By encouraging Commercial Interiors projects to commit to a long-term occupancy, this credit aims to reduce the amount of materials that are used in successive tenant fit-outs, eliminating the waste that is generated by moves and new construction. A secondary benefit of longer occupancy periods is that tenants have a greater incentive to make longer-payback upgrades for greater energy and water efficiency. Long occupancy periods can also help tenants reduce moving expenses over time; reduce construction expenses for building out new spaces; prevent the disruption of employee productivity that is often associated with relocation; and shelter the tenant from rent increases and inflation.

A 10-year lease is the key

This credit can be very straightforward for most projects—if the occupant owns the space, the credit is automatic with proof of ownership. If the occupant is a leasing tenant, then the term of the lease must be at least ten years. This is a common arrangement in some areas, but may be unusual in others. Negotiating a longer lease where this is not conventional practice may prove difficult for some project teams, especially those with larger spaces. If the lease is already finalized when you begin the LEED process, the extra effort to re-negotiate the lease in order to achieve the credit may not be worth it.

Previous history not considered

LEED Interpretation #10052 asks whether a tenant with a 40-year history in the same space, but without a 10-year lease, can earn the credit. In the Interpretation USGBC states, "Lease terms of less than 10 years, regardless of the owner's lease history, do not satisfy the credit requirement of a minimum 10 year term."