LEED AP O+M key terms

A collaborative approach that considers building systems together from the earliest project phases to find synergies and cost-effective performance improvements.

The LEED category that rewards projects for siting near transit, amenities, and existing infrastructure to reduce automobile dependence and environmental impact.

The LEED category that addresses site selection, development footprint, stormwater management, and light pollution to protect ecosystems and reduce environmental harm.

The LEED category that promotes water conservation through efficient fixtures, cooling tower management, and water metering to reduce potable water use.

The LEED category that focuses on energy performance, commissioning, refrigerant management, and metering to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

The LEED category covering sustainable purchasing, waste management, and ongoing consumables to reduce the environmental impact of materials used and discarded during operations.

The LEED category that addresses indoor air quality, occupant comfort, lighting, and green cleaning to protect occupant health and productivity.

The LEED category that awards points for exceptional or innovative performance beyond existing credits, or for pilot credits and exemplary performance.

The LEED category that awards bonus points for achieving specified credits that address geographically specific environmental priorities.

A digital platform used to track and benchmark building performance across energy, water, waste, transportation, and occupant comfort, and to document LEED O+M certification.

The defined duration (typically 12 months) during which building operational data is collected and measured to demonstrate ongoing performance for LEED O+M certification.

A mandatory requirement that must be met for a project to achieve LEED certification; prerequisites cannot be traded for points.

The process of renewing LEED O+M certification every few years by demonstrating continued performance over a new performance period.

The practice of measuring and comparing a building's energy use against itself over time or against similar buildings, often using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager.

A quality assurance process that verifies building systems are designed, installed, and operate according to the owner's requirements and design intent.

A systematic evaluation of a building's energy use to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, often required as part of LEED O+M prerequisites.

The installation and use of devices to measure and record resource consumption (energy, water, etc.) to track performance and identify savings opportunities.

A metric expressing a building's energy consumption per unit area per year (e.g., kBtu/ft²/yr), used to compare energy performance across buildings.

The use of meters to measure water consumption, enabling tracking, leak detection, and verification of water efficiency measures.

A metric expressing a building's water consumption per unit area or per occupant, used to benchmark and track water performance.

The practice of procuring products and services that have reduced environmental and social impacts, such as recycled content, low emissions, or certified sustainable sourcing.

The systematic handling of ongoing consumables and durable goods to maximize diversion from landfill through recycling, composting, and reuse.

The percentage of total waste generated that is diverted from landfill through recycling, composting, or reuse.

The planned approach to maintaining good indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, source control, and monitoring.

A cleaning program that uses environmentally preferable products and practices to reduce health and environmental impacts while maintaining cleanliness.

A structured questionnaire used to gather occupant feedback on thermal comfort, acoustics, lighting, and air quality to identify and address issues.

The condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment, influenced by temperature, humidity, air movement, and clothing.

The practice of maintaining a building's exterior environment-including landscaping, hardscapes, and stormwater systems-in a sustainable manner.

Design and operational strategies that minimize skyglow, light trespass, and glare from building lighting to protect nocturnal ecosystems and human health.

Modes of travel other than single-occupancy vehicles, such as public transit, bicycling, walking, and carpooling, which reduce environmental impacts.

The ethical standards and rules of behavior that LEED professionals must follow, including integrity, confidentiality, and conflict of interest avoidance.

A professional credential for individuals who demonstrate expertise in LEED for Operations and Maintenance, obtained by passing an exam and meeting eligibility requirements.

The process by which individuals obtain and maintain professional credentials, including meeting eligibility, passing exams, and fulfilling continuing education requirements.