Working on a LEED project and stumbled on an issue and need help. LEED Interpretations and CIR LEED serve as invaluable resources for professionals who have doubts regarding the technical aspects of a credit or prerequisite when certifying a LEED project. Whether you are new or already familiar with the certification, the LEED interpretation serve as additional guides to attain a deeper understanding of LEED standards and framework.
So if you need support figuring out how to obtain a specific LEED credit, then this article may be your best free resource.
What Are LEED Interpretations?
LEED interpretations are rulings answered by USGBC volunteers which have been requested by LEED project team members.
If you have a question on a credit, prerequisite, MPR or similar. You can head to the LEED interpretation forum in ARC and check if USGBC volunteers have answered a similar question to yours. If not, you can ask your question but would cost 400$.
These interpretations can cover every aspect of the LEED rating system and framework. It is possible to issue a LEED interpretation in order to seek clarification. LEED interpretations may also be submitted via the use of LEED Online and now called ARC.
Why Do We Have LEED Interpretations?
Essentially, LEED interpretations are official answers which the USGBC issues to clarify formal technical inquiries related to LEED implementation. They explain the options and the overall framework further so that the project teams can easily meet the LEED requirements. They play a vital role in clarifying various aspects of LEED, such as its requirements, scoring system, or the interpretation of specific terms.
That being said, it’s crucial for project teams to thoroughly review and take into consideration all relevant LEED Interpretations into their planning, design and execution processes before the registration deadline. Failing to adhere to a LEED interpretation can potentially result in the denial of a LEED certification for their project.
Where Can You Find LEED Interpretations?
According to the USGBC website, the LEED Interpretations are reviewed and published every quarter in the LEED Addenda online database. The Addenda is the published list of references to the LEED rating systems and guides and can include corrections, clarifications, interpretations and alternative compliance paths.
Any changes in the LEED rating systems can also bring out new Interpretations to reflect the new changes. If you have questions about a specific LEED credit or prerequisite, you can submit a LEED interpretation request to USGBC. The USGBC will review your request and issue an interpretation if it is determined to be necessary.
What is LEED CIR?
CIR stands for Credit Interpretation Ruling, known as LEED CIR which is a process to obtain technical guidance to fulfill LEED requirements pertaining to a project. It is issued to address the specific project for which the CIR was submitted.
Similar to the LEED Interpretations, it provides further clarity on LEED application during the process or before registering a project.
How is LEED CIR Different From LEED Interpretation?
The main distinction between LEED interpretations and LEED CIRs is that interpretations may create a precedent. However, CIRs cannot set any precedents as they are issued specific to a project. This implies that every LEED project will be allowed to employ the interpretation in question, and they will also conform to the LEED interpretation in question. In simpler words, the explanation that was provided in the LEED interpretation will be included throughout the whole of the LEED grading system.
The review of LEED Interpretations is handled by a LEED committee of USGBC member-selected volunteers. The committee would also decide whether to publish them via the database. The CIR, on the other hand, is handled by a review team or a GBCI accessor who will share if a particular credit is consistent with the rating system.
LEED Interpretation Vs CIR: Review Period
The review of a LEED interpretation will take more time than the evaluation of a CIR since it will be subject to USGBC’s consensus-based assessment before it is made available to the public on the USGBC website for online publication and access (approximately three to six months longer).
CIRs can also be requested via the use of LEED Online, much like LEED Interpretations. However, CIRs are not available online (like how the LEED interpretations are available on LEED Addenda database), and they cannot be used in conjunction with any other kinds of projects.
LEED Interpretation Vs CIR: Price
The cost of providing a LEED interpretation is $180 more than the cost of issuing a CIR for both USGBC members and nonmembers. This difference is due to the fact that LEED interpretations are more complex.
The USGBC is in charge of administering LEED interpretations, and addenda may also include these interpretations. You may learn more about LEED and how to earn the certification in our free training here.
The Importance LEED Interpretations
These interpretations provide guidance and clarity on technical aspects related to specific credits or prerequisites, offering assistance when uncertainty arises. If the design is attempting to achieve a LEED credit under the ‘Applicable credits’, then the committee will review and determine the applicability.
Following the LEED interpretations can warrant that your project aligns with sustainable building practices and goals as stated in the LEED framework.
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