LEED for Homes Pilot
For mid-rise multi-family buildings
Program Guidelines
This document describes the LEED for Homes Pilot Program as it applies to mid-rise multi-family buildings. The relevance of LEED for Homes for mid-rise buildings is still the subject of investigation, and the purpose of this pilot is to better understand the suitability of LEED for Homes for mid-rise projects.
Any and all mid-rise multi-family projects are welcome to participate as long as the eligibility requirements below are met. Project managers should be aware that this pilot is part of an evaluation effort for mid-rise buildings, and they are asked to be flexible, maintain regular communication with their Provider, and document any and all challenges, complications, etc. associated with the LEED for Homes program requirements.
The pilot for mid-rise multi-family projects will continue beyond the general LEED for Homes pilot, until approximately October 2008.
Changes from the LEED for Homes Pilot Rating System
The guidance and requirements in this document build upon the LEED for Homes Program Pilot Rating System, available on the USGBC website. The schematic on page 2 outlines the EA points available for mid-rise buildings, and the schematic on page 7 outlines the IEQ points available for mid-rise buildings. The dark green shaded boxes (e.g. EA credits 10 and 11) refer to credits that are already described in the national LEED for Homes Rating System and are not changed for mid-rise buildings. The light green shaded boxes (e.g. EA credit 1) refer to credits that have been customized for mid-rise projects. These credits are presented in more detail in the following pages.
Eligibility and applicability
Any projects interested in being part of the LEED for Homes pilot for mid-rise buildings must contract with a LEED for Homes Provider and submit an informal request for participation to the LEED for Homes Program Director prior to construction.
Buildings in the LEED for Homes mid-rise multi-family pilot must meet the following criteria:
· Must participate through a LEED for Homes Provider
· Must be residential buildings between 4 and 6 stories
Buildings that pursue LEED for Homes certification through this pilot can also pursue LEED for New Commercial certification. Buildings pursuing LEED for Homes certification are encouraged to also pursue ENERGY STAR labeling in regions that have active pilot programs such as California, New York, and Wisconsin.
Sampling
Mid-rise buildings may use the LEED for Homes Multi-family Sampling Protocol when it becomes available.
US Green Building Council Page 1 of 12 June 14, 2007
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE
in Mid-rise Buildings
Energy and Atmosphere
Optional Pathways Through EA Credits
in Mid-rise Multi-family Buildings
* Please see revised EA credits for Mid-rise Pilot
EA 1. ENERGY STAR Labeled Maximum Points: 26
Mid-rise Buildings
Intent
Achieve increased levels of energy performance to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.
Requirements
Prerequisites (Mandatory Measures)
1.1 Good Energy Performance. Design the building project to comply with the following:
· the mandatory provisions (Section 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4, and 10.4) of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004; and
· demonstrate a 10% improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to a baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 (without amendments).
1.2 Reduced Envelope Leakage. As part of the verification of the mandatory provisions in Section 5.4 of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2004 do all of the following:
· Include a list of elements to be sealed in construction documents. This list should include all elements identified in ASHRAE 90.1, Section 5.4.3.1, or applicable state codes, in addition to any site-specific elements identified during plan review. Bid documents must include locations to be sealed as well as acceptable methods and materials.
· Include Air Barrier sheet in the bid documents that shows the air barrier continuity through the various conditions of the exterior enclosusure, and can serve as an index to relevant details.
· Include a “compartmentalization” sheet in the bid documents that shows the continuity of fire and smoke barriers around each apartment and between various areas (corridors, stairs, common areas), and can serve as an index to relevant details.
Credits (Optional Measures)
1.3 Exceptional Energy Performance. (Max. 26 Points.) Demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to a baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 (without amendments) by a whole building project simulation using the Building Performance Rating Method in Appendix G of the Standard. The minimum energy cost savings percentage for each point threshold can be calculated using the equation below, the table in Exhibit EA1-B, or the chart in Exhibit EA1-A.
Exhibit EA1-A
LEED for Homes Points vs. Energy Cost Savings (per ASHRAE Std. 90.1-2004)
Exhibit EA1-B
LEED for Homes Points
Based on ASHRAE 90.1 Performance Rating Method
Verification / Submittals
The Provider’s third-party rater shall:
o Complete all of the following verification requirements:
§ Perform an energy rating on the building;
§ Thermal bypass (insulation) inspection;
§ Inspection of envelope air leakage measures; and
§ Duct leakage testing with a duct pressurization fan.
o Place a copy of the energy rating report in the project documentation file for this house, and
o Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Mid-rise buildings must skip credits EA 2 through 9.
Additional Information
Rationale
TBD
Potential Technologies and Strategies
Design the building envelope, HVAC, lighting, and other systems to maximize energy performance. The ASHRAE 90.1-2004 User’s Manual contains worksheets that can be used to document compliance with the prerequisite.
For projects pursuing points under EA Credit 1, the computer simulation model may be used to confirm satisfaction of this prerequisite. If a local code has demonstrated quantitative and textual equivalence following, at a minimum, the U.S. Department of Energy standard process for commercial energy code determination, then it may be used to satisfy this prerequisite in lieu of ASHRAE 90.1-2004. Details on the DOE process for commercial energy code determination can be found at www.energycodes.gov/implement/determinations_com.stm.
Resources and References
ASHRAE 90.1-2004 can be viewed on-line at http://www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548 under the link “Preview the Following Standards”.
EEBA "Builder Guides," Building Science Corp. / Taunton Press. Energy and Environmental Building Associat
US Green Building Council Page 1 of 12 June 14, 2007
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
in Mid-rise Buildings
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Optional Pathways through IEQ Credits
US Green Building Council Page 1 of 12 June 14, 2007
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
in Mid-rise Buildings
IEQ 8. Contaminant Control Maximum Points: 4
in Mid-Rise Buildings
Intent
Reduce occupant’s exposure to indoor airborne contaminants through source testing and removal.
Requirements
Prerequisites (Mandatory Measures)
None.
Credits (Optional Measures)
8.1 Indoor Contaminant Control During Construction. (1 Point.) Seal off ducts during construction.
8.2 Indoor Contaminant Control. (1 Point each, Max. 2 Points) Select from the measures below:
· Design and install permanent walk-off mats for each unit that are at least 4 feet in length and allow accessibility for cleaning (e.g. grating with catch basin).
OR
Employ permanent entryway systems at least six feet long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates from entering the building at all entryways that are directly connected to the outdoors. Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, or slotted systems that allow for cleaning underneath. Roll-out mats are only acceptable when maintained on a weekly basis by a contracted service organization. Qualifying entryways are those that serve as regular entry points for building users.
· In each unit, design a space near entryway for removing and storing shoes that is separated from living areas. This space may not have wall-to-wall carpeting and it must be large enough to accommodate a bench and at least 2 pairs of shoes per bedroom.
· Install central vacuum system in each unit with exhaust to the outdoors. Ensure exhaust is not near ventilation air intake.
8.3 Pre-Occupancy Flush. (1 Point.) Flush each unit with fresh air continuously for one week with all windows kept open and the HVAC sys tem fan running continuously. Replace air filter afterwards if necessary.
Verification / Submittals
The Provider’s third-party rater shall:
IEQ 8.1: Indoor Contaminant Control During Construction
ü Perform a visual inspection of ducts for cleanliness prior to occupancy, to affirm that the requirements above have been completed, and
ü Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.
IEQ 8.2: Indoor Contaminant Control
ü Perform a visual inspection of installed measure(s), to affirm that the requirements above have been completed, and
ü Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.
IEQ 8.3: Pre-Occupancy Flush
ü Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) has been signed by the builder, or responsible party, declaring that the flush was completed;
ü Place signed Accountability Form in the Project Documentation File; and
ü Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
Products with low VOC emissions greatly benefit indoor air quality. Thus, the LEED points for such products are included in MR Credit 2, Environmentally Preferable Products.
If using IEQ Credit 1, then must skip this credit.
Additional Information
Rationale
Indoor air quality may be adversely affected by contaminants brought into home by occupants (e.g., on shoes). Walk-off mats trap some of the dirt at the entryway that would otherwise be tracked into the home. Central vacuums exhaust collected dust and particulates to the outdoors.
Potential Technologies and Strategies
TBD
Resources and References
TBD
IEQ 10. Garage Pollutant Protection Maximum Points: 3
in mid-rise Buildings
Intent
Reduce occupant’s exposure to indoor pollutants originating from adjacent garage.
Requirements
Prerequisites (Mandatory Measures)
10.1 No HVAC in Garage. Do not place air handling equipment or any ductwork in garage.
Credits (Optional Measures)
10.2 Minimize Pollutants from Garage. (1 Point) Tightly seal shared surfaces between garage and conditioned spaces, including:
Conditioned spaces above garage
· All penetrations sealed
· All connecting floor/ceiling joist bays sealed
· Paint walls/ceilings (CO can penetrate unfinished drywall through diffusion)
Conditioned spaces next to garage
· Weather stripped doors, with CO detector in interior room adjacent to inside of door;
· All penetrations sealed; and
· Seal all cracks at the base of walls.
10.3 Exhaust. (2 Points) Exhaust the garage sufficiently to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces with the doors to the room closed. Provide self-closing doors and deck to deck partitions or a hard lid ceiling. The exhaust rate shall be at least 0.50 cfm/ ft2, with no air recirculation.
OR (in lieu of 10.2 and 10.3)
10.4 Detached Garage or No Garage. (3 Points)
Verification / Submittals
The Provider’s third-party rater shall:
ü Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure, to affirm that the requirements above have been completed, and
ü Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.
Synergies and Trade-Offs
If using IEQ Credit 1, then must skip this credit.
US Green Building Council Page 1 of 12 June 14, 2007
PRE-APPROVED ID CREDIT
in Mid-rise Buildings
Pre-Approved ID Credits
For mid-rise buildings participating
in LEED for Homes
Pre-approved ID: Bicycle Storage Maximum Points: 2
Note: These points should be counted on the checklist within ID credit 3.
Intent
Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use.
Requirements
Prerequisites (Mandatory Measures)
N/A
Credits (Optional Measures)
Bicycle Storage. (2 Points) Provide secure, covered storage facilities for 15% or more of the building occupants. Guidelines for estimating occupancy are provided in Exhibit A below.
Exhibit A.
Guidelines for Estimating Occupancy
Unit type / Estimated occupancyStudio / 1
1-bedroom / 1.5
2-bedroom / 2.5
3-bedroom / 3.5
4-bedroom / 4.5
5-bedroom / 5.5
US Green Building Council Page 1 of 12 June 14, 2007