We are planning to register a new project for LEED certification, but we need to make sure that we can comply with the minimum program requirement #2 beforehand. The specific language that is causing questioning is the following:

Building

  • Buildings that are physically connected by programmable space are considered one building for LEED purposes unless they are physically distinct and have distinct identities as separate buildings or if they are a newly constructed addition. If separated, the projects should also have separate air distribution systems and water and energy meters (including thermal energy meters).

The proposed project is a new addition to an existing hospital. The 5-storey addition will be built on top of a portion of the existing building, and although it is contiguous to the existing hospital, it will only connect with the existing building at specific levels, through circulation corridors. Some renovations are also planned in the existing portion of the hospital. The new addition will have separate air distribution systems in a separate mechanical room, and will have distinct water and energy meters, BUT it will also feed the renovated portion of the existing hospital.

We would like to propose two options for respecting the above minimum project requirement:

Option 1: Include all affected areas in the LEED certification application, which includes the new 5-storey addition and the renovated portion of the existing hospital that uses the same mechanical system as the new addition.

Option 2: Include only the new addition in the LEED certification application. The renovated portion of the existing hospital that uses the same mechanical system as the new addition would be EXCLUDED.