The basic strategies for achieving this credit are: 

Even if your building is technically compliant, this credit is very difficult because the documentation requirements are extremely demanding. The only exception is projects that have previously earned a Daylight and Views credit through one of the other LEED rating systems—all you’ll need to do is provide your LEED scorecard verifying that you achieved the credit.

This credit provides a variety of options for using your project’s roof to reduce your contribution to the urban heat island effect, while also potentially reducing your building’s cooling load.

Typically, projects have already determined their site plan by the time the team begins considering LEED certification; if this is the case, you either have the credit or you don’t.

If your project location has not yet been determined, you can use the credit requirements as an environmental screening process when choosing your site. If the site is determined but the site plan isn’t set, consider whether the placement of buildings, roads, and other hardscapes on the site will tip you to compliance or non-compliance.

Good IAQ and comfort begin with proper design and construction techniques, and continue through effective operations and maintenance. Exposure to mold and bacteria can cause allergic reactions and general health problems, ruin building materials, and create unpleasant odors. Even if you decide not to pursue this credit, taking steps to prevent mold is a really good idea.

Earning this credit doesn’t depend on using water efficiently. It simply requires you to install meters to measure overall water use and subsystem water use. As the saying goes, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

In addition to installing meters, you’ll have to collect meter data at least on weekly intervals, and establish processes for using that information to optimize water performance. Meters that you own must also be calibrated according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

This credit requires you to document your building occupants’ commuting habits and reduce the number of conventional commuting trips made to your building. There are a lot of points at stake, so it’s worth taking a close look at the credit and assessing your building.

Because of the sheer magnitude of water used to operate a cooling tower, implementing a successful water management program and automatic controls can have a much greater overall impact on your building’s water efficiency than retrofitting indoor plumbing fixtures. Depending on your local water rates, it can also bring your project significant cost savings.