Page 343 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

LEED Innovation in Design Pr ocess and Regional Priorities 305

7.1 ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design

USGBC Rating System
LEED-NC 2.2 lists the Intent, Requirements, and Potential Technologies and Strategies
for IDc1 as follows, with modifications as noted for LEED 2009 (LEED 2.2 numbered
these from IDc1.1 through IDc1.4):
Intent
To provide design teams and projects the opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional
performance above the requirements set by the LEED-NC Green Building Rating System
and/or innovative performance in Green Building categories not specifically addressed by
the LEED-NC Green Building Rating System.
Requirements
LEED 2009 IDc1 Path 1 Innovation in Design (1–5 points): In writing, identify the intent of
the proposed innovation credit, the proposed requirement for compliance, the proposed
submittals to demonstrate compliance, and the design approach (strategies) that might be
used to meet the requirements.
LEED 2009 IDc1 Path 2 Exemplary Performance (1–3 points): One point is awarded for each
exemplary performance point earned from other categories.
(Note: The sum of the points earned from Paths 1 and 2 cannot exceed five in LEED 2009.)
Potential Technologies and Strategies
Substantially exceed a LEED-NC performance credit such as energy performance or water
efficiency. Apply strategies or measures that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and
quantifiable environment and/or health benefits.

Calculations and Considerations
As mentioned previously, there are two main avenues for obtaining the five available
innovation points in LEED 2009. Either provide an innovative strategy not specifically
addressed by LEED-NC 2009 or exceed one of the LEED credit criteria from the previous
categories.
In the first case (Path 1), many different options can be pursued. The LEED-NC 2.2
and 2009 Reference Guides give three specific criteria. The environmental performance
associated with the innovation credit must be quantifiable, this performance must be
comprehensive throughout the project, and it must be such that it could be applicable
to other projects. If an innovation credit is awarded to one project, it does not mean
that it will automatically be awarded to other projects; and conversely, if an innovation
credit is not awarded for a specific project, it does not mean that it cannot be awarded
for another project with other circumstances. A good source for information about
some possible innovation credits for a particular project can be found in the other
LEED rating systems and the LEED application guidances which were listed in
Tables 1.1.1 and 1.2.1. The five innovation LEED 2009 credits on a specific project must
be substantially different from one another, and none can be technically similar to
other credits (except as noted for the EP pathway).
In the second case (Path 2), the exceedance is usually double the standard or the
next incremental step. Any previous credit subcategory that may be available for one
of these ID credits is listed with the availability of EP noted in previous chapters.
Table 7.1.1 gives a summary of the subcategories for which exemplary performance
IDc1 points may be given in LEED 2009. Although there are 17 points listed in
Table 7.1.1, only three can be applied to any one project.