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LEED Innovation in Design Credits: How do I Earn Them?

Mark asks: I have heard that you can earn Innovation in Design Credits in LEED CI by using credits from other rating systems that don't fit in your specific LEED certification project. Is this true?

Answer: Hi Mark, that's a good question. I believe the short answer is no... What I believe you are thinking of is LEED CI Sustainable Sites SS Credit 1 option L, which allows for earning additional points for locating the project in a building that has other quantifiable environmental performance characteristics, which are found in other LEED rating systems. This is different than ID credits.

To earn Innovation in Design (ID) credits the project team must incorporate innovative building features that are not specifically addressed by the LEED CI Rating System, and that exceed the LEED-CI credit requirements by specific amounts which are considered exemplary performance... OR the project may earn a point under ID Credit 2 by having a LEED AP on the project team.

A key strategy in earning LEED CI points is to exceed the requirements of the credits in various LEED categories. For instance, in LEED CI EA credit 1.1 Optimize Energy Efficiency "Lighting Power", an ID credit may be earned for exemplary performance by reducing lighting power to 45% below the referenced standard ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 2004. Three points are already available for projects that reduce lighting power to 35% below the referenced standard, however achieving the additional 10% earns the ID point.

Good luck!
Green-Buildings.com

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Comments

LEED AP

Tue, 06/16/2009 - 16:40 — Anonymous (not verified)

How hard would it be to get a LEED accredited project without anyone on the team being a LEED professional? I ask this because there is an individual from my office that is telling me I did not have to pass the test… Rude, I thought the learning process for the test was important and helpful.

LEED AP as part of the project team for LEED Certification

Wed, 06/17/2009 - 08:55 — Green-Buildings.com

Hi Anonymous,

Apparently it is not a requirement to have a LEED AP as part of the project team when completing a LEED certification. The LEED certification process is complex, but the fundamentals of LEED (sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, etc... are all based on engineering, building design and architectural principles that existed (mostly) before LEED. So it's possible for a smart team of people to do this without necessarily being LEED APs.

Hope this helps!
Green-Buildings.com

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