We have an idea for an innovation credit, but we’d like to get input on whether the strategy has merit before we attempt it. What should we do?

Yuo can get a lot of good tips in the LEEDuser guidance on this page, and forum discussions below. For more formal guidance, you can submit a Credit Interpretation Ruling through LEED Online to establish whether LEED considers your strategy valid. There is a fee for CIRs. Remember that CIRs do not guarantee that the credit will be awarded; you still have to demonstrate and document achievement through the LEED certification process.

We achieved exemplary performance for more than three credits. Can we claim more than three points under IOc1?

While you can achieve the exemplary performance threshold for as many credits as you like, the maximum number of points you can receive for exemplary performance under IOc1 is three. The fourth point  in this case must be earned via Path 1: Innovation in Operations or Path 3: Pilot Credit.

Speaking of appurtenances, there is a rooftop pool. Should that be included? Do I need to figure out the SRI value of water?

You may exclude it. While pools are not specifically mentioned in LEED Interpretation #10235, GBCI has informed LEEDuser that it would probably count them as an appurtenance and exclude them. This is also supported by LEED Interpretation for SSc7.1, #1412 issued 2/7/2006, that excludes water features.