NC vs Schools

Alberto Belinchon Jimenez

Sustainability engineer

Vireo Arquitectura y Sostenibilidad, S.C.P.

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Project location :

Spain

April 11, 2023

I have a client (university) that is certifying a couple of buildings with another company and they are doing it as BD+C: NC. However, they have contracted us for a new classroom building and we have registered it as BD+C: Schools. The question he is asking us is if the BD+C: Schools certification is necessary and if it has advantages/disadvantages against BD+C: NC. My question is if it is possible to change the scheme and if there are advantages or if LEED requires it to be BD+C: Schools?

Post a reply

Summer Minchew

Managing Partner

Ecoimpact Consulting

LEEDuser Expert

171 thumbs up

Tue, 04/25/2023 - 13:50

LEED for Schools is typically for buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on K-12 school grounds. USGBC has recently revised the LEED for Schools guidance for optional inclusion of higher education and non-academic buildings on school campuses. There is one prerequisite and a few credits that are part of the LEED for Schools rating system that do not apply to LEED NC. Take a look at LEED for Schools Prerequisite: Environmental site assessment and Credits: Site Master Plan and Joint Use of Facilties. Also, take a look at the LEED Reference Guide Further Explanation section under Rating System Variations to compare the differences within each credit as they apply to LEED for Schools, a few credit with variations that stand out are Indoor Water Use Reduction, Access to Quaity Transit and Bicycle Facilities.