LEED For Mid Rise Homes
LEED For Mid Rise Homes
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This document describes the LEED for Homes program as it applies to mid-rise multi-family buildings in California. The relevance of LEED for Homes for mid-rise buildings is still the subject of investigation, and the purpose of this pilot is to better understand the suitability of LEED for Homes for mid-rise projects. A decision about the long-term plans for mid-rise buildings will be made at the close of the pilot, which is scheduled for summer 2009. Any and all mid-rise multi-family projects are welcome to participate as long as the eligibility requirements below are met. Project managers should be aware that this pilot is part of an evaluation effort for mid-rise buildings, and they are asked to be flexible, maintain regular communication with their Provider, and document any and all challenges, complications, etc. associated with the LEED for Homes program requirements.
be counted toward the number of stories except garages, basements, or cellars. 1 A partial story should be counted if 20% or more of the space is occupiable. 2 The building must include at least 2 living units. A building that contains only one living unit is considered a single-family home and must use the standard LEED for Homes Rating System.
Buildings that pursue LEED for Homes certification through this pilot can also pursue LEEDNC certification. Buildings pursuing LEED for Homes certification are encouraged to also pursue ENERGY STAR labeling in regions that have active pilot programs such as California, New York, and Wisconsin.
Evaluating LEED-NC
As part of this pilot initiative, USGBC is interested in understanding not only how well or poorly mid-rise residential buildings fit with LEED for Homes, but also how well or poorly these buildings fit with LEED-NC. Pursuant to that goal, each mid-rise project team must evaluate the appropriateness of LEED-NC. In particular, project teams must answer the following questions: If the project had pursued LEED-NC, how many points would have been earned and what certification level would have been achieved? Which LEED-NC prerequisites would have been achieved? Which would have been a problem? What would be the cost implications of pursuing LEED-NC instead of the LEED for Homes pilot for mid-rise building? What other barriers prevented or dissuaded the project from pursuing LEED-NC certification?
This evaluation must be submitted to USGBC a form will be provided but it does not require that the project team register for LEED-NC or undergo any formal LEED-NC certification steps.
Sampling
Mid-rise buildings may use the LEED for Homes Multi-family Sampling Protocol when it becomes available.
Even conditioned basements or cellars should not be counted as stories. If a project has more than 20% occupied space on a garage level, the project may appeal to USGBC for inclusion in the mid-rise pilot. However, these projects are encouraged instead to pursue LEED-NC. LEED-H Mid-rise Guidance Page 2 of 55 8/20/2008 Version 1.1 for California
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Maximum points: 4
Maximize opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies.
Requirements
Prerequisite 1.1 Preliminary Rating. As early as practical, conduct a preliminary LEED for Homes meeting, with the participation of the Provider and key members of the project team. As part of the meeting, create an action plan that identifies the following: The targeted LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). The LEED for Homes credits that have been selected to meet the targeted award level. The party accountable for meeting the LEED for Homes requirements for each selected credit. Energy Expertise in MID-RISE. Each project team must include at least the following set of expertise: An individual familiar with mid-rise energy systems and components, including mechanical equipment, envelope upgrades, etc. Experience with green mid-rise or high-rise residential buildings is preferred. An individual with experience performing energy modeling per California Title-24 for mid-rise multi-family buildings. Experience with LEED-NC energy modeling is valuable.
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Credits 1.3 Professional Credentialed with Respect to LEED for Homes (1 point). At least one principal member of the project team shall be a professional who is credentialed with respect to LEED for Homes as determined by the U.S. Green Building Council. This credit is unavailable until further notice from USGBC. Design Charrette (1 point). No later than the design development phase and preferably during schematic design, conduct at least one full-day integrated design workshop with the project team defined in ID 1.2. Use the workshop to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants. Building Orientation for Solar Design (1 point). Design the home such that all of the following requirements are met: a) The glazing area on the north- and south-facing walls of the building is at least 50% greater than the sum of the glazing area on the east- and west- facing walls. b) The east-west axis of the building is within 15 degrees of due east-west. c) The roof has a minimum of 450 square feet of south-facing area that is oriented appropriately for solar applications. LEED-H Mid-rise Guidance Page 4 of 55 8/20/2008 Version 1.1 for California
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d) At least 90% of the glazing on the south-facing wall is completely shaded (using shading, overhangs, etc.) at noon on June 21 and unshaded at noon on December 21. 1.6 Trades Training for MID-RISE (1 point). Before construction begins, but after trades have been hired for the project, hold a full day kick-off workshop focusing on the green or otherwise unusual aspects of the project and the expectations for ensuring certification. Include at least the following trades: o Plumbing o Mechanical systems o Insulation o General contracting
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PREFERRED LOCATIONS
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Maximum points: 3
Encourage the building of LEED mid-rise buildings near or within existing communities.
Requirements
Prerequisites None. Credits 3.1 Edge Development (1 point). Select a lot such that at least 25% of the perimeter immediately borders previously developed land. In the case of a multi-building new development, each mid-rise building in the development is awarded this point if at least 25% of the development site immediately borders previously developed land.
OR 3.2 Infill (2 points). Select a lot such that at least 75% of the perimeter immediately borders previously developed land. In the case of a multi-building new development, each mid-rise building in the development is awarded these points if at least 75% of the development site immediately borders previously developed land.
AND/OR 3.3 Brownfield Redevelopment for MID-RISE (1 point). Build on a site documented as contaminated (by means of an ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or a local Voluntary Cleanup Program) OR on a site defined as a brownfield by a local, state or federal government agency.
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Maximum points: 3
Encourage the building of LEED mid-rise buildings in development patterns that allow for walking and biking to community resources (thereby minimizing dependency on personal automobiles and their associated environmental impacts).
Requirements
Prerequisites None. Credits 5.1 Basic Community Resources for MID-RISE (1 point). Select a site that meets one of the following criteria: a) Located within mile of four basic community resources (Table 1). b) Located within mile of seven basic community resources (Table 1). Extensive Community Resources for MID-RISE (2 points). Select a site that meets one of the following criteria: a) Located within mile of seven basic community resources (Table 1). b) Located within mile of 11 basic community resources (Table 1). Outstanding Community Resources for MID-RISE (3 points). Select a site that meets one of the following criteria: a) Located within mile of 11 basic community resources (Table 1). b) Located within mile of 14 basic community resources (Table 1).
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OR 5.3
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