LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

carbon footprint ecocharrette

1 2

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

high-performance green
integrated design team
building

3 4

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

LEED credit interpretation

LEED credit
request

5 6

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

LEED intent LEED® Rating System™

7 8
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

An intensive process in which the owner, project team A measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with
and other relevant stakeholders convene to establish an activity. A comprehensive carbon footprint includes
the project’s green building goals, identify prospective building construction, operation, energy use, building
strategies to reach those goals, and outline the ‘next related transportation, and the embodied energy of
steps’ required to hone the green building approach. water, solid waste, and construction materials.

2 1

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

All the individuals involved in a building project from A structure designed to conserve water and energy; use
early in the design process, including the design space, materials, and resources efficiently; minimize
professionals, the owner’s representatives, and the general construction waste; and create a healthful indoor
contractor, subcontractors and key stakeholders. environment.

4 3

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A formal GBCI process in which a project team

experiencing difficulties in the application of a
LEED prerequisite or credit can seek and receive An optional LEED Green Building Rating System™
clarification, issued as a credit interpretation. component whose achievement results in the earning of
Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are points toward certification.
not directly addressed by LEED reference guides or a
conflict between credit requirements arises.

6 5

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The LEED Green Building Rating System™ represents

USGBC’s effort to provide a national benchmark for
green buildings. Through its use as a design guideline
and third-party certification tool, the LEED Green The primary goal of each prerequisite or credit.
Building Rating System aims to improve occupant
well-being, environmental performance, and economic
returns using established and innovative practices.

8 7
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

LEED prerequisite LEED technical advisory group

(TAG)

9 10

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

life-cycle assessment market transformation

11 12

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

regenerative design sustainability

13 14

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

triple bottom line acid rain

15 16
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A committee consisting of industry experts who assist

in interpreting credits and developing technical A required LEED Green Building Rating System™
improvements to the LEED Green Building Rating component whose achievement is mandatory and does not
System™. earn any points.

10 9

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Systematic improvements in the performance of

a market or market segment. For example, environmental An evaluation of the environmental effects of a product
product declarations (EPDs) and health product declarations from cradle to grave, as defined by ISO 14040–2006 and ISO
(HPDs) are communication tools to promote transparency, 14044–2006.
innovation and quality of databases.

12 11

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Sustainable plans for built environments that improve

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising existing conditions. Regenerative design goes beyond
the ability of future generations to meet their own reducing impacts to create positive change in the local
needs. (Brundtland Commission) and global environment.

14 13

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The precipitation of dilute solutions of strong mineral

acids, formed by the mixing in the atmosphere of A long-term view for assessing potential effects and best
various industrial pollutants (primarily sulfur dioxide practices for three kinds of resources: people (social
and nitrogen oxides) with naturally occurring oxygen capital), planet (natural capital), profit (econcomic capital).
and water vapor.

16 15
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

adapted plants green vehicles

17 18

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

biodiversity bioswale

19 20

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

brownfield building density

21 22

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

building footprint community connectivity

23 24
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Non-native, introduced plants that reliably grow well

Vehicles achieving a minimum green score of 45 on the
in a given habitat with minimal winter protection,
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
pest control, fertilization, or irrigation once their root
annual vehicle rating guide (or a local equivalent for
systems are established. Adapted plants are considered
projects outside the U.S.)
low maintenance and not invasive.

18 17

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A stormwater control feature that uses a combination

The variety of life in all forms, levels, and
of an engineered basin, soils, and vegetation to slow
combinations, including ecosystem diversity, species
and detain stormwater, increase groundwater recharge,
diversity, and genetic diversity.
and reduce peak stormwater runoff.

20 19

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Real property or the expansion, redevelopment, or

The floor area of the building divided by the total area reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or
of the site (square feet per acre) used to determine a possible presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or
project’s density. contaminant.

22 21

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The amount of connection between a site and the The area on a project site that is used by the building
surrounding community, measured by proximity of structure, defined by the perimeter of the building
the site to homes, schools, parks, stores, restaurants, plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding
medical facilities, and other services and amenities. facilities are not included in the building footprint.

24 23
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

development density development footprint

25 26

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

diversity of uses or housing

demand response
types

27 28

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

ecosystem light trespass

29 30

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

floodplain floor-area ratio

31 32
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The total land area of a project site covered by buildings, The total square footage of all buildings within a
streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable particular area, measured in square feet per acre or
surfaces constructed as part of the project. units per acre.

26 25

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The number of types of spaces or housing types per

A change in electricity use by demand-side resources from acre. A neighborhood that includes a diversity of uses—
their normal consumption patterns in response to changes offices, homes, schools, parks, stores— encourages
in the price of electricity or to incentive payments designed walking, and its residents and visitors are less
to induce lower electricity use at times of high wholesale dependent on personal vehicles. A diversity of housing
market prices or when system reliability is jeopardized. types allows households of different types, sizes, ages,
and incomes to live in the same neighborhood.

28 27

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Obtrusive illumination that is unwanted because of A basic unit of nature that includes a community of
quantitative, directional, or spectral attributes. Light organisms and their nonliving environment linked by
trespass can cause annoyance, discomfort, distraction, or biological, chemical and physical process.
loss of visibility.

30 29

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The density of nonresidential land use, exclusive of

parking, measured as the total nonresidential building
floor area divided by the total buildable land area available
Land that is likely to be flooded by a storm of a given
for nonresidential structures. For example, on a site with
size (e.g., a 100-year storm).
10,000 square feet (930 square meters) of buildable land
area, an FAR of 1.0 would be 10,000 square feet (930 square
meters) of building floor area.

32 31
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

green roof heat island effect

33 34

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

imperviousness low-impact development

35 36

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

native vegetation perviousness

37 38

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

prime farmland rain garden

39 40
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The thermal absorption by hardscape, such as dark,

nonreflective pavement and buildings, and its subsequent A vegetated system applied to the top of a building to
radiation to surrounding areas. Other contributing factors control stormwater and reduce the building’s urban
may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street heat island effect. A green roof may also be referred to
equipment. Tall buildings and narrow streets reduce airflow as an eco-roof, vegetated roof, or a living roof.
and exacerbate the effect.

34 33

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

An approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes

on-site natural features to protect water quality, by The resistance of a material to penetration by a liquid.
replicating the natural land cover hydrologic regime of The total imperviousness of a surface is expressed as
watersheds, and addressing runoff close to its source. a percentage of total land area that does not allow
Examples include better site design principles (e.g., moisture penetration. Impervious surfaces prevent
minimizing land disturbance, preserving vegetation, rainwater from infiltrating into the ground, thereby
minimizing impervious cover), and design practices (e.g., increasing runoff, reducing groundwater recharge, and
rain gardens, vegetated swales and buffers, permeable degrading surface water quality.
pavement, rainwater harvesting, soil amendments).

36 35

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A species that originates in, and is characteristic of, a

The percentage of the surface area of a paving material particular region and ecosystem without direct or indirect
that is open and allows moisture to pass through the human actions. Native species have evolved together with
material and soak into the ground below. other species within the geography, hydrology, and climate
of that region.

38 37

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Land that has the best combination of physical and

chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage,
A stormwater management feature consisting of an
fiber, and oilseed crops and that is available for these uses,
excavated depression and vegetation that collect and
as defined by US Code of Federal Regulations and identified
infiltrate runoff and reduce peak discharge rates.
in a state Natural Resources Conservation Service soil
survey.

40 39
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

xeriscaping shortest path analysis

41 42

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

blackwater gallons per flush (gpf)

43 44

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

gallons per minute (gpm) graywater

45 46

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

harvested rainwater irrigation efficiency

47 48
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A measurement of how far a pedestrian and bicyclist would

travel from a point of origin to a destination, such as the
nearest bus stop. This distance is measured along the safe
path and not in a straight line in plan view, in order to better Landscaping that does not require routine irrigation.
reflect a bicyclist’s and pedestrian’s access to amenities
taking into account safety, convenience, and obstructions to
movement.

42 41

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Wastewater containing urine or fecal matter that should

be discharged to the sanitary drainage system of the
The amount of water consumed by flush fixtures (water
building or premises in accordance with the International
closets, or toilets, and urinals). The baseline flush rate
Plumbing Code. Wastewater from kitchen sinks (sometimes
for water closets is 1.6 gpf, and for urinals, 1.0 gpf
differentiated by the use of a garbage disposal), showers,
(EPAct 1992).
or bathtubs is considered blackwater under some state or
local codes.

44 43

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Domestic wastewater that has not come into contact with

toilet waste composed of drain water from
bathroom and laundry sinks, bathtubs, showers and The amount of water consumed by flow fixtures
clothes washers. Must not include waste water from kitchen (lavatory faucets, showerheads, aerators, sprinkler
sinks or dishwashers. Some building code jurisdictions allow heads).
kitchen sink water to be used as graywater, while others
consider it blackwater.

46 45

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The percentage of water delivered by irrigation

equipment that is actually used for irrigation and
Precipitation captured and used for indoor needs,
does not evaporate, blow away, or fall on hardscape.
irrigation, or both.
For example, overhead spray sprinklers have lower
irrigation efficiencies (65%) than drip systems (90%).

48 47
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

non-potable water potable water

49 50

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

process water water budget

51 52

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

wastewater ambient temperature

53 54

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

ASHRAE energy benchmarking

55 56
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Water that meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water

Water that does not meet the EPA’s drinking water
quality standards and is approved for human
quality standards and is not approved for human
consumption by the state or local authorities having
consumption. Non-potable water includes harvested rain
jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal
water, greywater, and blackwater.
water systems.

50 49

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A project-specific method of calculating the amount of

water required by the building and associated grounds. The
budget takes into account indoor, outdoor, process, and Water that is used for industrial processes and building
makeup water demands and any on site supply including systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can
estimated rainfall. Water budgets must be associated with also refer to water used in operational processes, such as
a specified amount of time, such as a week, month, or year dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.
and a quantity of water such as kGal, or liters.

52 51

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Water that has been used for a purpose and conveyed by

The temperature of the surrounding air or other building plumbing systems toward a point of treatment and
medium. (EPA) disposal. Wastewater from buildings can be classified as
graywater, blackwater, or process wastewater.

54 53

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Recording and comparing sustained energy consumption

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
against previous time periods and national averages and
Conditioning Engineers.
often uses a metric such as Energy Use Intensity.

56 55
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

biomass British thermal unit (Btu)

57 58

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

building envelope chiller

59 60

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

commissioning (Cx) commissioning plan

61 62

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

commissioning report compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)

63 64
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature

of one pound of liquid water from 60° to 61°
Plant material from trees, grasses, or crops that can be
Fahrenheit. This standard measure of energy is used
converted to heat energy to produce electricity.
to describe the energy content of fuels and compare
energy use.

58 57

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A device that removes heat from a liquid, typically The exterior surface of a building—the walls, windows,
as part of a refrigeration system used to cool and roof, and floor; also referred to as the building shell or the
dehumidify buildings. building enclosure.

60 59

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The process of verifying and documenting that a

A document that outlines the organization, schedule, building and all of its systems and assemblies are
allocation of resources, and documentation planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and
requirements of the commissioning process. maintained to meet the owner’s project requirements.

62 61

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A document that details the commissioning process,

A small fluorescent lamp, used as a more efficient
including a commissioning program overview,
alternative to incandescent lighting; also called a PL,
identification of the commissioning team, and
twin-tube, or biax lamp. (EPA)
description of the commissioning process activities.

64 63
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

cooling tower daylighting

65 66

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

energy-efficient products and

district energy systems
systems

67 68

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

energy management system ENERGY STAR® rating

69 70

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

energy or greenhouse gas

energy use intensity
emissions per capita

71 72
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A structure that uses water to absorb heat from

The controlled admission of natural light into a space,
airconditioning systems and regulate air temperature in a
used to reduce or eliminate electric lighting.
facility.

66 65

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A central energy conversion plant and transmission and

Building components and appliances that use less distribution system that provides thermal energy to a group
energy to perform as well as or better than standard of buildings (e.g., a central cooling plant on a university
products. campus). It does not include central energy systems that
provide only electricity.

68 67

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A measure of a building’s energy performance A control system capable of monitoring environmental

compared with that of similar buildings, as determined and system loads and adjusting HVAC operations
by the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. A score of 50 accordingly in order to conserve energy while
represents average building performance. A score of 75 maintaining comfort. (EPA)
is required to become ENERGY STAR certified.

70 69

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Annual energy consumption divided by the number of

square feet in a building, often expressed as British
A community’s total greenhouse gas emissions divided
thermal units (Btus) per square foot per year or as
by the total number of residents.
kilowatt-hours of electricity per square foot per year
(kWh/sf/yr).

72 71
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

global warming potential

fossil fuel
(GWP)

73 74

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

HVAC systems lighting power density

75 76

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

low impact refrigerants measures of energy use

77 78

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Montreal Protocol natural refrigerant

79 80
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A relative measurement that estimates a gas’ ability to Energy derived from ancient organic remains, such as
trap heat, contributing to global warming. peat, coal, crude oil, and natural gas. (EPA)

74 73

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Equipment, distribution systems, and terminals that

The installed lighting power per unit area, usually
provide the processes of heating, ventilating, or
measured in watts per square foot.
airconditioning. (ASHRAE Standard 90.1–2010)

76 75

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Typical primary measures of energy consumption Refrigerants with less ozone depletion potential
associated with buildings include kilowatt-hours of (ODP) than traditional CFC refrigerants. Low-impact
electricity, therms of natural gas, and gallons of liquid refrigerants include HFCs and HCFCs.
fuel.

78 77

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A compound that is not manmade and is used for cooling.

Such substances generally have much lower potential An international agreement from 1989 that banned CFC
for atmospheric damage than manufactured chemical production in developed countries, and placed a ban on
refrigerants. Examples include water, carbon dioxide, and CFC production in developing countries starting 2010.
ammonia.

80 79
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

ozone depletion potential

nonrenewable
(ODP)

81 82

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

performance relative to
passive design strategy
benchmark

83 84

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

performance relative to code photovoltaic (PV) energy

85 86

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

renewable energy credit

renewable energy
(REC)

87 88
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Not capable of being replaced; permanently depleted

The relative amount of degradation a gas causes to the once used. Examples of nonrenewable energy sources
ozone layer. are oil or natural gas, and nonrenewable natural
resources include metallic ores.

82 81

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A comparison of the performance of a building system Designing with the local climate in mind to reduce
with a standard, such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio unwanted heat gain in the summer, optimize
Manager. daylighting, and allow solar heat gain in the winter.

84 83

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A comparison of the performance of a building system

Electricity from photovoltaic cells that convert the with a baseline equivalent to minimal compliance with
energy in sunlight into electricity. an applicable energy code, such as ASHRAE Standard 90
or California’s Title 24.

86 85

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

A tradable commodity representing proof that a unit

Resources that are not depleted by use. Examples
of electricity was generated from a renewable energy
include energy from the sun, wind, and small (lowimpact)
resource. RECs are sold separately from the electricity
hydropower, plus geothermal energy and wave and tidal
itself and thus allow the purchase of green power by a
systems.
user of conventionally generated electricity.

88 87
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

bio-based material byproduct

89 90

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

construction waste
construction and demolition
management
debris
plan

91 92

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

postconsumer recycled content Integrated Pest Management

93 94

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

life cycle assessment recycled content

95 96
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Commercial or industrial products (other than food or

feed) that are composed in whole, or in significant part,
Material, other than the principal product, generated
of biological products, renewable agricultural materials
as a consequence of an industrial process or as a
(including plant, animal, and marine materials), or forestry
breakdown product in a living system. (EPA)
materials. For the purposes of LEED, this excludes leather
and other animal hides.

90 89

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Waste and recyclables generated from construction and

A plan that diverts construction debris from landfills from the renovation, demolition, or deconstruction of
through recycling, salvaging, and reusing. preexisting structures. It does not include land-clearing
debris, such as soil, vegetation, and rocks.

92 91

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Waste generated by households or commercial, industrial

A method of pest management that protects human health and institutional facilities in their role as end users of
and the surrounding environment, and improves economic a product that can no longer be used for its intended
returns through the most effective, least-risk option. purpose.

94 93

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The percentage of material in a product that is

recycled from the manufacturing waste stream
An evaluation of the environmental effects of a product
(preconsumer waste) or the consumer waste stream
from cradle to grave, as defined by ISO 14040–2006 and ISO
(postconsumer waste) and used to make new materials.
14044–2006.
For LEED, recycled content is typically expressed as a
percentage of the total material volume or weight.

96 95
LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

regional materials refurbished material

97 98

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

salvaged material sustainable forestry

99 100

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

sustainable purchasing policy sustained yield forestry

101 102

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

waste diversion air quality standards

103 104
 LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

An item that has completed its life cycle and is prepared The amount of a building’s materials that are
for reuse without substantial alteration of its form. extracted, processed, and manufactured close to a
Refurbishing involves renovating, repairing, restoring, or project site, expressed as a percentage of the total
generally improving the appearance, performance, quality, materials cost. For LEED, regional materials originate
functionality, or value of a product. within 100 miles of the project site.

98 97

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Construction items recovered from existing buildings

The practice of managing forest resources to meet
or construction sites and reused. Common salvaged
the long-term forest product needs of humans while
materials include structural beams and posts, flooring,
maintaining the biodiversity of forested landscapes.
doors, cabinetry, brick, and decorative items.

100 99

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

Choosing products and services with low environmental

Management of a forest to produce in perpetuity a impacts, such as Energy Star appliances and recycled
high-level annual or regular periodic output, through a computer paper. LEED EB: O&M divides materials into
balance between incremental and cutting. three categories: on-going consumables, durable goods,
and facility alterations.

102 101

LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC® LEED v4 Green Associate source: USGBC®

The level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that The amount of waste disposed other than through
are not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined incineration or in landfills, expressed in tons. Examples
area. (EPA) of waste diversion include reuse and recycling.

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ASHRAE Standard 55 ASHRAE Standard 62.1

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vehicle miles traveled (vmt) carbon dioxide concentrations

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contaminant controllability of systems

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flush-out indoor air quality

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The standard governing that defines minimum

The standard governing design for thermal comfort in
ventilation rates for commercial and institutional
buildings.
buildings.

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A measure of transportation demand that estimates

An indicator of ventilation effectiveness inside the travel miles associated with a project, most often
buildings. carbon dioxide builds up in a space when for single-passenger cars. LEED sometimes uses a
there is not enough ventilation. complementary metric for alternative-mode miles
(e.g., in high-occupancy autos).

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A measurement of occupants who have access to direct An unwanted airborne element that may reduce indoor
control over temperature, airflow, and lighting in their air quality (ASHRAE Standard 62.1–2010).
spaces.

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The nature of air inside the space that affects the

health and well-being of building occupants. It is The operation of mechanical systems using 100 percent
considered acceptable when there are no known outside air at the end of construction and prior to
contaminants at harmful concentrations and a building occupancy to ensure good indoor air quality,
substantial majority (80% or more) of the occupants do by moving a prescribed volume of fresh air through the
not express dissatisfaction. (ASHRAE Standard 62.1– building.
2010)

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minimum efficiency reporting

off-gassing
value (MERV)

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particulates pollutant

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sick building syndrome (SBS) thermal comfort

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volatile organic compounds

ventilation rate
(VOCs)

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A rating that indicates the efficiency of air filters in the

The emission of volatile organic compounds from
mechanical system. MERV ratings range from 1 (very
synthetic and natural products.
low efficiency) to 16 (very high).

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Any substance introduced into the environment that

adversely affects the usefulness of a resource or the
health of humans, animals, or ecosystems. (EPA) Air Solid particles or liquid droplets in the atmosphere. The
pollutants include emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), chemical composition of particulates varies, depending
sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury on location and time of year.
(Hg), small particulates (PM2.5), and large particulates
(PM10).

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The temperature, humidity, and airflow ranges within A combination of symptoms, experienced by occupants
which the majority of people are most comfortable, of a building, that appear to be linked to time spent in
as determined by ASHRAE Standard 55–2004. Because the building but cannot be traced to a specific cause.
people dress differently depending on the season, Complaints may be localized in a particular room or
thermal comfort levels vary with the season. zone or be spread throughout the building. (EPA)

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The amount of carbon compounds that participate in

atmospheric photochemical reactions and vaporize The amount of air circulated through a space,
(become a gas) at normal room temperatures, measured in air changes per hour (the quantity of
measured in grams per liter. VOCs off-gas from many infiltration air in cubic feet per minute divided by the
materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, volume of the room).
carpets, and particle board.

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rainwater harvesting site disturbance

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bicycle network wetland vegetation

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cradle-to-gate assessment solar reflectance index (SRI)

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environmental product
health product declaration
declaration

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The capture, diversion, and storage of rain for future

The amount of a site that is disturbed by construction
beneficial use. Typically, a rain barrel or cistern stores the
activity. On undeveloped sites, limiting the amount and
water; other components include the catchment surface
boundary of site disturbance can protect surrounding
and conveyance system. The harvested rainwater can be
habitat.
used for irrigation.

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A ontinuous network consisting of any combination of the

Plants that require saturated soils to survive or can following 1) off street bicycle paths or trails at least 8 feet
tolerate prolonged wet soil conditions. Wetlands generally (2.5 meters) wide for a two-way path and at least 5 feet (1.5
include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas, but meters) wide for a one-way path 2) physically designated
exclude irrigation ditches unless delineated as part of an on-street bicycle lanes at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide 3)
adjacent wetland. streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or
less

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A metric from 0 to 100 that measures how well a material

An analysis of a product’s partial life cycle, from resource
reflects solar heat, with high numbers signifying better
extraction (cradle) to the factory gate (before it is
reflectance. To calculate the SRI for a given material, obtain
transported for distribution and sale). It omits the use and
its solar reflectance and thermal emittance via the Cool
the disposal phases of the product.
Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1).

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A standard for product hazard reporting that includes A comprehensive document created by a manufacturer
the ecotoxicity and human toxicity categories. Unlike to show the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for a
EPDs, HPSs report on health-related concerns associated particular product in accordance with ISO standards. EPDs
with product content. HPDs state that an item meets the state that an item meets the environmental requirements
environmental requirements of ISO 14021–1999, ISO of ISO 14021–1999, ISO 14025–2006 and EN 15804, or ISO
14025–2006 and EN 15804, or ISO 21930–2007. 21930–2007.

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