This prerequisite is typically very easy for projects to achieve. Teams are required to conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) to determine if the site is contaminated. This assessment involves a site visit by a trained professional who will conduct interviews and examine the historical uses of the property. While this kind of assessment is not standard practice everywhere, it’s becoming more common. Some commercial real estate lenders may even require it.

If there is reason to believe that contamination is present based on the Phase I ESA, teams must dive deeper and conduct a Phase II ESA to determine what the contamination is and whether it needs to be remedied. If the site is contaminated and remediation is required, your project must complete the remediation in order to earn this prerequisite.

What’s New in LEED v4

• The credit no longer automatically excludes former landfill sites.
• USGBC allows local equivalent assessments to serve as an alternative to Phase I and II ESAs.
• USGBC no longer accepts an asbestos sampling plan and remediation report to satisfy this prerequisite.