Learn how having LEED Accredited Professionals in key roles on your project team can contribute to earning points under the Innovation category in LEED certification.
Table of Contents
Question
A project team has three principal participants with LEED AP credentials. One is an energy modeler, one is a civil engineer and the third one is a general contractor. Under which category can their credentials contribute a point?
A. Innovation
B. Commissioning (Cx)
C. Sustainable Sites
D. Energy and Atmosphere
Answer
A. Innovation
Explanation
LEED AP credentials can contribute a point under the Innovation category, which rewards projects for achieving exceptional or innovative performance above the requirements set by the LEED rating system. Having a LEED AP with specialty on the project team is one of the possible strategies to earn this point, as it demonstrates expertise and commitment to the green building process. The specialty credential must match the rating system of the project.
Having project team members with LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credentials can contribute 1 point under the Innovation in Design category, as long as their specialties are relevant to the project. The Innovation category rewards sustainable design strategies and measures not covered under the five main LEED credit categories.
To earn this point, at least three principal project team members must be LEED APs. Principal participants are key members who are involved in many aspects of the project, such as the owner, architect, engineer, landscape architect, or contractor. Their LEED specialties should align with their roles and enable them to influence sustainable design decisions.
In this scenario, the energy modeler, civil engineer, and general contractor with LEED AP credentials would qualify since their specializations relate to important components of a LEED project – energy performance, site sustainability, and overall construction. However, their credentials would not contribute points under other specific credit categories like Sustainable Sites or Energy & Atmosphere. The LEED AP designation itself, regardless of specialty, only earns the Innovation point.
In summary, having at least three LEED APs in principal roles on the project team, with specialties relevant to the project, can earn 1 point under the Innovation in Design category. The question is specifically asking about the category in which the point is awarded, which is Innovation, not the specialized categories that align with each participant’s expertise.
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