As the first green building rating system in the United States , LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) has grown remarkably since its release in 2000. The new version, LEED-NC Version 2.2, was recently approved by our members, and unveiled at this year's GreenBuild in Atlanta.  To help you understand what is new about LEED-NC v2.2, the following summarizes major technical changes and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the transition.

Q: Will my v2.0/v2.1 project have to comply with these new standards?

A: All registered LEED-NC v2.0/v2.1 projects will still be able to apply for certification using the standard in place at the time of project registration.  After December 31st, 2005, LEED-NC v2,2 will be the only LEED-NC version available for registration. Projects will NOT be able to register for LEED-NC v2.1 after that date.  If you are working on a v2.1 project that you have not registered yet, and you don't want to use v2.2, you must register your project before January 1, 2006.

Q: Can my v2.0/v2.1 project use the methods in v2.2 to achieve credits, without switching entirely to v2.2?

A: No. Unlike the transition from v2.0 to v2.1, in this revision, projects will not be able to mix different versions of credits within one submittal.  If you are currently registered for v2.0 or v2.1, and you determine that v2.2 would work better for your project, you can switch entirely to v2.2 with no additional registration cost.  Since there are new compliance paths and smarter, up-to-date credits, we anticipate that many projects will switch over to v2.2.

Q: Are there new resources for LEED-NC v2.2 projects?

A:  Yes, the new LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide, a new LEED-NC Technical Review Workshop, and online, reduced-cost registration for LEED-NC v2.2 projects is now available.

Q: With LEED v2.2 coming out, is the LEED AP exam changing also?

A: The LEED Accreditation Exam will not transition to the v2.2 version until later in 2006.  If you are planning to take the exam soon, you should continue to study the LEED-NC v2.1 Rating System and Reference Guide.

Q: What has changed from LEED-NCv2.1 to v2.2?

A: There have been changes made to almost every credit. The major changes are listed below:

• SScr5.2 - Site Development: Maximize Open Space - Open space definition has been refined to address both urban and suburban settings.
• SScr6.2- Stormwater Design: Quality Control - Stormwater control systems must be capable of treating 90% of runoff and removing 80% of total suspended solids. System performance information on phosphorous removal is no longer required.
• SScr7.2 - Heat Island Effect: Roof - New performance metric (Solar Reflectance Index)
• SScr8 - Light Pollution Reduction - Requirements for control of interior lighting to prevent spillover and restructuring of the exterior lighting requirement.
• WEcr1.2 - Water Efficient Landscaping - Use of municipally provided non-potable water is acceptable for credit compliance
• The Commissioning Credits (EAprereq1 and EAcr3) – Major clarifications were made to the credit to standardize LEED Commissioning Scope of Work
• The Energy Performance Credits (EAprereq2 and EAcr1) - Updated Referenced Standard (ASHRAE 90,1-2004), new energy modeling protocol, two new prescriptive compliance paths
• EAcr4 - Enhanced Refrigerant Management - Credit is now based on refrigerant management methodology established in TSAC refrigerant report
• MRcr4 - Recycled Content - Updated Referenced Standard (ISO 14201)
• MRcr5.1 - Regional Materials - New requirements on what constitutes "regional"
• EQprereq1 - Minimum IAQ Performance - Updated Referenced Standard (ASHRAE 62.1-2004)
• EQcr2 - Increased Ventilation - Credit basis has been changed from ventilation effectiveness to provision of higher than code minimum ventilation
• EQcr3.2- Construction IAQ Management Plan: Before Occupancy - Clarification on building flush-out procedures provided. New IAQ testing protocol has been established.  Requirement for installation of MERV 13 filters has been moved to EQcr5
• EQcr4.3 - Low-Emitting Materials: Carpet Systems - Updated, Enhanced Referenced Standard (Green Label Pius)
• EQcr4.4 - Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products - Revised definition of composite wood. Laminating adhesives used to fabricate on-site and shop-applied composite wood and agrifiber assemblies shall contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins
• EQcr5 - Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control - Provision of properly sized and maintained walk off mats is now acceptable. Mechanically ventilated buildings must have MERV 13 or higher filtration media.
• EQcr6 - Controllability of Systems - Re-structured credit basis: EQcr6.1 - Lighting, EQcr6.2 - Thermal control based on ASHRAE 55-2004
• EQcr7 - Thermal Comfort - EQcr7.1 and EQcr7.2 have an updated Referenced Standard (ASHRAE 55-2004). EQcr7.2 now requires a survey method for verification
• EQcr8.1 - Daylight & Views: Daylight 75% of Spaces - Credit can be achieved by three compliance paths: calculation of glazing factor; daylight simulation; or direct measurement of daylighting performance in completed building
• Alternative compliance paths have been added for the following credits: SScr2 - Development Density and Community Connectivity, SScr4.3- Alternative Transportation: Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles, SScr4.4- Alternative Transportation: Parking Capacity, SScr6.1 - Stormwater Design: Quality Control, and EAcr6 - Green Power.