Reference Package

For New Construction &

Major Renovations
LEED® Canada-NC
Version 1.0

December 2004
Canada Green Building Council
2
ISBN 0-9736610-1-1

Copyright
Copyright © 2004 by the Canada Green Building Council. All rights reserved.
The Canada Green Building Council authorizes you to view the LEED Canada-
NCTM 1.0 Reference Guide for your individual use. In exchange for this autho-
rization, you agree not to sell or modify the LEED Canada Reference Guide or
to reproduce the LEED Canada Reference Guide in any way for any public or
commercial purpose, including display on a Web site or in a networked environ-
ment. Unauthorized use of the LEED Canada Reference Guide violates copy-
right, trademark and other laws and is prohibited.
Note that the text of federal and provincial codes, regulations, voluntary stan-
dards, etc., reproduced in the LEED Canada Reference Guide is either used under
license by the Canada Green Building Council or is in the public domain. All
other text, graphics, layout and other elements of content in the LEED Canada
Reference Guide are owned by the Canada Green Building Council and are pro-
tected by copyright under both Canadian and foreign laws.

Trademark
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a registered trade-
mark of the U.S. Green Building Council, licensed to the Canada Green Building
Council for use with LEED Canada.

Disclaimer
None of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the LEED Reference
Guide, including the U.S. and Canada Green Building Councils and their mem-
bers, make any warranty (express or implied) or assume any liability or respon-
sibility, to you or any third parties for the accuracy, completeness, or use of, or
reliance on, any information contained in the LEED Reference Guide, or for any
injuries, losses or damages (including, without limitation, equitable relief) arising
out of such use or reliance.
As a condition of use, you covenant not to sue, and agree to waive and release the
Canada and U.S. Green Building Councils and their members from any and all
claims, demands and causes of action for any injuries, losses or damages (includ-
ing, without limitation, equitable relief) that you may now or hereafter have a
right to assert against such parties as a result of your use of, or reliance on, the
LEED Reference Guide.

Canada Green Building Council

55 Murray St., Suite 330
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M3
Canada

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

3
 Table of Contents
Acknowledgements 6

About the Canada Green Building Council 8

Introduction 11

Sustainable Sites 33
Prerequisite 1 Erosion & Sedimenation Control 36
Credit 1 Site Selection 42
Credit 2 Development Density 48
Credit 3 Redevelopment of Contaminated Sites 55
Credit 4 Alternative Transportation 62
Credit 5 Reduced Site Disturbance 78
Credit 6 Stormwater Management 87
Credit 7 Heat Island Effect 100
Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction 113

Water Efficiency 125

Credit 1 Water Efficient Landscaping 126
Credit 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies 138
Credit 3 Water Use Reduction 148

Energy & Atmosphere 159

Prerequisite 1 Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning 164
Prerequisite 2 Minimum Energy Performance 176
Prerequisite 3 CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equipment and
Elimination of Halons 188
Credit 1 Optimize Energy Performance 194
Credit 2 Renewable Energy 218
Credit 3 Best Practice Commissioning 232
Credit 4 Ozone Protection 237
Credit 5 Measurement and Verification 242
Credit 6 Green Power 250

Canada Green Building Council

4
Materials & Resources 255
Prerequisite 1 Storage & Collection of Recyclables 259
Credit 1 Building Reuse 264
Credit 2 Construction Waste Management 273
Credit 3 Resource Reuse 282
Credit 4 Recycled Content 290
Credit 5 Regional Materials 301
Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials 309
Credit 7 Certified Wood 313
Credit 8 Durable Building 321

Indoor Environmental Quality 329

Prerequisite 1 Minimum IAQ Performance 333
Prerequisite 2 Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control 339
Credit 1 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring 346
Credit 2 Ventilation Effectiveness 352
Credit 3 Construction IAQ Management Plan 365
Credit 4 Low-Emitting Materials 375
Credit 5 Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control 392
Credit 6 Controllability of Systems 397
Credit 7 Thermal Comfort 408
Credit 8 Daylight & Views 419

Innovation & Design Process 433

Credit 1 Innovative Design 434
Credit 2 LEED Accredited Professional 440

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

5
 Acknowledgements
The LEED Canada-NC 1.0 Rating System and Reference Guide was written and
adapted primarily by Dr. Raymond Cole of the Environmental Research Group of
the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture, under contract to the
Canada Green Building Council. Stephen Carpenter of Enermodal Engineering
Ltd., chair of the CaGBC LEED Technical Advisory Group, was the volunteer
primary author of the Energy & Atmosphere chapter. Both devoted far more time
and effort than the CaGBC could possibly compensate them for; we could not have
been blessed with better authors and volunteers.

The authors were greatly assisted by research, review and suggestions by many
CaGBC Technical Advisory Group, LEED Steering Committee and MURB Task
Force members, as well as many non-CaGBC volunteers. In particular, Curt
Hepting of Enersys Analytics was responsible for several studies that helped define
critical details of the Energy & Atmosphere Credits, and resolve many issues of
energy simulation. For their valuable research and contributions to developing
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 Credit descriptions and requirements, thanks are due to:

• Diana Klein, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

• Maggie Wojtarowicz, EcoSmart
• Michel de Spot, EcoSmart
• Robert Marshall, Cedaridge Services Inc.
• Sheila Brown, Innovative Management Solutions Inc.
• Linda Bily, Environment Canada
• Janika McFeely, UBC School of Architecture

Reference package production was managed by the CaGBC LEED Program Manager,
Ian Theaker, who also authored the Indoor Environmental Quality chapter. Other
Canada Green Building Council staff who contributed greatly to Reference Guide
production include Erika Mayer, CaGBC National Coordinator; Luana Mirella,
Membership and Communications Coordinator; and Christine Fortin, Membership
and Communications Coordinator. Finally, Alex Zimmerman, president of the
Canada Green Building Council, led the staff and volunteer teams, providing the
clear head and sober second thought that resolved many thorny issues.

The following is a partial list of contributors and volunteers who made LEED
Canada-NC 1.0 possible; apologies are due to those we have missed. The Canada
Green Building Council extends our genuine gratitude to all these individuals
for their extraordinary volunteer efforts and constant support of the CaGBC’s
mission:
CaGBC Board of Directors
Ian Jarvis (chair) Ray Cole Larry Hunter
Isabelle Bradbury Jackie Evans Kevin Hydes
Peter Busby John Gibson Elizabeth Johnston

Canada Green Building Council

6
CaGBC Board of Directors (continued)
Andy Kesteloo Paul Polson Lyse Tremblay
Jonathan Lazenby Danny Pearl Wayne Trusty
Paul Marmion Ludwig Schindler Joe Van Belleghem
Vivian Manasc Bill Semple Jonathan Westeinde
Thomas Mueller Elia Sterling Allen Williams
Neil Munro Kendall S. Taylor Terry Williams

CaGBC LEED Steering Committee

Martine Desbois (chair) Jonathan Lazenby
Wayne Trusty Jon Hobbs
Vivian Manasc Joël Courchesne
Thomas Mueller Elia Sterling
Peter Busby
Ludwig Schindler
Jonathan Westeinde

CaGBC LEED Technical Advisory Group

Stephen Carpenter (chair) Ron Kato Martin Roy
Jeff Bannard Diana Klein Gordon Shymko
Cori Barraclough Ed Lowans Doug Sinclair
Helen Besharat Patrick Lucey Elia Sterling
Sheila Brown Robert Marshall John Straube
Brian Fountain Brenda Martens Michael Thomas
Tony Grice Blair McCarry Eric Van Benschoten
Curt Hepting Sholem Prasow Jun Wang
Christopher Jones Keith Robertson Dave Warden

USGBC Staff and Committees

Nigel Howard
Tom Dietsche
Peter Templeton

Volunteer Expert Reviewers

Greg Allen Duncan Hill William Reed
Jeff Blake Innes Hood David Rousseau
Jim Clark Scott Lewis Tim Spiegel
Lindsay Cole Patrick Lucey Craig Wray
Chris Collett Geoff McDonell
Ralph DiNola Dorothy Payton

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

7
 Special Thanks
The creation of the Canada Green Building Council’s LEED Canada Rating System
and its supporting documents are due in large part to support and funding by Public
Works Government Services Canada, particularly Carol Beale and Craig Boyle; and
from Natural Resources Canada, due to Anne Auger, Jim Clark, Pierre Guevrémont
and Stephen Pope.

The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada has been a supporter and ally throughout
the birth of the Canada Green Building Council, and creation of LEED Canada-NC
1.0. Our sincere thanks to Bonnie Maples and Christopher T. Fillingham.

The Canada Green Building Council exists today largely because of the early support
and nurturing by our Founding Sponsors. Particular thanks are due to Ledcor
Construction (Bronze Sponsor), and especially Johnson Controls LP (Platinum
Sponsor).

The LEED Canada rating system leans heavily on the work done previously for LEED
BC by Dr. Ray Cole and the LEED BC Steering Committee, who pioneered the first
adaptation of LEED for use outside the USA. The LEED BC Steering Committee
generously made all of their work available to CaGBC in order to facilitate and
accelerate the development of LEED Canada. At the time, the following individuals
and organizations on the LEED BC Steering Committee contributed to the adaptation
of LEED for use in BC:
• Martine Desbois, BC Ministry of Competition, Science & Enterprise
• Norm Connolly, CMHC
• Alan Dobie, CMHC
• Elizabeth Johnston, BC Hydro
• Toby Lau, BC Hydro
• Orest Maslany, BC Buildings Corporation
• Kal Minhas, Terasen Gas
• Thomas Mueller, Greater Vancouver Regional District
• Ian Smith, City of Vancouver

We would also like to acknowledge Natural Resources Canada for its contribution to
the energy equivalency work required to adapt LEED to BC.

Without the help and support of these dedicated volunteers and agencies, this
document would not exist.

About the Canada Green Building Council

The buildings that we live in, work from and enjoy in our leisure activities represent
the some of the largest human contributions to environmental impacts and resource
depletion that threaten our environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Designing, constructing and operating our built shelter in harmony with the natural
environment can and must be accomplished. For humanity to have a future we must
learn to live within the flows of nature and we must reduce the wastes and pollution

Canada Green Building Council

8
from our activities to levels that can be accommodated by the earth’s natural systems.
It is to this future the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) is committed.

CaGBC Vision
“A transformed built environment leading to a sustainable future.”

CaGBC Mission
“Achieve the social, environmental and economic goals implicit in the vision
by engaging a national coalition of industry leaders who create buildings and
communities that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places
to live, work and play. Promote and accelerate the mainstream adoption of green
building awareness, principles, education, policies, practices, standards and tools.”
The Canada Green Building Council is a not-for-profit Corporation established
under the Canada Corporations Act, with Letters Patent issued December 5, 2002.
The CaGBC was founded by a broad-based coalition that includes leaders from all
major segments of the building design and construction industry. These include
• Architectural firms
• Commissioning providers
• Controls contractors and manufacturers
• Building owners, managers, occupants and brokers
• Contractors and builders
• Energy utilities
• Engineering firms
• Environmental groups
• Financial and insurance firms
• Municipal, provincial and federal government agencies
• Manufacturers
• Planners
• Press
• Professional societies
• Property managers and operators
• Real estate developers and agents
• Specialist consultants
• Universities, research institutions and community colleges
The CaGBC operates with a small paid staff in Ottawa and Victoria, and relies on
the time, commitment, dedication and passion of its members and elected Board to
advance its aims and achieve its objectives. The Council works to:
• change industry standards,
• develop best design practices and guidelines;
• advocate for green buildings, and
• develop educational tools to support its members in implementing sustainable
design and construction practices.

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

9
 Member-Driven
The CaGBCs membership is open and balanced, and provides a platform for
carrying important programs and activities. We target the issues identified by our
members as the highest priority. We conduct an annual survey of achievements that
allows us to set policy, revise strategies and devise work plans based on members
needs.

Committee-Based
The heart of this effective coalition is our committees, in which members design
strategies that are implemented by staff and expert consultants. Our committees
provide a forum for members to discuss issues, build alliances, and forge
collaborative solutions aimed at improving performance in all sectors of the
building industry.

Consensus-Based
We work together to promote green buildings and in doing so, we help foster
greater economic vitality, environmental health and occupant well-being at lower
cost. The various industry segments bridge professional gaps to develop balanced
policies and programs that benefit the entire industry.

CaGBC Membership
The strength and diversity of the CaGBC coalition provides the advantages of
significantly enhancing the resources and effectiveness of its individual members.
Our voice is credible and powerful because of the common vision, diversity and
balance of our membership. We strongly encourage you to join the Council; your
involvement is crucial to the success and impact of our initiatives.

For more information:

The Canada Green Building Council
55 rue Murray St., Suite 330
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5M3

phone: (613) 241-1184

fax: (613) 241-5750
info@cagbc.org
www.cagbc.org

Canada Green Building Council

10
Introduction
Green Building Design
Green building design strives to balance
environmental responsibility, resource
efficiency, occupant comfort and well-
being, community development and
the economics of building construction
and operation. It includes all players
in an integrated development process,
from the design team (building owners,
architects, engineers and consultants),
the construction team (materials
manufacturers, contractors and waste
haulers), maintenance staff, and building
occupants. This process results in a
high-quality product that maximizes the
owner’s return on investment.
Benefits of Green Building
Green buildings are far superior to their
conventional counterparts, typically
including features such as:
• Siting to minimise stress on natural
systems, either by building on
previously contaminated sites or
by protecting ecologically-sensitive
areas.
• Durable, thermally efficient roofs, walls
and windows that reduce heating and
cooling and enhance thermal comfort.
• Building form, orientation and thermal
mass optimized for solar gains,
natural ventilation and daylighting for
free heating, cooling, ventilation and
lighting.
• Significantly smaller and more
efficient HVAC and electrical lighting
systems.
• Water efficient supply and waste
fixtures.
• Adaptable interior designs, providing
visual access to the outdoors and
access to daylight.
• Interior finishes and installation
methods having lower toxic
emissions.
• Landscaping that requires little or no
irrigation or application of synthetic
chemicals, manages and treats
stormwater and non-point-source
pollution onsite, and replenishes
groundwater supplies.
• Supports efficient travel options for
building users.
Over their lifecycles, green buildings
use less energy and water, generate less
greenhouse gases and other pollutants,
use materials wisely, and produce less
waste. They cost less to operate; are
more adaptable to new uses and typically
have longer economic lives. Occupants
are more comfortable in green buildings
with their excellent ventilation, thermal
comfort, and abundant natural light.
Green buildings are healthier for
occupants and workers who process
building materials, by minimizing
use of materials made with harmful
chemicals and indoor air pollutants, and
reducing the likelihood of biological
contaminants, such as moulds. By
providing restorative views, plentiful
outdoor air, and greater personal control
of internal conditions, occupants’
lives and satisfaction are enhanced.
Providing healthy indoor environments
reduces sick building syndrome, and the
risks of potential litigation. A growing
body of research links the high quality
indoor environments of green buildings
to gains in productivity, decreased
absenteeism and improved employee
morale.
Green design has environmental,
economic, and social benefits for
all stakeholders, including owners,
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
11
 occupants and the general public. They
are essential to support sustainable
patterns of living.
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 for New
Construction and Major Retrofits
Increased awareness and interest in
the environmental and health impacts
of buildings in Canada has lead to
widespread demand for a common
method of certifying the merits of a
given building – a well-understood
way to ensure the building has met a
rigorous and carefully defined level of
environmental performance.
In response to this demand, the Canada
Green Building Council was formed by
members drawn from all segments of the
Canadian building industry. They share
the common goal of transforming the
market toward more environmentally-
sound shelter, by developing and
delivering rigorous Canadian green
rating systems. The aim has been to
create rating tools that both recognize
high health, energy and environmental
performance, and are practical and easy
to apply in real building projects.
LEED® Canada for New Construction
and Major Renovations version 1.0 is
an adaptation of the US Green Building
Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design
Green Building Rating System (LEEDR),
tailored specifically for Canadian
climates, construction practices and
regulations. This first version of LEED
Canada has been adapted from the
USGBCs LEED-NC 2.1 and influenced
by anticipated changes planned for
version 2.2.
LEED Rating Systems award points
earned by meeting specific performance
criteria that outperform typical standard
practice defined in Prerequisites and
Credits. Improved building performance
Canada Green Building Council
12
is certified with ratings - Certified, Silver,
Gold or Platinum - based on the total
number of points earned by a project.
Building occupants, purchasers and
lessors are assured of superior building
performance by an independent review
and audit of the projects’ construction
documents by experienced design
professionals that follow a well-defined
and transparent methodology.
The LEED Canada-NC 1.0 adaptation
leans heavily on the work done
previously for LEED BC by Dr. Ray
Cole and the ad-hoc LEED BC Steering
Committee, who pioneered this first
adaptation of LEED for use outside
the USA, which was approved by
the USGBC in the summer of 2003.
The LEED BC Steering Committee
generously made all of their work
available to CaGBC in order to facilitate
and speed the development of LEED
Canada-NC 1.0.
Adaptation of the USGBCs LEED-
NC 2.1 to the new LEED Canada-NC
1.0 was lead by Dr. Raymond Cole
and Stephen Carpenter, P.Eng. and Ian
Theaker, P.Eng., with guidance by the
CaGBCs LEED Steering Committee
and Technical Advisory Group, and
input from the Multi-Unit Residential
Building Task Force (MURB Task
Force). The LEED Canada-NC 1.0
Rating System was closely reviewed
by the USGBC to maintain the rigour
of and equivalence to its LEED-NC
v2.1 counterpart; having addressed
the USGBCs comments, it was then
endorsed by a ballot of the CaGBC
membership.
Drafts of the LEED Canada-NC 1.0
were reviewed by the CaGBC’s LEED
Steering Committee, Technical Advisory
Group, and design professionals,
practitioners, developers and builders
selected for their particular expertise
and experience with conventional and
green building development in Canada
and the US.
The number of unpaid volunteer hours in
developing this Canadian rating system
cannot be counted; it is truly a joint
effort by many concerned, active design
professionals, researchers, building
scientists, builders and developers. The
Acknowledgements page lists many of
the key contributors and reviewers.
Applicability
LEED Canada-NC version 1.0 is
designed to assess the performance of
commercial and institutional buildings,
i.e., buildings regulated by Part 3 of the
National Building Code (NBC). LEED
Canada-NC 1.0 can also be applied to
many other building types, including
retail, mid- and high-rise residential
buildings, public assembly buildings,
etc. However, users should be aware
that, like LEED-NC 2.1, it was primarily
developed with commercial office
buildings in mind, and can in some
cases is less than well suited for more
specialized building types.
The Canada Green Building Council
intends to follow the lead of the USGBC,
with future releases of Adaptation Guides
for specific building types that assist users
with their particular issues. The first new
Canadian Application Guide is likely to
address the specific opportunities and
constraints of mid- and high-rise multi-
unit residential buildings.
Specifically, LEED Canada-NC applies
to buildings regulated by the Model
National Energy Code for Buildings
(MNECB) Appendix E, section E-
1.1.2.1.(2), as does Natural Resources
Canada’s Commercial Buildings
Incentives Program (CBIP). All three
documents are intended to apply to the
following building types:
1. buildings more than three storeys in
building height,
2. buildings of three storeys or less in
building height having a building
area of more than 600m²,
3. buildings of three storeys or less
in building height that contain
occupancies other than dwelling units.
Multi-unit residential buildings
(MURB) project are eligible, if they
1. are greater than 3 storeys in building
height (i.e., 4 storeys or more), or be
greater than 600m² in building area
(footprint), as defined in the MNECB;
and
2. have a common entrance.
New additions to existing buildings are
eligible for LEED certification. New
additions are treated as a stand-alone
project, separate from the existing
building. The Sustainable Sites section
has several clarifications on how
individual buildings on a campus are
to be treated. These rules apply equally
to additions (as a stand-alone project)
within the larger site.
LEED Canada-NC 1.0, the MNECB
and CBIP do not apply to buildings
regulated under Part 9 of the National
Building Code, such as single-family
houses (regardless of floor area) or
townhouses. Eligibility of townhouses
that are a part of mixed-use projects in
which the majority of the floor area is
eligible for LEED Canada certification
will be considered on their merits,
considering installation of common
HVAC and electrical systems and
other environmental design features.
However, applicants should be aware
that this building type is specifically
excluded from CBIP incentives; energy
analyses conducted for EAp2, EAc1
and EAc2 should break out energy
components for any areas not eligible
for CBIP incentives.)
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
13
 The introduction of LEED Canada-NC
1.0 provides the first adaptation of the
USGBC’s LEED-rating system to the
Canadian context. However, as a broad
guide, it necessarily refers to national and
international standards and codes; local
and regional requirements may be more
stringent than those referenced in LEED
Canada. Project design professionals
and builders must still ensure that
regional standards and codes are met
or exceeded; this responsibility is not
superceded by use of LEED Canada.
Structure of the LEED Canada-
NC 1.0 Rating System
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 includes the
full range of Prerequisites and Credits
included in the USGBCs LEED-
NC v2.1, adapted to address issues,
standards, resources and practices
specific to Canada. In some instances,
significant changes have been made
that are deemed to be more appropriate
while still maintaining the intentions
and rigour of LEED-NC v2.1. As well,
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 includes a new
addition to the Materials and Resources
category, with Credit 8 - Durable
Buildings. Table 1 at the end of this
section highlights differences between
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 and the USB’s
LEED-NC v2.1.
Additional information related to LEED
certification is included within this
LEED Canada Reference Guide. The
Prerequisites and Credits are organized
in the five principal LEED categories:
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
An additional category, Innovation &
Design Process, addresses expertise in
Canada Green Building Council
14
green design and construction, as well
as design measures not covered under
these five environmental categories.
Prerequisites and Credits
Prerequisites and Credits are the core
of LEED rating systems, and define
performance requirements that must be
met to be eligible for certification:
• Prerequisite requirements define the
minimum performance in a particular
category that must be met by all
projects applying for certification.
• Performing the requirements of a
Prerequisite does not contribute to
a project’s point score; but is the
minimal requirement that allows
points to be earned from meeting or
exceeding Credit criteria.
• All Prerequisite requirements must
be met for a project to receive LEED
Canada-NC 1.0 certification.
• Credits are the fundamental method
of defining LEED criteria that
describe exemplary performance, and
corresponding point awards, for a
particular design or construction issue.
• Documented performance of the
criteria outlined in each Credit is
rewarded by a number of points that
contribute to the overall rating for the
project. Credits and available points
in each performance category are
shown in Table 2.
• A Credit can consist of several
“Sub-Credits”, each of which adds
further criteria that, with documented
performance, may be rewarded with
additional points.
• Application of any particular Credit
is at the discretion of the project’s
design and construction team,
responding to its unique constraints
and opportunities.
Points are earned by fulfilling the
requirements laid out in each Credit;
the total number of points awarded in
all Credits and categories determines
an overall rating of Platinum, Gold,
Silver or Certified for a project. Project
ratings are certified by the CaGBC
based on the total point score, following
an independent review and audits of
documentation submitted by a design
and construction team. With four
possible levels of certification, LEED
is flexible enough to accommodate a
wide range of green building strategies
that best fit the constraints and goals of
particular projects.
Certification
Points
Level
Certified 26 to 32
Silver 33 to 38
Gold 39 to 51
Platinum 52 or more
While Credit descriptions and
requirements are by necessity specific,
the critical issue with the use of LEED
is meeting the intent of the credit,
and documenting equivalent or better
performance to the Requirements
defined to meet that intent.
LEED Reference Guide
The Reference Guide is the user’s
manual for LEED-Canada, intended to
assist project teams in understanding
and applying LEED criteria. The Guide
includes examples of strategies found to
be effective and practical, case studies
of buildings that have implemented
these strategies successfully, and links
to other resources. The Guide does not
pretend to provide an exhaustive list of
all strategies that may meet a particular
Prerequisites’ or Credits’ intent, nor
does it provide all of the information
that design teams may need to apply a
particular strategy well in a particular
project. Designers, builders and
developers are encouraged to combine
the burgeoning body of emerging green
design knowledge now widely available
with their own professional judgment
and experience.
Prerequisite and Credit Format
Each chapter in the Reference Guide is
organized in a standardized format for
simplicity and quick reference.
The first section summarizes key
points regarding the measure’s intent
and requirements:
• Intent: The main goal of the
Prerequisite or credit.
• Requirements: The criteria to satisfy
the Prerequisite or Credit and the
number of points available. The
Prerequisites must be achieved. Each
Credit is optional, but contributes
to the project’s point total. Some
Credits are divided into two or more
Sub-Credits with independent or
cumulative points.
• Submittals: The documentation required
for an application for LEED certification.
• Audited Credit Submittal Requirements:
A summary of additional documentation
required to be submitted for
certification review, should the
Credit be audited. This is typically
information necessary for the design
and construction team to manage the
development process, and ensure that
performance objectives are met by
the project.
• Summary of Referenced Standards:
Many LEED Prerequisites and
Credits refer to technical standards
developed by other organizations
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
15
 for performance evaluation. A brief
summary of referenced standards are
provided in this section; but users are
strongly encouraged to closely review
the original standards in detail, and
not rely solely on summaries provided
in the LEED Reference Manual.
• Interpretation: This section provides
additional advice on meeting the
Credit requirements based on Credit
Interpretation Rulings (CIRS) provided
for previous LEED versions.
The subsequent sections provide
supportive information to help further
interpret, implement, and document
performance:
• Green Building Concerns: Outlines
environmental, economic and
community issues related to the
Prerequisite or Credit.
• Design Approach: Ideas and
suggestions for project design and
specifications:
• Synergies & Trade-Offs: Other green
design approaches or LEED Credits
that are likely to affect or interact
with design elements that address the
particular Prerequisites’ or Credits’
intent. Users are advised to carefully
understand possible interactions
between related approaches, and
evaluate their application in light
of the unique conditions of their
particular project.
• Calculations: Sample formulas or
calculations are provided that illustrate
how to determine performance for
a particular prerequisite or credit.
Some calculations have been
programmed into the LEED Canada-
NC 1.0 Letter Template spreadsheet
provided to registered LEED Canada
projects to assist in documenting
and demonstrating performance in
certification applications.
Canada Green Building Council
16
• Resources: Key websites and
documents – both general and
regional – that assist the design team
in meeting the Credit requirements.
• Definitions: Definitions of the key
terms referenced within the credit.
• Regional Variations: Additional
commentary related to handling
possible regional differences.
• Case Studies: Examples that illustrate
how a project has met the intent
and requirements stated for the
prerequisite or credit. The selected
project exemplifies one method to
achieve the intent of the measure.
LEED Certification Process
Application
Consult the CaGBC website for
important details about application
of LEED Canada, as well as the
certification review process, schedule
and fees and other information not
included in this Reference Guide. The
LEED website home page can be found
at www.cagbc.org.
LEED Canada Project Registration
The first step toward LEED certification
is registering the project with the Canada
Green Building Council. Registering
early in the development process
ensures the maximum potential for high
building performance, and establishes
contact with the CaGBC.
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 registration of a
LEED Canada project provides online
access to essential information, software
tools and communications for LEED
users, and allows the team to submit
Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) to
the CaGBC. Two Credit Interpretation
Requests for each registered project
are included in the registration fee;
additional Credit Interpretation
Requests are available for a nominal fee
that covers CaGBC costs.
Project leaders wanting to register
under LEED Canada NC v1.0 should
use the Canada Green Building Council
website <http://www.cagbc.org/> to:
1. Review the contents of the Costs for
Registration and Certification menu
item.
2. Review the contents of the
Certification Process, and
3. Fill out the online form, and submit it
to the CaGBC.
The registration form may take up to 30
minutes to complete. Registrants will be
asked for project data available at early
stages of the development process:
• Contact information for key project
people
• General project information: title,
occupancy date, address, etc.
• A brief Project Description
Information supplied on the registration
form will be used by the CaGBC for
project tracking, answering Credit
Interpretation Requests, and preparing
project case studies upon certification.
Documentation
Once a project is registered, the typical
project team proceeds with the design
and construction process, collecting and
preparing documentation as their process
unfolds to ensure the building meets
its environmental, energy and health
performance objectives, and in formats
that satisfy LEED Canada Prerequisite
and Credit submittal requirements.
Using the LEED Checklist regularly at
coordination meetings, and preparing
LEED submittals as design and
construction progresses makes the task
of LEED documentation much easier.
Attempting to complete LEED project
submittals after the fact has typically
proved to be difficult and expensive, and
often results in incomplete submittals
that delay certification or result in
denied point awards and a lower rating.
Once submitted to the CaGBC, this
documentation becomes the proof
behind performance declarations made
in the LEED certification application.
In many projects, a LEED Accredited
Professional is designated as the project
contact and team member responsible
for coordinating the certification
process.
The LEED Letter Template is a
dynamic tracking and documentation
tool used by registered project teams
to track progress and prepare its
application for LEED certification. For
each Prerequisite and Credit, the Letter
Template prompts LEED practitioners
for summary data, indicates when
documentation requirements have been
adequately fulfilled for submittal, serves
as a template for signed declarations of
performance, and summarizes progress.
Some Template tabs include detailed
spreadsheet calculations and required
data, while others are simple declarations
to be printed on the firm’s letterhead and
signed by an appropriate team member.
The Letter Template’s spreadsheets are
particularly useful when the Reference
Guide calls for specific calculations to
document Credit performance.
It is important to have a thorough
understanding of each Credits unique
requirements, and to submit only the
documentation required to clearly
demonstrate these requirements have
been met. Including extra documentation
not listed as a submittal requirement for
a Prerequisite or Credit is discouraged,
as this can slow the review process. Full
building commissioning reports, for
example, are not necessary with an initial
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
17
 application; only the commissioning
plan is required.
One item is of major importance in
the initial submittal: the overall project
narrative. Not only is this the first item
reviewed in certification applications,
it is very likely to be used in CaGBC
promotional materials aimed at the
general public. As such, these narratives
should clearly and briefly summarize all
health, performance and environmental
features of the project, preferably
addressing each LEED Prerequisite
and Credit. Graphics, charts and
photos supplementing the summary
text for features with particular merit
or complexity often adds clarity for
reviewers and interest for the general
reader.
Uses of Documentation Submitted
& Intellectual Property Protection
The CaGBC is mindful of the privacy of
certification applicants, and conscious
that submitted materials are the
intellectual property of their creators.
As agreed in the project registration
process, some submitted materials are
used by the CaGBC to promote the
project and its merits to the general
public; and may be used by the CaGBC
in training or marketing activities, or in
aggregated form to expand the growing
knowledge base of green building
technique, costs and trends. Information
likely to be widely shared includes:
• LEED registration information, such
as project contact, project type, floor
area, number of occupants, date of
construction completion, etc.;
• the overall project narrative;
• colour photographs or renderings
illustrative of the project; and
• the LEED Project Checklist/
Scorecard
Canada Green Building Council
18
All other documents and materials
submitted to the CaGBC are kept
in strict confidence, and will not be
distributed beyond those directly
involved in certification, interpretations
or appeals procedures, such as CaGBC
staff, Technical Advisory Group or
LEED Steering Committee members,
and designated reviewers who have
signed a confidentiality agreement.
Any additional distribution of submitted
materials, if any, would occur only after
the CaGBC has requested and received
prior written permission from owners
of the relevant intellectual property.
Certification Application and
Review Process
The project certification process follows
several steps:
1. The initial application for certification
is submitted to the CaGBC, along
with required documentation
outlined in the Reference Guide and
Letter Template. Other supporting
information should not be submitted
at this stage; if a Prerequisite or Credit
is audited, additional information for
specific Credits will be requested.
2. The LEED Program Manager reviews
applications for suitability and
completeness. Applications missing
any template or submittal item listed
in the Reference Guide and the Letter
Template are returned to applicants
to fill gaps and allow certification
review to proceed efficiently.
3. With a complete application for
certification, the review team
performs a Draft Preliminary
Review which assesses submitted
documentation to determine if the
intent and requirements have been
met for all pursued Prerequisites and
Credits (P&Cs). The Draft Preliminary
Review classifies each P&C as ‘Credit
 Achievement Anticipated’ (‘CAA’),
‘Pending’ or ‘Denied’:
• ‘Credit Achievement Anticipated’
indicates that the project applicant
has provided documentation
supporting a claim of achievement.
‘CAA’ P&Cs may be audited to
ensure the project applicant can
demonstrate their claim of P&C
achievement.
• ‘Pending’ indicates that the
submittals received do not allow
a clear assessment that the P&Cs
intent and/or requirements have
been fully achieved. Supplemental
information supporting ‘Pending’
P&Cs is requested from applicants
to evaluate and resolve questions
or discrepancies, before being
classified as ‘CAA’ or ‘Denied’.
• ‘Denied’ indicates that the
documentation submitted
demonstrates that the P&C intent
has not been achieved or was not
attempted. ‘Denied’ P&Cs are
not reviewed further.
Reviewers provide a rationale for
the classification of each P&C,
including requests for supplementary
documentation for ‘pending’ P&Cs.
In addition, the review team selects six
P&Cs for audit; detailed supporting
documentation is requested from the
applicant for each. Documentation
to be submitted for audited P&Cs is
outlined in the Reference Guide and
Letter Template spreadsheet. (Note
that EAc1 will always be audited.)
4. CaGBC staff performs a quality
assurance check of the Draft
Preliminary Review, and discusses
edits and changes with the review
team leader before their completion of
the Preliminary LEED Review.
5. The Preliminary LEED Review is
forwarded to the project applicant,
who replies to the LEED Program
Manager with the supplemental
documentation requested for
‘Pending’ and audited ‘CAA’ P&Cs.
This documentation is forwarded to
the review team.
6. The review team assesses
supplemental documentation received
from the applicant, and develops a
Draft Final LEED Review. The Final
LEED Review indicates P&Cs that are
‘achieved’ or ‘denied’, and provides
a rationale for the designation of
each. If the documentation provided
in support of audited P&Cs is
acceptable, ‘CAA’-designated P&Cs
are deemed ‘achieved’; otherwise
they are deemed ‘Denied’.
7. CaGBC staff conducts a quality
assurance check of the Draft Final
Review, and the review team revises
the Draft Final Review as directed to
arrive at the Final LEED Review.
8. If one or more audited Credits are
denied in Step 7, the project has
failed the audit. The review team may
select up to six additional unaudited
P&Cs designated as ‘CAA’ in the
Preliminary LEED Review for a
second audit. They then prepare a
Second LEED Review which lists
new P&Cs to be audited, and begins
the audit process detailed in Steps 2-
7 again. Auditing shall continue until
the project applicant successfully
completes an audit, or until all ‘CAA’
P&Cs have been audited.
9. Upon completion of all audits, the
CaGBC will forward the Final LEED
Review to the project applicant.
Project applicants then have the
opportunity to appeal “Denied” P&Cs
by providing additional documentary
evidence of performance of the
applicable intent and requirements.
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
19
 This additional documentation is
reviewed both by the original review
team and by the CaGBC. Appeals
are levied a nominal fee that covers
CaGBC costs.
10.When the appeal process (if any) is
concluded, the Canada Green Building
Council awards an official rating of
Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum, or
a notification that the project did not
achieve any LEED rating, depending
on the performance of the building.
If a rating is awarded, a plaque and an
official letter certifying the project’s
performance is sent to the applicant,
and press releases and promotional
materials are prepared and distributed
by the CaGBC.
Credit Interpretations
In some cases, project teams may
encounter difficulties applying a LEED
Prerequisite or Credit to a specific
project. Questions sometimes arise
when the Reference Guide does not
sufficiently address a specific issue, or
there is a special conflict that requires
resolution.
CaGBC has established a standard
process to provide interpretations to
registered project teams, called Credit
Interpretation Requests (CIRs), to
ensure that rulings are consistent,
available to other projects, and to guide
future revisions to the Rating System,
Reference Guide and Letter Template.
Inquiries must request guidance on a
single Credit or Prerequisite (unless there
is technical justification to do otherwise)
per CIR, which generally contain one
concise question, or a set of closely-
related questions. It is often helpful to
discuss the inquiry within context of the
credit’s intent.
USGBC credit rulings are not applicable
to LEED Canada projects. The LEED
Canada-NC 1.0 rating system and
Canada Green Building Council
20
Reference Guide has addressed previous
USGBC credit interpretation rulings; and
subsequent USGBC rulings are regularly
reviewed by the CaGBC, and those
applicable to LEED Canada projects are
adapted to the Canadian context, and
published on the CaGBC website.
Credits are not awarded through the CIR
process, and the process is not intended
to add new Credits. The CIR process
is designed to provide feedback to the
project applicant on the likely outcome
of a proposed strategy that addresses a
particular Prerequisite or Credit’s intent.
Credit Interpretation Rulings do not
guarantee a credit award; the project
applicant must still demonstrate and
document achievement during the LEED
Certification Application Process.
Credit language or achievement
thresholds cannot be changed through
the CIR process. If a project applicant
submits a Credit Interpretation Request
that poses a broad reaching policy issue
that cannot be readily addressed by the
LEED Technical Advisory Group, the
Council may circulate the interpretation
request to the LEED Steering Committee
and/or relevant CaGBC Committees
as required. The timeline for response
to such inquiries may, of necessity, be
extended to afford the required time to
address the issue commensurate with its
complexity. Project applicants will be
notified if the CIR submitted falls into
this category as soon as possible.
Credit Interpretation Requests and
rulings received from the CaGBC must
be submitted with the LEED initial
application in order to ensure effective
certification review.
If a question requiring CaGBC
interpretation arises, project teams
should:
1. Review the intent of the credit or
prerequisite in question and evaluate
whether the project meets this intent.
2. Consult the Reference Guide for more
detailed explanation, instructions,
calculations and guidance.
3. Review the CaGBCs Credit
Interpretation Request (CIR) Web
page <www.cagbc.org> for previously
logged CIRs issued for the particular
Prerequisite or Credit. All registered
LEED project contacts and members
have access to this page.
4. If a similar Credit Interpretation
has not already been logged, or
does not adequately resolve the
issue, submit a Credit Interpretation
Request using the online form
found at the CaGBC website. The
inquiry should be clear, succinct
and based on information found in
the Reference Guide, emphasizing
how the proposed solution meets the
intent of the Prerequisite or Credit,
and provides equivalent performance
to its requirements. Include concise
background and/or supporting
information, providing relevant
project details only; do not include
a lengthy project narrative, as it
will most likely include information
outside the scope of the specific CIR.
CIRs should include:
• the number and title of the Prerequisite
or Credit, and its intent statement
• a brief summary of the issue at hand
and essential background information
• if an alternative solution to those
identified by the Prerequisites’ or
Credits’ requirement is proposed,
provide details of how the proposed
solution meets or exceeds the
performance of the requirement listed
in the Guide, and how this can be
satisfactorily documented.
Do not include confidential project
details; the submitted text will be
posted on the CaGBC Web site.
Please proofread your text for clarity,
readability, spelling and grammar.
• include a copy of any interpretations
received from the CaGBC in the
initial certification submittal.
Initial Project Certification Appli-
cation
In the initial application for project
certification, the project team submits
two identical binders, each with ALL
project materials listed below. These
should be accompanied by a cheque for
the appropriate certification fee payable
to the Canada Green Building Council.
All certification submittals should be
sent to:
Canada Green Building Council,
Victoria office
Vancouver Island Technology Park
4464 Markham St., Suite 2103 D
Victoria, BC V8Z 7X8
Canada
Attention: LEED Program Manager
Each three-ring binder submitted for
the initial application for certification
should include:
• a binder cover page and spine that
shows the project name, the date of
certification submittal, and the version
of LEED for which the certification
application is being made (e.g.,
“LEED Canada-NC 1.0 Certification
Application”);
• introductory pages with LEED
registration information, including the
project contact, project type, project
floor area, number of occupants, date
of construction completion, etc.;
• the LEED Project Checklist/Scorecard
indicating anticipated Prerequisites
and Credits point awards, and the
total rating score for the project;
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
21
 • an overall project narrative that
summarizes all project features that
respond to health and environmental
priorities (and each Prerequisite
and Credit), including at least three
highlighted features of particular
interest to CaGBC reviewers, and
potential purchasers, lessors or
building occupants, suitable for
reading by the general public;
• colour photographs or renderings
illustrative of the project, including
building elevations and the primary
entrance to the building, in letter,
legal or 11”x17” format;
• drawings illustrative of the project
in letter, legal or 11”x17” format,
including:
- site, context and landscaping plans
- typical floor plans, building sections
and elevations
- schematic diagrams of major
electrical and mechanical systems
- window, lighting and HVAC
equipment schedules and tables
- hardcopy submittals required by this
Reference Manual and the Letter
Template, for each Prerequisite and
Credit, such as signed declarations
of performance, letters, summary
data, calculations, reports, a copy of
any Credit Interpretations received
from the CaGBC by the project, etc.,
separated by labeled index tabs;
- a CD containing the completed
Letter Template spreadsheet.
Audits
For audited Prerequisites and Credits,
applicants are expected to provide
detailed supporting documentation that
back up claims made in letters declaring
achieved performance. In this Reference
Canada Green Building Council
22
Guide, the Submittals sections in each
Prerequisite or Credit lists specific
documentation applicants are expected
to submit for audited Prerequisites and
Credits. These may include calculations,
specifications and drawings, cut sheets,
manufacturer’s literature, and/or other
source documents that document in
detail performance claims made in the
Letter Template.
Users have found that preparing LEED
submittals as design and construction
progresses can be an excellent
management tool, and makes the task
of LEED documentation much easier.
Supplements to LEED Canada
for New Construction and Major
Renovations
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 is intended to
reflect the national Canadian context in
design and construction of commercial
and institutional buildings. However,
some organizations, such as provinces,
municipalities, or property management
firms and institutions may wish to create
Supplements officially recognized by
the CaGBC, and bearing the LEED
Canada trademark that:
• identify additional mandatory
requirements or specific levels of
performance to be attained by projects in
their portfolios,
• provide a common rationale that
demonstrates equivalent or better
performance for specific LEED
Canada requirements, eliminating the
need for individual submissions by
each project under their purview, or
• adapt LEED Canada requirements to
suit other needs specific to their own
goals.
Organizations considering preparing and
administering an official Supplement to
LEED Canada-NC 1.0 are advised to
contact the LEED Program Manager
early in the process to discuss copyright
issues, coordinate efforts to ensure
consistency across all LEED Rating
Systems, and minimize confusion
by users and the general public with
the LEED Canada Rating System.
.The USGBC has developed specific
guidelines for such supplements, which
are applicable to Canadian efforts.
LEED Canada as a Design
Tool
The LEED Canada rating system helps
identify effective ways to address the
health, resource and environmental
issues of building design and
construction. One of its most goals
is to encourage and assist architects,
engineers, builders and developers to
develop improved standards of practice
and performance.
LEED Prerequisites and Credits
derive from expert committees in
each performance category. The
committees, composed of industry,
environmental and private and public
sector representatives, are charged with
defining and framing the content of
Prerequisites and Credits, and defining
appropriate point awards. A host of
theoretical, practical and cost-related
issues shape the final performance
targets demanded, such as:
• What environmental issues should be
included? What should be left out?
• Should lower priority issues be
included at the expense of simplicity
and ease of implementation and use?
• How can qualitative performance
in environmental or health issues be
defined clearly and unambiguously?
• What is the simplest quantitative
method to measure performance
toward a stated intent that applicants
can easily provide?
Draft LEED Rating Systems are
balloted prior to their public launch,
and supplemental Reference Guides
and supporting materials are reviewed
by industry experts as well as the
CaGBC. However, while the final
outcome represents one level of industry
consensus; many other important green
building considerations are absent
in currently-available environmental
rating systems, including LEED.
An environmental rating system will
often be used as a design “tool” even
if it was not specifically designed for
that purpose. Since rating systems
present an organized set of selected
environmental criteria, they implicitly
communicate to building owners and
design teams their authors’ assessment
of the most significant environmental
issues. However, there is concern
that the details of environmental
rating systems may drive the product
and process, i.e., achieving a high
LEED score may be deemed by the
design team to be more important
than aspiring to excellent overall
performance, and detract from a more
fundamental professional commitment
to environmental responsibility.
In addition to the number and type
of environmental issues addressed,
two important issues of using a rating
system more broadly to guide design
and construction efforts are:
• Understanding the possible and
achievable ranges of performance,
in particular benchmarks of typical
mainstream practice and realistic
targets for improvements.
• Understanding how different health
and environmental issues are linked,
LEED® Canada-NC 1.0
23
 and the best phases and
actors in the design and construction
process to address them well.
Benchmarks and Targets
All environmental rating systems
implicitly embody a scale of performance
measurement. In LEED, such a scale
forms the basis for allocating points that
contribute to an overall performance
rating.
• Benchmarks: LEED Canada assesses
the improvement in environmental
performance by assigning points when a
particular level of performance has been
met. Although not explicitly stated, the
baseline for assessment is a ‘typical’ or
‘mainstream” performance and, as such,
recognition is given for performance
that betters current industry norms.
Some of the LEED Canada Credits
have benchmarks that are explicitly
declared. EAc1, for example, assigns an
increasing number of points for building
performance improvements relative to
the requirements of Natural Resources
Canada’s Commercial Building
Incentive Program, which are based on
the 1997 Model National Energy Code
for Buildings (MNECB).
• Targets: To create an assessment scale
and assign scores, demanding “targets”
are required to define excellent project
performance. In LEED Canada,
performance excellence is reflected by
the maximum number of points that can
be achieved within a given Credit.
Many of the highest LEED Canada
performance targets are considerably
in advance of current mainstream
practice, and will challenge many
design and construction teams to
meet them. However, as knowledge
of “green” design and construction
matures and is applied more widely,
new, more effective responses will
become standard mainstream practice.
Canada Green Building Council
24
As this occurs, performance targets
will progressively evolve in future
versions of LEED-Canada, until they
result in mainstream practice that
creates truly “sustainable” shelter.
Design Process
& Responsibilities
An important indirect benefit of using
LEED during the design process is
that the broad range of issues covered
requires broad communication and
interaction between members of the
design team and various actors in the
design process, i.e., environmental
rating systems encourage greater
dialogue and teamwork, especially in
program development and schematic
design.
A wider range of players – clients,
occupants, design architects, engineers
and specialist consultants, contractors
and maintenance staff – are often
involved in different degrees in
exploring and developing strategies
that lead to the successful achievement
of LEED requirements.
Table 3 shows the LEED Canada
Prerequisites and Credits organized
within these five phases:
• Pre-design
• Conceptual Design/
Design Development
• Construction
• Use/Operation
• Decommissioning
Although design decisions have
profound implications through the life
of a building, the notations shown in
Table 3 identify when strategic choices
are made or actions taken with the
most influence on the implementation
of design responses to Prerequisites
and Credits, and the primary and other
responsible people.
Table 1: Summary of Changes from LEED 2.1-NC

Credit No Minor Major

Sustainable Sites Changes Changes Changes
SSp1: Erosion and Sedimentation Control √
SSc1: Site Selection √
SSc2: Development Density √
SSc3: Redevelopment of Contaminated Site √
SSc4: Alternative Transportation
SSc4.1: Public Transportation Access √
SSc4.2: Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms √
SSc4.3: Alternative Fuel Vehicles √
SSc4.4: Parking Capacity √
SSc5: Reduced Site Disturbance
SSc5.1: Protect or Restore Open Space √
SSc5.2: Development Footprint √
SSc6: Stormwater Management
SSc6.1: Rate and Quantity √
SSc6.2: Treatment √
SSc7: Heat Island Effect
SSc7.1: Non-Roof √
SSc7.2: Roof √
SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction √
Water Efficiency
WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
WEc1.1: Reduce by 50% √
WEc1.2: No Potable Use or No Irrigation √
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies √
WEc3: Water Use Reduction
WEc3..1: 20% Reduction √
WEc3.2: 30% Reduction √
Energy and Atmosphere
EAp1: Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning √
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance √
EAp3: CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equip. & Elimination of Halons √
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance √
EAc2: Renewable Energy √
EAc3: Best Practice Commissioning √
EAc4: Elimination of HCFCs √
EAc5: Measurement and Verification √
EAc6: Green Power √

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

25
Table 1: Summary of Changes from LEED 2.1-NC (Continued)

Credit No Minor Major

Materials and Resources Changes Changes Changes
MRp1: Storage & Collection of Recyclables
MRc1: Building Reuse √
MRc1.1: Maintain 75% Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof √
MRc1.2: Maintain 95% of Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof √
MRc1.3: Maintain 50% of Interior Non-structural Elements √
MRc 2: Construction Waste Management
MRc2.1: Divert 50% From Landfill √
MR2.2: Divert 75% From Landfill √
MRc3: Resource Reuse
MRc3.1: 5% Salvaged Materials √
MRc3.2: 10% Salvaged Materials √
MRc4: Recycled Content
MRc4.1: 7.5% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) √
MRc4.2: 15% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) √
MRc5: Regional Materials
MRc5.1: 10% manufactured regionally √
MRc5.2: 20% manufactured regionally √
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials √
MRc7: Certified Wood √
MRc8: Durable Building √
Indoor Environmental Quality
EQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance √
EQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control √
EQc1: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring √
EQc2: Increase Ventilation Effectiveness √
EQc3: Construction IAQ Management Plan
EQc3.1: During Construction √
EQc3.2 Before Occupancy √
EQc4: Low-Emitting Materials
EQc4.1: Adhesives and Sealants √
EQc4.2: Paints and Coatings √
EQc4.3: Carpets √
EQc4.4: Composite wood √

Canada Green Building Council

26
Table 1: Summary of Changes from LEED 2.1-NC (Continued)

Credit No Minor Major

Indoor Environmental Quality (Continued) Changes Changes Changes
EQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control √
EQc6: Controllability of Systems
EQc6.1: Perimeter zones √
EQc6.2: Non-perimeter zones √
EQc7: Thermal Comfort
EQc7.1: Comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 √
EQc7.2: Permanent Monitoring system √
EQc8: Daylight and Views
EQc8.1: Daylight 75% of Spaces √
EQc8.2: Views for 90% of Spaces √
Innovation and Design Process
IDc1: Innovation credits √
IDc2: LEED Accredited Professional √

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

27
 Table 2: LEED Canada NC 1.0 Point Awards

Credit Points
Sustainable Sites 14
SSp1: Erosion and Sedimentation Control None
SSc1: Site Selection 1
SSc2: Development Density 1
SSc3: Redevelopment of Contaminated Site 1
SSc4: Alternative Transportation
SSc4.1: Public Transportation Access 1
SSc4.2: Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms 1
SSc4.3: Alternative Fuel Vehicles 1
SSc4.4: Parking Capacity 1
SSc5: Reduced Site Disturbance
SSc5.1: Protect or Restore Open Space 1
SSc5.2: Development Footprint 1
SSc6: Stormwater Management
SSc6.1: Rate and Quantity 1
SSc6.2: Treatment 1
SSc7: Heat Island Effect
SSc7.1: Non-Roof 1
SSc7.2: Roof 1
SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction 1
Water Efficiency 5
WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping
WEc1.1: Reduce by 50% 1
WEc1.2: No Potable Use or No Irrigation 1
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies 1
WEc3: Water Use Reduction
WEc3..1: 20% Reduction 1
WEc3.2: 30% Reduction 1
Energy and Atmosphere 17
EAp1: Fundamental Building Systems Commissioning None
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance None
EAp3: CFC Reduction in HVAC&R Equip. & Elimination of Halons None
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance 1-10
EAc2: Renewable Energy 1-3
EAc3: Best Practice Commissioning 1
EAc4: Elimination of HCFCs 1
EAc5: Measurement and Verification 1
EAc6: Green Power 1

Canada Green Building Council

28
Table 2: LEED Canada NC 1.0 Point Awards (Continued)

Credit Points
Materials and Resources 14
MRp1: Storage & Collection of Recyclables None
MRc1: Building Reuse
MRc1.1: Maintain 75% Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof 1
MRc1.2: Maintain 95% of Existing Walls, Floors, and Roof 1
MRc1.3: Maintain 50% of Interior Non-structural Elements 1
MRc 2: Construction Waste Management
MRc2.1: Divert 50% From Landfill 1
MR2.2: Divert 75% From Landfill 1
MRc3: Resource Reuse
MRc3.1: 5% Salvaged Materials 1
MRc3.2: 10% Salvaged Materials 1
MRc4: Recycled Content
MRc4.1: 7.5% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) 1
MRc4.2: 15% (post-consumer + 1/2 post-industrial) 1
MRc5: Regional Materials
MRc5.1: 10% manufactured regionally 1
MRc5.2: 20% manufactured regionally 1
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials 1
MRc7: Certified Wood 1
MRc8: Durable Building 1
Indoor Environmental Quality 15
EQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance None
EQp2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control None
EQc1: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitoring 1
EQc2: Increase Ventilation Effectiveness 1
EQc3: Construction IAQ Management Plan
EQc3.1: During Construction 1
EQc3.2 Before Occupancy 1
EQc4: Low-Emitting Materials
EQc4.1: Adhesives and Sealants 1
EQc4.2: Paints and Coatings 1
EQc4.3: Carpets 1
EQc4.4: Composite wood 1

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

29
 Table 2: LEED Canada NC 1.0 Point Awards(Continued)

Credit Points
Indoor Environmental Quality (Continued)
EQc5: Indoor Chemical and Pollutant Source Control 1
EQc6: Controllability of Systems
EQc6.1: Perimeter zones 1
EQc6.2: Non-perimeter zones 1
EQc7: Thermal Comfort
EQc7.1: Comply with ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 1
EQc7.2: Permanent Monitoring system 1
EQc8: Daylight and Views
EQc8.1: Daylight 75% of Spaces 1
EQc8.2: Views for 90% of Spaces 1
Innovation and Design Process 2
IDc1: Innovation credits 1-4
IDc2: LEED Accredited Professional 1

Total 70

LEGEND for Table 3

C: Client/Owner
A: Project Architect
LA: Landscape Architect
ID: Interior Designer
ME: Mechanical Engineer
EE: Electrical Engineer
SE: Structural Engineer
CT: Contractor
CA: Commissioning Agent
BE: Building Envelope Specialist
EC: Ecologist

Canada Green Building Council

30
Table 3: LEED-Canada Prerequisites and Credits by Phase

Predesign Design Constr. Use/Oper.

Sustainable Sites
SSp1: Erosion & Sedimentation. Control CT
SSc1: Site Selection C, A, LA, EC
SSc2: Urban Redevelopment C, A
SSc3: Redevelopment of Contaminated Site C CT
SSc4: Alternative Transportation C A
SSc5: Reduced Site Disturbance A, LA, C A, LA
SSc6: Stormwater Management A, LA, C A
SSc7: Design to Reduce Heat Islands A, LA A, LA CT
SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction A, EE
Water Efficiency
WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping A, LA LA
WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technology A, ME A, ME CT
WEc3: Water Use Reduction A, ME A, ME
Energy and Atmosphere
EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning CT, A, CA
EAp2: Minimum Energy Performance A, ME
EAp3: CFC Reduction ME
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance A, ME, CA A, ME, CA CA
EAc2: Renewable Energy A, ME, CA A, ME, CA CA
EAc3: Best Practice Commissioning CA CA, CT CA, CT
EAc4: Elimination of HCFCs & Halons ME A, ME ME, CA
EAc5: Measurement and Verification C CA CA CA
EAc6: Green Power C C
Materials and Resources
MRp1: Storage & Coll. of Recyclables A
MRc1: Building Reuse C, BE A, SE, BE
MRc2: Construction Waste Manage. A CT
MRc3: Resource Reuse A
MRc4: Recycled Content A
MRc5: Local/Regional Materials A
MRc6: Rapidly Renewable Materials A, ID
MRc7: Certified Wood A, SE, ID
MRc8: Durable Building C, BE A, SE, ME, BE CT, BE
Indoor Environmental Quality A, ME
EQp1: Minimum IAQ Performance C A, ME
EQp2: Envir. Tobacco Smoke Control ME
EQc1: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monit. A, ME, CA CA
EQc2: Increase Ventilation Effect. MC CT
EQc3: Construct. IAQ Man. Plan A, ID, ME CT
EQc4: Low-Emitting Materials ID A, ME, ID CT
EQc5: Ind. Chemical & Pollut. Source Cont. A, ME CT
EQc6: Controllability of Systems A, ME,CA A, ME, CA CA CA
EQc7: Thermal Comfort A, ME A, ID, ME CA
EQc8: Daylight and Views A, ME CA

LEED® Canada-NC 1.0

31