LEED Credits and Intents

Integrative Process (IP)

Collaborate early to improve building performance through energy and water analysis.

LEED ND Location

Encourage smart growth by locating projects in certified smart-growth communities.

Sensitive Land Protection

Avoid development on sensitive sites and preserve natural resources.

High-Priority Site

Promote redevelopment and community revitalization in priority areas.

Surrounding Density & Diverse Uses

Support walkability and reduce vehicle use through dense, mixed-use locations.

Access to Quality Transit

Reduce emissions by encouraging public transit use.

Bicycle Facilities

Promote bicycling as an alternative to motorized transport.

Reduced Parking Footprint

Minimize environmental impacts from parking facilities.

Green Vehicles

Reduce pollution by supporting low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

Reduce pollution from construction activities.

Site Assessment

Understand site conditions to inform sustainable design.

Protect or Restore Habitat

Conserve natural areas and restore damaged ecosystems.

Open Space

Provide outdoor space that supports interaction with the environment.

Rainwater Management

Reduce runoff and improve water quality.

Heat Island Reduction

Minimize heat islands to improve comfort and reduce energy use.

Light Pollution Reduction

Reduce light trespass and protect night skies.

Indoor Water Use Reduction (Prereq)

Reduce indoor water consumption.

Outdoor Water Use Reduction (Prereq)

Reduce outdoor water use through efficient landscaping.

Building-Level Water Metering (Prereq)

Track water consumption to support efficiency.

Outdoor Water Use Reduction (Credit)

Reduce potable water use for irrigation.

Indoor Water Use Reduction (Credit)

Reduce indoor potable water use.

Cooling Tower Water Use

Maximize water efficiency in cooling towers.

Water Metering

Support ongoing water management through submetering.

Fundamental Commissioning & Verification

Ensure building systems perform as intended.

Minimum Energy Performance

Reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts.

Building-Level Energy Metering

Track energy use to support efficiency.

Fundamental Refrigerant Management

Reduce ozone depletion.

Enhanced Commissioning

Improve system performance through advanced commissioning.

Optimize Energy Performance

Achieve increased energy efficiency.

Advanced Energy Metering

Support ongoing energy management.

Demand Response

Reduce peak energy loads and support grid reliability.

Renewable Energy

Reduce environmental impacts by using renewable energy.

Enhanced Refrigerant Management

Reduce ozone depletion and climate impacts.

Green Power & Carbon Offsets

Encourage renewable energy and carbon reduction.

Storage & Collection of Recyclables

Reduce waste sent to landfills.

C&D Waste Management Planning

Reduce construction waste.

Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction

Reduce environmental impacts of materials.

EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations)

Encourage use of products with verified environmental impacts.

Sourcing of Raw Materials

Encourage responsible material sourcing.

Material Ingredients

Promote use of products with safer chemical ingredients.

C&D Waste Management

Reduce waste and support recycling.

Minimum IAQ Performance

Ensure acceptable indoor air quality.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control

Prevent exposure to tobacco smoke.

Enhanced IAQ Strategies

Improve indoor air quality beyond minimums.

Low-Emitting Materials

Reduce chemical emissions from materials.

Construction IAQ Management Plan

Protect air quality during construction.

Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Verify indoor air quality before occupancy.

Thermal Comfort

Promote occupant comfort.

Interior Lighting

Provide quality lighting for occupants.

Daylight

Connect occupants with natural light.

Quality Views

Provide visual connection to the outdoors.

Acoustic Performance

Ensure occupant comfort through sound control.

Innovation

Encourage exceptional performance and innovative strategies.

LEED Accredited Professional

Support project success through LEED expertise.

Regional Priority

Address geographically specific environmental priorities.