During the Performance Period

To complete required documentation, transfer all purchasing data that was collected throughout the performance period to the LEED Online credit form.

Using the LEED Online credit form, document which natural areas are being maintained, showing site plans and sketches for all areas contributing to credit compliance. Note the size of each area, the type of plant species it supports, and other ecological features.

You can copy purchasing data from your tracking system into the LEED Online credit form on a regular basis to check ongoing credit compliance.

Monitor progress regularly during the performance period to make sure the target sustainable-product purchase rates are being met, and that all procurement staff are purchasing sustainable options when possible.

Make sure you are tracking all of your purchases or you may raise a red flag for LEED reviewers. For example, it is unusual to have no paper products purchased over even the shortest performance period in a commercial office building. If you didn’t include any paper purchases, your documentation would raise suspicion of being incomplete.

Building maintenance and facilities staff may need to be educated on selecting, planting, and caring for native species. Project teams may also seek the expertise of local nurseries, landscape architects and landscaping contractors.

Make sure to retain cut sheets that clearly quantify the product’s environmental benefits. Vague environmental claims do not make appropriate LEED documentation.

Peform restoration activities and initiate an ongoing maintenance plan.

Products which meet multiple sustainability criteria will count for more than their actual cost.  The cost value for these products will be automatically translated to a weighted sustainable cost in the LEED Online credit form.

Track performance whenever less-than-full adoption of any environmental best management practice occurs.