LEED v5 New Construction Checklist

LEED v5 New Construction Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide

For projects aiming to achieve LEED certification under the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) category, particularly focusing on new construction and major renovations, the LEED v5 checklist is essential. This guide breaks down the prerequisites and credits across eight key categories, offering a roadmap to sustainable design and construction practices.

Getting Started with LEED v5

To begin, ensure your project registers under the most suitable LEED rating system. For new constructions and major renovations, the BD+C rating system is applicable if at least 60% of the gross floor area is involved. Major renovations include extensive interior alterations and significant work on the building's exterior shell, structural components, and MEP systems.

Credit Categories Overview

• Integrative Process, Planning, and Assessments (IP): Focuses on integrating sustainability into the project planning process.
• Location and Transportation (LT): Encourages sustainable site selection and transportation strategies.
• Sustainable Sites (SS): Addresses site development and management practices.
• Water Efficiency (WE): Promotes water conservation through efficient fixtures and landscaping.
• Energy and Atmosphere (EA): Aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Materials and Resources (MR): Emphasizes the use of sustainable materials and waste reduction.
• Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ): Enhances occupant comfort and health through air quality, lighting, and thermal conditions.
• Project Priorities (PR): Allows project teams to prioritize specific environmental impacts.

Practical Guidance from Real Project Experience

From our experience at ISG, we recommend starting early with the LEED process. Engage with the entire project team, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure alignment with LEED requirements from the initial design stages. Early integration can significantly streamline the documentation process and enhance the project's sustainability outcomes.

Specific LEED v5 Requirements and Thresholds

Each credit within the LEED v5 system has specific requirements and thresholds. For instance, under the Energy and Atmosphere category, EAp3: Fundamental Commissioning requires at least one meeting to discuss review comments and commissioning, while EAc4: Enhanced Commissioning mandates at least two milestone meetings (e.g., 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of schedule).

Category	Credit	Requirement
EA	EAp3	At least one meeting to discuss review comments and commissioning
EA	EAc4	At least two milestone meetings
WE	WEc1	Reduce potable water use for irrigation by 50%
MR	MRc2	Divert 50% of non-hazardous construction, demolition, and land clearing debris from disposal

Documentation Requirements

When preparing documentation for LEED submission, gather a variety of materials such as plans, specifications, elevations, sections, construction details, calculations, reports, manufacturer product information, photographs, and descriptive narratives. Ensure all documentation aligns with the project's specific goals, constraints, and characteristics.

How ISG Can Help

At ISG, we offer comprehensive support for LEED certification processes. Our team can assist with strategic planning, documentation preparation, and navigating the complexities of LEED requirements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your project achieve LEED certification.