Before the Performance Period

The SWM policy may be part of a larger building sustainability policy or a document that pre-dates the LEED project time period. If the SWM policy is part of a larger document, highlight the sections relevant to this prerequisite (and indicate which address each core element of the USGBC Policy Model) to help the LEED reviewer easily locate this language.

Before creating the SWM policy, conduct a waste stream audit, in conjunction with MRc6: Solid Waste Management—Waste Stream Audit, to assess current recycling rates in your building. Although not a prerequisite requirement, doing so will help identify strong or weak areas in existing practices, and help you to craft the SWM policy to address opportunities for improvements.

Create an SWM policy that sets measureable goals for recycling and reuse of waste streams that are within the building and site management’s control.

There is no formal training required to pass the exam and become a LEED AP. The cost of exam preparation can be reduced through independent studying and use of free information on green building. 

Becoming a LEED AP will lead to some costs related to exam preparation, the exam registration fee of several hundred dollars, and any training manuals or classes. However, unlike other credits that may require capital investments, these expenses may be considered normal professional development, and will benefit the project building in many ways as the individual applies that green building knowledge.

A LEED Accredited Professional who has worked on LEED-EBOM projects will be more effective than one who has worked on projects under the older LEED-EB rating system or on no projects at all.

A team member holding the LEED Green Associate credential would contribute to the project with background knowledge in green building, but this lower-tier credential does not qualify the project for this credit.

A LEED-

You can develop the survey language and occupant feedback system in-house at minimal cost, especially if you choose to use an appropriate existing survey sample as a starting point.

Develop an easy system to collect comfort comments from building occupants any time. Set up the system to communicate comments to the proper building personnel. Log corrective actions and report them back to the occupants who registered the complaint or are in the affected area.