Step 2 - Choose a rating system based on space usage type

If there are multiple rating systems applicable to the construction type, choose one based on space usage type.

New Construction

This rating system is appropriate for buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, or designated healthcare uses. It is also appropriate for high rise (7+stories) residential buildings.

Schools

This rating system is required for buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on K-12 school grounds. It is also appropriate for buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on non K-12 school grounds, as well as non-academic buildings on school campuses.

See the LEED for Schools Applications table for more information.

Table 1. Applying the LEED for Schools Rating System

	% of building square footage dedicated to learning space
	More than 60% core and ancillary including 25%+ core	40-60% core and ancillary, including 10%+ core	Less than 40% core and ancillary OR less than 10% core
K-12	Must use LEED for Schools	Should use LEED for Schools	Should not use LEED for Schools
Other than K-12	Should use LEED for Schools	May use LEED for Schools	Should not use LEED for Schools

Healthcare

This rating system is required (beginning January 1, 2012) for buildings that serve individuals who seek medical treatment, including licensed and federal inpatient care facilities, licensed and federal outpatient care facilities, and licensed and federal long-term care facilities. These are considered LEED for Healthcare ‘designated’ uses. It is also appropriate for buildings with other kinds of medically-related uses, such as unlicensed outpatient facilities, medical, dental and veterinary offices and clinics, assisted living facilities and medical education & research centers are examples of ‘non-designated’ uses, and may use LEED for Healthcare at the project team’s discretion.

See the LEED for Healthcare Applications table for more information.

Table 2. Applying the LEED for Healthcare Rating System

	% of building square footage dedicated to healthcare use
	more than 60%	40-60%	Less than 40%
Licensed or federal inpatient care, outpatient care, long-term care	Must use LEED for Healthcare*	Should use LEED for Healthcare	May use LEED for Healthcare
Other medically- related buildings	May use LEED for Healthcare	May use LEED for Healthcare	May use LEED for Healthcare

* Effective January 1, 2012

Retail New Construction

This rating system is appropriate for buildings or interiors dedicated to the sale of goods or commodities directly to consumers who come onto the premise for the purpose of obtaining those goods or commodities. It includes, but is not limited to, banks, restaurants (quick and full-serve), stores of any kind, spas, etc. It is also appropriate for both direct customer service areas (showroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer service.

Commercial Interiors

This rating system is appropriate for Interiors dedicated to functions other than retail.

Retail Commercial Interiors

Homes

The Homes rating system is appropriate for low-rise (1-3 stories) residential buildings. The LEED for Homes Multi-Family Midrise rating system is appropriate for mid-rise (4-6 stories) residential buildings.

See the Residential Applications table for more information.

Table 3. Applying the LEED for Homes Rating System

	# of occupiable, above-grade stories	Less than 40%	Between 40 and 60%	More than 60%
	# of occupiable, above-grade stories	% of square footage that meets the definition of 'residential'
Single-family home	n/a	n/a	n/a	LEED for Homes
Multi-family with HVAC systems shared across living units	1-3 stories	NC	NC or Homes	Homes
	4-6 stories	NC	NC or Mid-rise	NC or Mid-rise
	7+ stories	NC	NC	NC*
Multi-family with individual unit HVAC systems	1-3 stories	NC	NC or Homes	Homes
	4-5 stories	NC	NC, Homes, or Mid-rise	NC, Homes or Mid-rise
	6 stories	NC	NC or Mid-rise	NC or Mid-rise
	7+ stories	NC	NC	NC*

*If the building is more than 6 stories, it may use Mid-Rise in exceptional situations. Please contact Kelsey Mullen for further information.

If the correct rating system is not obvious, use the 40/60 rule.

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