the development of certified sustainable products for use by building professionals. Requirements: Use SMART or California Gold Certified building materials and products for 2.5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project, based on cost. The "cost value" of products for the purposes of this calculation will be discounted by 50% for Silver level products, and doubled for products certified at the platinum level: Cost value of products = (Silver x 0.5) + Gold (1.0) + (Platinum x 2) Submittals: Spreadsheet matrix with the following information: DEFAULT MATERIALS VALUE Total construction costs (hard costs for CSI Master Format 1995 Divisions 2-10 and 12** only): _______ Default materials cost (total Divisions 2-10 and 12** construction cost x 0.45): _______ OR ACTUAL MATERIALS VALUE Actual materials cost (excluding labor and equipment) hard costs for CSI Master Format 1995 Divisions 2-10 only): _______ - Material Name/Description - Manufacturer - Total Material Cost ($) - Percent Of Product SMART or California Gold Certified (% by Weight) - Compliant Product Value - Adjusted value (Silver x 0.5, Gold x 1.0, Platinum x2) Total "cost value" ($) of SMART or California Gold certified materials: _______ SMART or California Gold certified material value as a percentage of total materials cost*: _______ *To qualify for this ID credit the percentage of SMART or California Gold certified materials must be at least 2.5% of the total materials cost. **CSI Master Format 1995 Division 12 may be included in calculations if materials from Division 12 are used consistently with calculations in credits MRc3-7 in LEED-NC or MRc3-6 in LEED-CS. LEED-CI projects are required to include Division 12 components in the calculation of this ID point, as these components are required for calculations in CI credits MRc4-7. Please refer to the LEED-CI Reference Guide\'s credit calculation instructions for guidance in calculating these credits.

Ozone System in Lap Pool and Spa: exceptional IEQ Our project is a sports facility with a 6-lane, 25m swimming pool and 2 spas. Instead of the conventional chlorine system, we are using an ozone system to treat the water. The Ozone system has the following advantage: - Destroys bacteria, mold and mildew - Eliminates spores, yeasts, fungus and inactivates viruses - Aids the removal of minerals such as iron and manganese - Water is softer and has neutral pH - Leaves no unpleasant chemical or smell, no chloramines build-up, the by-products of ozone are heat and pure oxygen - No irritation to the eyes, nasal passages or throat - Will not cause dry skin, bleached hair or faded swimwear - Reduce chlorine consumption to a minimum, saving money on maintenance, and avoid storing such toxic chemical on site. To summarize, the system reduces the use of chlorine greatly (50-75% depending on splash limit). Unlike chlorine, ozone leaves no unpleasant odors or residual chemicals in the pool and spas. It eliminates the problems of red and irritated eyes, dry skin, faded swim wear and other problems associated with chlorine. We believe that this system has significantly increased the indoor environment quality of the project, especially when the pool and spas are frequently used being in a sports facility instead of a private residence. And a large amount of occupants will be benefited. Therefore, we would like to use this for one of our Innovation and Design Credits. Please advice on the feasibility.

The following proposed innovation in design credit is intended to demonstrate that Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) designed for distribution of natural gas and LPG (propane Gas) systems saves time, reduces cost, and is environmentally friendly where integrated in a holistic approach to a building project. This innovative technology is the only standard based natural gas and LPG (propane gas) system manufactured, designed sized and installed under the ANSI LC1 certification process. CSST is IAPMO, ICC and CSA listed; IFGC, UPC and NFPA-54 approved as a gas-piping material. This system is installed with fewer fittings eliminating leak paths in the natural gas or LPG (propane gas) system, thus making the system safer within a structure. The inherent flexibility and light weight will reduce costs and help prevent job related accidents. Most manufactures\' of CSST incorporate a fitting which uses a metal to metal seal with no gaskets or O-rings and features which allows for maintaining of the integrity of the Polyethylene jacket protecting the system from corrosion and harsh environments. The Polyethylene jacket, as required by ANSI LC1, is constructed to meet the ASTM E84 requirement for Fire /Smoke (25/50) making the system safer in the event of fire. This innovative technology eliminates the need for welding of natural gas and LPG piping and the dangers associated with such procedures, such as toxic fumes from welding gases, flux and brazing rods and smoke and soot caused by welding. This technology reduces respiratory problems associated with inhaling the toxic fumes resulting from welding of natural gas and LPG piping and eliminates the dangers of fire associated with welding of natural gas and LPG piping. It also eliminates personal injury associated with the use of welding and threading equipment. It is our intent to submit for this credit as a system which exceeds the LEED-NC performance as related to a safer environment during construction and safer system within a structure, for the life of the structure.

For our multifamily project, we propose the following approach to earn an ID point for transportation management. Please confirm whether this strategy is likely to earn an ID point if appropriately implemented and documented, and if not, what additional activities would be necessary to earn the credit. We propose to implement a two-part program to encourage bicycle use and reduce automobile use. Due to our suburban community\'s lack of a comprehensive, convenient public transportation system, we believe biking will be residents\' preferred alternative transportation mode. (Please note that this means we may not meet SSc4.1 requirements for public transportation access, but will meet 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4). (1) Implement a bicycle check-out program by which the apartment community loans bikes to residents to use for free. We expect the bikes would be used for errands and other periodic trips (when public transportation may not be practical), reducing automobile use for these trips. The bikes would also be used for recreation/exercise, contributing to a healthier community. For a 500-person community, we would purchase 5 bikes. (2) Subsidize residents\' purchase of bicycles for daily commuting. The check-out program would not be able to serve regular bike commuters. For these residents, the property will subsidize 10% of the purchase cost (up to $100) of a bicycle. Per LEED CIR ruling IDc1.1-5/9/2003, the program will continue for at least 5 years or 50 bicycles, whichever comes first.

This innovation credit is being sought by addressing a significant environmental benefit that the Lutron Quantum system provides. The Lutron Quantum system is a complete-project light and energy management system that will be installed in the confidential client\'s space. The Quantum system provides the following:

Transportation Management Plan The INTENT of this innovation credit is to provide occupants of the building additional options for Alternate Transportation through the use of a Transportation Management Plan. The proposed REQUIREMENTS are to include the following features in the Transportation Management Plan: Rideshare Matching Assistance, Subsidized Regional Transit Pass ( In lieu of providing 3% with Alternative Fuel Vehicles ), Bike Subsidy and User Groups, Amtrak Subsidy, Guaranteed Ride Home Program. The required SUBMITTALS would require all features listed in the Requirements to be summarized in a narrative and in the form of the LEED letter templates. Possible DESIGN APPROACHES would include working with the local Transportation Management Association or local agency to figure out which options are best suited for the occupants of the building. The following paragraphs further explain of how the requirements will be met. Per the Transportation Management Plan filed with the City of Sacramento, and DPR\'\'s subsequent commitment to participate in and financially support the South Natomas Transportation Management Association (TMA), the following programs and services will be available to all DPR South Natomas employees as well as employees of any subtenant occupying 2480 Natomas Park Drive. Rideshare Matching Assistance The South Natomas TMA supports and uses the regional carpool database, www.1800COMMUTE.org to provide matches for short-term emergencies or long term carpool arrangements. Additionally, we will provide personalized transit trip planning assistance, providing employees a detailed explanation of how to take the bus from home to work, and back again. Prior to DPR relocating to the new South Natomas facility, all occupants will provide their names and nearest cross streets, so that carpool database will generate a personalized transit trip and/or carpool matchlist for each occupant of the building. Subsidized Regional Transit Passes We have a cooperative agreement with Regional Transit to provide photo identification Regional Transit passes to ALL member employees. This is similar to the requirement in SS4.3 to provide alternate fuel vehicles for 3% of the building. By subsidizing the Transit Pass for ALL occupants we feel that we are meeting the intent of the Alternate Transportation credits. This RT pass is valid on Regional Transit light rail and buses for both commute and non-commute trips. YoloBus, Placer County Transit and also accept this pass. Bike Subsidy and Users Group The Bike Users Group is a result of the Bucks for Bikes Program, which provides South Natomas TMA members commute bike purchase subsidies. The South Natomas BUG also provides a voice for cyclists throughout the South Natomas area, advocating safer trails and road conditions, and supporting education for current bicycle commuters and encouragement for fellow cyclists new to commuting by bike. DPR\'\'s bike lockers will complement the employees\'\' participation in our bike-related activities and support bicycle commuting. Amtrak Capitol Corridor Subsidy We offer up to 10 monthly subsidies of $28 each, or the full fare, whichever is lower, to member employees for reimbursement of an Amtrak Capitol Corridor monthly pass or multi-ride ticket. Employees have the option of either transferring to RT # 88/87 (with their Regional Transit pass) to connect to/from the Amtrak station and South Natomas or riding a bike through Discovery Park. (Amtrak has generous facilities for riders to bring bikes on board). Guaranteed Ride Home Program This program provides employees who rideshare two or more days per week and experience a mid-day emergency, or who have to work unexpected overtime, with a free guaranteed ride home using a taxi or rental car service up to 6 times per year.

Ecologically Based Landscape Design and Pest Control: The project site is an urban infill site located in Sacramento, California. The project is an office building for the State of California, housing the Department of Education. Prior to the design and construction of the new office building, the site was a surface parking lot with a few trees surrounding the site on the perimeter. Adjacent to the project is a six-story apartment building and across from the site is the California State Capitol mall, a park like setting, with many differing plants and tree species represented. Contained within the project is a small pocket park, which separates the office building from the adjacent apartment building. The park was selected as a site for the State Arts in Architecture program, and a nationally known artist was selected for the art commission. In response to community outreach efforts, and in response to neighborhood concerns about open space, the Design Team for the project worked with the artist to develop a unique response. The team worked on the development of the landscape design using specific features listed below, coupled with the strategy of an ecologically based landscape management and maintenance program. The team also sought to use the project landscape as a means to educate and promote the use of organic based urban landscaping and agricultural farming and the use of beneficial insects as a substitute for pesticides. Features of the Ecologically based Landscape Design and Pest Control include: - An interpretive fountain and sculpture that uses gray water and that reflects the culture and environs of the Sierra Foothills; - Native plant materials, selected for their appropriateness to the climate, low water requirements, adaptation of the native cultural landscape of the region, and aesthetic appeal. Plant material was also selected for its ability to provide habitat for beneficial insects; - Organic landscape specifications including soil mix management, sub-surface drip irrigation, gray water and organic fertilizers; - An irrigation system that utilizes high efficiency drip technology and reduces water consumption by 63%; - A fertilizing and feeding plan, which includes a biological nutrient management using compost tea, injected into the irrigation system; - The project also has a retail component, designated as restaurant space. Once restaurant tenants are identified, the Design Team will work with the tenants to develop a composting process to recycle organic waste streams from the building and the restaurant tenants, including food waste, landscape pruning, etc. - Training of the building and grounds maintenance staff to monitor for insect pests and plant disease. Training the staff to release beneficial insects as the primary means of pest control, and training the staff to use soft pesticides and to avoid toxins. - Educational stations with plaques and graphics delineating the ecological methods utilized, beneficial insect and plant identification and their symbiotic relationships. - Consultation on pest problems and supplying beneficial insects to the project for the duration of the two-year warranty period. Question: Could this interpretive pocket park, developed with neighborhood concerns, educational goals and coupled with organic practices be considered an innovation point?

Our project is a 296,000 sf medical center. We are requesting consideration and guidance for a potential Innovation and Design point for the inclusion of a Healing Garden and Outdoor Place of Respite in the design of the building and site. Using criteria from the Green Guide to Healthcare Guideline system we have created a Healing Garden on site that provides patients, visitors, and staff accessible outdoor Places of Respite that takes into account: security and safety, supervised, sun orientation and other microclimatic factors, direct connection to the natural environment and garden spaces, noise of mechanical equipment, accessibility, way finding and orientation, strength and stamina of patients, activity and interest, privacy and security and proximity to building entries and restrooms. The Garden also provides choices and variety in the design of spaces, engaging the senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and is integrated with native plantings and garden elements. The intent of the garden is to provide places for quiet reflection that assist in the process of healing of patients and provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of all users. The garden is sized appropriately to meet the needs of patients. Interior lobbies and public spaces adjacent to the garden space allow for viewing of the garden in passing throughout the day as well as during inclement weather. A growing body of research shows that patients, medical staff and other care givers experience positive health benefits from access to daylight, landscape views and garden spaces. Providing a variety of spaces for people to pause and experience their natural surroundings is an important design and whole-healthcare objective. The spaces are universally accessible and provide a variety of seating areas for both ambulatory and wheelchair users. Suggested Documentation includes: Area Tabulations and ratios that show: - Net program summary. - Site Plan(s) highlighting public outdoor places of respite equal to 5% min. of project net program area. - Floor Plans and site plans highlighting indoor and outdoor places of respite dedicated for staff/occupants use equal to an additional 2% of project net program area. - Garden Plans and sections illustrating orientation, accessibility, proximity to interior services, Plant material types and quantities, hardscape material types, textures, etc.

The purpose of this CIR is to request approval for one ID credit for an innovative approach to material reduction by using QuietRock soundproof drywall in lieu of multiple layers of traditional drywall. INTENT: To minimize the total quantity of new gypsum wallboard (drywall) used in acoustically sensitive buildings through accurate performance specifications, enhanced materials, and efficient design. The innovative approach will be applied to walls and partitions specified as acoustically high performance for interoffice privacy and/or noise control (sound transmission class 50 or higher). In some cases, a single layer of soundproof drywall can be used to replace up to five layers of traditional drywall. This product and design approach will result in a significant reduction in the total embodied energy of the materials used in the building. (The BEES software from NIST has reported that a single panel of drywall represents between 150,000 to 300,000 Btu\'s of embodied energy). REQUIREMENT: Minimize amount of building materials used by designing walls meeting the sound isolation requirement with QuietRock soundproof drywall. Demonstrate at least a 20% savings in the quantity of gypsum wallboard used compared to the baseline design using conventional, techniques and materials. SUBMITTALS: Architectural plans, details and specifications, a letter signed by the architect or acoustical engineer outlining the acoustical performance requirements identified in the design, the measures implemented in the approach, photographs of soundproofing measures under construction, bills of sale of soundproofing drywall materials purchased, and calculations demonstrating at least a 20% savings in the quantity of drywall used compared with conventional, baseline construction techniques and materials. DESIGN APPROACH: For a two-story multi-purpose commercial building, areas of the floor plan require additional noise control (due to amplified lecture halls or private workspaces). Well established performance specifications required that these walls perform to an STC 50 or higher. These partitions have been designed using QuietRock, an innovative soundproof drywall, so that an over 20% material reduction is achieved. The process was as follows: 1. All walls with a sound isolation requirement have been reviewed by a qualified professional to assess/confirm minimum performance requirements and alternate, material-optimized assemblies were recommended. 2. Acoustical walls requiring multiple layers of gypsum drywall have been redesigned using layer(s) of soundproof drywalls in their place. 3. Architectural details have been added that address acoustical seal and closure best practices for optimal sound isolation. 4. Per CIR 12/6/2002 and 1/9/2003, the basic steps for Boeing to achieve an ID Credit for Material Reduction will be: - Provide documentation, such as a narrative and drawings, to prove on the validity of the baseline to which the project is compared. - Provide a convincing and thorough analysis of this condition by a knowledgeable professional, such as an acoustical engineer or an architect. - The actual bill of materials purchased and a spreadsheet comparing quantities & costs. - A letter signed by a responsible party enumerating and certifying the product and building methods. Should this credit be audited, the applicant also should be prepared to provide photographs of the soundproof wallboard installation in the field.

Our project is a 26,000 square foot tenant space for a confidential client, a news provider. We will be utilizing LEED-CI. We\'re wondering if our limited-wall office space qualifies for an Innovation Credit. The space plan for the office will not include walls/partitions. The entire space will utilize an open office furniture system. Obviously there will be walls for restrooms and mechanical spaces but private offices and kitchen areas will not have hard walls. Intent Minimize materials and construction waste due by avoiding the construction of walls for private offices and kitchen area. Requirements We will calculate the amount of material (gypsum, metal studs etc.) our project will save (as well as construction waste avoided) based on the assumption that other offices similar to ours consist of 25% hardwalled areas. We will quantify the amount of CO2 saved from the extraction, manufacturing, and shipping of material which we will be saving by not constructing any hard walls.

Green Building Educational Component This project intends to provide a two-part educational package as part of its process. This will consist of the following: 1. A display system comprised of small iconographic signs throughout the facility highlighting where green strategies have been employed. These icons will then be complemented by a display panel in the main cafeteria space which highlights what the green building strategies are, and some of the impacts. Rather than put text-based signs throughout the facility, the icons will remind people as they move through the space that there is something green there. All employees go to the cafeteria several times a day, and this way the centralized panel can highlight the environmental impact of each piece of the building. For example an icon at the parking lot can highlight how much the hybrid vehicle parking spaces are reducing emissions. An icon at the toilet rooms can highlight how many gallons of water are going to be saved each year. By having the icons spread throughout the facility we can illustrate how pervasive our green strategies are. 2. A case study book or website, tied in to graphics of the building, which will highlight materials and strategies used throughout the facility. It will be cross-referenced with synergistic efforts made in the owner\'s corporate office center, also under construction and also seeking LEED certification. This resource will include both materials used, design strategies employed, and local suppliers and professionals involed in the project, such as construction entities, local waste recyclers, etc. This case study book or website will be shared with the USGBC and the Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance (GBA). Please review and let us know if this approach will meet the intent of the CIR from 9/24/2001 regarding educational programs for Innovation in Design points, and whether this approach is likely to be awarded a point if submitted.

Title: Whole Building Double Water Filtration to Obviate the Need for Bottled Water Intent: To minimize or eliminate the use of plastic water bottles in buildings by providing the purity levels afforded by bottled water through comprehensive building water filtration. The bottled water industry has grown substantially in the past decade. About 74% of Americans drink bottled water; one in five drinks only bottled. Demand is outstripping recycling capacity. According to the Container Recycling Institute, each year an ever smaller proportion of plastic bottles are recycled; from 2 out of 5 in the mid \'90s, to only 1 out of 7 today. Seventy million water bottles are disposed of each day, with 60 million going into landfills, oceans or incinerators. Our project plans to implement a two-stage water filtration system that provides water purity equal to or better than bottled water. Implementing water filtration technology is an answer to the severe environmental impact of bottled water, because it reconciles people\'s desire for pure, safe drinking water with the imperative of reducing waste. By installing two-stage water filtration - first at the main (point-of-entry, POE) and then downstream within kitchen cabinets (point-of-use, POU) -- and educating our occupants about the health and environmental advantages of the system, we anticipate a dramatic reduction in the purchase of bottled water in our building and associated waste. The two-stage configuration, and the specific equipment selected, are designed so as to minimize environmental impact by 1) at POE using negligible water for self-cleaning, and 2) at POU achieving significant filter cartridge longevity. Requirements: - Provide building-wide point-of-entry water filtration that removes particulate contamination equal to or smaller than 10 microns; AND - Provide point-of-use water filtration at 0.2 micron (fine enough to remove bacteria) and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53 certified. AND - Educate building occupants about the system, how it works and its substantial environmental benefits. Benefits: - Obviate the need for bottled water by providing high performance and low impact two-stage water filtration that will substantially reduce the amount of plastic water bottles going to waste from our building. - Reduce the exposure to potentially harmful waterborne contaminants for the entire population through universal access to filtered water. - Reduce the energy required to heat water by screening out particulates that over time negatively impact system efficiency. - Reduce the amount of pollutants released in the manufacture and transportation of bottled water attributable to our building. There are 70 million bottles of water consumed in the US per day. Dividing that number by the total population of approximately 306,000,000, means that 23% of the US population is drinking one bottle of water a day. We believe this estimate to be conservative and that widespread adoption of two-stage water filtration could have a much bigger impact, especially in areas with known water quality problems. We estimate that our 1200 apartment project will have 2130 occupants. Therefore, 23% of 2130 = 479 people drinking one bottle of water a day times 365 days/yr = 174,835 bottles for this one building resulting in a reduction of 149,858 (6 out of 7) bottles going to landfill, oceans or incineration. New occupants will be given an orientation session at the time of lease by the property manager explaining the dual system, the POU maintenance requirements and why the cost and environmental impact of bottled water can be avoided in the building. The tenant environmental guideline will also detail the environmental impact of bottled water and describe the system benefits and performance. The filtration system will be a highlighted feature on all leasing and green building tours.

The following proposed innovation in design credit language is intended to demonstrate accomplishment of Comprehensive Formaldehyde Reduction above and beyond requirements set forth in existing LEED credits. We recognize that an ID credit cannot be granted achievement through the CIR process, but request the review of this proposed approach for viability and appropriateness as written to support a project earning an ID credit by meeting these requirements. Proposed Title: Comprehensive Formaldehyde Reduction Intent: Provide a safe and healthy environment for both construction teams and building occupants. Requirements: Meet the requirements of existing LEED credits associated with formaldehyde reduction AND comply with the additional measures outlined below in order to obtain a comprehensive formaldehyde reduction in the building. To accomplish this, the following are required: ? Specify low formaldehyde emitting products/appliances for each of the following if/as incorporated in the project: o Composite wood and agrifiber- meet LEED-NC EQc4.4 credit requirements o Formaldehyde free insulation ? Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control- meet LEED EQp2 credit requirements ? Thermal Comfort: Design- meet LEED-NC EQc7.1 credit requirements Submittal: In addition to all corresponding submittal requirements for existing LEED credits, document specific efforts to reduce formaldehyde, and describe how a comprehensive formaldehyde reduction throughout the building that address control and mitigation has been realized. Design Approach: ? Source Control: minimize formaldehyde sources from being introduced to the building interior ? Mitigation: maintain indoor air quality with low formaldehyde presence ? Identify sources of formaldehyde within the building design above and beyond insulation, and specify low formaldehyde or formaldehyde free alternatives. ? Consider appropriateness and occupant need for mechanical and/or natural ventilation while evaluating site conditions and building design. Avoid venting to areas of heavy traffic, nearby polluting industries and neighboring waste management sites. ? Minimal use of foamed in place insulation ? Wash durable-press fabrics before installation (e.g.: drapes) ? Systems furniture and seating- meet LEED-CI EQc4.5 credit requirements ? Increased ventilation- meet LEED-NC EQc2 credit requirements ? Maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels o Controllability of systems: Thermal Comfort- meet LEED-NC EQc6.2 credit requirements ? Minimize gases from combustion sources from entering interior spaces o Combustion venting- meet LEED-H IEQc2 credit requirements o Vehicles emissions protection- meet LEED-H IEQc10 credit requirements ? Monitor air quality o Outdoor air delivery monitoring- meet LEED-NC EQc1 credit requirements o Install formaldehyde sensor

The following Innovation & Design CIR is being submitted to assess whether the following criteria could qualify for an ID credit if all standards are met and documentation received: Intent - To provide a mechanism to support novel ideas to improve the environment at Union College. Through a competitive grant-based initiative, members of the Union College community have access to a $16,000 per year pool of funding to either make Union operations more sustainable or to conduct research that will make specific contributions to sustainability at the regional, national or global scale. Grant proposals are required to detail rationale, a project/research plan, anticipated outcome, detailed budget, and timeline, and are rated based on the benefit to environmental sustainability and feasibility. In the 2008-2009 academic year, ten different projects proposed by students, staff and faculty were awarded between $500 and $2000. With the opening of a new USustain headquarters located in Wold Science Center, the office of President Stephen Ainlay has committed to funding for two more academic years. Projects that directly impact the design and operations of the Wold Science Center or research projects that would be undertaken at the Wold Science Center will be especially encouraged. Requirement - Union will support grassroots sustainability ideas for the period 2009-2011. Supported projects will include specific reporting guidelines and communication procedures. The period of funding shall cover a period of no less than two academic years, for a total monetary amount of $48,000. Submittals - Presidential Green Grant RFP (Sept. 2008); Summaries of 2008-2009 proposals funded by Presidential Green Grants.

Can a project earn ID credit for being in a LEED ND neighborhood? What level of certification or stage or review must the project have completed?

This request seeks ID credit approval for an energy- and resource-saving, paperless, Web-based collaboration solution for architecture, engineering and construction project team members from multiple organizations (i.e. owner, construction management firm, general contractor, architecture firm, engineering firm, subcontractors, suppliers, etc.): our Virtual Project Office. We have used our experience with delivering consulting services and training on project management technologies to develop this customizable, easy-to-use Microsoft SharePoint-based tool; it is a private, secure, project-specific Web site. Our innovative solution helps project participants efficiently share and process vital documents like drawings, RFIs and contracts--all while slashing printing, shipping and travel energy- and resource-usage. Owners and contractors from multiple organizations can collaborate to make informed and timely decisions when they exchange and store data in a project\'s own secure, neutral, Web-based \'office,\' rather than using paper to print draft after draft of large files (i.e. drawings, specs, contracts, change notices, payment estimates, submittals, RFIs, correspondence, safety bulletins, contact directories, schedules, calendars, announcements, transmittals, progress photos, progress reports, meeting minutes, etc.) Any and every process our project requires can, and will, be incorporated into our Virtual Project Office. For example, when the project team is ready to request bids from contractors, we will use our paperless, Web-based Virtual Project Office to issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs), provide bidding instructions, and announce up-to-date questions and answers. We will be able to post downloadable construction documents such as drawings and project specs. Contractors will then upload their bids electronically, automatically notifying the bid manager--via e-mail--of their submission. Housing all bidding information in one secure, collaborative online workspace dramatically reduces the typical energy and resource consumption of the bidding process, supports confident contract-award decisions, and gets the project off to a successful start. We will use our collaboration solution to: Connect team members across organizational and geographic boundaries so they can collaborate regardless of their time and place of work--without spending energy, resources, money or time on paper, shipping or travel. Streamline review-and-approval processes (i.e. RFPs, RFIs, submittals, change notices, payment estimates, etc.) and make them electronic, eliminating the energy costs and delays of printing and shipping multiple copies of paper documents back and forth among project participants. Notify collaborators automatically via (paperless) e-mail when virtual documents are added and updated. Reduce energy- and resource-consuming litigation by mitigating all parties\' risk exposure with automatic auditing of revisions, ball-in-court requests, and responses. Protect private information using our secure, neutral collaboration platform, limiting each party\'s vulnerability to energy- and resource-consuming claims. Take advantage of seamless interoperability, configuration, training and support--eliminating potential energy and resource expenditures associated with printing and shipping training manuals and/or booking travel for consultants, instructors and attendees. Archive automatically--online--to incorporate Best Practices and Lessons Learned as standards, and build on the project team\'s successes.

Innovation & Design Process: Exemplary Performance in Materials & Resources - Planning Chassis Intent Extend the life cycle of existing building materials, finishes, and furniture, conserve resources, reduce waste, and reduce environmental impacts of interior construction and renovation as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport. Requirements To receive an innovation point, the project team will demonstrate that a comprehensive planning chassis design is in place with clear performance goals, including: 1. A statement of purpose describing what the planning chassis design is trying to achieve from a health and environmental standpoint, focusing on reduced material consumption, waste, time, and cost related to "churn". 2. Retention of interior non-structural components, including furniture, through various phases of projected renovation, re-configuration, and churn. 3. A clear set of acceptable performance metrics by which to measure progress or achievement, including plans illustrating extreme variety in terms of configuration, density, function, and work style without the demolition of walls or significant modification of the architecture or finishes. 4. Documentation demonstrating that the planning chassis design results in improved environmental impact, and meets the criteria set forth in #2 above. Submittals 1. Current floor plan showing architectural and furniture elements (standard planning module) that will remain constant, even as the workplace evolves. 2. Projected variations on current floor plan, showing what impacts (demolition, construction, waste, inventory) would be required to achieve each variation. 3. Calculations (similar to MR 1.2 and 1.3) illustrating that each variation would result in compliance with guidelines. Design Approach Based on the program requirements of diverse lines of business within Bank of America, and the projected rate and nature of change within those lines of business, the design team proposed an interior infrastructure, or chassis, that will remain constant from floor to floor, among various lines of business, over time and with an inherent flexibility that allows each line of business to absorb the impact of change and to meet new demands through streamlined modifications. This infrastructure consists of a zoned space plan, modularity of all products, systems and materials, moveable walls, limited hard construction, and a systems and loose furniture "kit of parts". Much like an automobile chassis, the proposed planning concept meets diverse programmatic and work-style requirements, while allowing evolving future work environments to occur with speed and at a minimum cost over a long life cycle. The intent, in addition to meeting the above aesthetic and change management goals, is designed to meet environmental impact objectives, through reduced demolition and construction related to "churn". This strategy is comprehensive in that it will be implemented on all 23 associate floors being renovated in the Bank of America Corporate Center. We request a ruling on whether implementation of this design would achieve an Innovation & Design credit.

Intent To utilize a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for a televised event that extends LEED guidelines from building to an annual event. Proposed Requirements Develop and implement a Sustainability Plan that reduces consumption, increases recycling and reuse, offsets fossil fuel energy use and implements Green Education. Provide resource use and disposal baseline quantities and track improvements. Submittal to demonstrate compliance a) Provide resource consumption baselines for a timeline that includes pre-event preparation and the event itself. b) Provide quantifiable improvements for the event using the same timeline as the baseline. Summary of project design approaches The Live Television Production is a temporary facility for an annual single evening event lasting 10 days. - SITES - Transportation: all participants (presenters and production staff) were provided with GM flex fuel and hybrid vehicles. - WATER Conservation: All urinals are waterless at the venue saving 7 million gallons per year. Lavatory sensors are provided for premium seating restrooms - ENERGY: 10% energy reduction with an incremental decrease of 1% per year for 10 year commitment: Production lighting is designed to reduce electrical usage. 2 million kilowatt-hours of Green Power was provided that met three times the electricity needs of the award broadcast 666,000 kwh were used for the broadcast. - MATERIAL: Reuse: 100 % of all building material on the production set is donated to non profit foundations and memorabilia. - MATERIAL: Recycled content - All paper products had recycled content - Invitations, Posters and Programs are printed on Endeavour Recycled Paper, which is 30% post consumer waste, 50% recycled and is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. (1 LEED point for 50% FSC ) - Souvenir Telecast and awards celebration. Tickets are printed on stock that is 40% post-consumer waste and 60% recycled. - Tissue products 100% recyclable post-consumer napkins were used for five (5) full days of crew meals and craft services. vi) MATERIAL - Waste: 35% of waste is diverted from landfills by weight - Event generated 1,029 tons of trash, diverted 360 tons from landfill - Event is in compliance with assembly bill 2176 AB-2176. vii) IEQ -- Green Housekeeping: Venue uses two cleaning products that are green seal certified "Hillyard Chemicals. viii) Green Education - The promotion of all the "green" attributes of the event . Naras to confirm if the greening was indicated on any of the print material used for the event - Raise awareness of the availability and benefits of Green Power in Los Angeles and beyond. Green Volunteer Team responsible for placing recycling containers in key staff and public facing areas and educating people on what goes in the bins. In addition to managing the recycling stations, each volunteer had a document on hand to speak to the other aspects of the events that were green. ix) FOOD - Water sponsored by PRIMO, whose bottles are made from American grown corn oil, not petroleum - The 100% of food packaging is nature based and environmentally sustainable - 100% Sustainable Food for crew & parties - Regional, Organic, humane and environmentally-friendly food and food practices, including seafood, dairy, and produce - 100% Reusable service materials and accessories. Reusable service materials such as ceramic plates, glass tumblers and silverware included at crew meals and craft services. - Food Waste -- 100% food waste from the event was sorted, compacted and managed by New Market Waste Solutions for donation and composting. - Food Donation. Venue Concessionaire Partner donates edible left over food to the Angel Donation program at a local mission. Un-used food from the after-party (& crews) donated to local organization to feed the homeless in local shelters.

Low-Cost HVAC For Green Buildings According to the R.S. Means Square Foot Costs, 25th Edition, the HVAC cost for a single-story office building 7,000 to 20,000 square feet in size will be $13 to $17 per square foot. This cost range is for a typical HVAC system that meets minimum building code requirements, but can not meet ASHRAE Standards 62 or 55. Our intent was to provide an HVAC system that met ASHRAE Standards 62 and 55 and used less energy while costing at least 20% less than a standard system. Our design approach combined air-to-air energy recovery with furnace/air conditioning units. The air-to-air energy recovery units deliver 1,648 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of outdoor air at constant volume or 38 cfm for each building occupant. This ventilation rate is almost twice the rate required by ASHRAE Standard 62. In addition, the air-to-air energy recovery units allow moisture transfer between the exhaust and outdoor air streams, helping to meet ASHRAE Standard 55 for comfort all year long. The total cost of the HVAC system is just $99,120 or $8.30 per square foot which includes all overhead and profit. This cost is 35% less than the lowest figure published by R.S. Means. Furthermore, the system uses 30% less cooling energy and 10% less heating energy than a system that just complies with ASHRAE Standard 90, and the system uses non-chlorinated refrigerant. This system is green and very cost effective.

Innovation Question, Breaking Down Barriers to Mass Transit:The Block 225 project is part of a 5 building campus for the State of California. A portion of the response to the neighborhood in the EIR was that the State would contribute funds to the improvement of the local park, Fremont Park, for renovation and restoration. The funds are to be used for a specific function, that of restoring historic diagonal pedestrian links across the park. The benefit to the entire project, including Block 225, is that the contribution will be used to restore a connection from the project to the light rail system, thereby encouraging the use of mass transit. Without these links, a barrier to mass transit would exist.Question: Could this response to neighborhood concerns regarding open space and mass transit be considered an innovation credit?

We recognize that ID credits cannot be granted achievement via the CIR process, but request the review of this proposed approach for viability to support a project earning an ID credit by meeting these requirements. Please provide insight as to the type & level of documentation required to pursue such an ID credit. Title Use of new facility to promote enhanced waste recycling programs significantly beyond the LEED criteria Credit Intent The promotion of waste recycling programs beyond the requirements required by LEED. The new facility will allow expanded programs of recycling to be practiced at the facility. The company has implemented innovative donation and recycling programs to address the recycling of wastes generated by it\'s manufacturing operations. The new facility will provide the waste storage and processing capability to extend and improve these programs. Credit Requirements To extend the size of the facility to incorporate improved waste management facilities and provide expansion space for new recycling projects. Project Approach The operation of the current waste recycling programs is limited by the storage and processing facilities of the existing facility. Construction of the new facility will be used to enhance the existing programs and provide factory space to investigate new programs Programs Waste to Energy Project - conversion of previously land-filled carpet scrap into energy to fire Cement kilns Waste Yarn Donation Program - Donation of waste yarn to charitable organizations in North East Thailand to convert into Hammocks. Example: The yarn donation program has helped to develop economical income for those who previously were limited. On average the production of 2 hammocks per day earns approximately 200$ or 4,000 - 5,000 Baht per month per family. There are approximately 500 people involved in this program now. Waste Tile Donation - Slight seconds donations to charitable organizations; Temples, Schools etc. Cardboard Cone recycling - Reclaim and sale to supplier. Comprehensive documentation / metric results are available for all of these programs.

DESCRIPTION Proposed achievement of this credit involves production of a fifteen minute video overview of the resort\'s LEED and green features. INTENT Previous rulings have indicated a minimum of two of the following solutions were required to achieve a point for public education within the Innovation and Design category: - Comprehensive signage program - Development of a manual, guideline, or case study - Educational outreach program or guided tour It is the intent of this CIR to seek a ruling that would permit the use of digital media (i.e., video) to serve, as an alternate path to all of the above. REQUIREMENTS Utilize digital media to expand upon the delivery of public education through: - Providing context to the LEED plaque (to be located in the lobby) by playing back the video on a flat screen adjacent to the plaque. This will provide expansive meaning to a plaque that will be viewed by thousands of people each year - including many who are not familiar with USGBC or LEED. Additionally, this would also reduce the traditional use of lobby paper products to tell the green story. Such paper products can sometimes go underutilized and/or are quickly discarded. - Educating visitors on the LEED and non-LEED green attributes of the resort by the daily and multiple playbacks (minimum 4 times each day) of the video on the resort\'s dedicated in-room television channel. This would achieve USGBC\'s goal of educating visitors to the project. - Educating new employees by playback of the video as part of their initial training and orientation. This would achieve USGBC\'s goal of educating employees. - Reaching a larger audience beyond those traveling to the resort by featuring the video on the resort\'s website and the corporation\'s environmental initiatives website. In essence the video provides a virtual, as opposed to physical guided tour, of the project without expanding facilities unnecessarily in order to conduct tours of the back of house physical plant. This would complement USGBC\'s goal of sharing the successes of this project with others who may not have the opportunity to visit the project. SUBMITTALS LEED Design Application Milestone: - Proposed location of lobby LEED plaque and adjacent flat screen - Story treatment/synopsis LEED Construction Application Milestone submittals would include: - Shooting script - Shooting schedule - Schedule of daily playback on the in-room resort channel - Web address/proposed design for the resort and environmental affairs websites that would host the video.

Activated Carbon Filters for Low-Cost Demand Control Ventilation and Energy Efficiency This CIR proposes an innovation design credit for a suite of design features and a design procedure that will reduce the cost of demand controlled ventilation (DCV). The procedure is based on a combination of: scrubbing the air with activated charcoal (AC) filters to reduce the number of critical rooms in a building that will require CO2 sensors; using air-to-air heat recovery for the building air: using time-of--day control of ventilation for the building zones. The proposed design procedure will enable selecting the minimum number of CO2 sensors to control the amount of delivered outside air. This will reduce the initial cost as well as the annual cost of maintaining their calibration. The new Pacific Garden Mission building in Chicago will house an average of 800 homeless people on any given night. The design calls for using activated carbon filters in the main air handling unit for the entire building to help control the peculiarly strong body odors of the guests and to reduce the required outside air and associated energy use. Three "hot boxes" will also be used to disinfect by 180oF+ heat all the clothes of the incoming guests as part of the thorough laundry process. The activated carbon filters are capable of reducing these outdoor air rates by over 70%. This was determined by applying the Indoor Air Quality procedure described in Section 6.2 of ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality1 To be conservative, we will assume that only a 50% reduction in outside air will be feasible because additional outdoor air may be necessary to control body odors by dilution. Besides reducing the cost of conditioning the ventilation air an additional benefit of the activated carbon filters will be to help reduce the number of CO2 sensors needed in the building for effective and affordable demand control ventilation. By reducing the required outside air by 50% the number of "critical rooms" is reduced. We define "critical rooms" as the rooms having a required minimum fraction of outside air, say 0.50, as calculated using the Ventilation Rate Procedure for multiple spaces and the Indoor Air Quality Procedure in ASHRAE 62,2-20012. The rationale for not installing CO2 sensors in rooms with outdoor air fractions below a specific number, say 0.50, is: 1. if regularly occupied rooms with outdoor air fractions above 0.50 are getting sufficient outside air, the rooms with lower fractions should automatically get sufficient outside air. 2. one air handling unit serves the entire PGM building. Therefore, a small number of CO2 sensors can control the outdoor air fraction throughout the building. (The air handler is equipped with multiple fans--their redundancy makes it acceptable to serve a building this size, approx. 118,580sf net interior floor area with one air handler.) 3. The design will also include air-to-air heat recovery at the main air handling unit using either run-around-coils or heat pipes. 4. For major parts of the day CO2 sensor control of the supply and outside air quantities for particular space will be overridden by direct time-of-day control by the central EMS. The building program is arranged so that during the daytime the lower two floors will be occupied and conditioned for occupancy. The upper two floors are dormitories that will be unoccupied and their environment will be kept at unoccupied settings, including just enough supply air to slightly pressurize these floors relative to the outside. Conversely during the evening hours, the lower two floors will be unoccupied and their environment will be kept at unoccupied settings with the minimal required supply air to temper the space and control building pressurization. The central EMS will be used to control the supply air to these large blocks of the building. (This will also allow using a very low diversity factor to size the main air handling unit since it will be used to condition about 1/2 of the building at any one time.) 5. The limiting factor in determining the minimum acceptable amount of outside air may very well be the perception of odors by the occupants. This may require higher amounts of outside for dilution of odors than what would be called for by the CO2 sensor. This will be determined empirically after occupancy begins. In summary, the above design features and program requirements make it possible to reduce the number of CO2 sensors at this job by at least 50%. This will be documented in the summary table of the Ventilation Rate Procedure analysis. As such, the use of activated carbon filters makes demand controlled ventilation economically viable. Our first question is whether the above package of design features and approach is acceptable for reducing the number of required CO2 sensors and the cost of DCV and whether this would be considered an Innovation in Design and suitable for receiving a a LEED credit. Our second question is whether we can calculate the energy savings due to the activated carbon filters using the same analysis method approved for demand control ventilation. The % reduction due to the DCV would be calculated by subtracting saved energy from DCV in the numerator and using the Base Case energy cost without DCV in the denominator. Our preliminary energy modeling indicates annual savings of at least $10,000 per year or about 5% of the projected energy costs of the Current Design. These savings would be included under EA Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance. We look forward to the USGBC\'s comments on this potential innovation in design and on the savings calculation method for the activated carbon filters. 1. ASHRAE 62.2-1999 Section 6.2 and Appendix E 2. ASHRAE 62.2-1999 Section 6.1.3.1 Ventilation Procedure for Multiple Spaces

Our project scope is unique in that the building owner will also be the primary tenant of building and is currently seeking certification under LEED Core & Shell for the overall base building tower, while simultaneously pursuing LEED for Commercial Interiors for the one-half portion within the building they will occupy. In this scenario it is unclear exactly how to address certain credit requirements for a Commercial Interiors project when the space will be located within a Core & Shell building concurrently pursuing the same related credits. There is a below grade parking structure is intended to serve the entire masterplan (not just our building) with 2,151 parking spaces. The total parking associated with both LEED projects is equal to 1,500 parking spaces, with 750 allocated to CS and the other 750 allocated CI. The LEED CS credit requires either preferred parking for 5%, OR refueling stations for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles for 3% based on the total parking capacity of the site. However LEED CI does not offer an equivalent credit for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and therefore we are requesting that the calculations for this LEED CS credit to be based on the parking available only to the Core and Shell tenants of the building, or 750 spaces. Our goal is to not penalize the Core and Shell project since it is known that half of the parking is allotted to the LEED Commercial Interiors project, for which no such credit for low emitting & fuel efficient vehicles is offered. Alternatively, if we were to calculate this credit in accordance with the LEED NC v2.2 requirements it would require either 75 preferred parking spaces, or 45 stations (or a combination of the two) be incorporated into the total allocated parking. By addressing the equivalent LEED NC compliance path, would it be fair to assume that 1) the LEED CS project would earn this point, AND 2) the LEED CI project could earn a potential Innovation & Design point as well?

Prior to submitting the full Template and supporting documentation for this Innovation & Design Process Credit, we would like to request an evaluation to ensure we are on the right path for this credit. Our project is a mixed-use facility with residential units at 7 levels, retail at the ground level and parking below grade. We plan to integrate an Educational Outreach Program, following the guidelines as defined in IDc1.1 inquiry dated 9-20-01. The following is the Outline of our Program: I. Interpretive Signage Program A signage permanent signage program will be designed and installed to communicate the major sustainable design aspects of the project to the visitors and customers of the facility, highlighting the various sections of the LEED program - Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Materials and Resources, Energy & Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality a. Retail - Signs to be located at the Paseo area between the two buildings and will highlight the sustainable design features of the project, including: 1. Water Efficiency - reduced water consumption and irrigation by captured ground water 2. Stormwater reduction and Heat Island reduction: Rooftop gardens and Green Roof - reduces Stormwater quantity, reduces heat islands at the roof and provides the residents with a gardening plot. 3. Recycled materials & low VOC materials as well as Construction waste diversion from landfills. 4. Alternative Transportation - preferred parking for HOV, secured bicycle parking for residents, adjacency to bus stops and ferry service. A signage program will be designed and installed to communicate energy and water efficiency data on a monthly basis to the residents. The intent is to encourage residents to make a concerted effort towards reducing energy and water consumption. b. Residential - Signs to be located at Residential Common Lobby Areas II. Project Manual for Sustainable Design features for the project a. Manual will include narratives and supporting graphics documenting the design approach for the 5 sections of the LEED NC v2.2 Submission b. The LEED Checklist and Templates submitted to the USGBC will be included in this Manual for reference by others. III. Educational Outreach Program a. The Home Owners Association will sponsor Educational Programs (Organic Gardening, Organic Cooking, Sustainable Living Practices, Energy Consumption Reduction) will be held at the facility in the meeting room for residents to further their awareness of sustainable living.

The commercial office project is designed and constructed to achieve various LEED NC 2.2 credits. The project is located in Providence, Rhode Island. We are seeking an innovation in design credit (ID) for a Comprehensive Transportation plan based on the ID credit previously approved on 5/9/2003 The INTENT of this innovation credit is to provide occupants of the building additional options for Alternative Transportation and reduce the drive alone trips through the use of a Transportation Management Plan set forth by the Owner. The project is currently pursuing three SS 4 baseline credits including: a. Project is located within 1/4 mile of Bus service and directly across the street from train station. Direct route into Boston also. b. Bicycle Storage and shower facility is provided for employees. c. Preferred Parking is provided for low emitting/ fuel efficient vehicles. Please note that the project locations offers bus service beyond 2 lines [ >50 lines available from this location ]. In addition, the train station offers a direct line to the airport. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan will include the following additional elements: a. The employer is providing free bus passes to 30% of the employees [equivalent of 300 passes]. b. The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority [RIPTA] provides a number of transportation amenities/ alternates for its residents and information on the same will be available through the employer\'s intranet. Information and amenities include: 1. Maps/ schedules/ contact info for Public Transportation 2. Information on incentives provided by RIPTA includes: a. RIPTA/Google Trip Planner b. Carpools: carpooling options c. Commuter services Submittals will include: a. Copy of RIPTA pamphlet outlining available public transportation amenities. b. Commitment letter from the employer to provide 300 public transportation passes.

Please advise on the viability of the following Innovation and Design Process credit: Intent The intent of this Innovation Credit is to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact of building materials and products, and increase the market demand for climate neutral products and materials. Products and materials are climate neutral when there is zero net greenhouse gases (GHG), such as CO2, from the entire life cycle of the product. The manufacturer calculates the total GHG impact utilizing life cycle analysis and then obtains carbon emission reduction credits (ERCs) such as through green power off-set purchases or carbon sequestration projects. The offsets must equal or exceed the GHG produced during extraction, processing, manufacture, transport and end use of a product, and be certified by a recognized third party using sound scientific and accounting principles. Climate neutral products must also deliver climate benefits "above and beyond" the standard version of these building materials, thus making them distinct and separable from all other sustainability features that these materials might also possess, such as recycled content. The development of market demand for climate neutral products provides several environmental benefits: Reduce the GHG impact of building materials, and thus address the embedded climate impacts inherent in a building or interior fit-up materials. Support USGBC\'s desire to move towards a more life-cycle based approach. Reward proactive suppliers who take a climate leadership position with their products. Ensure that climate benefits can be delivered on a credible, measurable and transparent basis. Support the emerging market for carbon and other GHG trading. Requirements Specify 5% of the project\'s total material value with products or materials, which are third party certified as climate neutral. Submittals Provide a spreadsheet indicating the total material value of the project, including furniture and list each climate neutral material or product, indicating its material value in dollars, manufacturer and third-party certification. Calculate the percentage content of the climate neutral products and materials in relationship to the overall project material value. For products in which a portion of the total product is certified climate neutral, the calculation is based on the percentage of the climate neutral material in relationship to the total material or product cost. The percentage of climate neutral products must be greater than or equal to 5% of the total project value. See formula below: Total climate neutral material value ($) / Total project material value ($) = Project percentage of climate neutral materials (%) Provide cut sheets or other documentation demonstrating climate neutral compliance for each product. Potential Technologies & Strategies Research and specify products and materials that are climate neutral and have third party life cycle analysis and certification, which has determined that there is no net addition of greenhouse gases CO2, from their from their extraction, processing, manufacture and end use. Establish a project goal for climate neutral products and identify suppliers that can achieve this goal. Select products, which met all other project performance criteria including other environmental benefits, such as recycled content, distance from project site to place of manufacturer and extraction, VOC content and other measurable criteria. Supporting Documentation This innovation credit recognizes that tools are becoming available to more clearly state the environmental benefits of product and materials which offer a climate neutral stance in regard to greenhouse gas impact. For the purposes of this credit climate neutral products and materials are climate neutral when there is no net addition of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, from their extraction, processing and/or manufacture, or the manufacturer has purchased carbon or other greenhouse gas offsets such as through green power purchases. The Climate Neutral Network (www.climateneutral.com) is an independent non-profit organization which certifies climate neutrality under its Climate Cool brand mark for products, materials, processes and enterprises. The process of certification is rigorous, quantitative and based on established, clearly stated and repeatable standards and principles, similar to the rigor of the Greenguard and Forest Stewardship Council, although with a difference emphasis. Based on the particular products and/or amount of material specified, manufacturers can calculate the amount of CO2 permanently retired by the specific use of a Climate Cool product or material. The achievement threshold for this proposed innovation credit is 5% of total project material cost. Given the current limited amount of climate neutral products available on the market, this threshold is significant in that to achieve this level a designer will need to seek out and consciously choose these products and materials over their non-climate neutral counterparts. This threshold is the same as the current LEED-CI threshold for rapidly renewable materials, which currently represent a similar sized share of the building material market.

Grants for PV Panels The Design Build Team for a government office building in California was given a stipulated sum for the entire scope of the project. In an effort to incorporate green strategies to the project that would otherwise not have economically feasible with the limited budget, the Design Build Team sought out new sources for funding, outside the Project stipulated sum, including federal, state and local grants and industry incentive programs. One identified source was a local utility that would donate photovoltaic panels under the stipulation that the panels had to be incorporated into the architecture, and not just added onto the building. The design team re-designed parts of the exterior, and worked with the exterior building envelope sub-contractors and the PV panel suppliers to develop systems to incorporate the PV panels directly into the exterior curtain wall. As a result, over 300 PV panels were incorporated into the project at no cost to the Owner. The PV wall system includes both structural butt-glazed panels and captured panels, which kept intact the original design intent. Question: Would the seeking out of funding sources for green features be considered an innovation point?

Credit Intent: Implement a "Green Office Program" for building tenants who commit and prove they are operating as a "Green Office". The program will encourage tenants to operate more sustainably even if they are not performing a renovation (LEED-CI) for their office space. The goal is to provide method for tenants to move into the direction of sustainable operation, and with supporting documents showing achievement, be rewarded by the property management office. This will also encourage tenants to perform conduct cost-benefit analysis for improvements that can be achieved at nominal and/or no cost. Even credits that have a cost may still have that cost returned through reduced operating expenses. The "Green Office Program" is promoted through the building tenant guide and distributed by building managers, which encourages tenants to identify and implement no-cost and low-cost alternatives to operating in a standard indoor office environment. Scored on a scale of 100, offices are evaluated in seven categories: Energy Efficiency, People & Atmosphere; Travel & Commuting; Reduce, Reuse & Recycle; Cleaning; Remodeling & Construction; and LEED. When a specific strategy or improvement has been implemented, participating tenants earn "Leaf Credits." If an office achieves "70 Leaf Credits", it is then designated as a GREEN OFFICE. Here are a few items (entire program will be submitted with ID): Energy: - Set computers to "energy save" mode - Lower blinds in summer; raise blinds in winter - Install occupancy light sensors - Replace End of Life computer monitors with Energy Star Equipment - Set "sleep mode" for office equipment - Install compact fluorescent/low mercury light wherever possible People and Atmosphere: -Organize office employees to participate in a sustainability-focused community project once per year -Keep you local office employees updated quarterly about what green efforts you have achieved, your future sustainable goals, and how they can assist in reaching those goals Travel & Commuting: - Instead of traveling for meetings, reduce emissions by encourage teleconferencing and videoconferencing when possible - Ensure 25% of employees carpool or use mass transit to commute to work Reduce/Re-use/Recycle: - Use mugs and tumblers to save waste on disposable cups and plastic bottles - Participate in E-recycle Day for buildings annual e-recycle drive - Transition from petroleum-based or non-compostable products (ex: Styrofoam) to biodegradable products - Do not order any bottled water. Procure bottle-less water coolers to provide cool and hot filtered municipal water Remodeling & Construction: - Certify your office space as LEED-CI - Standardize workspace configuration to accommodate future change that will minimize remodeling and construction - Shift from "closed single offices" to efficient "open-office work plans" Requirements: Every 2 years, the tenant office manager would submit a scorecard to the property manager listing "green opportunities" achieved. Supporting documentation must be provided to achieve the credit. The tenant representative would also be required to attend quarterly building management/tenant meetings to updates to "Green Office Tenant Guidelines" and how they can promote sustainable office/business operation. As you can see, our goal is not to replace LEED-CI. Our program will not only encourage tenants seek LEED-CI, but also help grow our sustainable culture among building occupants beyond the built environment. Many tenants want to operate more sustainably. This program will be their guide.

Intent of credit: ---- Reduce operations related carbon footprint and encourage organizations associated with LEED projects to do likewise. Requirements for compliance: ---- Identify operational sources of carbon emissions not otherwise addressed by LEED. Establish the operational carbon footprint of the occupants of the LEED project verified by a recognized authority. (See CIR dated 6/29/06 for list of authorities). Obtain carbon offsets for the carbon footprint associated with operational sources of carbon emissions equal to or greater than 50% over 2 years**. Submittals: ---- 1. Signed letter template declaring that offsets equivalent to at least 50% of operational carbon emission loads associated with air travel, car travel, and natural gas for a period of at least two years have been obtained. 2. Narrative describing the project\'s approach to addressing carbon loads. 3. Calculation used to determine carbon emissions, resulting equivalence data, and quantity of offset measures required. 4. Certification document from a recognized source of carbon offset credits. Design Approach (Strategies) / Narrative: ---- Reliable analysis of construction related life cycle carbon emissions is difficult to obtain and verify at this time. Emissions data related to operations are more readily available and recognized authorities exist that can quantify the carbon emissions related to operations based on established metrics. This credit addresses carbon emissions other than those addressed by LEED-CI v2.0 EAc4 Green Power. The following steps describe the actions needed to achieve this credit: Research currently available carbon emission measurement standards and offset options. Identify recognized service providers. (See CIR dated 6/29/06 for list of recognized authorities) List carbon emission sources specific to operations associated with the project in question. Run calculations on offset measures needed. Obtain carbon offset credits at least equivalent to 50% of operational carbon emission loads associated with natural gas, air travel, and car travel for a period of at least two years. This innovation credit meets the three basic criteria for innovation credits as described in the LEED Reference Guide: 1. Quantitative performance improvement: A baseline evaluation of the operational carbon footprint using methods specified by a recognized authority (Green-e for instance) establishes a starting point and is used to calibrate the quantity of carbon offset measures needed. 2. Comprehensive program: The program addresses business related carbon emissions related to air travel, car travel, and natural gas, not covered by LEED and augmenting similar efforts related to electrical loads achieved by meeting LEED-CI v2.0 EAc4 Green Power requirements. 3. Applicability to other projects: This innovation credit provides an outline for any organization interested in addressing their operational carbon footprint. Similar ID credits related to post occupancy efforts are listed in the USGBC\'s Innovation & Design Credit Catalog (1 December 2007), including credits addressing: Green Cleaning; Monitoring Threatened & Endangered Species; Donation and Protection of Open Space (not assoc. with project site); Alternative Transportation Management Plan; Employee Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Food composting; Occupant recycling program; Waste reduction operations; Work at home program; LEED post-occupancy performance evaluation; Employee wellness; Educational program; Student report; Carbon offset; Environmentally preferable services; and Off site environmental benefit. ** Time period and % based on those established for the LEED-CI v2.0 EAc4 Green Power credit.