USGBC LEED-AP-ID+C - LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (LEED AP ID+C) V4

The discovery phase of the Integrative Process Credit involves a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of site selection for an existing building. This phase is crucial for identifying opportunities and challenges that can influence the project’s sustainability goals. Among the options provided, transportation options are a key factor that can be affected by early planning. Identifying transportation options helps in understanding the accessibility of the site and its impact on the project’s sustainability, particularly in terms of reducing the carbon footprint associated with commuting1.

References:

LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide1.

Understanding Integrative Design in LEEDv42.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Interiors Life Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 1. Interior Reuse, the calculation includes items that are demolished and not replaced. This is because the credit aims to encourage the reuse of interior nonstructural elements to reduce the need for new materials and minimize waste, thus contributing to a reduction in life cycle impacts1.

References:

LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction2.

LEED credit library for Interiors Life-Cycle Impact Reduction3.

LEEDuser’s guide on CI-v4.1 MRc2: Interiors life-cycle impact reduction1.

In the context of LEED AP Interior Design + Construction, especially under Materials and Resources Credit for Interiors Life Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 1. Interior Reuse, the aim is to encourage the reuse of interior nonstructural elements to reduce the need for new materials and minimize waste. The calculation for this credit involves determining the area of interior nonstructural elements that are reused. Items that are demolished and not replaced are included in this calculation because their non-replacement implies a reduction in the demand for new materials, thereby contributing to resource conservation and waste minimization. This approach aligns with the LEED principles of sustainable materials management and waste reduction. It's important to note that the calculation excludes elements that are not part of the interior nonstructural scope, such as exterior windows, doors, and structural floor assemblies. Hazardous materials remediated as part of the project are also excluded, as their handling is governed by specific environmental and health safety regulations.References:

LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide

LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, specifically the sections related to Materials and Resources Credit, Interiors Life Cycle Impact Reduction

Within the context of the Water Efficiency Credit for Indoor Water Use Reduction in LEED, a private lavatory faucet refers to a sink that serves a non-public, individual space. This typically includes faucets in bathrooms that are designated for use by a single person or a specific occupant and are not accessible to the general public or shared among multiple users. A sink in a private office bathroom fits this definition as it is intended for the exclusive use of the occupant of the private office. In contrast, sinks in shared office restrooms, employee restrooms in retail stores, or even in private hotel room bathrooms are accessible to a broader group of users and do not meet the criterion of being a "private lavatory faucet" for the purpose of this credit.References:

LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide, particularly the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction, which details the fixture types and their classifications.

The most appropriate LEED rating system for a mobile home is LEED for Homes. This rating system is designed for residential projects and is suitable for a mobile home located in a downtown area of a major city. Since the project is a home and not a commercial or public building, the LEED for Homes rating system would provide the best fit for certification.

References: The LEED for Homes rating system is outlined as suitable for residential projects, including homes like the one described, in the resources provided by the U.S. Green Building Council12.

According to the EPA’s hierarchy, source reduction is prioritized because it addresses the environmental impacts of materials across their entire life cycle. This includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, usage, and end-of-life management, including recycling and disposal. By reducing the amount of material used, source reduction minimizes the environmental footprint throughout the entire process.

References: The explanation aligns with the principles outlined in the EPA’s waste management hierarchy, which emphasizes the importance of source reduction as the most preferred approach to managing materials and waste streams12. This is also consistent with the sustainable materials management strategies detailed in the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction3.

A LEED project located within a LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certified boundary is eligible for points under the Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location. If the development is certified at the Silver level, the project automatically earns 10 points. In addition to these points, the project can earn up to 8 more points in the Location and Transportation category for implementing strategies such as reducing parking footprint, promoting alternative transportation, and connecting with amenities1.

References:

LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, which includes details on the Location and Transportation category1.

LEED v4.1 credit library, which outlines the potential points available under various credits within the Location and Transportation category2.

In LEED, the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices, encourages the use of materials sourced in a responsible manner. For the drywall in question, the value contributing to this credit can be calculated based on the percentages of recycled content and its proximity to the project site. The post-consumer recycled content (5% paper + 50% gypsum = 55% of the product) sourced from locations within the regional distance threshold (defined by LEED as within 100 miles or 160 kilometers) contributes to this credit. Therefore, 55% of the total materials cost, which is $10,000 USD, equates to $5,500 USD. This value represents the portion of the drywall cost that contributes to the credit, considering the leadership extraction practices for recycled content within a regional distance.References:

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Reference Guide, specifically the section on Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) represent proof that energy has been generated from renewable sources. These certificates can be used by organizations to offset emissions from purchased electricity, which is considered scope two emissions. RECs are specifically designed for this purpose and are not applicable to non-electric energy use or electricity produced on-site.

References: This information aligns with the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, which provides guidelines for achieving credits related to energy and atmosphere, including the use of RECs12.

Reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional green space can significantly increase the rainwater infiltration capacity. Green spaces allow for more rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, reducing runoff and potentially mitigating flooding. This is a sustainable strategy that can contribute to the site’s water management and support LEED credits related to rainwater management.

References:

LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide1

Information on rainwater management and heat island reduction synergies2.

The standard reference used to find minimum ventilation rates for LEED ID+C projects is ASHRAE 62.1-2010. This standard provides the necessary guidelines for ensuring acceptable indoor air quality and specifies the minimum ventilation rates required to achieve this.

References: The LEED v4 reference guide for Interior Design and Construction references ASHRAE 62.1-2010 as the standard for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance12.