Our LEED ND project registered under v2009 in 2015. Although we are currently registered under Stage 3, we still satisfy requirements under Stage 2. It is our understanding that we can change to Stage 2 before October 31, 2016 (when v2009 sunsets), but after that date, we can no longer make any changes to our Stage registration. Any help or insight on answer the following would be greatly appreciated:
1. Is it true that October 31, 2016 is the cut-off date to make any Stage registration changes for a v2009 ND project?
2. What are the pros and cons of registering Stage 2 (planning) vs. Stage 3 (built)?
3. Is Stage 3 a harder certification process since it's based on a final, built project?
4. Would a project truly need as many buffer points under Stage 2 (since it's only a Design certification) than it may need under a Stage 3 project for its targeted certification?
5. If we stick with Stage 3, the ND project still has to have the actual certification from the USGBC by 6/30/21 or it never gets certified, right?
6. Do all, separate building projects (for GIBp1 and/or GIBc1) HAVE to be registered under v2009 (since our ND is under 2009) - and, therefore, by 10/31/16 - or can we add projects for more points (say, under GIBc1) later under LEED v4 for our LEED ND v2009 project?
Casey Studhalter
Project Manager, LEEDUSGBC
1 thumbs up
August 1, 2016 - 1:19 pm
Gwen,
Without being familiar with the project, I'm not certain if this is relevant but wanted to reiterate the eligibility for a project to certify under each of the ND Stages. This may help dictate which stage the project needs to use.
Stage 1: Less than 50% land-use entitlements
Stage 2: at least 100% land-use entitlements, but no more than 75% constructed
Stage 3: 100% constructed and certificates of occupancy issued
1. Changing stages has two parts - a policy issue and a technology issue with LEED Online. The technology will not allow projects to change their stages after October 31, 2016. We can be more flexible from a policy standpoint and are willing to work with projects to create a solution if necessary, but it would be best to make any changes prior to the sunset date.
2. The first question is which stage is the project eligible for? That may make the decision for you. If the project has a choice, there are a number of factors. Stage 2 has the benefit of allowing a project to certify earlier and can be used to help promote the project prior to its completion. Stage 3 certification entitles the project to display a LEED ND plaque and demonstrates that it has been built as designed.
3. In a few instances, some prerequisites under Stage 3 require full details for documentation where under Stage 2 a letter of commitment may qualify. These are few, but do exist. I would not classify the difference in documentation effort or rigor between Stages 2 and 3 as significantly different.
4. We always encourage projects to include some additional points in their application to ensure that in case any are denied, they still can attain their targeted certification threshold (Silver, Gold, etc). I wouldn't say that is any more important in Stage 1, 2, or 3. All points and all credits are available at each stage.
5. Regardless of the Stage of certification, all projects must submit for certification review by 6/30/2021. This is particularly important to consider if any project is pursuing Stage 1 or 2 now and may want to return for a Stage 3 certification once complete. You could always upgrade to ND v4 later if that sunset date has passed, but there are some changes to the rating system from v2009 to v4 and that can be challenging.
6. GIBp1 and GIBc1 requires that projects be either registered or certified (depending on the ND Stage being pursued) but they don't stipulate which version of LEED that is under. You can use a LEED v4 Homes certification for your LEED ND v2009 project and vice versa.
Gwen Corrie
Sustainability StrategistGensler
August 2, 2016 - 2:37 pm
Casey, thank you so much for your input! Very helpful!!
Just to clarify under #6 above: whether or not we go under Stage 2 or Stage 3, we have the ability to register our GIBp1 (or GIBc1) project(s) under LEED NC or LEED C&S before 10/31/16 as LEED v3 or wait to register them after 10/31/16 as LEED v4 - it makes no difference to our LEED ND v3 project, right?
Additional question in registering a project (for GIBp1/GIBc1) under LEED C&S: the LEED ND v3 Reference Guide under GIBp1 states, “Design, construct, or retrofit one whole building within the project to be certified through LEED for New Construction.......or LEED for Core and Shell (with at least 75% of the floor area certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors or LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors), or through a green building rating system.....” Why would our C&S project need additionally have at least 75% of its floor area registered under LEED CI? A regular C&S project does not require this, so why does LEED ND? This caveat makes it impossible for us to have the option of registering our GIBp1 project as a C&S v3. Can you please explain this one?
Casey Studhalter
Project Manager, LEEDUSGBC
1 thumbs up
August 2, 2016 - 5:27 pm
Gwen,
Yes, you are correct that you can use NC or C&S under v2009 or v4 for your GIBp1/GIBc1 requirements. The rating system versions do not have to match.
You are correct that ND v2009 requires Core and Shell certifications to also utilize Commercial Interiors to qualify for the GIBp1 and GIBc1 thresholds. This has been phased out for ND v4, however.
- Casey
Gwen Corrie
Sustainability StrategistGensler
August 2, 2016 - 5:53 pm
Thank you, Casey! Most helpful!
Raymond Salfiti
Managing DirectorG
6 thumbs up
July 19, 2019 - 2:26 am
Dear Casey,
In your reply above, you have indicated that Stage 3 allows a project to display a LEED ND plaque. Our understanding was always that Stage 2 is also an official certification that issues a 'Stage 2 Certificate'. If this is not the case, what does a project receive at the completion of a Stage 2 phase?
Eliot Allen
LEED AP-ND, PrincipalCriterion Planners
LEEDuser Expert
303 thumbs up
July 19, 2019 - 11:49 am
Raymond,
Casey in no longer with USGBC. To your question, Stage 2 projects receive a certificate stating that the project plan is a 'Pre-Certified LEED ND Plan'.
Eliot
Raymond Salfiti
Managing DirectorG
6 thumbs up
July 20, 2019 - 1:21 am
Thank you for your reply Eliot