LEED Interpretations to be provided in addition to CIRs

This new database will be another way that design teams may interact with the LEED rating system. It shares some similarities with the current Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR) process, with some significant differences.

The goals of the LEED Interpretations project are as follows:
1. provide published guidance on issues not already covered in LEED materials
2. allow for a thorough USGBC staff and committee vetting process
3. can be referenced by any LEED project
4. available in an online search-able database

This builds on the project CIR process available now (3-4 weeks response time) to a total response time of 3-6 months. But the results are precedent-setting and published online after final rulings and USGBC committee review processes. LEED Interpretations will exclude questions that are too 'project-specific' and errors in the reference guide (which will be addressed via addendum).

Issues that do result in LEED Interpretations would be, for example, "Can electrolyzed water systems be used to meet the requirements of the Green Housekeeping ID Credit?"

CIR fee will remain $220 for all rating systems besides LEED for Homes, and the LEED Interpretations process will cost an additional $180 for USGBC members for a total of $400.

LEED Interpretations are planned to go live at the end of this month. Stay tuned for more information.