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adherence to legal requirements regarding access for people with disabilities, while following best practices for creating inclusive, barrier-free environments.

• Human use and health impacts . The third category evaluates the project’s effects on human use and its impact on public health and well-being. This involves a thorough assessment of the community’s current access to essential resources, as well as the overall quality of life for residents. It is important to assess whether the project will address or alleviate these challenges, particularly regarding the availability of affordable housing. The assessment must also analyze the community’s access to social services, such as healthcare, education, and social support networks.

Community safety is another important factor to public health and well-being. Projects that incorporate features such as public spaces, adequate lighting, and pedestrianfriendly designs can foster a sense of safety and belonging. Projects must also consider the protections and working conditions for the local supply chain and construction workforce to ensure ethical practices and fair treatment. Within the scope of reason, this includes prioritizing local procurement and employment to support the local economy, providing fair wages and benefits to workers, establishing safe jobsite conditions, and implementing transparent labor practices to prevent exploitation and unjust treatment.

• Occupant experience . The fourth category considers the project’s influence on the overall occupant experience. The goal is to thoroughly examine how the design and construction of the project can influence the health, comfort, and well-being of its occupants. This includes an analysis of key environmental factors such as the availability of natural daylight, the quality and orientation of views, and the opportunity to provide operable windows for fresh air circulation, as well as air and water quality. Additionally, it considers how external elements - such as the surrounding soundscapes, the quality of artificial and natural lighting, and the impact of wind patterns on the building and adjacent structures - affect the indoor environment and the overall experience of those inhabiting the space. This assessment encourages the project to create a positive and health-conscious environment for its occupants.

• Other . Project teams may include any additional relevant social factors that are evaluated as part of the Human Impact Assessment.

Integration into Project Planning and Design

Project teams should use the findings from the Human Impact Assessment to inform the project’s planning, design, operations, and maintenance phases. Things to consider include how the identified social factors inform project-specific decisions, such as changes to design features, operational practices, or community engagement strategies. Project teams can

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 29