Sustainable design strategies and measures are constantly evolving and improving. New technologies are continually introduced to the marketplace and up-to-date scientific research influences building design strategies. The purpose of this LEED category is to recognize projects for innovative building features and sustainable building knowledge.
Occasionally, a strategy results in building performance that greatly exceeds those required in an existing LEED credit.
Other strategies may not be addressed by any LEED prerequisite or credit but warrant consideration for their sustainability benefits. In addition, LEED is most effectively implemented as part of an integrated design process, and this category addresses the use of a LEED Accredited Professional in the facilitation of that process.
There are two types of innovation strategies that qualify under this credit and that Medtel – WN follows. The first type includes those strategies that
greatly exceed the requirements of existing LEED credits. For instance, a project that incorporates recycled materials or water efficiency measures that greatly exceed the requirements of their respective LEED credits would be appropriate for this credit.
As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. For instance, an ID credit for exemplary performance in water use reduction (WE Credit 1) would require a minimum of 40% savings (20% = WE Credit 1.1; 30% = WE Credit 3.2, etc.).
The second type of innovation strategies are those that are not addressed by any existing LEED credits. Only those strategies that demonstrate a comprehensive approach and have significant, measurable environmental benefits are applicable.
There are three basic criteria for achieving an innovation credit for a category not specifically addressed by LEED where Medtel – WN implements in all their Projects:
1- The project must demonstrate quantitative performance improvements for environmental benefit (establishing a baseline of standard performance for comparison to the final design).
2- The process or specification must be comprehensive. For example, a team that is considering applying for an innovation credit for a green housekeeping program would need to demonstrate that the program applies to the entire project being certified under LEED. Measures that address a limited portion of a project, or are not comprehensive in other ways, may not be eligible in this category.
3- The formula that your project develops for the innovation credit must be applicable to other projects. Innovation credits awarded for one project at a specific point in time do not constitute automatic approval for similar strategies in a future project. Innovation credits are not awarded for the use of a particular product or design strategy if the technology aids in the achievement of an existing LEED credit.
Approved ID credits may be pursued by any LEED project, but the project team must sufficiently document the achievement using the LEED credit equivalence process.
LEED Accredited Professionals have the expertise required to design a building to LEED standards and to coordinate the documentation process that is necessary for LEED certification. The Accredited Professional understands the importance of integrated design and the need to consider interactions between the prerequisites and credits and their respective criteria. Architects, engineers, consultants, owners and others who have a strong interest in sustainable building design are all appropriate candidates for accreditation. The Accredited Professional should be the champion for the project’s LEED application and this person should be an integral member of the project design team.
Building materials choices are important in sustainable design because of the extensive network of extraction, processing and transportation steps required to process them. Activities to create building materials may pollute the air and water, destroy natural habitats and deplete natural resources. Construction and demolition wastes constitute about 40% of the total solid waste stream in the United States. Maintaining occupancy rates in existing buildings reduces redundant development and the associated environmental impact of producing and delivering all new materials. Reuse of existing buildings, versus building new structures, is one of the most effective strategies for minimizing environmental impacts.
When rehabilitation of existing buildings components is included in the strategy, waste volumes can be reduced or diverted from landfills. Reuse results in less habitat disturbance and typically less infrastructure. An effective way to use salvaged interior components is to specify them in the construction documents. The actions of an increasing number of public and private waste management operations have reduced construction debris volumes by recycling these materials. Recovery activities typically begin with job-site separation into multiple bins or disposal areas. In some areas, regional recycling facilities are being constructed to accept comingled waste and separate the recyclable materials from those that must go to the landfill. These facilities are achieving waste diversion rates of 80% or greater in many areas.
When materials are selected for a project, it is important to evaluate new and different sources. Salvaged materials can
be substituted for new materials, save costs and add character. Recycled-content materials reuse waste products that
would otherwise be deposited in landfills. Use of local materials supports the local economy and reduces transportation. Use of rapidly renewable materials minimizes natural resource consumption and has the potential to better match the harvest cycle of the resource with the life of the material in buildings. Use of third-party certified wood improves the stewardship of forests and the related ecosystems.