Washington, D.C. -- Improved submittal templates are now available for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED-EB: O&M) in LEED Online. The new submittal templates streamline the LEED certification process in several ways.

• Clearer instructions on required documentation, including explicit guidance for multi-tenant buildings;
• Offer several documentation options for many credits;
• Exempt project teams from certain submittals if appropriate;
• Document exemplary performance points within the credits they are based on;
• Pre-screen credits for a valid performance period;
• Collect generic project data together in a new "general submittal" template

The templates are available on the Registered Project Tools page (www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1844). Make this page your first destination when working on a LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M project. Featured tools include definitions of key terms, minimum requirements for programs and plans, credit calculators, and tools to help streamline your certification application.

Projects currently registered under LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 are encouraged, but not required to upgrade to the new version. LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M has been reengineered to provide a clear focus on the operations and maintenance of owner-occupied and multi-tenant commercial buildings. The new version maximizes your building's performance over time, ensuring a high return on your investment.

Email leedinfo@usgbc.org to upgrade your LEED for Existing Buildings project.