In the Innovation credit, the guide says "Points can also be earned by achieving selected credits from other LEED rating systems."
Where can we find the list. For our project, we are using the BD+C rating system, however have achieved a credit within the Homes Reference Guide - The "Active Solar Credit." Is this an example of one that we could use for BD+C?
Trista Brown
Project DirectorWSP USA
449 thumbs up
May 27, 2020 - 1:27 pm
Hi Michael - the online Innovation Catalog shows the approved credits from other LEED rating systems: https://www.usgbc.org/innovationcatalog?Version=%22v4%22&Rating+System=%22New+Construction%22. If a particular credit isn't included in the catalog I think you'd need to clear it with USGBC first.
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
454 thumbs up
June 3, 2020 - 12:38 am
I had a similar question for a different credit and asked LEED Coach. Here's the question and response, for reference:
Question:
"We have a Core/Shell project. Please clarify if the Innovation strategy "Design for Active Occupants" can apply to core/shell projects. We have used this strategy many times on New Construction projects but see that this strategy is not listed as an option for core/shell. We believe that our projects may be able to meet the requirements.
If it cannot apply, can you please provide an explanation of why so that we can better understand?
The selection for Core/Shell projects in the Innovation Catalog is much more limited than with all other project types from what we can tell."
Response:
"Thank you for contacting us regarding whether the Innovation strategy 'Design for Active Occupants' can be achieved under LEED v4 BD+C: CS.
Strategies that are not listed in the Innovation Catalog for LEED BD+C: CS, including Design for Active Occupants, may be achievable if the project team can demonstrate that the LEED project scope of work is sufficient to comply with the strategy's intent and requirements. A Credit Interpretation Request is recommended in advance of submitting the projects for review so GBCI can assess the strategy in the context of each project and determine if an exception can be made. "
Also note the instructions in the Ref Guide for Innovation credits in general. IN credits cannot be earned from other rating systems if they are similar to existing credits in your own rating system. I'm not familiar with the Homes track, but from what I see in LEEDuser for the credit, it awards points for being solar-ready. That will not fly with New Construction projects, as there is already the Renewable Energy credit, and it does not award points for merely preparing for solar, but not actually installing it.