A BAS could contribute to compliance with this credit. However, in order for a BAS to track energy consumption by end use, it will have to be connected to building meters and submeters. It is the extent and coverage of these submeters that is the main focus of this credit. However, a BAS can certainly help with the requirement that meters be read "continuously, automatically, and electronically.”

Tenant submetering would not alone qualify for this credit. That said, if there are separate submeters that break down tenant uses even further—lighting, plug load, supplemental HVAC equipment—then tenant submetering might support meeting the credit requirements. Just be sure that you also take into account base-building energy consumption in your breakdown.

You may track waste quantities by either weight or volume, even though the rating system and credit form indicate that volume units must be used.

At this time all mechanical, electrical and plumbing components should be excluded from the calculations for all waste management credits. Additionally, all furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) should be excluded from MRc9, as they are not considered base building elements.

Facility alterations and additions have specific definitions in the LEED-EBOM program. Alterations must involve more than one trade specialty AND make substantial changes to at least one entire room. Teams often mistakenly think the credit can be earned by having more than one trade on a job, but this alone does not meet the credit requirements. Double-check that your facility construction activities are eligible for this credit by consulting the requirements on page xxiii of the 2009 EBOM Reference Guide. The requirements are summarized below:

Consider extending the performance period for this credit back to include qualifying alterations or additions. The performance period for any prerequisite or credit can last for a maximum of 24 months, at the discretion of the project team. Remember that all performance periods must overlap and terminate within 30 days of each other. Consult pages xix–xx of the 2009 EBOM Reference Guide for additional guidance.

It is unlikely that potted plants provide habitat value and promote biodiversity sufficient to meet the credit intent.

Only the portion of the parcel needed to meet the credit requirements must be allocated to the LEED project. Once this area has been allocated it may not be used for any other LEED project. To support credit achievement in this scenario, provide appropriate documentation to demonstrate that no double counting will occur.

There is no requirement for how much money you must spend. Work with the owner of the off-site property to develop a cost based on what it actually takes to support/restore/maintain that site. Given that site needs and goals are different, costs will vary from site to site.

There is no requirement that speaks to this directly. The commitment should be long enough to deliver meaningful benefit to the off-site property and must cover the minimally applicable performance period for the LEED project. Many project teams choose to do either a one- or two-year contract. Consult with the property owner and consider your restoration goals when determining the appropriate length of time for your contract.