Question

All formal inquiries first undergo the project CIR process. Project teams that want their formal inquiry to be considered for a LEED interpretation must opt in and pay for the LEED interpretation at the time they submit their inquiry. When there are two or more rating systems that might be applicable to a project, how should the project team decide which rating system to use?

A. Choose the rating system that has the most regional priority credits
B. Use the 40/60 rule 3
C. Check with local code what rating system to use
D. Choose the rating system that will result in the lowest certification costs

Answer 1

When selecting a LEED rating system for a project with multiple applicable rating systems, the 40/60 rule should be followed to choose the most appropriate system according to the project's space types.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a project team is confronted with two or more LEED rating systems that might be applicable to their project, the decision on which system to use should be guided by the project's specific goals, scope, and context. Option B, the 40/60 rule, applies to situations when it's not clear which rating system is most suitable. This rule states that if a project includes 40% or more of a particular space type (like residential, healthcare, retail, etc.), then the team should use the rating system designed for that space. Conversely, if the space type is less than 40%, but more than 60% of another type, the team should use the rating system corresponding to the 60% type. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not the correct way to determine the LEED rating system to be used. The rating system should align with the project's sustainability goals rather than prioritizing regional credits, local codes, or certification costs.