For Innovation in Design credits, documentation includes:

Title and a statement of intent for the proposed credit.
Environmental benefits associated with your approach.
Requirements proposed for your project to comply.
A narrative of the strategies employed by the project to meet the above intent and requirements.
Upload any related documents, plans, or product cut sheets associated with the strategy 

Target more approaches than needed, with the expectation that some may be eliminated during design and construction. Submit your four best approaches, but have at least one or two backup strategies in case any are denied during the design submittal review.

Innovation in Design credits developed must be comprehensive and provide a quantifiable environmental benefit. ID credits are not awarded solely for using specific products or technologies, especially when the product aids in the achievement of another LEED credit. For example, if you purchase highly efficient windows, you cannot gain an ID credit for this because it will contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your building, which is included in EAp2 and EAc1.

Attempt as many Exemplary Performance credits as possible.

When pursuing ID credits under the Innovation in Design option, use the published catalog of ID credits from NCv2.2 rating systems (see Resources) as a reference for possible approaches. However, note that simply because a strategy has been approved for another project does not necessarily guarantee that it will be approved on a different project. In other words, the approach must be specific to the project in order to be considered for this credit.

Develop a list of 6–8 ID credits that may be appropriate for your project and discuss the opportunities, costs, and barriers to implementation of each with your project team.

Brainstorm strategies for ID credits early, and involve your entire team, including designers, builders, owners, facilities managers, and occupants. Consider sustainability strategies that may fall outside the LEED rating system. Find out if the team has worked on any past LEED projects that pursued interesting ID credits. 

The design team completes the LEED Online submittal template, signing off on compliance with the Core Performance Guide, and writing the narrative report on the design approach and key highlights.

Option 3: Prescriptive—Advanced Building Core Performance Guide

During LEED submission, the project team needs to make an extra effort to support the credit documentation with the completed checklist and the required documents. Although the LEED rating system does not list detailed documentation, it is best practice to send in supporting documents for the prescriptive requirements from the AEDG. The supporting documents should include relevant narratives, wall sections, mechanical drawings, and calculations.