The goal of pilot testing of LEED Rating Systems is to gather market feedback on key aspects of LEED credits and prerequisites. LEED credits are designed to be objective, clear, concise and verifiable. While the LEED-NC for Retail Committee has put forth an effort to craft credits that meet these requirements and motivate integration of green strategies into retail projects, market feedback and real world project experience are necessary to verify committee assumptions and modified credit achievement thresholds. USGBC is currently seeking 25-50 diverse retail projects to pilot test the LEED-NC AGR over the next 6-8 months. Representative project examples across a broad cross section of the retail market are encouraged to apply. Specific representation from the following sectors is actively sought:
1. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs)
2. Grocery Stores
3. Home Centers
4. Large Retail - Department Stores
5. Large Retail - Big Box
6. Clothing Retail
7. Banking/Financial Services
8. Salons
Projects chosen to pilot test LEED-NC AGR will be expected to actively participate in email listservs and periodic teleconferences with staff and consultants. In addition, pilot project teams will be required to respond to 2-3 brief (~5 questions) technical questionnaires. The goal of these forums is the active solicitation of project team feedback on LEED-NC AGR credits and prerequisites.
The LEED-NC for Retail Committee will work with USGBC staff and consultants to evaluate projects for inclusion in the pilot. Projects are sought that represent a broad spectrum of retail projects. Pilot projects will be selected based on the following criteria:
A. Diversity of Retail Type
B. Location
C. Project Size
D. Project Delivery Strategy
Projects selected for inclusion in the LEED-NC AGR pilot will be provided with information on using the USGBC Web site (www.usgbc.org) to register. For more information on the LEED-NC Application Guide for Retail Pilot program, contact Brendan Owens — bowens@usgbc.org.
