Technical Bulletins


The CaGBC's LEED Technical Bulletins provide the latest news and information directly affecting those actively engaged in LEED projects. All CaGBC Green Building Specialist members receive this valuable newsletter, distributed regularly. Looking for LEED v4? Visit the LEED v4 Zone where you can access all LEED v4 Technical Bulletin articles in one place.

To view archived versions of the Tech Bulletin, click on the corresponding PDF below. Please note that the LEED Tech Bulletins are a Specialist Member benefit and you must be signed in as a Specialist Member to view them. To become a CaGBC Specialist Member now, click here for more information.

October 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. LEED v4.1 Bringing Important Changes to Multifamily Projects
    2. LEED: Build Resiliency to Climate Change
    3. Ask LEED Coach Canada – Sampling Water Fixtures in LEED v4 O+M
  2. Call for Volunteers for CaGBC Committees
  3. Reviewer Insight: Helpful CIR for LEED Canada CS 2009 projects with unfit-up CRU spaces
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners

September 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. What’s New in LEED v4.1 – July Addenda
    2. Achieving the Daylight Credit in LEED v4/v4.1 BD+C
    3. LEED Coach Canada: Market-Specific Support for LEED Projects
  2. Call for Volunteers for CaGBC Committees
  3. Changes This Fall to LEED Canada version 2009 Report Writing
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

August 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. Dive In – Successful LEED v4.1 Credit Substitutions
    2. What’s new in LEED v4.1 – MR credit BPDO – Environmental Product Declarations
  2. USGBC LEED Committee Call for Volunteers
  3. Recognizing Quality Views in LEED Canada NC/CS 2009
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

June 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. What’s new in LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C – IP Credit Integrative Process
  2. Presentations Available from Building Lasting Change
  3. BLC 2019 Delegates: Have your say in our annual survey
  4. Calling all MURBs!
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. Recent CIRs

May 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. What’s New in LEED v4.1 BD+C and ID+C - Location and Transportation
    2. LEED v4.1 and Electric Vehicle Charging Station requirements
    3. Reviewer Insight: Two Helpful Energy Modelling LEED Interpretations for LEED v4 Projects
  2. Join us at CaGBC's Building Lasting Change conference, returning to the Vancouver Convention Centre, May 28-30
    1. Building Lasting Change Program Focus – Stream 3: Accelerating and broadening your impact
    2. Accelerating to Zero
  3. Education for LEED Practitioners
  4. Recent CIRs

April 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. Are there exemptions for small incomplete areas in LEED v4?
    2. Calculating your LEED v4.1 project’s carbon emissions reduction
    3. LEED v4.1 Addenda
    4. Pricing and updates for LEED v4.1 O+M and LEED Recertification
  2. Building Lasting Change 2019 Program now online
    1. Discuss your project with a LEED Reviewer in our Certification Workzone.
    2. Accelerating to Zero
  3. Education for LEED Practitioners

March 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    1. Life Cycle Assessment in LEED v4.1
    2. We’re Listening - Provide Feedback on LEED v4.1
    3. How to Accelerate Your LEED v4 Certification
  2. Learn more about LEED v4.1 at Canada’s premier green building industry event - Building Lasting Change
  3. Operational policy templates for LEED Canada projects
  4. See the Impact of LEED Certification Across Canada
  5. Make a difference in 2019 as a LEED Fellow
  6. Education for LEED Practitioners
  7. Recent and Updated CIRs

January 2019 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4.1 is Open for Business
  2. What's new in LEED v4.1?
  3. Substituting LEED v4.1 pathways into a LEED v4 project
  4. What LEED v4.1 resources are available?
  5. Where can I provide feedback?

December 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?
    b) Lessons and Tips for v4
  2. Recertification Workbook Published for LEED Canada EB:O&M 2009 Projects
  3. Building Lasting Change 2019 Call for Presentations closes tomorrow
  4. Watch federal support for zero carbon take form at 25 St. Clair
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. Recent CIRs

November 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) What Composite Wood to include in Low-Emitting Materials
    b) Reviewer Insight: Three Helpful LEED Interpretations for LEED v4 Projects
    c) LEED Zero is here!
  2. Building Lasting Change 2019 Call for Presentations now open
  3. Broader signatory options for the MPR form
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

October 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Construction and Demolition Waste Management
  2. Accelerating to Zero
  3. Results of the Survey of Commercial and Institutional Energy Use (SCIEU) 2014
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent and Updated CIRs

June 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Minimum Energy Performance Calculator for NECB 2011 ACP released
    b) Update on French language support for LEED v4
    c) Why is my project confidential within the USGBC and CaGBC project directories?
  2. Conference Highlights from the LEED Team
  3. 2018 USGBC Call for LEED Committee Volunteers
  4. WELL v2 Pilot Now Live
  5. Incorporate Parksmart Measures to Earn an Innovation Credit
  6. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is now considered equivalent to commuter rail or light rail systems
  7. Education for LEED Practitioners
  8. Recent CIRs

May 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Register Canadian LEED v4 projects in LEED Online
    b) Material Ingredient Reporting and Optimization
  2. Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Building Lasting Change with us in Toronto June 5-7 at the Beanfield Centre
  3. Join us for an expert discussion on building resiliency at this BLC 2018 special event
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners

April 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Reminder – Submit your project for preliminary review within two years
    b) Canadian guidance released for LEED v4 Neighbourhood Development
  2. LEED v4 in focus at Building Lasting Change 2018 with WorldGBC Congress
  3. Tips and Tricks – Have you forgotten about CIR 934? Beneficial in achieving IEQ credit 8.1 Daylight
  4. Upcoming Education for LEED Practitioners

March 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4.1 is coming, with O+M release March 26
  2. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Changes to parking related credits
  3. Building Lasting Change 2018 Full Program now online
  4. LEED Certification Workzone
  5. Data centres must now be included in Canadian Portfolio Manager
  6. Education
  7. Recent CIRs

February 2018 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) How to achieve Green Cleaning in BD+C and ID+C
  2. LEED v4 in focus at Building Lasting Change 2018 with WorldGBC Congress Canada
  3. Reminder – Sunset for LEED version 2009 projects
  4. Promotion: 10 Common Missteps for Reduced Mercury in Lamps On-demand
  5. Education
  6. Recent CIRs

December 2017 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) FAQ – Is my project required to follow addenda?
    b) The Water Use Reduction Credit Category Moves Towards a Complete Water Demand Profile
  2. February 2018 Updates to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
  3. Launch of ENERGY STAR certification
  4. Call for Presentations now open including a stream for advanced LEED Practitioners - closes December 22
  5. GBCI Canada: open for business in January 2018
  6. Education for LEED Practitioners
  7. Recent CIRs

November 2017 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) Incomplete spaces in BD+C
  2. Public registration for Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building Program now open
  3. LEED v4.1 announced at Greenbuild
  4. Parksmart taskforce – your help is needed!
  5. Call for Presentations now open including a stream for advanced LEED Practitioners
  6. Join our team: CaGBC hiring LEED Reviewers, Energy/HVAC
  7. Education for LEED Practitioners

October 2017 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone
    a) LEED Credit Library – New features available for FREE!
    b) Addenda Tables
  2. Tips and Tricks – Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plans
  3. New pathway available for Water Efficiency (WE) credits
  4. Education
  5. Recent/Updated CIRs

September 2017 (pdf)

  1. LEED v4 Zone - NEW!
    a) CSI Qualifying Divisions for MR Credits in LEED v4
    b) Receive Early Feedback on Your LEED v4 Project
  2. Tips and Tricks – 7 Tips for Rainwater Collection System Calculations
  3. Education
  4. Recent/Updated CIRs

June 2017 (pdf)

  1. LEED Team overview of Building Lasting Change 2017M
  2. 2017 USGBC Call for LEED Committee Volunteers
  3. Tips and Tricks: Use ISO 14001 certification to earn an Innovation credit
  4. Education for LEED practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

April 2017 (pdf)

  1. Building Lasting Change 2017: Your best source for Net Zero Buildings expertise
  2. Earn up to 16 GBCI CE hours at Building Lasting Change
  3. LEED Canada NC/CS 1.0 Deadline
  4. New guidance and tools for the LEED v4 NECB 2011 ACP
  5. Clarification regarding IAQ testing for LEED Canada v2009 projects
  6. Starting a LEED v4 project? Start with CaGBC!
  7. Education for LEED practitioners
  8. Upcoming Webinars
  9. On Demand Education
  10. Recent CIRs

February 2017 (pdf)

  1. CaGBC Vancouver office certified LEED v4 Platinum
  2. Less than 5 months left to complete certification under LEED Canada NC/CS v1.0
  3. New pathways for certified wood
  4. Projects now allowed multiple appeal rounds.
  5. Invitation to join CaGBC's LEED v4 ND taskforce
  6. Innovation Challenge for young professionals
  7. CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Call for Pilots
  8. Education for LEED practitioners
  9. On Demand Education
  10. Recent CIRs

October 2016 (pdf)

  1. Less than two weeks left to register for LEED® v2009
  2. LEED® Letter Template update for NC/CS v2009
  3. New scope allowance for vertically-attached buildings
  4. Updated Average Scorecards posted
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. Recent CIRs
  7. Complete CaGBC Member Survey by Nov. 4 and you could win a free pass to Building Lasting Change

September 2016 (pdf)

  1. Deadline for registration to v2009 is October 31
  2. New LEED® banners appearing on buildings across the country – get yours for free and join them today
  3. Prepare for LEED v4 with CaGBC Education
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

July 2016 (pdf)

  1. Now Available – Use USGBC pilots credits for IDc1!
  2. 2016 USGBC Call for LEED Committee Volunteers
  3. Education for LEED Practitioners
  4. Recent CIRs

May 2016 (pdf)

  1. Under one month left to submit LEED NC/CS v1.0 projects!
  2. Third party energy reviewers to be notified of project milestones
  3. Should newer energy standards be allowed for calculating energy performance?
  4. Be proactive – write tenant guidelines to match rating system version
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. CaGBC Materials Summit 2016: A unique, interactive day of learning about the LEED v4 Materials Credits
  7. Earn up to 16.5 GBCI CE hours at Building Lasting Change 2016
  8. Recent CIRs
 

April 2016 (pdf)

  1. Tips and Tricks – Parking is not included in the Building Floor Area
  2. CaGBC Materials Summit 2016: A unique, interactive day of learning about the LEED v4 Materials Credits
  3. Earn up to 13 GBCI CE hours at Building Lasting Change 2016
  4. CaGBC releases National Energy Benchmarking Framework Guide
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. Canadian LEED buildings have reduced over 1 million tonnes of CO2e in GHG emissions since 2005
  7. Recent CIRs
 

March 2016 (pdf)

  1. Registration process for LEED v4
  2. Seeking Top Talent from Across the Country
  3. Projects Can Now Appeal Any Credit
  4. Report demonstrates green buildings are an engine of economic growth in Canada
  5. Changes in Leadership of LEED Committees
  6. Looking for Canada's Green Building Product of the Year
  7. Education for LEED Practitioners
  8. Recent CIRs
  9. Updated CIRs

December 2015 (pdf)

  1. Correction to LEED Canada NC/CS 2009 Letter Templates
  2. Resilience Now Part of LEED Pilot Credit Library
  3. New LEED v4 Leaders Page Features Case Studies on v4 Registered and Certified Projects
  4. CaGBC celebrates two major milestones: 1000th certified project in Ontario and 175th LEED Platinum certified project in Canada
  5. Updated CaGBC Brand Guidelines Provide New Promotional Opportunities for Registered Projects
  6. Education for LEED Practitioners
  7. Recent CIRs
  8. New promotional tools to help you tell your LEED story

November 2015 (pdf)

  1. New compliance option to streamline the Energy Simulation Review
  2. LEED Letter Template update for v2009
  3. Education for LEED Practitioners
  4. Recent CIRs
  5. Updated CIRs
  6. Attend the Greater Toronto Materials Summit Dec. 1
  7. New promotional tools to help you tell your LEED story

September 2015 (pdf)

  1. New promotional tools to help you tell your LEED story
  2. New Template Available for Design and Construction Guideline
  3. LEED Canada NC/CS v1.0 Projects Can Now Adopt LEED v4 BD+C Credits
  4. Driving the Collection of Product Information: Join ORGIN's Material Data Drive
  5. Education for LEED Practitioners
  6. Recent CIRs

August 2015 (pdf)

  1. Getting it Right- Submission Concerns with Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) in v2009
  2. Important Updates to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
  3. Help Drive Energy Performance by Answering the Energy Use Survey
  4. First Canadian Project to Pilot the LEED Dynamic Plaque
  5. Staff Reading Pick: Environmental Product Declarations
  6. Education for LEED Practitioners
  7. Recent CIRs
  8. Updated CIRs

June 2015 (pdf)

  1. Important CIRs impacting purchased renewable energy/biofuels and thermal comfort in spaces not regulated by ASHRAE 55
  2. LEED Team overview of Building Lasting Change 2015
  3. One more year to submit LEED Canada NC/CS version 1.0 projects
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Recent CIRs

May 2015 (pdf)

  1. Tips for More Easily Verifying Your Project's Classification in the Canada Land Inventory
  2. Over 200 certifications in first fourmonths
  3. See you at the Building Lasting Change Conference!
  4. New Guidance for FSC Chain of Custody
  5. Public comment period open for LEED for Operations and Maintenance:Multifamily
  6. Update to the LEED Canada EB:O&M Option B&C Calculator
  7. Correction to LEED Canada NC/CS 2009 Letter Templates
  8. Education for LEED Practitioners
  9. Employment Opportunities with the LEED Team
  10. Recent CIRs
  11. Updated CIRs

February 2015 - Special Edition (pdf)

  1. Special Edition - Clarifying Common Misinterpretations of Stormwater Management Credits
  2. CIR 1196: Clarification of SSc6.2 Credit Requirements
  3. CIR 1197: Clarification of Documentation to Support Credit Compliance for SSc6 – Stormwater Management
  4. CIR 1198: TSS Removal Efficiencies
  5. CIR 1199: Applying CIR 1075 for Projects Registered Before the Date of Final Ruling
  6. CIR 1200: TARP II Field Testing to Support SSc6.2
  7. CIR 1201: Detaining Water to Comply with Credit Requirements

February 2015 (pdf)

  1. Deadline for submitting LEED Canada NC/CS version 1.0 projects nearing
  2. Seeking input on translation of LEED v4 rating systems
  3. Education for LEED Practitioners
  4. New LEED certification plaques available in Canada as of March 1, 2015
  5. Submit to win the CaGBC Green Building Product of the Year
  6. Nominations still open for the 2015 CaGBC Leadership Awards – deadline is February 17
  7. Recent CIRs

December 2014 (pdf)

  1. LEED Coach – Personalized Help for Project Teams
  2. Update to the LEED Canada 2009 Supplementary Energy Modelling Guidelines
  3. Submission Concerns with Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) in v2009
  4. Project Profiles Provide Great Exposure
  5. Provide your input on LEED productivity tools
  6. Help Inform Green Building in Canada – NRCan Survey is Coming
  7. Education for LEED Practitioners
  8. Seeking Input on Translation of LEED v4 O+M
  9. One-day EcoDistricts and Municipal LEED workshop taking place Feb 9

November 2014 (pdf)

  1. 5000th LEED registration in Canada
  2. Certification Timelines
  3. LEED Canada project registration extended until October 2016
  4. Education for LEED Practitioners
  5. Submittal Tips when Applying for ID Credits from other LEED Rating Systems
  6. Recent CIRs

September 2014 (pdf)

  1. Expedited Reviews Now Available
  2. Correction to certification fee submittal form
  3. Recent CIRs
  4. Updated CIRs

August 2014 (pdf)

  1. Improving timelines through increased flexibility
  2. Be part of the CaGBC LEED Team!
  3. The Roll Out of LEED v4 in Canada continues
  4. CIRs for MNECB Mandatory Requirements
  5. Recent CIRs

July 2014 (pdf)

  1. New measures to accelerate certification
  2. New CIRs

June 2014 (pdf)

  1. ACPs and Support Tools Launched for Canadian LEED v4 Projects
  2. Tips to Accelerate LEED Canada EB:O&M Certification
  3. NEW Feature! Recent CIRs

May 2014 (pdf)

  1. Important technical clarifications to EQp1 and natural ventilation strategies
  2. LEED v4 education at Building Lasting Change 2014

April 2014 (pdf)

  1. Deadlines for submitting LEED Canada projects
  2. The spotlight (full cutoff of course) is on CIR 1103 to clarify light trespass
  3. LEED v4 education - we've got you covered
  4. LEED v4 education at Building Lasting Change 2014

December 2013 (pdf)

  1. Revisions to Recertification Performance Period Requirements
  2. LEED Canada EB:O&M 2009 Reference Guide Addenda Released
  3. Tips and Tricks: Why projects can get held up at first review

November 2013 (pdf)

  1. Streamlined certification now available for groups of two or more existing building
  2. LEED Canada EB:O&M Option B&C Calculator Updated to Reference Canadian Data
  3. Register today for CaGBC's webinar LEED v4: What Canadians need to know
  4. Changing of the Guard on Sites-Water TAG

October 2013 (pdf)

  1. Technical Bulletin - EQp1 for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
  2. Share your opinion on Building Information Modeling (BIM) Implementation and be part of helping inform the global construction community

August 2013 (pdf)

  1. Learn what LEED v4 means to Canadians

July 2013 (pdf)

  1. What is covered in a Completeness Check?
  2. Showcasing the LEED advantage
  3. NEW - LEED Canada EB:O&M Average Scorecards
  4. Welcomes and farewells at the LEED Canada Steering Committee

April 2013 (pdf)

  1. New communications will keep owners better informed
  2. Did you know that EQp1 is one of the most frequently audited prerequisites?
  3. CaGBC Conference and Expo 2013

March 2013 (pdf)

  1. Call for Volunteers for the CaGBC Technical Advisory Groups
  2. WGBC report showcases cost-effective green building benefits throughout the world
  3. Announcing Project-Specific CIRs
  4. Scope CIRs Can Now Be Submitted Prior To Registration
  5. Appealing Posted CIRs
  6. Unpaid CIRs to be DELETED

February 2013 (pdf)

  1. Earn Innovation in Design Credits benchmarking with GREEN UP
  2. Submit for the 2013 Canadian Green Building Awards
  3. Canadian LEED Policy Database released
  4. Release of LEED Canada NC/CS 2009 LEED Letter Templates, version D
  5. New guidance for documenting compliance to EAp2 & EAc1
  6. Significant update to CIR 714 - Leslie Street Spit Lakefill
  7. Clarity provided on SCAQMD classifications

August 2012 (pdf)

  1. Streamlined Two-Stage Review Process now available
  2. Projects now able to take advantage of new Design and Construction Split Review option
  3. Changes to LEED certification and registration fees
  4. New Minimum Program Requirements help clarify project scope issues
  5. Updated Portland Cement Reduction Calculator now available
  6. Update to Experienced Modellers List coming
  7. A great response to Regional Priority survey!

June 2012 (pdf)

  1. Update on LEED Certification streamlining
  2. Voting for Regional Priority credits re-opened
  3. Improved energy benchmarks for LEED Canada for Homes to take effect August 1, 2012
  4. Certification for as little as $75 per home with new batch certification

April 2012 (pdf)

  1. Subscibe now to the LEED Technical Bulletin
  2. Application process for the CaGBC's Experienced Modellers List
  3. Streamlining Regional Priority credits - Survey will be launched April 26th
  4. Changes to LEED Canada EB:O&M 2009
  5. LEED Canada 2009 Interpretation Guide for District Energy Systems and Guidance for Non-Traditional Fuels
  6. Guidance for Canadian projects using LEED-ND 2009

January 2012 (pdf)

  1. CaGBC's Experience Modellers List released
  2. 3rd party energy model reviews for LEED Canada-NC/CS 1.0 projects
  3. Updated guidance for existing buildings EAp2/c1 under LEED Canada-NC/CS 1.0

August 2011 (pdf)

  1. New features added to the Credit Interpretation Requests database
  2. Tips for submitting you project for certification
  3. Single database of all LEED projects in Canada