July 15, 2009
10. Be Safe, Build in Extra LEED Credits
This is crucial because of the technicalities associated with LEED. If you don’t involve extra points and commit to achieving just the minimum threshold to obtain a certain certification level you are setting yourself up for failure. Always build in 2-4 extra points that you think are possible and document them as you would any credit. The idea is based on the fact that you never know how a reviewer will see the credit and whether they’ll agree with you that you’ve satisfied the intent of the credit.
Along the same lines, make sure to go above the minimum for credits that involve percentages. (i.e. waste diverted, water efficiency, etc.) Something small could throw your initial calculations off and disqualify you from achieving a credit. This is especially important with the prerequisites, like energy and water efficiency, which if you don’t meet you project cannot get certified at all.
A solution to the above issue as well as the first problem is to shoot for exemplary points. Focus on the credits where you can reach the mandated levels fairly easily and cheaply. Look at your changes carefully and find ways to go a little farther to qualify for exemplary points.
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