There really is no perfect way we know of to accurately track the diversion rate of batteries. In general you are expected to maintain a collection of batteries for recycling, and then recycle 100% of those batteries. Performing regular tenant outreach and training custodial staff on recycling programs can also help you achieve a 100% recycling rate for batteries.

The only exceptions are a) for retail spaces, b) if the adjacent building is twice the height as the distance to the window, and c) if the sidelighting effective aperture is 0.10.

You will need to model some of the whole building characteristics, which will vary depending on the project. Portions of the base building that serve the project space will need to be included in the table. Exactly what you model will depend on many factors. In many projects, only a portion of the HVAC system serves the tenant space. In such cases, a percentage of the shared system can be allocated to the project space. The methodology to allocate the systems is explained in the LEED Reference Guide.

Yes. Even if a tenant controls the refrigerant containing equipment, you’ll have to include it in the building inventory. The only exception is that project teams may exclude up to 10% of the building floor area for separately managed spaces. See the LEED Reference Guide on more details for this type of exclusion.

The following materials should be excluded from your calculations entirely: specialty items like elevators; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; and furniture/furnishings that pose health concerns because of mold, for example.

All exterior lighting and illuminated signage must comply with the credit requirements, even if is not owned or controlled by the building management. Option 2 can be used to demonstrate compliance if some or all of your exterior lighting cannot meet the requirements of Option 1. 

Yes. Exterior roof lighting must comply with the credit requirements.

Yes. For Option 1, illuminated signage on the building exterior must have compliant shielding unless the sum of the mean lamp lumens is under 2,500. If you have exterior signage that doesn’t meet either of those requirements (and you can’t perform retrofits), you can still potentially earn the credit by pursuing Option 2 Perimeter Measurements.

No, there is no minimum amount of vegetation identified in the Rating System or Reference Guide. In fact, the Reference Guide states that projects that have no landscape area automatically meet the requirements.

Teams can choose to use the EPA or USGBC tool to complete the calculations for Option 2. This is confirmed on the v02 form for this credit posted on USGBC’s website.