On 14 th Nov 2018 USGBC has taken a step forward to push the performance agenda for buildings to the next level by Introducing the LEED Zero certifications . This is very relevant in the scenario that projects demonstrating leadership are today able to achieve these performance levels and technology exist to make the Zero target feasible. Here are 5 key things I found I needed to know for a start :

1. LEED Zero is compliment to existing certifications . Projects must be certified under BD+C or O+M rating systems or registered to pursue Leed O+M certification.

2. There are 4 types of LEED Zero certifications which can be attempted by design team

a) LEED Zero Carbon : for buildings with Net Zero carbon emissions over the last year . Only carbon from Building Energy use and Occupant Transport are presently considered.

b) LEED Zero Energy : for buildings with Net Zero source energy use over last one year

c) LEED Zero Water : for buildings that achieve a potable water use balance of zero for the past year

d) LEED Zero Waste Certification : for buildings with achieve GBCI’s TRUE Zero Watse Certification at Platinum Level .

3) Design Team / Project owners can pursue LEED Zero Carbon and/or a LEED Zero Resource certification concurrently.

4) Projects have to provide 12 months of performance data for the desired certification as proof through the LEED online tool.

5) Projects for Zero Waste Certification have to only submit the TRUE ZERO Waste Platinum certification for GBCI review.

More detailed information and calculation process can be found in the LEED Zero Program Guide

Author : Harsh Thapar, LEED AP BD+C