Yes, LEED documentation should be in English.
I would not go through the effort of translating product data sheets. In most cases would the relevant data be in Arabic numerals that anyone could read? Perhaps you could make some notes on the PDF pointing out the relevant information and making any quick translations you think would be helpful for the reviewers.
In most cases, data sheets serve as back-up documentation in case a specific credit is reviewed in detail—they don't serve as primary credit documentation, which is in the LEED Online forms, in English.
I could be wrong, though—I'd be curious for others with experience on this to comment?
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Jean Marais
b.i.g. Bechtold DesignBuilder Expert832 thumbs up
November 15, 2010 - 3:02 am
The response I had from the USGBC is that the supporting documentation must be submitted as is with a translation into English and customary American Units. The translation does not have to be notarized, which means you could do it yourself.
In my experience, one does not translate everything. Translate what is needs to be understood by the reviewers. A data sheet could be summarized in English with the customary American units. Verbatim translation (in my opinion) is not required...at least not for everything.
"All documentation for LEED certification must be documented in English with U.S. customary units of measurement (not metric). You may submit the specifications of the equipment in German, but you would also need to submit a translated copy as well.
The ASHRAE Compliance Forms must be submitted in the IP edition, as well as the translations need to be in U.S. customary units of measurement as well. We do apologize for the inconvenience, however, we do not have the equipment to translate.
All documentation for LEED certification must be documented in English with U.S. customary units of measurement (not metric). Also, if you are claiming equivalency, you must have the documentation to prove your case. You will need more than a narrative and we suggest you include a copy of the mandate mentioned. Notarization is not required."
Katsiaryna Mazur
LEED coordinatormac-interiors
1 thumbs up
November 15, 2010 - 9:52 am
Thank you! Your answers were very helpful