Date
Inquiry

Credit Interpretation Request This is a general guidance Credit Interpretation Request, not specifically addressing ID credit. This credit interpretation was filed under ID because there was not an appropriate category. We are requesting a ruling on the application of NCv2.2 for the future interior fit-out of a project owned, occupied and operated by a single tenant. Our project is a four story, 155,000 sq.ft, commercial office building in the midst of construction. Although the project was initially intended to be complete in its entirety, the client has chosen to isolate a portion of the interior fit-out on the 4th floor for future fit-out. All exterior roof, walls, glazing, sun screens, etc. for the entire building and the interior fit-out for floors 1, 2, 3 and over 50% of the 4th floor will be installed prior to occupancy. The remaining unfinished interior is approx. 16,500 s.f. or 9.5% of the total building s.f. The furniture fit-out, interior walls, interior finishes, raised flooring, under floor air distribution, plumbing, ceilings, lighting and all technology will be completed at a future date. The unfinished space will only consist of the shell, sprinkler system and emergency egress route per code. 1. Could you please confirm that our proposed compliance path is acceptable. a. Based on other CIR rulings we feel it is appropriate to proceed with certification of the project under the LEED-NCv2.2 Rating System. b. Our initial calculations for the Energy modeling and the FTE were based on a completed building. Our intent is to use the total FTE and entire build-out of MEP systems for the whole building (including future fit-out) in an effort to pursue prerequisites and credits. c. Regarding materials, finishes, plumbing fixtures, luminaire, furniture etc., include only materials installed as part of the final project and exclude any future fit-out materials from calculations and credit templates. d. We will develop a set of Tenant Guidelines -as indicated in the CIR ruling amended on 6/23/2007- Please note that 100% of this project is and will be single owner occupied. 2. Could you please help define the guidelines and options in pursuing LEED NCv2.2 certification, and provide us with direction regarding steps needed to document the exclusion of the future fit-out. For example, is it accurate to assume that, a. Sustainable Sites Credits will not be affected by the future interior fit-out exclusion since the FTE of the whole building (100% completed) will be used in required calculations. b. Water Efficiency Credits 3.1 and 3.2 calculations will only include the 90% completed building since fixtures to the future fit-out space will not be installed at occupancy. c. Energy & Atmosphere calculations will be based on the whole (100%) building. i. Please note: How would Enhanced Commissioning and M&V be executed when only 90% of the building is complete during initial occupancy? d. Materials & Resources calculations will not include materials for the future fit-out space. e. Indoor Environmental Quality Credits will include the whole building except for the following credits: EQc 4 (which pertains to material selection), EQc 6 and EQc7 (which relate to controllability of systems and Thermal Comfort) and EQc 8. i. Daylight and Views have been carefully considered throughout the building. The Glazing Factor Calculation of the total building (including the future fit-out) demonstrates that the project complies with EQc8.1 and EQc8.2. Therefore, do we calculate the entire building as if it were 100% complete? If not, is the area of the future fit-out space ignored altogether or is the area defined as "Non-Occupied Space"?

Ruling

The project team is seeking clarification for an unfinished space core and shell space in a primarily fit-out building. Projects, such as this one, that are developing greater than 50% of the interior spaces should pursue LEED-NC certification. For unfinished tenant spaces, tenant guidelines must be established ensure that future build-outs will meet the prerequisites and credits that have been pursued. Credits that will not be affected by the future tenant build-outs, such as the site credits do not need to be included in the tenant design and construction guidelines. Credits based on anticipated savings of performance that would be part of the future build-outs (WEc3 or EAc1), must be calculate as neutral (same as the baseline) or proposed savings can be included in the calculations if the performance requirements are included in the tenant guidelines. Credits not based on performance, should include the requirements to meet the prerequisite or credit in the tenant guidelines for the future fit-out. Materials credits (MR credits and EQc4) should be based only on the materials used during construction, and exclude future work. Applicable Internationally.

Internationally Applicable
On
Campus Applicable
Off
Credits