LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

What action should a project team take if they seek formal pre-approval of an innovation strategy?

1. Submit a CIR

2. File a variance request

3. Request a building code exemption

4. Initiate a public review process

The correct answer is: Submit a CIR

Submitting a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR) is the appropriate action for a project team seeking formal pre-approval of an innovation strategy. A CIR allows the team to request clarification or a ruling on the application of the LEED rating system to their specific situation. This process is designed for scenarios where the project may not clearly meet the existing credit criteria or when the team wants to propose an alternative strategy that aligns with LEED principles. By utilizing the CIR process, the project team receives an official response from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) that confirms whether the proposed innovation strategy meets the intent of the credits sought. This feedback can be critical in ensuring that the team's efforts are aligned with LEED's goals, and it provides assurance that they are proceeding correctly with their strategy before final submission for certification. In contrast, other options such as filing a variance request, requesting a building code exemption, or initiating a public review process do not pertain directly to obtaining pre-approval for innovations related to LEED credits. These alternatives involve different contexts, such as local regulatory compliance or public engagement that are not specific to the LEED certification process.