Selecting the suitable LEED Rating System for Your Project as a USGBC LEED Green Associate
The 60/40 rule is a useful tool for project managers working on green building projects, helping to optimize the LEED certification process. It does not dictate the percentage of points that need to be achieved for certification, but rather focuses on the critical aspects of the project.
The 60/40 rule serves as a general approach to prioritize the LEED criteria for a specific project. It suggests a focus on the 60% of the criteria that are most important or relevant to the project at hand, while the remaining 40% may be less crucial. However, it's essential to note that the 60/40 rule is not a strict guideline and may need to be adjusted based on the specific circumstances and goals of the green building project.
The rule is used for selecting the most appropriate LEED rating system for a project when several rating systems may apply. For instance, if a project has 60% or more of its gross floor area dedicated to a specific space type, such as office space, it should use the LEED rating system that corresponds to that space type, like the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations (LEED-NC) rating system.
On the other hand, if a project has less than 60% of its gross floor area dedicated to a single space type, it can choose the most appropriate rating system for each portion of the project. If no rating system covers more than 60% of the gross floor area, but one covers more than 40%, that rating system should be used. If no rating system covers more than 40%, the project team can choose any applicable rating system.
It's important to remember that the 60/40 rule does not guarantee LEED certification, but it can help in focusing on the most important aspects of the project to increase the chances of certification. The rule does not replace the need for thorough research and analysis of the LEED criteria for a green building project.
For those preparing for the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam, a free online resource is available that includes a practice question and answer dump with detailed explanations and references. This can help candidates pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.
In conclusion, the 60/40 rule is a valuable resource for project managers working on green building projects, offering a strategic approach to prioritize the LEED criteria for a specific project and streamlining the LEED certification process to maximize the potential for achieving a higher level of LEED certification.
