Reviewer Tip – Explain your Scope

It can be challenging for reviewers to grasp the scope of certification of projects with leased space, primarily in the LEED v4 BD+C: Core and Shell (CS) rating system. Ambiguity around a developer’s control in unfinished spaces results in pending credits during preliminary review.

Avoid this confusion by including a brief explanation in the certification submission that describes the scope of work of the base building and the extent of the owner/developer’s control beyond those elements. The explanation does not need to be overly detailed but should outline the building systems and elements installed during construction in the different functional areas as well as those controlled by lease agreements. For example, did the core and shell project include the installation of the lighting systems in tenant spaces.