Updates to LEED Pilot Credits

Pilot credits test out potential additions to the LEED rating system. Successful strategies may be written into a credit in a future version of LEED; become a regional Alternative Compliance Path (ACP); or join the list of Innovation strategies for LEED projects to pursue. To achieve a maximum five points under the Innovation credit, projects must achieve a Pilot credit. 

Recently, four Pilot credits were successful in being formalized in the Innovation Catalogue. These were popular choices for LEED v4 BD+C project teams in Canada, and we’re happy to see them now available as Innovation credits.  

• EQpc44: Ergonomics Approach for Computer Users 
• SSpc55: Bird Collision Deterrence 
• SSpc82: Local Food Production 
• EQpc123: Designing with Nature, Biophilic Design for the Indoor Environment 

Occasionally, pilot credits are closed when deemed unsuccessful. The following pilot credits were recently closed: 

• EQpc117: Quality Views in Nonregularly Occupied Spaces 
• EQpc119: Performance-based Indoor Air Assessment in Existing Buildings 
• EQpc124: Performance-based Indoor Air Quality Design and Assessment 
• MRpc109: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment 
• SSpc121: Solar Access to Green Space 
• SSpc130: Offsite Rainwater Management ACP 

It is important to register to Pilot credits early in the design process, which can easily be done from LEED Online (see USGBC’s helpful tutorial). Project teams who registered for a Pilot credit which has since  closed may continue to submit for certification using that credit, however, no new registrations using the closed Pilot credit will be accepted. 

There are two types of Pilot credits: standard Pilot credits used for an Innovation credit, and Pilot ACPs used in place of an existing LEED credit. Remember, LEED Interpretation 10483 allows project teams using a Pilot ACP to be exempt from the requirement of using a Pilot credit under Innovation to achieve all five points.   

Feedback by LEED users is essential to improving Pilot credits and determining how they will evolve. We encourage project teams to stay involved and continue to test out Pilot credits on your LEED projects.  

For more information on Pilot credits, check out USGBC’s FAQ list.

Contact LEED Coach Canada with any questions.