LEED-AP-O+M Questions and Answers

The owner is the only person who is required to be listed on the LEED project registration page. The owner is the entity that has the authority to implement the LEED project and sign the certification agreement. The owner’s representative, who can be a LEED AP or another person authorized by the owner, can register the project on behalf of the owner, but must also upload a confirmation of agent authority form. The primary architect, the commissioning agent, and other project team members are not required to be listed on the registration page, but can be added later as team members in LEED Online.

References:

• Registering a project in LEED Online
• LEED AP O+M Candidate Handbook, page 7

Low impact development (LID) rainwater management programs are designed to manage stormwater close to its source by mimicking a site’s pre-development hydrology through the use of design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. Treatment and potential reuse of rainfall on-site is a key result of such programs, aiming to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials discuss the integration of green infrastructure and low-impact development strategies with the Rainwater Management Credit, which includes on-site treatment and reuse of rainwater1234.

An ASHRAE Level 1 walkthrough analysis is a preliminary evaluation of a building's energy systems to identify obvious energy efficiency opportunities and potential areas for improvement. This type of analysis aligns with the Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices by establishing a baseline understanding of the building's energy use and identifying simple, low-cost measures to improve energy efficiency. It does not directly relate to building-level energy metering, refrigerant management, or the minimum energy performance standards, which are more technical and specific in nature.

The correct answer is A because GreenPro, Ecowise, and Greenshield are service certifications that indicate the pest management services follow the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as stated in the web search results123.IPM is a comprehensive approach to pest management that minimizes the use of pesticides and maximizes the use of prevention, monitoring, and non-chemical methods4. The other options are incorrect because they either do not relate to pest management or do not follow the IPM principles.

References: =

• GreenPro Certified Service - National Pest Management Association, What is GreenPro? section
• EcoWise Certified - Pest Control Services, What is EcoWise Certified? section
• Green Shield Certified - About Us, What is Green Shield Certified? section
• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 239 =========================================

For the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, fixtures with a minimum of 1,500 lumens must be partially or fully shielded. This requirement helps to minimize light trespass and sky glow, contributing to the reduction of light pollution.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies the need for shielding on outdoor light fixtures to control light pollution.The threshold for lumens is set to ensure that lighting is designed to conserve the night sky1.

For the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, outdoor light fixtures that directly emit light into the night sky and have a minimum lamp lumens exceeding 1,500 must be partially or fully shielded. This requirement is aimed at reducing light pollution by ensuring that outdoor lighting fixtures are designed and installed in a manner that minimizes sky glow and light trespass, thereby preserving the natural night environment.

 The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 rewards customers who change their normal consumption patterns in response to the varying price of energy over time under the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages building owners and operators to participate in demand response programs which aim to shift the timing of energy use to off-peak periods when demand on the grid is lower. This helps to reduce the strain on the grid during peak demand periods, potentially avoiding the need for additional power plants.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty, LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces, LEED AP O+M Exam, Building Operations & Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

In densely populated rooms, CO2 monitors must be located a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the floor. This is to ensure that the monitors are able to accurately measurethe CO2 levels in the breathing zone of the occupants, which can help in maintaining good indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces.

In rooms that are densely populated, CO2 monitors must be located a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the floor. This placement ensures that the monitors can accurately measure the concentration of CO2 in the breathing zone of the occupants, providing reliable data that can be used to assess and control indoor air quality. Proper placement of CO2 monitors is critical for effective ventilation and for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially in areas with high occupancy where CO2 levels can rise quickly and impact comfort and well-being.

The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Green Cleaning Policy, requires a plan for hazardous spill cleanup. This prerequisite focuses on reducing the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants, which adversely affect air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment. A well-defined spill cleanup plan is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy indoor environment.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

The correct answer is B because the transportation surveys must be distributed across all tenants proportionately, according to their populations, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1. This ensures that the survey results are representative of the actual transportation patterns of the building occupants and avoids sampling bias. The other options are incorrect because they either do not account for the population size of each tenant or are not relevant for the survey distribution.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 123
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 83
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 89 =========================================

The ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager is a tool that helps measure and track the energy and water use, waste and materials, and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings. One of its features is that it requires the calculation and input of site energy usage. This is essential for assessing the whole building energy performance and tracking changes in energy over time12.

References:

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
• An Overview of Portfolio Manager - ENERGY STAR

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Existing Building Commissioning - Implementation requires a master list of findings. This list is essential to document the current performance of building systems and to identify opportunities for improvement.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide includes the need for a master list of findings as part of the commissioning process to ensure that all systems are performing to the expected standards and to help prioritize actions for energy efficiency1.

For compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Existing Building Commissioning-Implementation, one of the key requirements is to develop a master list of findings from the retro-commissioning process. This list should include all identified issues that need to be addressed and rectified. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the building's systems and equipment's performance, aiding in the identification and prioritization of corrective actions.

The entryway system must be at least 10 ft. (3 m) long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates entering the building. This is one of the strategies to improve indoor air quality and reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous particulate contaminants.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam, page 14, section 4.2.1
• NC-v4.1 EQc1: Enhanced indoor air quality strategies, Strategy 1.Entryway Systems
• LEED CERTIFICATION – EQ CREDIT: ENHANCED INDOOR AIR QUALITY STRATEGIES, Strategy 1.Entryway Systems
• Healthy entrance, Feature 04. Part 1. Entryway Systems

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps, which aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury used in lamps.The credit requires projects to purchase lamps that have a mercury content of 80 picograms per lumen hour or less for at least 90% of the total number of lamps purchased during the performance period1. The other options are incorrect because they either have a higher mercury content threshold or a higher percentage of lamps to meet the threshold.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 40;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 40.

The view factor is the percentage of the floor area that has a direct line of sight to the perimeter vision glazing. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, the view factor for the diagram below is 2, which means that 75% or more of the floor area has a direct line of sight to the perimeter vision glazing.

References: = LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, v4 Edition, Indoor Environmental Quality, Daylight and Quality Views, page 5811

 The LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors rating system is the most appropriate for this project. This rating system is designed for tenants leasing a portion of a larger building who want to design and construct their space to high performance standards1. The tenant’s project involves fitting out a new space in an existing building, with the majority (80%) of the space being used as office space. Although there are components of retail and data center use, these do not constitute the majority of the space use. Therefore, the Commercial Interiors rating system, which is intended for office spaces and other commercial spaces, would be the most applicable.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED rating system selection guidance
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

According to the LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, individual end uses that represent at least 10% of the total annual consumption of the building minus plug load use are required to be metered1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council
• Maintaining certification – U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance
• LEED AP O+M Exam Prep Courses - ZackAcademy.com

When calculating the Water Efficiency Credit for Outdoor Water Use Reduction, the irrigation of athletic fields may be included or excluded based on the project's specific circumstances and goals. This flexibility allows projects to tailor their water efficiency strategies to their unique site conditions, uses, and priorities, ensuring that the approach to outdoor water use reduction is both practical and effective.References:The Water Efficiency section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide provides guidance on calculating outdoor water use, offering options for including or excluding certain areas like athletic fields to meet the project's needs.

In a scenario where the existing HVAC system was not designed to accommodate the required filters for Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, Filtration, but is otherwise efficient and operating well, replacing the existing HVAC system with an air handler that can accommodate the filters is a strategy to achieve credit. This option allows for the integration of higher efficiency filters without compromising the performance of the HVAC system.

The site plan includes measures for managing rainwater and reducing heat islands. Rain gardens and permeable surfaces are indicated, contributing to the Sustainable Sites Credit for Rainwater Management. The inclusion of parking under the solar canopy contributes to the Heat Island Reduction credit by providing shade and reducing surface temperatures.

References: LEED AP O+M Exam

The site plan provided indicates two distinct sustainability measures: rainwater management and vegetated roof implementation. Rainwater management pertains to strategies that manage and mitigate the impacts of rainfall runoff. It contributes to the Sustainable Sites Credit for Rainwater Management by reducing runoff volume and improving water quality, which is in line with LEED requirements for managing precipitation on-site. Additionally, the presence of a vegetated roof, as shown in the plan, is a strategy for mitigating heat islands. This contributes to the Sustainable Sites Credit for Heat Island Reduction, which aims to minimize the impact on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat-absorbing surfaces.

References:

• The LEED BD+C Reference Guide, specifically the Sustainable Sites (SS) category, outlines the importance of rainwater management and heat island reduction strategies. These are fundamental aspects covered in the LEED AP O+M training materials, which emphasize site sustainability as a critical component of the overall sustainability of a building project.

The correct answer is D because the meter(s) must record data at a minimum of 15 minute intervals to comply with Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.This requirement ensures that the meter data is granular enough to capture the variations in energy consumption and demand, and to enable the identification of energy saving opportunities1. The other options are incorrect because they are either not required or relevant for this credit.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 149
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 91
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 87 =========================================

Toner cartridges are considered an ongoing purchase, as they are consumable items that are regularly replaced as part of the normal operation and maintenance of the building. The other options are not ongoing purchases, as they are durable goods that are not frequently replaced or disposed of.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, page 48
• Solid waste management - ongoing, U.S. Green Building Council
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 157

Compressed workweeks can help reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use. This strategy involves working longer hours on fewer days, which reduces the number of commuting trips and thus the associated pollution and land development impacts. It’s one of the alternative transportation strategies recognized by the USGBC in the LEED AP O+M rating system1.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org2.

According to the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, the maximum time allowed to comply with a failed inspection is 60 days. This timeframe is given to the projectteam to address and rectify any issues found during an inspection related to rainwater management strategies implemented in the project. This requirement ensures timely resolution of problems to maintain the effectiveness of rainwater management practices.

Innovation credits for exemplary performance in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 are awarded for achieving the next incremental threshold12. This means that projects must exceed the highest level of performance achievable in an existing LEED credit2. The goal is to encourage and recognize efforts that go beyond the existing requirements and thresholds set by the LEED rating system12.

References:

• LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council
• NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser
• Guide to Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED-NC v4

The Simple Payback Period is the time it takes for an investment to pay for itself through savings. To calculate the Simple Payback Period, divide the initial investment by the annual savings. In this case, $1,500.00 USD divided by $500.00 equals 3. To find the exact payback period, consider the rate of return. With a 33% rate of return, the actual savings per year would be $500.00 plus 33% of $500.00, which equals $665.00. Dividing the initial investment of $1,500.00 by $665.00 gives a payback period of approximately 2.26 years, which is closest to two years.

References:

• The concept of Simple Payback Period is a fundamental financial calculation discussed in the LEED AP O+M documentation. It is part of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy and water efficiency improvements, particularly under the Energyand Atmosphere and Water Efficiency categories. This metric is commonly used in sustainability projects to assess the viability of efficiency upgrades.

Demand response is a voluntary program that encourages building owners to reduce their electricity use during peak periods or shift it to off-peak times. The upgraded BAS can enable the building owner to participate in demand response programs by allowing programmable load control, which can adjust the operation of HVAC, lighting, and other systems based on the demand response signals. This can help reduce the stress on the grid, lower the electricity costs, and earn LEED points.

References:

• Part 2 of current page talks about the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response1.
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Examby Michelle Cottrell, pages 97-98.

The use of products with low emissions is a strategy that reduces the impact of materials used in building operation and maintenance on indoor air quality. These products, which include paints, adhesives, furniture, and flooring, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances into the indoor environment, thereby improving indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council, Improving Indoor Air Quality | US EPA, Sustainable O&M Practices | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

To meet the requirements of the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, a project can protect an offsite area of land that is equal in size to the building site area. This strategy is aimed at compensating for the potential habitat loss and ecological impact caused by the development of the building site. By protecting an equivalent offsite area, the project contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and supports ecological health beyond its immediate location.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 63
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, USGBC
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, LEEDuser

Legionella outbreak is a significant public health risk that must be balanced with water efficiency and chemical usage in every water treatment program. Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems, particularly in warm, stagnant water. If not properly managed, it can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Therefore, while striving for water efficiency and minimizing chemical usage, it’s crucial to ensure that the conditions do not favor the growth of Legionella.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org1.

The Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Facility Maintenance and Renovations Policy under LEED AP O+M V4.1 covers the materials or products that are used in the maintenance and renovation of a facility. This includes replacement carpet tiles, which are often part of facility renovations. Other items like refrigerators and automated scrubbing machines are not typically covered under this policy as they are considered equipment rather than materials used in maintenance and renovations. Janitorial paper purchases could be covered under the policy if they are part of the facility’s maintenance operations.

References: Facility maintenance and renovation policy - U.S. Green Building Council, v4.1 MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, LEED v4.1 O+M MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, Materials strategies in LEED v4 - Built Environment Plus

A rainwater collection system can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the use of potable water for irrigation by collecting and storing rainwater for this purpose.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M rating system encourages the use of alternative water sources, like collected rainwater, to reduce potable water consumption for irrigation, aligning with the goal of water efficiency in sustainable site management1234.

A rainwater collection system can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the amount of potable water used for irrigation. By collecting and storing rainwater, it provides a sustainable source of water for landscape irrigation, thereby reducing the dependency on potable water sources for this purpose.

This credit has exemplary performance because it allows projects to earn an additional point by reducing outdoor water use by 75% or more from the calculated baseline1.The credit requires projects to reduce outdoor water use by at least 50% from the calculated baseline, which is determined by the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool2. The credit encourages projects to use native or adapted plants, efficient irrigation systems, alternative water sources, or no irrigation at all.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 23;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 23;WaterSense Water Budget Tool | WaterSense | US EPA

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Integrated Pest Management within LEED criteria focuses on minimizing the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical pesticides. This credit emphasizes the use of non-chemical pest management methods as the primary strategy and advocates for the least toxic chemical interventions as a last resort.

When an emergency situation necessitates the application of a pesticide that is not classified as the least toxic option, LEED guidelines require the project team to inform the building occupants in advance to ensure their safety and well-being. The stipulated advance notice period in such scenarios is 24 hours.

This 24-hour notice period serves multiple purposes:

• Occupant Preparation:It allows occupants to make necessary arrangements to minimize their exposure to the chemicals used, especially for those who might be particularly sensitive or vulnerable.
• Transparency:Providing advance notice upholds the principle of transparency in building management practices, reinforcing trust between the building management and the occupants.
• Safety Measures:It gives the facility management time to implement any additional safety measures or signage to prevent unintended exposure during and immediately after the pesticide application.
• Compliance and Documentation:Meeting this requirement is also crucial for LEED documentation and compliance, showcasing the project team's commitment to maintaining high indoor environmental quality standards.

References:The requirement for a 24-hour notice aligns with the LEED O+M: Existing Buildings v4 and v4.1 reference guide's emphasis on sustainable and occupant-friendly pest management practices. These practices are part of a broader approach to enhance the indoor environmental quality, ensuring that all building stakeholders are informed and protected from potential chemical exposure risks. This approach is detailed in the LEED O+M guide under the Indoor Environmental Quality category, where Integrated Pest Management strategies are discussed, emphasizing least toxic methods and occupant safety.

LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, p.1132: LEED v4 - U.S.Green Building Council(https://www.usgbc.org/guide/om) 3: What is Blowdown Loss in Cooling Towers?(https://deltacooling.com/resources/faqs/what-is-blowdown-loss-in-cooling-towers).

Cooling tower blowdown is a process used to manage water quality in cooling systems. It involves discharging a portion of the water from the system to control the concentration of dissolved solids and minerals, which accumulate due to the continuous evaporation of water. These dissolved solids can increase the water's conductivity, leading to scale formation, corrosion, and biofouling, all of which can significantly decrease the efficiency and lifespan of the cooling system. By performing blowdown, the system maintains the water quality within acceptable limits, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency of the cooling tower.

References:

• The need for cooling tower blowdown due to the accumulation of dissolved solids is discussed within the context of water management practices in cooling systems in the LEED AP O+M documentation. This process is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and is covered under the Water Efficiency category, emphasizing the importance of water management in achieving sustainable building operations.

The building engineer is ideally positioned to serve as the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager for implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program. Their expertise in building systems and operations ensures that indoor environmental quality strategies are effectively integrated into the building's daily maintenance and operation procedures, enhancing the well-being of occupants.

References:The role and responsibilities of the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager in implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program are detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials. These resources underline the importance of having a dedicated professional, like a building engineer, oversee indoor environmental quality initiatives.

Offering free coffee and snacks is an acceptable method to encourage participation in a transportation survey. This approach can increase the response rate by providing a small incentive for respondents to complete the survey.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials suggest that providing incentives can be an effective way to increase survey participation rates.While the materials do not specify the exact nature of incentives, offering refreshments like coffee and snacks is a common practice1.

To achieve exemplary performance in the Materials and Resources Credit, Solid Waste Management - Ongoing, a diversion percentage of 90% for ongoing consumables is required. This high level of diversion demonstrates an advanced commitment to reducing waste and promoting recycling and composting. By diverting 90% of ongoing consumables from the landfill, projects significantly contribute to sustainability goals by minimizing their environmental footprint related to waste.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide specifies the criteria for exemplary performance in waste management, including the 90% diversion target. This ambitious goal underscores the importance of comprehensive waste reduction strategies in LEED-certified projects.

To increase the vegetated area of an existing urban site from 4% to equal or be greater than 5%, one effective strategy is to install a vegetated roof system. This approach not only increases the site's vegetated footprint but also provides additional benefits such as improved stormwater management, increased insulation, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. A vegetated roof system can be implemented on flat or slightly sloped roofs, making it a versatile option for urban environments where ground space may be limited. By converting unused roof space into green space, the project team can meet the goal of increasing the total vegetated area of the site.References:LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, U.S. Green Building Council.

In determining the number of cooling tower cycles for the Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use, the parameter that dictates the number of cycles is the one with the fewest calculated cycles of concentration without exceeding the maximum allowable level for that specific parameter. This approach ensures that the cooling tower operates efficiently while also protecting the system from scaling, corrosion, and biological growth by not exceeding the concentration limits of any one parameter.

References:The methodology for calculating cooling tower cycles of concentration is detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, specifically within the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use. This section explains how to calculate the cycles of concentration based on multiple water quality parameters and emphasizes the importance of not exceeding the maximum allowable levels to ensure system efficiency and longevity.

The maximum allowed performance period for LEED O+M re-certification is five years from the date that GBCI initially certified the building. This means that the project team must submit the re-certification application within five years of the initial certification date, or the certification will expire. The performance period is the time frame during which the project team collects and tracks data to demonstrate compliance with the LEED O+M requirements.

References:

• Maintaining certification – U.S. Green Building Council
• Getting started with your recertification - U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Recertification Process Made Easy - Cadmus

For a mobile home, especially one built in a major city, the most appropriate LEED rating system to use would be LEED for Homes. This is because ASHRAE 90.1 and associated LEED rating systems typically exclude low-rise residential buildings, which include single-family houses, multifamily structures of three stories or fewer above grade, and manufactured houses (modular or mobile homes). Since the mobile home in question falls under the category of manufactured houses, it would be more fitting to pursue LEED for Homes certification, which is designed to cater to residential projects.References:Information derived from the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 User's Manual indicates the exclusion of low-rise residential buildings, including manufactured houses, from the standard's scope .

Evaluating the project’s outdoor water budget and irrigation water demand early in the Establishment Period in Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction allows projectteams to determine water use in landscape designs. This is because the outdoor water budget takes into account the water needs of the landscape, including plant types and climate conditions. By understanding this, teams can design landscapes that are water-efficient and meet the requirements for the Water Efficiency Credit.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide1, LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting2

A pilot credit in LEED is a new, innovative point of credit that is being tested for its effectiveness and applicability. When a LEED AP identifies a pilot credit that is relevant to the project, it is documented as an Innovation credit in LEED Online. This allows the project to earn points for innovative strategies that are not specifically addressed in the LEED rating system.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty, Building Operations & Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

When documenting a LEED Pilot Credit, it is required to provide an innovation narrative. This narrative should include the intent of the proposed innovation strategy, the proposed requirements for compliance, the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance, and the design approach or strategies used to meet the requirements. The innovation narrative is a critical element that clearly communicates the innovative aspects of the project, how they comply with LEED requirements, and the specific strategies implemented to achieve the pilot credit.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version