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Extracted Content
Assessing Hazards
After project teams identify two priority hazards, they must evaluate the impact by specifying the IPCC emissions scenario [8] used in the assessment, which outlines possible future atmospheric GHG concentrations. Teams should define scenarios that are both acceptable and appropriate for the project’s geographic location, taking into account local climate action plans to guide their selection. For instance, SSP 1-2.6 (Low-Emissions Scenario) is recommended for projects aiming to align with ambitious global climate mitigation goals or for those with shorter expected life spans (20 - 30 years), where less severe climate impacts are expected. Conversely, SSP 5- 8.5 (High Emissions Scenario) is more suitable for projects in high-risk areas, those with longer life spans (50+ years), or projects where significant climate impacts are anticipated due to limited mitigation measures or regional vulnerabilities.
Next, teams must define the projected service life of the project. For LEED projects, the projected service life refers to the project’s expected life span, which could extend to fiscal year 2050 or up to 100 years, during which the assessment of hazard risks remains applicable. Project teams must also evaluate the hazard level and assign a hazard risk rating based on the potential severity and impact. The hazard level reflects the intensity of a specific hazard event, categorized as low, medium, or high. Project teams should report and identify the level of each potential hazard using historical data and future projections. Teams can refer to the IPCC climate projections for historical data or climate projections. The hazard risk rating typically comes from local or regional hazard mitigation plans, and it assesses the likelihood of a hazard occurring. Teams must provide a risk rating for each identified hazard.
Project teams must evaluate the project’s susceptibility to each hazard and consider multiple factors, including exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity , vulnerability , and overall risk levels. Exposure refers to the degree to which the project is vulnerable to hazards, such as its proximity to water bodies or seismic zones. Sensitivity indicates how significantly these hazards may affect the project, based on factors like materials, structural design, and infrastructure. Adaptive capacity refers to the project’s ability to adapt, withstand, or recover from the impacts of hazards through resilient design, contingency planning, or technology. A project with backup generators and multiple water supply systems has a higher adaptive capacity compared to one without.
Vulnerability reflects the project’s overall susceptibility, considering both its sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The overall risk level is a combined assessment of hazard severity, exposure, sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability, categorized as low, medium, or high.
Teams must assess the potential impacts of each hazard on the project. Project hazards can disrupt essential services, damage structures, cause long-term operational challenges, and
8 “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Working Group I, Sixth Assessment Report,” IPCC, https://interactive-atlas.ipcc.ch/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 23