Pursue at least one or two tried-and-true approaches, such as exemplary performance, to back up newer, riskier innovative strategies.
When possible, support innovative strategies with calculations that track your project’s achievements over the performance period.
Track innovation efforts in a way that documents a meaningful environmental benefit and substantiates your project team’s approach and implementation.
Execute innovation strategies throughout the process of improving operations and maintenance practices.
If possible, plan one or two backup strategies in case any of your innovation points are denied during preliminary certification review.
The intent of a proposed innovation credit cannot be identical to or repetitive of the intent of an existing LEED credit within the EBOM rating system. For example, installing a cutting-edge, ultra-high-efficiency chiller is not an appropriate candidate for an IO credit, because the energy savings resulting from its employment are already captured by EAc1.
In LEED 2009, a credit interpretation ruling (CIR) is project-specific, therefore is neither precedent-setting nor published for other projects to view. The published database of pre-LEED 2009 CIRs may not be referenced or relied upon by project teams pursuing certification under LEED 2009. However, the CIRs may offer useful ideas for identifying appropriate innovation credits. More information is available on the GBCI website.
Project teams seeking pre-approval for an IO strategy may submit a credit interpretation ruling (CIR) explaining the proposed approach in as much detail as possible. CIRs are formal communications with the GBCI regarding the application of credit requirements to the specific conditions of the project. CIRs may be submitted to GBCI for $220 per topic.
Innovation strategies should, as a rule, provide quantifiable environmental benefits. ID credits are not awarded solely for the use of specific products or technologies.
Additional opportunities for Option 2: Exemplary Performance can be earned by expanding the benefits of an existing LEED credit. Satisfy more than one compliance path, or expand the reach of existing credits by including off-site participants or activities.