LEED for Existing Buildings (O+M)

LEED Operation & Maintenance [LEED (O+M)] puts the focus on operations in whole buildings and interior spaces that have been fully operational and occupied for at least one year. By focusing on performance-oriented strategies and outcomes, old buildings can achieve higher efficiency. Since demolishing an existing building and constructing a new one can have significant environmental impacts, ensuring older buildings perform better and last longer is a smart investment for owners and the planet. LEED O+M projects may be undergoing improvement work or little to no construction and works for projects including:

• Existing whole buildings
• Existing Interiors spaces within a portion of an existing building, including spaces for commercial, retail or hospitality purposes
LEED v4.1 O+M

While LEED v4 remains available today, LEED v4.1 O+M is simpler, easier, faster and less expensive. It’s a paradigm shift that recognizes the simplest way to evaluate existing buildings is to focus on measurable performance outcomes. 

With performance data as your documentation, and less need for many prescriptive credits and prerequisites, project teams across the country are adopting the LEED v4.1.LEED v4.1 O+M updates include:

• LEED points based on what really matters – performance
• A shift from documentation to data tracking energy, water, waste, transportation, indoor air quality, toxin free environment and occupant satisfaction using Arc, a free tool to help manage performance metrics.
• Recognition for initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve occupant health and well-being
• Alignment with data-driven recertification to help projects stay certified

Each credit category begins with an overview that discusses sustainability and market factors specific to the category. For each prerequisite and credit, readers will then find the following sections:

• Intent & Requirements outlines the rating system requirements for achieving the prerequisite or credit. They were approved through the rating system development process and can also be found on the USGBC website.
• Behind the Intent connects credit achievement with larger sustainability issues and provides information on how the credit requirements meet the intent stated in the rating system.
• Step-by-Step Guidance suggests the implementation and documentation steps that can be used by most projects, as well as generally applicable tips and examples.
• Further Explanation provides guidance for lengthy calculations or for special project situations, such as tips for nonstandard project types or different credit approaches. It includes a Campus section and, sometimes, an International Tips section.
• Required Documentation lists the items that must be submitted for certification review.
• Related Credit Tips identifies other credits that may affect a project team's decisions and strategies for the credit in question; the relationships between credits may imply synergies or trade-offs.
• Changes from LEED 2009 is a quick reference of changes from the previous version of LEED.
• Referenced Standards lists the technical standards related to the credit and offers weblinks to find them.
• Exemplary Performance identifies the threshold that must be met to earn an exemplary performance point, if available.
• Definitions give the meaning of terms used in the credit.
Process And Cost Information:

LEED O+M has minimum program requirements including a project size, so check compliance before registering the project. Once registered, submit all required documentation.
GBCI will conduct a preliminary review, and if project teams are not satisfied with the results they can update their application and have a final review done. For more feedback through the process, there is an option for a pre-certification review. Project teams can pay for expedited review as well.
There is a flat registration fee, and certification fees are per square foot. If a project chooses to have a pre-certification, there is a flat fee associated. Expedited review has a flat fee as well. Silver, gold, and platinum level members receive discounted pricing.