FTE

Hi Kasandra, Guidance on how to calculate the project occupancy (FTEs, visitors, etc) is outlined in the LEED Reference Guide for Green Interior Design and Construction, 2009 Edition. In addition to Full-Time Equivalent occupants, a value must be provided for transient occupants for both daily average and peak period transient occupants. For a typical office space, transients may include individuals, such as consultants or clients, who may visit the space over the course of the day (such as for meetings, etc.). Additionally, ensure that your occupancy numbers are reported consistently throughout all submittal documentation.

Yes, occupancy is completed within the PIf3 Form; however the WEp1 form allows project teams to define "user groups" to reflect populations within the building that use a specific subset of flow and flush fixtures - within this form the occupancy can be entered incorrectly by the project team (and if it doesn't match the occupancy within PIf3 it will be questioned by the reviewer). Reference Guides (hardcopy or electronic) are available for purchase via the USGBC website under 'Resources'. Hope helpful!

Kasandra, there is a LEED Reference Guide for each rating system, which is a good idea to have. However, they are expensive so I wouldn't buy one unless you knew you were using that rating system.Another idea is to subscribe to LEEDuser (this website) for $9.95/month, and get access to all of our credit-by-credit guidance for all the major rating systems.

Hi Kasandra, As Tristan noted, there are different rating systems for different project types. The rating systems also evolve over time. LEED-CI v2.0 is the old rating system. "Green Interior Design and Construction" is the 2009 version of the LEED-CI system. You do not have a choice in this case about which to register for. If you are newly registering a project, it will be a LEED 2009 project, i.e., the Green Interior Design reference guide. The study guides are different.