Is there a 20% performance threshold like in LEED 2009 SSc2?
No. The 20% threshold is no longer available.
What exactly do I need to track during the performance period?
The Required Documentation table in the LEED Reference Guide outlines the data and documentation that needs to be collected for the performance period. Table 1 provides additional guidance.
Does the ASHRAE Level I audit have to be completed within the two-year performance period for an initial certification?
There doesn’t appear to be any guidance on this question one way or another in the LEED Reference Guide. It seems likely that an audit completed within the five years prior to the performance period end date would be acceptable, as this was the case in LEED 2009. But until we get an official precedent on this, it may make sense to verify with GBCI at the project onset (and tell us what you learned in the forum below).
We don’t meet the 5% threshold but we really want to attempt this credit. What can we do?
You can pursue this credit if you increase the vegetated area to at least 5% before the performance period ends.
The credit states that all no-cost and low-cost measures must be implemented. What counts as low-cost?
Each team can set the threshold for low-cost at their discretion. The site design professionals supporting your project can likely help determine what should qualify as a low-cost measure versus a capital measure. However, remember that all projects must have some no-cost and low-cost measures. You cannot categorize all improvements as capital measures.
The land trust we contacted wants to use our contribution to construct an educational building. Is this ok?
Probably not. The LEED Reference Guide includes examples of compliant uses for your financial contribution. Examples include: land acquisition or management for natural processes; native habitat restoration; watershed management, restoration, or protection; and public urban green space restoration or revitalization.
We’re pursing the onsite option. Do I have to provide the scientific names for the plants on our site?
Providing a list of the scientific names for the specific plant species that are contributing to credit compliance is recommended. The reviewers will need the scientific names to confirm that the plants meet the definition of native/adapted.
We’re a zero lot line building with no vegetation. What should we do?
All projects, regardless of site conditions, must develop and adopt a compliant policy. It’s okay to modify the policy to reflect your project specifics, just be sure to write a clear narrative that describes why particular operational elements are not applicable. Consider providing photographs of your site to help support your justifications.
You can also address potential future changes to the site. For example, you could say that any vegetation installed in the future will be native or adapted.
Does a 5-year lease agreement with an option to renew for another 5 years, meet the requirements of this credit?
No, this is not an acceptable approach. The lease term has to be a minimum of 10 years to achieve this credit.
If a project is owner-occupied, is it still eligible to pursue this credit?
Yes, projects that are owner-occupied can pursue this credit by providing a document that shows proof of ownership. Just make sure that the address on the document is the same as or includes the project space. In addition, projects need to provide a signed letter indicating commitment to remain in the space for at least 10 years.