Using Credits from Rating System Other than LEED as ID Credits

I sent this question to our LEEDCoach for our v4 CI project a week or so ago and got the following response back late last night:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding earning LEED Innovation credit by achieving aspects of other rating systems.

It should first be noted that USGBC, GBCI and IWBI have published a WELL - LEED crosswalk to provide guidance on how projects pursuing both LEED v4 and WELL v1 can streamline the documentation process. The crosswalk can be downloaded here http://standard.wellcertified.com/well-crosswalks.

There is no list of acceptable credits from other rating systems, though the Innovation Catalog (http://www.usgbc.org/credits/existing-buildings/v4/innovation-catalog) and Pilot Credit Catalog (http://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction/v4/pilot-credits) do include credits based on requirements from other building standards.

Generally, in order to qualify as an ID credit, the project team would need to clearly demonstrate that the approach achieves significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED green building rating system. While the WELL-LEED Crosswalk document does not specifically address LEED ID credits, the WELL Features included within the document clearly show an overlap with an existing LEED strategy, and thus would not be applicable as an ID credit.

The remaining features and strategies from other rating systems that also don't have any overlap could be considered toward a basis for earning an ID credit, however the team will need to meet the requirements of an ID credit and achieve measurable, environmental performance. For more information, the project team should either send a CIR (detailing the strategy) or an email request listing the WELL Feature that the project team is considering for the LEED project."

Hope that answers your question.

This is very interesting, if we are using BD+C, can we borrow from another LEED rating system, such as the Homes LEED reference guide?

The only preapproved option I know of is through WELL: https://www.usgbc.org/credits/new-construction-core-and-shell-schools-new-construction-retail-new-construction-healthc-151?return=/credits/New%20Construction/v4

Other than that, I wouldn't assume a credit from one of the other versions, or even a totally separate rating system would be accepted. It's likely that there are numerous options that would, indeed, be innovative and not already addressed by other existing LEED credits. If you can justify the criteria they require in my posted response above this one, you can likely attempt it. Safest bet is to get a proposed concept a little better flushed out, then either submit and see what happens, or submit a CIR to get an official response.

I agree with Emily's take here. Other LEED rating systems may be useful to peruse for ideas but I would not assume that you could borrow without approval.