What is the intent of the Innovation credit in LEED v4?

The intent of the Innovation credit in LEED v4 is to recognize projects that implement innovative strategies that lead to enhanced performance in areas that are not specifically addressed by the existing LEED credits. This credit allows for creativity and encourages teams to explore unique solutions that can contribute to sustainability, beyond the standard approaches.

Projects that pursue this credit are often acknowledging and addressing specific regional issues or are employing advanced technologies and practices that promote environmental benefits or social equity. It highlights the importance of innovation in the built environment and helps drive the industry towards more effective and sustainable practices. This approach aligns with the overarching goals of LEED to improve building performance and reduce environmental impacts while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exploration of new methods.

While other options may suggest different avenues related to building performance, they do not align with the core purpose of the Innovation credit, which is focused on recognizing and incentivizing genuinely novel and impactful strategies.