LEED 2009
Are there big changes from the previous LEED rating systems to the new LEED 2009 Rating System?
No. Fundamentally it is the same. But there are some changes. Changes include:
Bookshelf Approach and Credit Consistency
Credits will be the same across the rating systems. For example, the Regional Materials credit requirements will be the same in LEED CI, LEED CS, etc.
Predictable development cycle
New versions of the LEED rating system will be rolled out every 2 years. So expect LEED 2011 to be right around the corner!
Credit Weightings and new point values
Every LEED 2009 rating system will be based on a 100 point scale + 10 “bonus” points (6 ID points and 4 regional points)
Some credits, mainly in the Sustainable Sites and Energy & Atmosphere categories, will be worth multiple points.
40 points for Certified, 50 points for Silver, 60 points for Gold, 80 points for Platinum
Some other changes include:
- Sustainable Sites (SS)
- Vehicle Sharing Program (SS c4.3 additional option)
- Water Efficiency (WE)
- Prerequisite – 20% Savings
- WE Credit 3 Thresholds go up to 30% and 40% savings
- Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
- ASHRAE 90.1-2007 Reference Standard
10% Better than 90.1 Minimum Performance (New Construction)
District Cooling Methodology
- Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
- ASHRAE 62.1-2007
Non-Carpet Flooring Requirements (EQ c4.3)
Updated Daylighting Methodology
- Innovation & Design (ID)
- Additional ID Point (now 5 instead of 4), plus LEED AP point
Limits on Exemplary Performance
- Regional Credits
- Up to 4 points additional weighting for established credits
Regionalization of Credits
The zip code in which your project is located determines what LEED points receive “extra credit” For example, a project in Phoenix may receive double points for Water Efficiency credits.
GBCI performs Certification Reviews
GBCI, the Green Building Certification Institute currently administers the LEED AP Exams, and now also performs the LEED project Certification Reviews. The success and exponential growth of the LEED Rating system outgrew USGBC’s ability to review all LEED submissions. The switch to GBCI and their ISO compliant certification bodies performing the certification reviews eliminates the huge backlog and provides 3rd party certification
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