Site selection is the key factor in determining how easily a project can qualify for this credit. If your project is located in a densely populated area that is well-served by public transportation, it should be very easy to meet the requirements.

Exemplary points are easy to achieve in this credit, especially for projects located in dense urban centers that are well served by the public transit system. If however, your project site is located further than two miles from transit facilities then achieving this credit may prove to be challenging.

Credit achievement is based on the cost of environmentally preferable purchases compared to the cost of total, ongoing consumables purchased. All consumables (environmentally preferable and not) must be tracked.

Tracking the environmental qualities of ongoing consumables is often a new process for project teams. Customize your tracking plan to accommodate unique product consumption and tracking needs.

…But you can’t make it drink. In other words, bike racks and showers will probably not be enough to encourage biking in an area that’s unfriendly to bicyclists. If you’re thinking of pursuing this credit, first consider the realities of the neighborhood around the school. Is it realistic that students and staff  will ride bicycles and make use of the bike racks and storage or the shower facilities? It’s important to consider whether the intent of this credit will bear out in reality, or if your resources might be better allocated elsewhere.

…But you can’t make it drink. In other words, bike racks and showers will probably not be enough to encourage biking in an area that’s unfriendly to bicyclists. If you’re thinking of pursuing this credit, first consider the realities of the neighborhood around your project. Is it realistic that building occupants will ride bicycles and make use of the bike racks and storage or the shower facilities? It’s important to consider whether the intent of this credit will bear out in reality or if your resources might be better allocated elsewhere.

EAp3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management calls for elimination of CFC-based refrigerants, to prevent ozone depletion. However, that’s just one piece of the environmental puzzle when it comes to refrigerants. Many CFC substitutes act as very strong greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming—and adding that piece of the puzzle is the focus of this credit.

EAc5 encourages significant reduction or elimination of all refrigerants in base building systems, and at the very least, works to promote use of refrigerants that have the lowest global warming potential.

If you plan to make any purchases of durable goods during the performance period, you are eligible to earn this credit—there is no minimum purchasing requirement. The purchases can occur during the performance period, or up to two years prior to the end date of the performance period. If you are going to or have purchased any furniture or electric-powered equipment during that time, it may qualify for the credit criteria.

This credit requires you to develop and implement an ongoing indoor air quality (IAQ) management program, with the intent of maintaining good IAQ and preventing problems. The credit should be no- or low-cost to implement, and is non-technical in nature. Any project team would do well to consider attempting it.

Using I-BEAM

Central to the credit is the EPA Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM), which forms the basis of the credit.