855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 484

Extracted Content

Smoking is prohibited for conventional cigarettes (cigarettes, cigars, pipes), cannabis (medical or recreational), and electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes). The intent is to keep the air inside the building free from pollutants and contaminants associated with smoking.

INDOOR SMOKING

Smoking must always be strictly prohibited inside the building. Evidence of this prohibition can be obtained through a policy from the owner or facility manager or smokefree indoor air law.

OUTDOOR SMOKING

Smoking must be prohibited on the project site except in areas specifically designated for smoking. No smoking is permitted within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of all building openings, such as doors, windows, and ventilation intakes to minimize the likelihood of smoke entering the building. Emergency exits do not qualify as building openings if the doors are alarmed, as alarmed doors will rarely be opened. Emergency exits without alarms qualify as building openings.

Smoking is not allowed in programmable spaces (e.g., outdoor cigar lounges or casino areas, courtyards, outdoor cafes or sidewalk seating, space used for business purposes).

A designated smoking area is a specific outdoor location where smoking is permitted. This can be an unenclosed pavilion with safe disposal bins for cigarettes. Business cannot be conducted in this area but design strategies to make people feel comfortable such as covered seating are encouraged.

Schools

• Schools must prohibit all smoking on site to ensure no secondhand smoke exposure to students, staff, and visitors. Banning smoking on school premises also sets a strong example for students, encouraging them to adopt and maintain healthy, smoke-free lifestyles. Signage must be posted on the property line to indicate the no-smoking policy. Signage at the school helps to ensure public awareness and compliance with smoke-free environments, especially in areas where children’s health is a priority. The signs serve as a clear visual reminder for staff, visitors, and passersby.

Residential

• Smoking is prohibited for all areas inside and outside residential buildings except in dwelling units and on private balconies. If smoking is permitted in a residential project, each dwelling unit where smoking will be permitted must meet the compartmentalization requirements that follow the procedures in ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 or equivalent. For each unit tested, demonstrate a maximum leakage of enclosure area that is no more than 1.5 times the thresholds identified in Table 1.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 474