855773667-LEED-v5-O-M-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 038

Extracted Content

Where possible, use the information from the assessment to inform the operations and maintenance of the project and describe how project-specific strategies were considered.

At a minimum, the assessment must address the parameters within the control of project and site management. The assessment may be used for multitenant complexes or campus projects in the same location.

REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED

A Human Impact Assessment serves as guidance for integrating equitable strategies throughout the operational phase. Addressing social and economic needs and disparities requires purposeful design, policy reforms, and inclusive community engagement to foster spaces that are accessible, sustainable, and equitable for everyone. Creating healthier and supportive environments for local communities can target their specific needs and ensure a fair distribution of benefits and challenges.

This prerequisite requires that the project team comprehensively evaluate and understand the social, economic, and environmental context of the local community, workforce, and supply chain while operating the building. Teams will gather and analyze this information through methods such as community outreach, census reports, and partnerships with local organizations to ensure the project aligns with community needs and promotes equitable outcomes.

Teams must select key characteristics to evaluate within the categories of demographics, local infrastructure and land use, human use and health impacts, occupant experience, and working conditions. These analyses and findings are intended to inform the project’s operations and maintenance strategies.

This assessment balances environmental goals with the needs and aspirations of the people affected, fostering projects that are both ecologically and socially responsible. This will be an educational process for those who have not conducted similar assessments previously. With intentional planning, teams can integrate project-specific strategies by identifying potential disparities and work collectively toward creating a more inclusive and equitable community.

Human Impact Assessment

A Human Impact Assessment is a process in which quantitative and qualitative data for a proposed project is collected through identifying characteristics unique to the project site and its surrounding community. It requires projects to understand the socio-political context of the site, such as the cultural makeup of neighboring residents or average income rates. Additionally, it

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 28