Are prerequisites mandatory in LEED projects?

• A. Yes, prerequisites are mandatory minimum requirements.
• B. Prerequisites are optional and only apply to certain credits.
• C. Prerequisites are determined by the owner after design.
• D. Prerequisites are mandatory minimum requirements that must be met.

Answer: (D)

Prerequisites set the minimum performance bar for a LEED project. They establish what must be achieved to pursue certification, across all credits and rating systems. They are mandatory minimum requirements that must be met, and they define the baseline the project must reach regardless of which credits are pursued. Because of this, prerequisites drive early design decisions and must be addressed during design and construction, with verification through documentation and review.

They aren’t optional or limited to certain credits, and they aren’t something the owner decides after design. Instead, LEED defines them up front and they must be satisfied to be eligible for certification. In practice, this means you plan for these thresholds as you develop the project, ensuring systems, materials, and operations meet the required performance from the start.