We’ve been following the development and roll out of LEED v4 (see our previous blog post, here), and have a few updates.

Regional Priority Credits

USGBC has just updated their Regional Priority Credit (RPC) tool for LEED v4, here. The new RPC are based on specific location (address or latitude and longitude) to allow for a more discrete location than zip code, and also to allow for projects outside the US. Regional Priority Credits are points that are awarded for going after a LEED credit that is deemed to be a Regional Priority. The classic example is the water use credits in the Southwest states. Log in and take a look at what credits would trigger for your specific project site. You’ll find the RPC are similar in focus to those under LEED 2009, but the credits are not exactly the same.

Building Product and Disclosure Calculators

Also notable, USGBC has posted calculator tools for the material and resource Building Product and Disclosure Optimization (BPDO) credits. You can download the calculator here, or access it by using the credit library to go to a specific BPDO credit and clicking the resources button just below the credit banner. You can see the intended accounting in the spreadsheet. It’s worth downloading and taking a look to be ready for LEED v4 if you have any connection to the Material and Resource credits. Since electrical and mechanical systems now count along with the traditional building materials, basically all building consultants have tie in to this form.

Phase Out of LEED 2009

Lastly, there is a six-year phase-out of LEED 2009 planned. The clock starts ticking on the phase-out when LEED v4 becomes mandatory, currently slated for June of 2015. If your project timeline has construction completion after June 2021 you should be using LEED v4. We’ve recommended using v4 for a few projects in our office that are up against this deadline.

Questions about LEED v4?

Let us know if you have questions about LEED v4 – we’ll do our best to help! Need a great mechanical engineer for your next project? We’d love to help out there, too!

All-electric energy codes go statewide

The 2021 Washington State and Seattle energy codes take effect soon. For the first time, all-electric systems are required statewide.

A Space to Learn Wine

Check out our work on the WSU Wine Science Center!

A Cafeteria for the Earth

The new cafeteria at Green Lake Elementary features state-of-the-art sustainable design.