LEED Submittals

LEED Online Submittals

So how does a project get points towards certification? Each of the credits listed on the LEED Scorecard requires a submittal to the USGBC to score a point towards certification. If you’re familiar with the construction process, this is just like a submittal you would provide to an owner for a product in the specifications. See below for SAMPLE submittal template for SSc1 for LEED v2.2:

Submittals for LEED projects vary depending on the credit you’re trying to achieve. However, every submittal starts with a template found on the USGBC’s website (see photo to left). From there, you provide supporting documentation that proves you achieved the point. If you are taking the LEED Exam, you should have this information memorized: template + documentation = submittal. During the design phase, a project can submit credits to the USGBC via the online process and get a ‘”credit anticipated'” type of response. This early submittal process is really meant to get the ball rolling, make sure the appropriate items are incorporated into the design and construction documents, and let the team know ahead of time if a credit is ‘”not anticipated”‘ for any reason.

Take note:

There are certain credits that can be achieved solely through the design phase, and credits that can be achieved during construction. A great suggestion is to scoop up as many design credits as possible in the beginning of the project through the design review. This is why it’s so important to start the LEED process in the design phase. The design phase is where the owner, architect and contractor agree on what Certification level is possible, based on strict analysis of the design. This early commitment guarantees that all parties are on the same page, and that the expectations of each are clearly represented. Note: For the LEED Exam, it is important to understand which credits can be achieved in the design phase, and which are part of the construction phase. This isn’t tricky, it just takes some thought, and make sure you know if the credit on the multiple choice really is a credit, and that the correct abbreviation has been referenced.

Final Ruling of Submittals:

All credits are submitted again at the end of the project, at which time the USGBC determines how many credit requirements were met and, consequently, what Certification Level the building achieved. Note: it’s a good idea to submit a few extra credits, in case the USGBC makes a decision not to accept an anticipated submittal for credit. This way, a project that’s anticipating a Gold Certification isn’t caught off-guard and awarded a Silver Certification. Just imagine what that would do for a company’s PR. Or worse yet, a project looking to be Certified doesn’t make the cut, and receives no award of certification. Always give your project a little extra padding. Think of it as contingency. The only thing worse than going through the entire project and not being awarded a Certified Project is having to explain that to an angry owner. Of course, there’s always LEED for Existing Buildings!