Hello,
I've tried calling USGBC, who told me to email certinfo@usgbc.org. I did that a little over 2 weeks ago, and have yet to get a response. I've also tried posting a question on this page on USGBC (http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-2009-rating-system-selection-guidance), but also no response in over 2 weeks. So, I'm hoping maybe this is a better place to get guidance...
I am looking for clarification on a project we have in development so that we can determine our options for rating systems.
Our project is ~20k SF, residential, 5 floors total with the ground level being parking and the floors above being residential units. As I understand it, we can currently choose between the following for our project as we see fit:
- New Construction, v2009
- New Construction, v4
- LEED for Homes, Multi-Family Mid-Rise, v2010
- LEED for Homes, v4
Can someone please help confirm if the assumptions above are correct?
Thank you for your help.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
August 28, 2015 - 8:51 am
Hello Emily,
Your assumptions above are correct. Based on your project description you have 4 rating systems to select from.
Dave
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
454 thumbs up
August 28, 2015 - 5:56 pm
Ah, thanks so much!
Asa Foss
LEED for Homes Techincal DevelopmentUS Green Building Council
LEEDuser Expert
48 thumbs up
August 28, 2015 - 6:41 pm
I'm sorry you haven't been able to get a timely answer from Usgbc or gbci.
Dave is not 100% correct.
LEED NC v4 is not an option for a multi family project up to 8 stories.
Although NC v2009 can be used, Usgbc recommends projects like the one you described use LEED Midrise, as that rating system is tailored specifically to that space type.
The midrise vs homes issue is only relevant if you have all in unit heating and cooling equipment (not central), and more than 80% of the conditioned floor area is in unit space as well. If you meet both of those qualifications, and are 4-5 stories above grade, you can use Homes instead of Midrise.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
August 29, 2015 - 9:47 am
Hi Asa,
A while back GBCI provided me the following guidance "for projects that qualify as a mid-rise you have the option of using LEED for Mid-RIse or LEED NC".
I did not know that this guidance doesn't translate to v4.
Thank you for your guidance, it is much appreciated!
Dave
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
454 thumbs up
August 29, 2015 - 12:55 pm
Asa,
So to summarize, if the project wishes to pursue v3, they can choose between LEED-NC and LEED for Mid-rise 2010.
If they wish to pursue v4, my project should pursue LEED for Mid-rise 2010 and does not really have the option to pursue LEED-NC v4 or LEED for Homes unless the above mentioned criteria apply.
Is that correct?
Thanks for your help.
Asa Foss
LEED for Homes Techincal DevelopmentUS Green Building Council
LEEDuser Expert
48 thumbs up
August 31, 2015 - 9:39 am
Yes, for this 5 story project (and those of similar scope) you are correct Emily.