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The LEED Project Registration, CIR and Appeal Process – Lightning Round

Here is a "lighting round" of information regarding Project Registration, the Credit Interpretation Requests and Rulings (CIRs) and the Appeal Process in LEED. This information is as of January 2007. When updates occur, so will the information this page. Any of the information below could be asked on the Exam, so get familiar with it.

LEED Project Registration:

  • First thing is to do is register ONLINE via USGBC website
  • Registration fees are $450 for members, $600 for non-members
  • Certification fee depends on LEED Rating System (NC, EB, CS, etc.) and building sq. ft. (let me reiterate – building square footage !)
    • paid in different stages (i.e. design and construction phase)
  • Certification fees are waived if project receives Platinum LEED Certification
  • You could submit in two phases (for design submittal and then again for construction) OR submit in one phase (design and construction submittals together)
  • After design phase – USGBC will mark each credit as credit anti cipated or credit denied . They cannot actually reward credits after the design phase.
  • After construction phase – this is when USGBC makes a ruling on each credit as credit achieved or credit denied .
  • Registration provides access to Credit Templates online
    • 4 sections of Credit Templates:
      1. template status
      2. manage template
      3. required documents
      4. documentation status
  • Registration during early phases of project design ensures maximum potential for achieving certification.
  • Registration establishes point of contact with USGBC and provides access to essential information, software tools and communications.
  • Registration also provides access to a database of existing Credit Interpretation Requests and Rulings
  • A complete LEED-Online submittal must include the following:
    • overall project narrative including at least three project highlights
    • drawings and photos illustrating the project, including:
      1. site plan
      2. typical floor plan
      3. typical building section
      4. typical or primary elevation
      5. photo or rendering of the project

CIRs (Credit Interpretation Requests and Rulings):

  • During the certification process, if it is unclear whether or not a strategy applies to a given credit, a CIR can be submitted and the ruling will determine the suitability of the approach.
  • CIR rulings will never guarantee or award any credits – it just provides specific information regarding applicability.
  • IMPORTANT – Before submitting a CIR, check the online resource for previous CIRs logged by other projects on relevant credits first . Only if a similar credit interpretation has not been logged or does not answer your inquiry sufficiently, then a new CIR via LEED-Online should be submitted.
  • CIRs are $220 for each one
  • Each CIR should refer to only one LEED credit and one primary related strategy
  • The inquiry should only include essential project strategy and background information and should be presented in the context of the credit intent. (600 max words?)
  • Submissions of drawings, cut-sheets, or other attachments is NOT permitted.
  • CIRs can be viewed by all USGBC members, non-members with registered projects, and workshop attendees.
  • CIRs can only be requested by LEED Registered Project Team Members.

Appeals:

  • If a project team feels that sufficient grounds exist to appeal a credit that has been denied in the Final LEED Review, it has the option to appeal.
  • Appeals are $500 per credit
  • You have 25 days to appeal after Final LEED Review
  • Appeal submittals are all done via LEED-Online
  • Because review will be done by a different review team, appeals must include the following:
    • LEED registration information, including project contact, project type, project size, number of occupants, date of construction completion, etc.
    • An overall project narrative including at least three project highlights.
    • The LEED Project Checklist Scorecard indicating project prerequisites and credits and the total score for the project
    • Drawing and photos illustrating the project, including:
      1. site plan
      2. typical floor plan
      3. typical building section
      4. typical or primary elevation
      5. photo or rendering of project
    • complete list of all CIRs used
    • Original, re-submittal, and appeal submittal documentation for only those credits that are being appealed. Narratives for each to be included as well.

Good times. Cheers!

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128 Comments On This Post

  1. According to the LEED NC2.2 reference book (introduction) appeals can be filed either after the design phase review or the final review.

    Reply
  2. credit 6 – page 404- reference guide

    1. For each space less than or equal to 10,000 ft2 in floor area, provide at least 3 separate lighting controls, one airflow control and one temperature control each for every 2,500 ft.

    = there will be 4 sets of these controls in </= 10,000 ft2

    2. For each space greater than 10,000 ft2, provide at least 3 separate lighting controls, one airflow control and one temperature control each for every 10,000 ft2.

    = only one set of these control in 10,000 ft2.

    are these making sense?? More sets of control in smaller space ?

    Please help.

    Reply
  3. Pat,
    You may want to mention that CIR’s can be submitted for prerequisites as well as credits.
    Andy

    Reply
  4. You’re site says “All fees are waived if project receives Platinum LEED Certification.” Actually, I believe only the certification fees are eligible for a refund, but that other fees, such as appeals, CIRs, and registration, will not be refunded.

    Reply
  5. Oh jeez, I just committed my biggest pet peeve by typing “you’re” instead of “your.” I promise I’m not that dense.

    Reply
  6. I just took the test for the 2nd time and i failed for the 2nd time. i am very very upset because i dislike failing it’s not something i could ever get use to. I had a 150 the first time and 156 this time. I think the questions that presented me the most problems were the questions concerning the LEED administrator duties. I am trying to make myself take it one more time. plus it doesn’t help that i have to reorganize the information to process it do to my severe dyslexia! Any suggestion I am open for them.

    Reply
  7. @ Kwasi…
    Have u tried recording the notes & listening to memorize them?
    U can try converting ur notes to audio recordings on this site-
    http://www.spokentext.net & listen whenever travelling etc.
    U just need to create a free account on this site, upload ur notes text & its get converted to mp3 within few minutes, its worth giving a try.
    Hope this helps…

    Reply
  8. as a slow-learner, i used all my senses as much as i could to remember (not to memorize)and understand what i studied. i applied ‘quick study’ mental alertness remedy (www.saje.ca), listen to the ‘om’ mantra (specially for study/memory available at Banyen bookstore)on a solid headphone when I did my study through my index cards. I studied everyday at least for an hour and about 3 hours on the weekends and meditate in between breaks. leed is my first ever national exam and never attended any university level study.i held study group with professionals with architectural education and qualification. my 20+ years working experience taught me to study with different attitude.

    Reply
  9. Kwasi I feel your pain. I made my self a study cheat sheet on Excel. It included the credit phase, who is responsible, the intent, requirements, standards, and exlempary performance. I saved the summary and then sorted it by credit phase, who is responsible, standards, exemplary performance. Not only did I get more familiar while creating the spread sheet, looking at it in groups helped me remember. Hope this helps. Good luck.

    Reply
  10. Hey Pat!
    I checked the USGBC website…
    “Projects that are awarded LEED platinum certification will receive a rebate for all certification fees. Registration fees, appeal review fees, and any additional fees required to expedite LEED certification will not be refunded.”
    Ur site mentions “registration fee shall be waived for Platinum certification…
    Thnks for everything!

    Reply
  11. what can you do if you are denied in the final review? Can you go for other credits or do you just not get the point?

    Reply
  12. Pat –
    I am confused. Not with your great website, with the certification process. The cost is based on square footage and rating system used, but the buildinggreen.com free test has one of the answers as, “certification level.” Is this merely because Platinum awards you a rebate?

    Reply
  13. Pat,

    In your LEED AP Walkthrough Guide, under the section on The LEED Certification Process, I am a bit confused on the roles of the LEED AP’s role and that of the Project Administrator.

    First, excepting the CxA, is there a requirement for there to be a LEED AP on board. We all certainly realize the value added, but if you compare the two reoles, there seems to be serious overlap.

    I would prefer that the Project Administrator be LEED AP. However, if not what is the difference. It appears that the Project Administrator possibly could do all that the LEED AP position can do. And visa versa.

    Also, is it the Project Administrator’s responsibility to submit complete templates or that of the Team Member invited (aka Decision Maker; architect, MEP, Civil Engineer, etc.)to handle their respective credit templates?

    Could you please clarify these two issues for me?

    Reply
  14. Rookwood,

    Good questions.

    There is no “requirement” per se to have a LEED AP on board, but of course, there usually is, especially since it’s so easy to earn a point for ID Credit 2, in which case just having a LEED AP on board will gain 1 point for the project.

    There are some overlaps between the CxA and the LEED AP, but there is serious “non-overlaps” as well, such as the requirements of the CxA to have experience on 2 similar project AND the fact that the CxA is not to be part of the design team (if the project is > 50,000 sq.ft) PLUS, all of the reviews of the OBD and OPR, and all of the technical verifications that come along with being a CxA as well. These are all things the LEED AP does not really perform.

    Regarding your second question, the project admin “could” be the LEED AP, i guess you could say, but is usually not. The project administrator is like your “office manager”. They just take care of the paper work and such, but does not really totally understand the LEED process. The reason for the project admin is to alleviate some of the responsibilities for the LEED AP and the rest of the design team regarding submission of the credits to the USGBC (i.e. managing the LEED ONLINE process, assigning credit responsibilities to individual persons, etc.)

    The Team Members make the final decisions on what gets placed on the credit submittals, the project administrator is the one who coordinates this and submits it to the USGBC.

    Hope this helps.

    Reply
  15. Pat,

    Thanx for the quick response and it has really cleared these issues for me.

    I suppose an analogy would be that the LEED AP could be the General who maps out and oversees the “Game Plan” strategy, while the Project Administrator is the General’s right hand guy who sees that all the indians are doing their thing.

    With regards to “serious overlaps”, I am referring only to the “all-too-common” occurrence when there is more than one person performing/tracking a task. Experience tells me this is rarely a positive approach. As best we try, communication somewhere breaks down and eventually you may get the “Well, I thought you were doing…”

    again thanx!

    Reply
  16. Hi Josh,

    I must of overlooked your question, and I apologize. I’m just a one man team, and i receive 40+ emails + comments a day trying to help people out with the LEED exam. Please excuse that I missed your question, and accept my sincerest apology.

    Here is a link to the USGBC page about fees:

    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497

    It’s true that the cost is based on square footage primarily. If you look at the chart on the USGBC webpage, the cost isn’t any different between rating systems.

    However, it seems weird that the buildinggreen exam mentions certification level, and It’s my guess that it’s only because of the platinum rebate.

    Again, sorry to get to your question late. I’m trying my best.

    Reply
  17. Pat –

    Thank you so much for everything you are doing. I apologize for my rude reply. I forgot you are a one man team. I really want to say how much I appreciate what you are doing for everyone here. I purchased your online guide and I must say I am completly satisfied with the work you did. It has helped so so much. My test is quickly approaching and I am just getting stressed. So please let me apologize to you and praise the great work you are doing for all these people. Thank you Pat.

    Reply
  18. No worries Josh, I totally understand. There’s no need to apologize – I should of seen your question, and I somehow just totally missed it.

    Good luck on your exam!

    Reply
  19. Hi Pat. I passed my LEED NC exam today on my first try. I have to say that I don’t remember too much but here are some observations I wanted to share in hopes of helping others.

    1. There were NO questions on:
    -Number of credits or points for each category
    -Fees (i.e. certification,registration, appeals, etc.)

    2. The calculations were extremely straightforward but the questions were tricky so you had to really think about what was being asked. Once you figured that part out the rest was easy. Don’t be thrown off my extra info in the question such as the number of handicapped parking spaces when calcualting 5% of total parking capacity.
    3. There were a number of questions that asked more or less the same thing but were worded differently including ID intent,credit requirements and submittals, CIR (who, what, when, how), ASHRAE 90.1-2004 applications, WEc2-occupant usage and fixture flow rates.

    4. There were also questions on:
    -What ASHRAE 90.1-2004 Sections 5-11 (HVAC, building envelope, lighting, power etc.)mean.
    -The fact that MR c4 Low Emmitance is limited to building interiors and onsite tasks.
    -What qualifies as composite wood and renewable materials
    -Which credits use EA c1 as a baseline (Green Power and Renewable Energy).
    -Several questions on EQ c8.1 and 8.2 (requirements,submittals etc.)
    -Role of Project Administrator (at least 2 questions)
    – Construction Waste Management (the fact that land clearing debris and excavated soil don’t count)
    -Building Envelope
    -Construction Activity Pollution Prevention (stabilization and structural techniques, definition of xeriscaping)
    -Stormwater management->structural controls(green roof, open grid pavement, pervious pavement) and non-structural controls (rain garden, bioswales, disconnect of imperviousness, harvested rainwater)
    -Calculations-know the wordage. Ex. Renewable Energy is calcualted by dividing —by —.

    Sorry, that’s all I can think of. Hope it helps someone out there!

    Reply
  20. In the project roles, it says that a person needs to register the project and he/she becomes project administrator. That person can then invite other people to join the team and assign them the roles. Each person can be assigned more than one role. My question is WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF ROLES available? Is that information available somewhere?
    Thank you in advance for your help.
    Ella

    Reply
  21. Krystyna, I am not sure if you are going to read this again or not, but I had a question on your point #4: ASHRAE sections. Do you actually need to know which section corresponds to what discipline? i.e. section 5: building envelope, section 6: HVAC, section 9: lighting, etc?

    Reply
  22. Can’t answer what all the different kinds of roles are available, but the online video tutorial on LEED online shows quite a few roles.

    http://www.vimeo.com/346688

    Reply
  23. Here you go. These are copied and psted from LEED Online. These are the default roles and the Project Administrator (Manager) can ass a new role.
    Client
    Owner
    Developer
    Cost Consultant
    Broker
    Tenant
    Project Manager
    Architect
    Structural Engineer
    HVAC Engineer
    Civil Engineer
    Landscape Architect
    Interior Designer
    Contractor
    Commissioning Agent
    Environmental Adviser
    Ecologist
    Artist
    Project Team Manager (NOTE: This role provides the same level of access as a Project Administrator in LEED-Online)
    Add New Team Role:

    Reply
  24. Thank you, Franco.

    Reply
  25. Thank you, bgbLEED, that helps.
    Also, the link for the video above was very helpful. Thanks again to all.

    Reply
  26. where can i find the proposed 2009 project checklist for NC with possible points

    Reply
  27. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1849

    Right hand side: More Info / New Construciton

    Reply
  28. Hi Pat

    Just Passed, to close for comfort. Thanks,
    intheleed got me going in the right direction.
    I have been taking the greenexamprep for a few weeks and have been scoring 90-98 conssistantly, No Cheating. But I got 176 on the real thing. Very few straight forward questions. Mostly on The cert. process and Lighting, of all things. I know standards and credit/prereq’s, exemp. performance, submitals.
    Only 2 questions on standards, one for energy 90.1-2004, and 55-2004.
    Lighting!!! At least 5 questions, the one credit I didn’t expect more than 1.
    I hope it helps, but study the cert process and don’t rely on one source for info.
    Good Luck from a hammer swinger who can add LEED-AP to my next biz card!

    Reply
  29. Hi Pat,
    I have a question regarding the ‘Appeal application’. Does the appeal application guarantees that the credits will be awarded or it’s all depend on the reviw team?
    Thanks

    Reply
  30. @ Prisana,

    The appeal is only to have the credit be looked at closer by the reviewers, to make sure their decision was proper.

    It does not guarantee that the credit will be awarded.

    Reply
  31. got it!
    Thanks Pat!

    Reply
  32. PAT!!!

    I took the test yesterday, and I PASSED!!! First try, and I must say I owe it all to IntheLEED! Your study guide was absolutely essential to me being able to pass the test. I just graduated in May and have little to no experience in the industry (yet) and this resource was so well developed that it paid for itself. I only had to test once! lol.

    I want to express my sincere gratitude for you doing this for all these people. It’s an inspiring thing to see this many people interested in this system.

    Thanks so much!!

    Josh

    Reply
  33. Josh,
    Which study guide are you referring to? /Can you share?

    Cong!!!

    Reply
  34. @ Cong.

    Well the intheLEED study guide of course. The one that Pat provides here on the website. That is what I used and its a great price for the amount of information you get.

    Reply
  35. Pat-
    Just failed the exam with a score of 163. My section performance is a follows:

    Knowledge of LEED Credit, Intent and Requirements:61%, Coordinate Project and Team: 50%, Implement LEED process: 40%, Verify, Participate in, and Perform Technical Analyses required for LEED Credits: 57%.

    I have a couple questions. 1) Based on the percentages above what areas should I focus on in retaking the test in the next 2 weeks?

    2)I was unsure on many of the questions related to the ceritification process, registering project for LEED, CIR, role of LEED AP, who can review what, and mainly the front end stuff. Can you tell me where the best resources are to study for info in question #2? I think the LEED Workflow Checklist is a starting point but are there other resources?

    The exam didn’t seem to try to trick me quite as much as the practice tests but it obviously tricked me enough to fail.

    Thanks,
    K

    Reply
  36. Where is this “LEED Workflow Checklist” that Kevin mentions?

    Reply
  37. @ Kevin,

    I’m sorry to hear that you failed. I know you’ll do a lot better next time around. To answer your questions, I would work on your knowledge of credit, intent and requirements section, as well as the implement leed process sections. These are important sections which should be the easiest to gain ground on. For information about how to study for each, please see this post here:

    http://www.intheleed.com/leed-categories/
    You have 2 weeks, so you have plenty of time to do well in all of the sections, not just the two I mentioned.

    Your second question can be answered in the post that is located on the webpage that you are currently reading. It has all of the information about the registration process and CIR that you need to know…just make sure you can write it all down from memory, because any part of it is up for grabs on the exam. I hope this helps you…I wish you the best of luck on your retake. Let us know how you do.

    @ Julio, I believe that Kevin is speaking about the Blank Study Guide pages which can be found here:

    http://www.intheleed.com/leed-blank-study-guide/

    All the best.

    Reply
  38. I took a sample test and the question asked which of the following credits needed a photo for submittal. I chose SSc2 and it was incorrect. I checked the Ref Guide and SSc2 is the only one that needs a photo (aerial photo of the site) — Here are the options the test gave:
    EQ 3.1
    SS 7.2
    SS 2
    SS 4.2
    SS 6.1
    Can someone help?

    Reply
  39. Sorry, folks. Although i overlooked it in the Ref Guide last night. I actually found it today. The answer is EQ 3.1

    Reply
  40. What is the information required for online registration? Many areas on the template which must be filled in.

    Reply
  41. Help please!!!
    I just finished the exam today, and unfortunately I failed. After reading a brief summary on the role of a project administrator, I am still confused. Could someone explained this in length? In my exam, I also had many questions about registration, CIR, and the role of the project administrator. It seems like all study items focus mainly on the content and skipped all information about the beginning part. Someone please do a write-up about the role of the administrator.

    Thank you,

    Reply
  42. What is the correct answer, if asked on the exam, for the number of guidance requests per prerequisite/credit CIR?

    The Guide (Guidance for CIR Customers, 2d) states 1 (unless there is technical justification to do otherwise). Now, to me, that’s no answer. However, everyone says 1. The greenexamprep answer confirms it is not 1.

    I suppose no one knows since they don’t see the results of the exam?

    Reply
  43. Quick question? During which stage may a project team appeal a LEED rating? My pratice test say Certification Award. I picked Certification Review. The USGBC handbook says Final Review. I guess the handbook would be right…but did I miss something in my practice test?

    Reply
  44. The USGBC will review each Phase Submittal (Design and/or Construction) and issue an “anticipated” “clarify” or “denied” response within 25 days. If the response is “clarify”, the Project Team responds to the additional information requested and resubmits within 25 days. The USGBC will then review this information and respond within 15 days with a FINAL review “anticipated” “denied”(for THAT phase submittal only). There is no “clarify” option available on the final review of either submittal. The Project Team can either accept the ruling or APPEAL. If appealed, the process reverts back to the design phase. If accepted, the Project Team prepares to submit for the Construction Review. This is identical to the Design Phase submittal with an initial USGBC review and a final review. Appeals can only occur after a final ruling of either the Design or Construction Phase submittals.
    It is also important to note that after the Construction Review the USGBC will render their final ruling which carries the certification level. The certification is not official until the Project Team accepts the final ruling. They have the option to “Appeal” or “Accept”. Acceptance is FINAL and case closed. If denied, the project can not receive certification. If accepted, the PT can not go back for any reason.

    Reply
  45. Does it say “WHO” can register a project? Is it anyone on the team? Owner? Are there any specifics on this one?

    Reply
  46. Anyone can register a project. If that person is a USGBC member, the cost is $450, otherwise the cost is $600. I recomend the Project Administrator registers the project and assigns team member roles, and retains control of LEED Online.

    Reply
  47. Pat-
    The following are incorrect/need updating base on the USBGC CIR requirements:
    1. Each CIR should refer to only one LEED credit and one primary related strategy
    You can actually reference more than one credit provided that technical justification is provided.

    2. The inquiry should only include essential project strategy and background information and should be presented in the context of the credit intent. (600 max words?)
    600 words is correct (4,000 characters including spaces_

    Here is a link to USGBC CIR guidelines
    http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1510

    you will need to have a user account for USGBC.org to view, which you had better have if you are serious about studying!

    Reply
  48. Pat-

    You may appeal credits marked as denied after final design phase review, or after final construction phase review.

    USGBC link on project certification:
    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497

    Reply
  49. Pat,

    I am scoring in the 60 to 70 range on the greenexamprep exams on the first pass and then 85 to 90 a day later on the retest. The sample exam that is really throwing me is the free one at buildinggreen. Question 6 lists “floorscore” as one of the right answers for carpet standards and I cant even find “floorscore” in the LEED ref guide. The highest score I have on this exam is a 57.5. Is there a summary of the correct answers for the buildinggreen exam anywhere that you know of? I woul love to see some explanations for these answers.

    Reply
  50. FLOORSCORE

    Patrick,

    You might want to check this wed site. It might help you. I know. I couldn’t find it in Ref Guide either.

    http://www.ebuild.com/articles/403881.hwx

    Reply
  51. Pat-
    Does an enclosed 7 story parking ramp qualify for LEED 2.2 NC Rating System? What if it is not enclosed?

    Reply
  52. The answer is not in the reference guide, but rather in 2 CIR’s. See:
    3/22/07
    Ruling
    The project is inquiring if it is possible to achieve EQc4.3 through the use of low-emitting hard surface, resilient floors that are Greenguard-certified. As indicated in CIR Ruling 10/16/2006, projects that use non-carpet flooring materials that are FloorScore-certified are eligible to achieve EQc4.3 via a formal alternative compliance path process distinct from a CIR. This process will be initiated for this Greenguard product. This ruling will be updated as necessary when this process is complete.

    and

    10/16/06
    Ruling
    Yes, the proposed alternative compliance path using FloorScore is acceptable for credit achievement according to the following stipulations. 100% of the non-carpet finished flooring must be FloorScore-certified (as described above), and it must comprise, at minimum, at least 25% of the finished floor area. Potential examples of unfinished flooring include floors in mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, and elevator service rooms.

    This ruling was justified by the technical committee’s evaluation of the technical resources used as basis for the standard (California and USEPA sources), and adequate benefit. This CIR went through an official USGBC process for the establishment of performance/intent-equivalent alternative compliance paths.

    Reply
  53. Love the site, tons of very useful information here, FANTASTIC. Have a question I was hoping someone could help me with. Can using a particular material or product that is considered “non-green” get your project denied of registration or certification? I’ve heard that this has been an issue for others, one using a particular coral stone as decorative stone in their project.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  54. I don’t think that using a standard non-green material will get you denied certification, but in your example of using “coral” stone is unusual.

    As part of the LEED process, the critical input on materials comes from the Contractor. While the Owner might indicate a preference and the Architect/Designer might specify a material as part of the project’s spec book, the Contractor should be coached as early as the initial charette goal setting meeting about the types of material to specify and those to avoid. This might not always be possible in projects that are tendered and no Contractor will be present initially, so this has to become part of any tender pre-qualification interviews with contractors.

    Even when using products or materials that do not comply specifically with EQc4.1 through to EQc4.4 credits you will find that there are thresholds and tolerances so that when your material does not comply it gets counted as part of the TVOC’s on your project.

    One of the things that is really important is the intents. We had a potential project here that does not have any FSC wood available to it, not only is the wood not certified nor was it recycled from another project nor sourced regionally – the wood was suspected of having been illegally logged from the forests in Laos PDR. Not only does this sort of material “not comply” it also goes against everything in the intents and the principles of sustainable design.

    We turned down the invitation to work on the project, of course.

    Reply
  55. Franco, I appreciate your response and related story. Thank you very much, that helps.

    Reply
  56. “Registration during early phases of project design ensures maximum potential for achieving certification.”

    Anyone knows where it said so on USGBC’s web site? Thanks.

    Reply
  57. I need help w/ a practice exam question.

    What are some of the characteristics of LEED Online?

    A. Allows the project administrator to assign credits to team members
    B. Allows any team member to submit a CIR
    C. Allows project teams to register projects
    D. Allows non-team members to view CIRs
    E. Provides a mechanism to appeal denied credits

    The correct answer is A,B,E. But why is one of the answers not C? Is it b/c project administrators register projects online and not team?

    Any ideas?!?

    Reply
  58. This may be just semantics since the “team” doesn’t have access until the project administrator assigns the team roles.

    Reply
  59. Is it ture that “Each registered project is allowed two Credit Interpretation Requests and access to previous Credit Interpretation Rulings on the USGBC website” ?

    Reply
  60. Pat’s information such as “CIRs can be viewed by all USGBC members, non-members with registered projects, and workshop attendees” and “CIRs can only be requested by LEED Registered Project Team Members” is not shown in USGBC CIR guidelines
    http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1510

    Could someone please direct me to the source/web site for this kind of info about CIR? Thanks.

    Reply
  61. Anyone can access the CIR database and should do so to get familiar with the format and content and rulings. Go to: http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/Credit/CIRMain.aspx
    You have to sign in, anyone can be a registerd site user. Play around with the search feature – it’s quirky.

    Reply
  62. Dude your Walkthrough states “Registration fees waived if project gets a Platinum rating”

    Leed online clearly states “Projects that are awarded LEED platinum certification will receive a rebate for all certification fees. The rebate applies to projects that certify using LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, LEED for Core & Shell, or LEED for Schools. Projects that certify under future versions of LEED (excluding pilot projects and LEED for Homes projects) will also be eligible. Registration fees, appeal review fees, and any additional fees required to expedite LEED certification will not be refunded.”

    Yet another error, it makes it hard to trust your walkthrough.

    Reply
  63. Richard-

    No for the current version of LEED-NC you are not allowed 2 free CIR’s; it cost $220 per CIR that you submit no matter how many you submit.

    Also one of my practice exams said:

    What individual characteristic does not necessarily provide access to CIRs?

    A. A registered project team member
    B. A person who is a LEED AP
    C. A person who attended a USGBC workshop within the past 12 months
    D. A person who works for a USGBC member company
    E. A person who is a registered USGBC.org user

    The correct answers are B and E.

    Even though I personally am a USGBC.org member and CAN access the CIR’s, apperently that is not the answer LEED wants.

    So for the sake of the test remember that a USGBC.org member does not NECESSARILY have access, nor does a LEED AP. You have to be registered for a project to have access.

    I have no idea why USBGC has to make things so vague, instead of straight forward?!?

    Reply
  64. Cassi

    What practice exam was that? That seems odd

    Reply
  65. Anyone know if the Review Timelines (bottom chart) http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497 will be on the test.

    Reply
  66. Some practice exams are not doing justice to the process and appear to be misleading people. The question above seems really bogus, since anyone can access CIRs.

    Reply
  67. My thoughts exactly.

    Reply
  68. Parker/leedlinc-

    That question came from greenprepexam, which I was told has one of the better practice exams?

    There were several CIR questions like that from the greenprepexam.

    I agree it’s totally misleading.

    Does anyone know how well the greenprepexam questions compare to the actual LEED test? Are they similar in nature, more difficult, etc?

    Reply
  69. I recently came across following CIR related question during practice test:

    Whe referencing a previous CIR to apply to your project, what should be included with the submittal documentation?

    Does anyone know where I can get information related to this topic? I checked the latest information on USGBC website related to CIRs & couldn’t find anything related to using existing CIR as reference to Submittal document..

    Reply
  70. Rachana, here is the guidelines page. You must sign in.

    http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1510

    Here is the CIR database.

    http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/Credit/CIRMain.aspx

    Good luck.

    Reply
  71. Rachana,
    Do you mean the submittal documentation for your CIR? I tried to look this up and I couldn’t find anything. It says that you should look at previous CIRS, and if you are not able to find one that correlates to your CIR, then you can submit. If a previous CIR applies to your project, then you probably should not be submitting a CIR. Submittal documentation should relate to the intent of the credit and be brief but explicit.

    Reply
  72. Cassi,
    Thank you for responding to my question. That helped a lot.

    A question: Who can submit CIR?
    Project Administrator, Owner, Architect, or any Project Team member?

    Richard

    Reply
  73. alison,
    Just a reminder that if you are not able to find one that correlates to your CIR, then consider contacting LEED customer service to look into it and confirm that it warrants a new CIR. Then you can submit your CIR.

    Reply
  74. Richard,

    This is straight off the USBGC website: LEED Registered Project Team Members can submit a new Credit Interpretation Request on LEED-Online. Only LEED Registered Project Team Members can submit CIRs.

    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=168&amp;

    Now the question is… Do project administrators count as being a project team member? I would assume so ??? What do you think?

    Reply
  75. Rachana,

    I know what question you’re talking about, but the only thing I found on USGBC was for the paper certification process and it said:

    “A complete list of all CIRs used, including dates of applied rulings ”

    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1893

    Reply
  76. Cassi,
    Thanks for your info.
    I think a project administrator is a project team member.

    Reply
  77. The Certification fees depend upon the size of the project, the type of rating system being persued and whether you/ your company is USGBC member or not.

    Reply
  78. I took the LEED NC test yesterday and PASSED w/ a 183!!!!

    For anyone using greenprepexam.com for practices tests, please note that I found the real exam to be much easier than those practice tests.

    So if you are only making 60-70% on the greenprepexam like I was, don’t be discouraged!!!

    Reply
  79. Cassi,
    CONGRATULATIONS. I’m taking GreenExam Prep and will be taking LEED NC exam on 03/28. Wish me luck.

    Reply
  80. Richard, You’ll do great!! Take those practice exams as many times as you have time for… I thought the real exam was a breeze compared to those darn practice exams. GOOD LUCK!

    Reply
  81. Cassi,
    Congratulations!
    I took the GEP yesterday at 11:30pm, yikes! (but that’s when I get a quiet moments around the house w/ very active kid:))
    I scored 68% on first attemp for pool D. Your email is very encouraging since I am taking my CI exam tomorrow!
    Thanks.

    Reply
  82. Does anyone knows what date shows up on the LEED AP certificate after you pass the exam? is it the date of the exam?

    Reply
  83. GreenAP:
    I don’t know the answer to your question. But I know that “the official certification date of the project is the date USGBC receives notice of a project team’s acceptance of the Final LEED Review. USGBC will then contact the project team regarding fulfillment details, including their certificate and LEED Plaque.”

    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497 (under Certification Award)

    Reply
  84. A question needs you guy’s help.
    After a building is LEED certified, is there any costs associated with USGBC’s Plaque, Certificates, etc.?

    Reply
  85. I dont think so, unless you need another copy of your certificate, then you have to pay for the 2nd copy…I think?

    Reply
  86. building green sample test, # 56. You have evaluated all of the credits except for ____ and ___, and found that you have enough points to achieve LEED Certified, but one pt shor of Silver. You calculate that if the project archives a;; of the available pts in those credits, it would achieve LEED _____.

    A. EA c1, Energy optimaization; ID c1, Innovation in Design; Platinum

    B.ID c1, Inn. in Design; EQc4, Low-emitting material; Gold

    C. SSc7, Heat Island Effect; EQc4, Low-emitting material; Gold

    D. EQc4, Low-emitting Materials; MRc1, Building Reuse, Silver

    It says the answer is B, but that dowsn’t work out for me. I get the correct answer to be C/
    Any thoughts? Am I right?

    Reply
  87. Sorry,
    bad typing:

    short of Silver. You calculate that if the project achieves all of the available pts in those credits, it would achieve LEED _____.

    Reply
  88. Joy,

    To me its saying that you currently have achieved 32 pts (Certified). So for silver you need to obtain 1-6 additional pts; for gold you need to obtain and additional7-19 pts.

    Option A: Even if you got all 10pts under EAc1 and the 4 for IDc1 that’s only 14; not enough for platinum

    B: Would get you 8 add. pts (4 for IDc1 and 4 for EQc4); you would achieve GOLD

    C: Would get you 6 add. pts (2 for SSc7 and 4 for EQc4); you would achieve silver

    D: Would get you 7 add. pts (4 for EQc4 and 3 for MRc1); you would achieve gold

    It looks like B is the correct answer to me.

    Reply
  89. Pat

    “CIRs can be viewed by all USGBC members, non-members with registered projects, and workshop attendees”

    This is wrong. The USGBC website states “To view existing Credit Interpretations and Rulings, click here. USGBC Company Members, LEED Registered Project Team Members, and Workshop Attendees have access to view CIRs”

    I signed up and tried to view the CIR’s and it said access restricted. So you must be a USGBC company member… which I guess is different than being registered on the website.

    LEEDINC…. Clearly you have access to the CIR’s… am I missing something?

    Reply
  90. Parker, you are correct. Thanks for correcting that. I am a national member and do have several registered projects. I tried registering using a different name and Access Denied.

    Goog catch Parker. Thanks

    Reply
  91. And that is part of the “beauty” (haha – just kidding) of LEED. Sometimes you just have to find out the hard way since the information and documentation is ambiguous, obscure or buried.

    Reply
  92. hehe yea. Thanks for clarifying. I wish we could see the CIR’s prior to testing as I am sure they would help in clarifying our own interpretation of certain credits better. Thanks for posting what you have. Ill have to go back and examine those a bit more before I test next week.

    Reply
  93. What is strange is I can login use my account login for USGBC.org and DO HAVE access to the CIR’s.

    I am not a USGBC company member, am not a LEED project team member, nor have I done any USGBC workshops.

    So the question is why and how do I have access? This is why LEED is so ambiguous, b/c what works for some doesn’t work for others…

    Reply
  94. Cassi,
    That is exactly what a a member of USGBC is, IS HAVING AN ACCOUNT WITH THEM!

    Reply
  95. A question about the Preliminary Construction-phase Review and Construction-phase Appeal of Split Design and Construction Review shown on USGBC’s web site.

    http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497

    In the Preliminary Construction-phase Review, “USGBC returns them to the project team as “earned,” “clarify,” or “denied.”

    In the Construction-phase Appeal (the last step in split review), “USGBC will return the appealed prerequisite(s) or credit(s) to the project team as anticipated or denied.”

    How come there are still credits or prerequisites “anticipated” at the last step of split review? Could anyone you please provide your thoughts? or is it just a mistake that USGBC needs to correct on the website?

    Reply
  96. I have a same question as Richard.I think it should be earned instead of anticipated. Any thoughts?

    Reply
  97. Parker,

    email me at bsutton@leedlinc.com – I’ll see what i can get you in the way of CIR’s.

    Reply
  98. I think mamz is correct. It must be a typo since all resubmitted credits are reviewed and in a combined review the response is earned or denied.

    Reply
  99. great website….taking an exam next week ! best of luck to all exam takers..and wish me luck…!

    Reply
  100. What are the roles of a “project administrator”
    I know this question has been asked couple of times on this blog but no answers. Can anyone help me with this??
    Good luck sridhar and good luck to all!!

    Reply
  101. 1. Point of contact for the USGBC
    2. They register a project
    3. They invite project memebers
    4. Assign credits
    5. Verify project information
    6. Submit completed templates for review on USGBC (iffy on this one… someone care to comfirm?)

    Reply
  102. thanks Parker that helps..I think you are right on 6th point.
    more info is most welcome.

    Reply
  103. Sample ques.
    For a project whose credit are submitted in phases, when will Design Phase credits be awarded?
    A. After submission of Design Credits
    B. Upon Submission of Construction Phase Credits
    C. Once all Credits have been submitted
    D. After punch list is complete and Certificate of Occupancy has been awarded
    Can someone answer this for me. I think it is C or D, not sure.

    Reply
  104. Mamz

    I think it is C. Given the fact that you achieve design credit only by completing a submission to Leed online. Certificate of occupancy and application of LEED process to USGBC can be a simultaneous thing. D does not hold you up from submitting all the credits. Any more suggestions?

    Reply
  105. thnx Wannabe

    Reply
  106. I think it’s C also. Even in a split review credits are not “earned” until after the final construction phase review.

    Reply
  107. im looking at the certification process for design and construction submittals (the timeline)

    i understand you can have the option of design submittal first, then construction. but you can also do a combination. what im wondering about is the combination of both…does it have the same amount of days to be reviews/re-reviewed/final review/ appeal/appeal review? like respective to the days in the single submittals of design and construction?

    thanks in advance

    Reply
  108. Jonathan see this link for the answer: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1497

    Reply
  109. thank you prd!

    Reply
  110. oops sorry… page didnt refresh…i mean mamz!

    Reply
  111. Can someone please tell me which of the following would be required for certification?
    A. Name of Owner
    B. Estimated date of completion
    C. Primary Contact
    D. Project Name and Location
    E. Level of LEED certification that the project is attempting

    the practice test i am taking said A, C and D? Is that correct?

    Reply
  112. I think thats correct

    Reply
  113. I was trying to access the CIR database on the usgbc website but it says access denied..so is it only for USGBC members? Is there any other way to know more about the CIRs since there might be questions in the exam..Please help.

    Reply
  114. I found out the hard way that you must have a registered project or have attended a usgbc workshop to access the CIRs’. Test questions are about the process, cost etc. That information is available.

    Reply
  115. I will be taking the LEED NC 2.2 in a week’s time and getting ready to do the GreenPrep Practice Tests. What sections of the USGBC do we need to familiarize. I have already reviewed the CIR and project submission process but am not sure of what else to look for as the website is too vast. Please provide any helpful links from USGBC.ORG
    Thanks in advance for your time and help.

    Reply
  116. What is the minimum square footage that you need for NC? Can it be an outdoor bathroom? It has to be separate? Are there minimums in square footage?

    Reply
  117. Project Narrative –

    Does anyone have an example of a project narrative that is required?

    overall project narrative including at least three project highlights

    Reply
  118. if you’re asking about the test, i dont think you need to worry about that being on the test. ask long as you know the general things like which credits require a narrative…

    Reply
  119. No, actually I passed my test in March and I am working on my first project. Just wanted to take a look at an example instead of reinventing the wheel with most of this stuff.

    Thanks

    Reply
  120. can someone please provide a final clarification as to who has access to CIRS/who can submit them? I believe that the project team members would submit CIRS as a part of the certification process, but I am actually able to see previous CIRS on the usgbc website because i am a registered usgbc member. there have been a lot of interpretations. does anyone know a final list of who can access this? thanks!

    Reply
  121. Met fan,
    V2.2 does not make a reference as of minimun areas required, not that I know. However, I found Leed v.3 does. GBCI.com states: minimun required area for a project attempting NC is 1,000 sf and for CI 250 s.f.

    Reply
  122. Guys,

    Just took the test. I am NOT a good test taker. Passed with a 196 with the help of this site. The “lightning round” was key to really nailing the LEED Process stuff. I found all manner of conflicting information even on the USGBC Website regarding certification and CIR’s etc.

    The info posted above covered at least 5 questions asked. The only thing I would add to above is USGBC Membership affects the reg. cert. fee structure. If I did not know that, I would have missed one.

    Reply
  123. questiom from ‘a’

    can someone please provide a final clarification as to who has access to CIRS/who can submit them? I believe that the project team members would submit CIRS as a part of the certification process, but I am actually able to see previous CIRS on the usgbc website because i am a registered usgbc member. there have been a lot of interpretations. does anyone know a final list of who can access this? thanks!”

    Answer:

    Submittal of CIR’s can only be from project team members, identified in the project registry of LEED On-Line (team members are assigne by the Project Adminstrator. In the project template section there is a tab you click to access the CIR area.

    Reply
  124. I just unfortunately failed the test (169 painful score). What is next step to take for me besides obviously reinforcing the areas I did not know the most?.
    What is the difference now that there is LEED V3?
    Can I just keep on studying and book another test within the next two weeks or so?
    thank you

    Reply
  125. I just failed w/a 169 also! are LEED v3 tests being scheduled yet?

    Reply
  126. 200 questions in 4 hours and a specialty test (not clear to me as of what it will be defined as specialty)of 100 questions.

    Reply
  127. Hi Pat,
    Thanks for the great work. The GBCI website shows fees for registration as $900 for USGBC members and $1200 for non-members. Your website show$450 and $90o. Are you in the process of updating?

    Reply

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