If we have several spaces that are shared with the community, can we apply for exemplary performance?
No, exemplary performance is not available for this credit.
Can all three shared spaces be classrooms?
No, a variety of space types must be included in the shared spaces.
My city has a requirement to perform an assessment that is very similar to the Phase I ESA. Can I use this assessment to document this prerequisite?
That will depend on the local regulation and how stringent it is compared to the Phase I ESA. If the local equivalent to the Phase I ESA is the same or more stringent than the Phase I ESA it can be used in lieu of the Phase I ESA.
My site has an existing Phase I ESA from several years ago. Can I use this to demonstrate compliance with this prerequisite?
Unfortunately, no. A Phase I ESA will need to be performed for the site as it is today. Many factors may have changed between assessments; therefore in order to properly document this credit, you will need to conduct a new Phase I ESA. The good news is that if the site has passed the Phase I ESA before, it will likely pass again.
Can we skip the Phase I ESA and move straight onto a Phase II ESA?
No. For this prerequisite a Phase I ESA must be performed. The Phase I ESA will help inform the Phase II ESA with information such as where to test, and what contaminants to test for. Because the assessments evaluate different things, a Phase I ESA cannot be replaced with a Phase II ESA.
If my site does not have a future development plan can I still apply for this credit?
No. If no future development is planned for the site, the project is not eligible to earn this credit.
Do I need to extend our project’s LEED Boundary in order to include the current and future development? Is this revised boundary what we should use to recalculate the credits?
Yes, you will need to extend the LEED Boundary to include the full site that is under consideration for the master site development. Using this new LEED Boundary, you will be able to recalculate the LT and SS credits to ensure the master site will be compliant.
Can I sell the RECs my system generates to help pay for the upfront costs?
Projects must retain the environmental and financial benefits for the system in order to earn this credit. That said, you are allowed to sell the RECs associated with the renewable energy system. But if you chose to sell and still want to earn this credit, you’ll have to purchase RECs from a third-party to cover the ones you’ve sold. Depending on the market, this may or may not work out in your project’s favor.
My project will have a biofuel generator. Does that qualify?
Maybe. It all depends on what you’re burning. In addition to the general type of fuel source, the credit rules prohibit the burning of fuels that may cause health issues, such as painted or treated wood or municipal solid waste. Forestry biomass waste must be mill residue only.
I have a naturally ventilated office with lots of operable windows. Do I need to add any other controls?
Operable windows are considered to serve one person, so if each individual in a group of workstations has access to their own window, there should be no need to add extra controls. However, if that’s not the case, then additional controls should be added, like desk fans.