Schematic Design

Design in space for additional ductwork that might be needed to provide designated exhaust for all garages, high-volume copy rooms, janitors’ closets, science labs, workshops, art rooms, or any other spaces that may be used for mixing and storage of chemicals or hazardous materials.

Entryway systems should be climate-specific. For example, regions with high rainfall may choose high void-volume mats—for trapping dirt below the mat surface and fast drying. In regions where mud and snow are a greater source of contaminants, open-loop entry mats may be more appropriate. 

While roll-off mats are acceptable, additional documentation (service contracts and schedules) is required to confirm that the mats will be cleaned on a weekly basis. They cost more up-front, but permanent entryway systems provide better performance, require less maintenance, and are easier to document for LEED compliance.

Determine the type of entryway system that's best for your project. If you install permanent grates, grilles, or slotted entry systems, you will not be required to have a plan for cleaning, although those systems will still need periodic cleaning (less frequently than roll-off mats). However, if you decide to use rollout mats, you'll need to have a contract in place for weekly cleaning. The contract for weekly cleaning can be incorporated into any existing contract but must be clearly spelled out. 

Design an adequate space for ten-foot entryway systems at all regularly accessed building entries. Evaluate all other building entrances—such as employee and service doors—for regular use, which may require entryway systems or roll-out mats.

Consider attempting EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management, which is attainable for many projects. Rather than simply avoiding a specific set of chemicals, EAc4 requires you to run calculations on your refrigerant selection that factor in leakage rates and coolant charge, as well as ozone depletion potential (

Together, the owner and design team should set preliminary lighting goals and incorporate them into the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) for building

The credit requirements are based on number of occupants for individually occupied spaces and number of spaces for multi-occupant spaces. Only 90% of total building occupants must have controls in individually occupied spaces, but each of the multi-occupant spaces must have independent controls.

Task lighting does not need to be hardwired in order to meet the credit requirements.

Individual control means that there is a switch accessible to each occupant for control over lighting levels at their individual workspace. It can be a task light in an open office scenario, a main-wall sconce in a private office, a ceiling-hung light in living and bedrooms, or a desk light at a reception desk. Keep in mind, though, that in order to count toward the 90% of individually controlled lighting, 90% of occupants must have a dedicated control or task light.