If a project is implementing new green building technology that is not in the rating system, what can the project do to potentially earn points?

Submitting a formal Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) is a viable pathway for a project that is adopting new green building technologies not covered by the existing LEED rating system. A CIR allows project teams to seek guidance from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) on how a particular innovation or approach can be recognized within the context of LEED certification. This process is particularly useful for ensuring that new technologies or strategies can be evaluated against LEED requirements, thus potentially leading to the awarding of points if the innovation meets the intent of the relevant credit.

The CIR process ensures that the innovation is formally considered, and it provides the necessary documentation to support the project's case for earning additional points. The response to a CIR can either confirm that the technology qualifies for existing credits or offer guidance on how it can contribute to fulfilling the LEED goals.

While utilizing innovative strategies is an essential component of the LEED approach, it requires the formalized process of a CIR to potentially translate that innovation into quantifiable points within the certification framework. Other avenues such as including community feedback or requesting exceptions may not provide the same rigorous path for earning recognition in the context of new technologies as submitting a CIR does.