A commercial new construction project consists of mixed space usage. When deciding which LEED rating system to use, the LEED AP should follow which of the following rules?

A commercial new construction project consists of mixed space usage. When deciding which LEED rating system to use, the LEED AP should follow which of the following rules?
A . If a rating system is appropriate for less than 50% of the gross area of the LEED project space then the rating system must not be used
B . If a rating system is appropriate for more than 50% of the gross floor area of LEED project space, then that rating system must be used
C . If a rating system is appropriate for 30% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable
D . If a rating system is appropriate for 40% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used. If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable1.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED Rating System Selection Guidance1