Using LEED v4.1 for Credits

LEED v4.1 should be used without a doubt for the BPDO and Low-Emitting Credits, and most likely will help you with Construction Waste Management. Within Green Badger, you opt into V4.1 on a credit by credit basis.

First, make sure you’ve selected a LEED Rating System Subtype on your Project Details page.

In the credits you want to use LEED v4.1 with, select LEED v4.1 in the dropdown menu in the top right hand side of the credit screen. That’s it! The system will take it from there.

Setting Up a Credit in LEED Online for v4.1

  1. Log into LEED Online, select the Credits tab, and find the credit you want to use LEED v4.1 on. You’ll see a little circle all the way on the right hand side of the screen with an up and down arrow.

  2. To opt into v4.1, simply click the circle, and hit Confirm on the next screen, and you’re set.

Managing Project Team in Green Badger

Changing User Roles

Click the ‘Project Team’ button in the top right corner of your project dashboard. Click the drop down under ‘Role’ for the applicable team member and select their new user role.

Adding and Removing Project Team Members

You can add or remove project team members in your main project dashboard. Navigate to the “project team” button, to add a user simply scroll down to “invite new members”, select a user role, enter their email and click send. To remove team members, find the team member you want to remove, click the red trash can.

Next Steps for LEED Online

LEED Online may be the most frustrating thing currently available on the internet. You should only go to LEED Online once your project documentation is complete and you have no further edits, updates or reports to do. Here are the typical next steps:

Each credit has multiple options within LEED Online.

  1. Form: The LEED Online template you fill out with final project compliance, asking for your method of compliance and any required uploads.

  2. Thresholds: Select the option you are pursuing.

  3. Uploads: Upload any required project documentation identified in the Form.

  4. Credit Library: Links to the USGBC’s overall LEED Credit Library, where you’ll find the official credit requirements.

  5. Education: USGBC has a partnership with LEEDUser to help demystify all the nuances of LEED.

LEED v4.1 Opt-in Process

You’ll see a little circle on the right side of the screen with up and down arrow for LEED v4.1 opt-in. If the circle is not BLUE, that means the credit has not yet opted into v4.1. Click the circle, and hit Confirm on the next screen.

Documenting Construction Waste and Sustainable Materials

Templates and Plans

Some credits require written action plans as part of the documentation requirement, such as Construction Waste Management and Indoor Air Quality Management. You can access editable templates for:

Submitting Construction Waste Documentation

  • Construction Waste: Submit the LEED Construction and Demolition Waste Calculator, Waste Tickets (zip file), Waste Log (excel), and Construction Waste Management Plan.
  • Sustainable Materials: Submit the Materials Calculator and Product Data Sheets (zip file with EPDs).
  • Low Emitting Materials: Submit Low Emitting Materials Calculator and product data sheets (zip file).

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Upload the project’s Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, typically created by the project’s civil engineer.

Indoor Air Quality Management

Upload reports and images created using Green Badger.

Understanding Your Green Badger Project Dashboard

Green Badger’s dashboard tracks your project’s construction status and LEED goals progress, shown through dials and colors indicating your LEED credit status.

Colors Indicating Progress

  • Dark Green: 1 LEED point
  • Bright Green: 2 points
  • Bright Blue: 3 points (Exemplary Performance)
  • Grey: No defined LEED threshold for ESC & IAQ inspections.

Managing LEED Credits on Your Project

Customize your project dashboard to display only the LEED construction credits you are pursuing. Click EDIT on your project header and manage LEED credits accordingly.