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The USGBC continues to evolve LEED

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has recently announced some changes to their program which are important to note. They include the addition of new Pilot Credits, as well as new materials translated into Chinese.

Nine New Pilot Credits Added to the LEED Library

The USGBC has released nine new Pilot Credits to their Library, which include some interesting new ways to earn LEED credits. TheLEED Pilot Credit Library was created to make it possible for USGBC to introduce new prerequisites and credits to LEED by engaging stakeholders and collaborating with them to test and analyse the credits’ feasibility. Ideas are submitted by the Pilot Credit Library Working Group, Technical Advisory Groups, LEED Steering Committee, and USGBC staff, as well as from USGBC members.

The nine new Pilot Credits are as follows.

• Pilot Credit 44: EQ - Ergonomics Strategy
• Pilot Credit 45: SS - Site Assessment
• Pilot Credit 46: EA - HVAC Commissioning
• Pilot Credit 47: EQ - Acoustic Comfort
• Pilot Credit 48: IP - Discovery - Analysis to Support Integrative Process
• Pilot Credit 49 : IP - Implementing Synergies
• Pilot Credit 52: MR - Environmentally Preferable Non-Structural Products and Materials - Prescriptive Attributes
• Pilot Credit 53: MR - Responsible Sourcing of Raw Material and
• Pilot Credit 54: MR - Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern in Building Materials.

The Pilot Credits can be used by any registered LEED project and are evaluated in line with a standard certification process. Pilot Credits are updated on a monthly basis, but only those registered on or before the release of changes are held to the new requirements. Those registered before the changes can continue using the old version or adapt to follow the new version.

Over time, some Pilot Credits will go through the standard member ballot review process in order to become incorporated into the LEED Rating System.

Find out more about the Pilot Credit Library through their Webex on the subject.

USGBC Announces New Materials Translated into Chinese

Also of interest is the introduction of the translated materials in Chinese as part of the LEED International Program. So far, the available materials include LEED FAQ’s, Business case for LEED owners, and USGBC Membership information.