Earning this credit is easy for most projects. Make sure you have 10 feet worth of entryway system at main building entrances and keep them clean.

Entryway systems may be mats, grilles, or grates. Most buildings that don’t already have entryway systems purchase mats because that’s typically far easier than installing grilles or grates retroactively.

Regular building carpeting does not count under this credit. Entryway mats are specially designed to capture and hold dirt and particulates, which standard carpeting is unable to do.

Document with a floorplan

Provide a ground level floorplan that notes the location of entryway systems. You don’t need to provide systems at emergency exits and infrequently used or personal office entryways. Remember that entrances leading from loading dock and parking garage areas into the building interior must have compliant entryway systems. Simply note these on the floorplan.

Protecting IAQ and safety

Entryway systems are a simple and effective way to improve indoor environmental quality. Dust and dirt as well as allergens such as pollen and pet dander can be carried into buildings on people’s footwear, contributing to IAQ problems and reducing the life of interior floor finishes. Entryway systems that absorb rain and snow decrease the risk of personal injury due to slips and falls on wet floors.

Containment drain requirement removed

When LEED 2009 was launched, this credit included language calling for containment drains in laboratory spaces where chemicals are mixed. However, the requirement was vague and it wasn't clear if it applied to janitor's closets, for example. Fortunately, in the July 2010 LEED addenda issued by USGBC, this requirement was removed.