Foundations of LEED 1_2023 - Page 010

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development will introduce some temporary incompatibility between new and existing credits, however because USGBC expects to update the system on a regular cycle, consistency will be restored throughout the rating system.

All credits and prerequisites must use the structure and format described above. All credits and prerequisites shall achieve comparable stringency to maintain LEED as a tool for market transformation.

LEED prerequisites and credits must be written to be:

- Clear


- Concise


- Objective


- Doable


- Documentable


- Verifiable

New credits shall be performance-based rather than prescriptive wherever possible, but also practicable for the market being addressed.

iv. Weightings

In LEED, the allocation of points is split between direct human benefit and direct environmental benefit. These benefits are based on the potential effect of each credit with respect to a set of impact categories. Examples of these categories include global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel use, toxins and carcinogens, air and water pollutants, and indoor quality. The types of impacts are quantified and the resulting allocation of points among credits is called credit weighting.

Credits that most directly address the prioritized impacts are given the greatest weight. Credit weights also reflect a decision by LEED to recognize the market implications of point allocation. The credit weightings process will be reevaluated for each new version to incorporate changes in values ascribed to different building and neighborhood impacts and types, based on both market reality and evolving scientific knowledge related to development.

v. Regionalization

To provide incentive to address geographically specific environmental issues, LEED includes bonus points for the achievement of credits identified as addressing an issue of regional importance in the project’s location. Regionalization is re-evaluated during every LEED development cycle to determine the best method for addressing geographically-specific issues, both within the United States and internationally.

6. Balloting

Revisions to credits and prerequisites in the LEED rating system that require ballot shall follow the Balloting Procedures in Appendix 2.

7. Appeals to the LEED Rating System

Appeals to the balloted rating system content shall follow the Appeals Procedures in Appendix 4.

8. LEED Supporting Tools

USGBC develops and maintains tools to support the LEED rating system, including reference guides, LEED Online, and workshops and educational courses. These tools are meant to educate and provide the necessary information for project teams to have a robust understanding of LEED. These supporting tools are regularly updated to reflect the improvements made to LEED through the development cycle.

i. Reference Guides and Supplements

The LEED Reference Guides are manuals intended to help guide a LEED project from registration to certification in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of new or substantially renovated commercial or residential buildings and neighborhood development. The reference guides are a tool for LEED projects, incorporating guidance for the

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