Determine whether at least 5% of the building’s grounds are vegetated, which determines eligibility for this credit. Planters and rooftop or courtyard gardens qualify as vegetated space, so consider adding them to offer occupants an amenity and bring this credit within reach.

Actively engage purchasing agents or other individuals overseeing significant spending to ensure that the EPP policy will be successful and that compliance will be realistic and sustainable.

Ensure that the EPP policy is in place and that responsible parties are using it as a guideline for any purchases made during the performance period. However, the project team is not required to document compliance for any of the purchasing credits for the purposes of this prerequisite.

Cost premiums for environmentally preferable products will vary depending on the nature of the product and available manufacturers; however, the prerequisite allows the project building to determine whether or not an alternative purchase is economically feasible. The prerequisite defers to the judgment of the project team to define an econmic feasibility standard.

Vendor contracts from product suppliers often discuss how their products comply with LEED criteria, but these documents will not be accepted by LEED reviewers as credit documentation. The EPP policy must still be completed.

Go beyond the requirements of the USGBC Policy Model to create an actual list of preferred products. Identify the most commonly purchased ongoing consumable items for the building and attach them to the EPP as “approved items for purchase.” This will help ensure that the policy is practical for those using it.

Issue copies of the EPP policy to all relevant personnel. Ensure that requirements are communicated to product vendors, and collaborate with vendors and contractors to identify preferred products that are competitive with conventional choices on both cost and performance standards. Engage vendors as early as possible to smooth transitions and identify opportunities.

Furniture purchases, as well as electronics and office equipment, is part of sustainable purchasing of durable goods. Project teams often make the mistake of focusing only on electronic equipment and ignore the importance of selecting environmentally preferable furniture.

The EPP policy must cover those product purchases that are within the building and site management’s control. Tenant purchases do not need to be covered, but the project team must identify in documentation the portions of the building that are not governed by this policy.

The EPP policy must cover purchases of ongoing consumables—the requirements for these purchases are described in MRc1: Sustainable Purchasing—Ongoing Consumables. Use the same policy to cover the requirements for at least one of the following credits: MRc2: Durable Goods, MRc3: Facility Alterations and Additions, or MRc4: Mercury-Containing Lamps.