LEED Report - Environment & Human Health, Inc.

The Green Building DebateAppendix I.LEED Categories and Point ValuesCATEGORYMaximum PointsEnergy and Atmosphere(35 points)These credits are earned through energy use monitoring, efficient design andconstruction, efficient appliances and systems, and use of renewable and cleansources of energy, among other innovative strategies.Sustainable Sites(26 points)Developing undeveloped land is discouraged. As a result, credits are allocated tocharacteristics that minimize a building's impact on ecosystems and waterways,encourage regionally appropriate landscaping, utilize smart transportationchoices, controls stormwater runoff; and reduces erosion, light pollution, heatisland effect and construction-related pollution.Indoor Environmental Quality(15 points)Certified 40–49 creditsSilver 50–59 creditsGold 60 –79 creditsPlatinum 80 –110 creditsTotal Points Possible 110 credisThe “IEQ” category promotes strategies that indoor air as well as increasingnatural daylight and views and improving acoustics.Materials and Resources(14 points)These credits promote waste source reduction, reuse, and recycling. They alsoacknowledge sustainably grown, produced, and transported materials.Water Efficiency(10 points)Water Efficiency promotes the use of efficient appliances, fixtures and fittingsindoors, and rewards water-wise landscaping outside.Innovation in Design(6 points)This category awards bonus points for projects using new and innovativetechnologies and strategies that improve a building’s performance beyond LEEDcredits. This category also provides points for including a LEED AccreditedProfessional on the project team, who guarantees a holistic approach to the designand construction phase.Regional “Bonus” Credits(4 points)USGBC has identified specific credits that can be earned depending on thebuilding’s region of the country. 4 out of 6 LEED credits can be earned in each zipcode. For example, credits in the southwest are more concerned with waterefficiency, while credits in the northeast may be concerned with sustainable sitesor insulation.Source: USGBC. LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System58