Teams can earn up to five points under this credit. There are three standard paths to earning an innovation point:

Innovation

Achieve significant, measurable environmental benefits using a strategy that isn’t currently addressed in the LEEDv4 EBOM rating system. Remember that a single sustainable technology or a program that addresses a single sustainability issue will not be accepted. The Reference Guide includes examples of both suggested and ineligible innovation strategies.

Exemplary Performance (EP)

Exceed the performance threshold in an existing credit. Remember that EP is not an option for all credits. Check the LEED Reference Guide to confirm whether EP is allowed for a particular credit, and if it is, the minimum performance threshold you’ll need to meet to earn it.

Pilot Credit

Achieve a credit from the official LEED Pilot Credit Library for LEED v4 EBOM projects. Remember that any time you pursue a pilot credit your team must complete the “General Pilot Documentation Requirements” as well, which includes registering for the pilot credit with USGBC, participating in the LEEDuser pilot credit forum, and completing the USGBC feedback survey.

What’s New in LEED v4

• Teams can earn up to 5 total innovation points, an increase from the 4 points available in LEED 2009.
• Teams can earn up to 2 points for exemplary performance, a reduction from the 3 exemplary performance points allowable under LEED 2009.

Readiness Review Questions

• Can your project achieve the exemplary performance threshold for any of the LEED credits where EP is an option? (See our guide to this in the Doc Toolkit.) 

• Is your project undertaking any sustainable operational strategies that provide an environmental benefit that’s not already addressed by existing LEED credits?
• What makes your project special? Are there opportunities to deliver an environmental benefit uniquely suited to your specific climate, region, building type, or project team? 

• Do any of the Pilot Credits offered in the LEED Pilot Credit Library interest you or support your project’s larger sustainability goals?