LEED Pilot Credits Program

USGBC's LEED credit piloting program provides a framework for testing and refining proposed new prerequisites and credits prior to their formal introduction into the core LEED rating systems. Building teams interested in making use of pilot credits can apply to participate in the program. Current pilot credits include:

Life Cycle Assessment of Building Assemblies and Materials

This credit seeks to encourage the use of environmentally preferable materials based on life-cycle analysis scoring. An approved Environmental Impact Calculator is used to assess materials in various assembly types, such as columns and beams, floors, exterior walls, windows, etc. Results of this assessment are transferred to a second calculator, the USGBC Credit Calculator, to determine a life-cycle impact score and number of LEED points to be awarded. Up to 5 points, plus 2 additional innovation points can be achieved.

A this time, the approved environmental impact calculator is the Athena Institute's Eco-Calculator for Assemblies.

PBT Source Reduction: Dioxins and Halogenated Organic Compounds

This credit is intended to discourage the use of materials classified as persistent bioaccumulative toxic chemicals (PBTs). PBTs are considered to have significant adverse health effects on humans because they are toxic, long-lasting, and given to accumulating in the biological food chain. The PBTs specifically targeted by this credit are halogenated organic compounds. Examples include plastics containing chlorine or fluorine (polyvinyl chloride, PVC, being perhaps the most commonplace example) and brominated or halogenated flame retardants.

This pilot credit appears to signify the USGBC's change in position regarding the environmental suitability of PVCs for use in building construction. See this blog's previous discussion of this issue in Complexities of Sustainability, November 2007.

Medical and Process Equipmenet Efficiency

This credit encourages the purchase of energy efficient medical and other types of equipment.

Innovative Ventilation

This credit encourages the use of mechanical or natural ventilation systems that improve occupant comfort and well-being while reducing energy consumption in comparison to conventional systems. Example potential technologies include displacement ventilation systems, low-velocity ventilation systems, under-floor air delivery systems, and natural ventilation designs.

Preliminary Integrative Project Planning & Design

This credit is intended to encourage innovative strategies for achieving integrative, cost-effective green design and construction methods. Two credits are included, the first applied to the programming and pre-design phases of a project, and the second for the following design and construction phases. These credits require early identification of LEED rating goals, institution of cross-disciplinary design practices, performance based incentives, and other sustainable building design best practices.

More Info

• LEED Pilot Credit Library
• EPA Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) Chemical Program