When referring to ISO, does this credit require a new program or just highlight an existing practice that is not covered by LEED? Somewhere along the lines of regular measurement and monitoring of air quality, waste water quality, and occupational noise. This brings direct benefit to the users, and may be considered something that LEED does not cover in this much detail.
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Natalie Bodenhamer
AssociateAltura Associates, Inc.
96 thumbs up
October 4, 2010 - 2:41 pm
Hi Pablo,
The Reference Guide suggests implementing an Environmental Management System that conforms to ISO 14001-2004 standards. In my experience and research, LEED EB and ISO 14001 complement each other well. The ISO 14001-2004 guidance for an EMS is specific and requires that the following components be included:
- General Requirements
- Environmental Policy
- Planning
- Implementation and Operation
- Checking
- Management Review
ISO 14001 aims to lead an organization to a commitment of performance, however it is not directly related to the operation of a facility. The commitment takes shape in an organization specific Environmental Management System (EMS) that directly addresses the organization’s interaction with the environment and use of natural resources, along with other policies related to emergency preparedness. An organization should establish an EMS that is custom fit to their organization and the specifics of the program are left to be determined by the organization.
Hope that helps!
Pablo Fortunato Suarez
Principal ESD Consultant/ArchitectGreenArc Sustainable Building & Architecture
253 thumbs up
October 4, 2010 - 11:08 pm
Thank you Natalie. My client does have EMS based on ISO 14001. However, what I read from the guidebook is that it has to be a new one ('create a program') not covered by LEED credit points? Not sure I'm interpreting it right. I read here above that an innovation can also be in the context of a 'suggested new credit' of sorts. If that is the case, then what LEED does not cover is the checking part (measurement and monitoring), to be specific - in my client's EMS, for the said items (air quality, occupational noise, effluent water) which they do regularly.
So I wanted to clear out the following:
1) if I read the rule right by focusing in on those three areas
2) if LEED will accept this given that it is recent practice, or
3) does it have to be a newly created program, or
4) will the existing very robust EMS (EHSMS) do - it has been in place for about a decade
Hope get some more clarification.
Natalie Bodenhamer
AssociateAltura Associates, Inc.
96 thumbs up
October 5, 2010 - 6:21 pm
I would submit the established and robust EMS the client has in place. In my interpretation, the intent of this suggested innovation approach is to have an EMS in place, whether it is newly created or has been established for years. Depending on the organization and their particular EMS, there may be some overlap with LEED EB credits, which should not preclude the EMS from meeting the innovation credit requirements. Additionally, you may include a narrative that summarizes the ISO 14001-2004 Environmental Management System requirements and address how your EMS meets each requirement (including all 6 areas listed in my previous post).
I hope this helps clarify.