Detailed Evaluations
Step 7:
Evaluate "High Design Impact" Credits and "Synergistic" Credits
for Design Integration Opportunities
As noted in Step 6, the selection of moderate- and
and layout of the fenestration, the use of
high-cost LEED credits typically involves detailed
exterior or interior shading devices and light
evaluations of the costs, benefits, and design
shelves, and the arrangement of interior
implications. Step 7 of the LEED evaluation
spaces. Strategies to reduce energy use, to
process focuses on the "High Design Impact" and
utilize natural ventilation, or to integrate
"Synergistic" credits in a LEED project.
renewable energy sources (particularly
photovoltaic panels) can also significantly
High Design Impact Credits:
affect the basic building form, massing, and
approach to fenestration.
Example
Table 2-7a summarizes the "High Design Impact"
credits identified as options for the "Low-Cost"
Gold-rated Courthouse model of the GSA LEED
Cost Study. Notably, the credits were identified at
various cost impact levels, ranging from no cost to
high. The purpose of identifying all of the High
Design Impact credits is to establish the level of
influence the LEED performance goals may have
on the core design approach for a project before the
design is conceptualized. As illustrated in the
Courthouse example, the design impacts of the
LEED criteria can be substantial, and may include
the following:
Site design. A number of the LEED Sustainable
Site credits (particularly the Reduced Site
Disturbance and Stormwater Management
credits) set criteria that can influence the
amount of vegetated or impervious area on a
site. This can impact site planting, site paving,
and building layout decisions, as well as the
basic project approach to stormwater
management. Related LEED credits promote
native, adaptive, and low-water use plantings
Figures 2-12 and 2-13. U.S. EPA New England
(as opposed, for instance, to turf grass), which
Regional Laboratory, Chelmsford,
can further influence a project's approach to
Massachusetts (LEED Gold Rating, Version 1.0)
landscaping.
Reflective light tubes, with diffusers designed to fit
suspended ceiling systems, and exterior light
shelves bring daylight deep into the building.
Views can significantly influence the building
(Photo: Don Horn)
form, footprint, and faade orientations, as
well as the floor-to-ceiling heights, the size
GSA LEED APPLICATIONS GUIDE
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