We’ve all been patiently awaiting the promised improvements to LEED — here’s the GreenShape take on what you need to know to get started.
LEED Version 3 is a package that consists of:
Also covered in our write-up are:
Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions about pursuing LEED certification under this new version.
LEED 2009 Rating System
LEED 2009 is the new version of these LEED rating systems:
- New Construction
- Core & Shell
- Schools
- Existing Building: Operations and Maintenance
- Commercial Interiors
- LEED Retail – launching April 27th, 2009.
- LEED for Homes and LEED for Neighborhood development do not have LEED 2009 versions.
The credit requirements in LEED 2009 for the most part have not been changed, but the point values have. All rating systems are on a 100 point scale (plus 10 bonus points for regionalization and innovation) Significantly more emphasis and point weighting has been placed on the Energy Efficiency category.
See below for a timeline and summary of how the new rating system might affect your green building project. To learn more, a recent in-depth webinar detailing LEED 2009 has been recorded and is available online to USGBC members.
New Version of LEED Online
Only projects registered under Version 3 will be able to use the new version of LEED Online which is touted to be faster (let’s hope!) than the current version. The new version of LEED Online will include:
- A sort feature that will allow team members on multiple projects to easily compare projects
- A mid-review clarification page is a new exciting feature that allows the LEED reviewer to contact the project team for minor clarifications.
- Also, there will be built in checks into the new LEED Online version to ensure basic project data is entered consistently throughout the documentation of the project’s pursued credits.
Register for an in depth webinar on the new version of LEED Online offered by the USGBC on May 5th, 2009.
GBCI Certification Model
Project certification will be administered by the USGBC’s sister organization, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) to expand capacity and speed up the certification process.
LEED 2009 Rating System Timeline
If you have not yet registered your project with the USGBC…
You have until June 26th, 2009 to register your project under the current rating system. If you register by June 26th you will have the choice to later switch to 2009, but you must do so by December 31st 2009 to avoid paying an additional registration fee. Only projects originally registered under LEED 2009 can use the updated version of LEED Online.
If you have a registered project with the USGBC…
If you are happy with your current rating system, you’re all set! If you choose to transition to LEED 2009, you can do so on the LEED V3 launch date, April 27th, 2009 and you have until December 31st, 2009 to transition to V3 without paying an additional registration fee. Only projects originally registered under LEED 2009 can use the updated version of LEED Online.
LEED Credentials
Current LEED APs will have two years to complete 30 hours of continuing education in order to maintain their LEED AP designation. A recent in-depth webinar detailing LEED 2009 has been recorded and is available online to USGBC members.
For more details go to http://www.usgbc.org/leed2009.