{"id":28276,"date":"2020-06-29T17:05:56","date_gmt":"2020-06-29T14:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/?p=28276"},"modified":"2025-07-15T14:20:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T11:20:50","slug":"usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"Buildings After COVID-19: USGBC on New Pilot Credits, Meeting Improved Health Standards in Existing Buildings &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Architecture is the result of its time. Building and living styles to which we are now accustomed are, in part, the result of strategies to overcome widespread health threats, among other issues. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.architecturaldigest.com\/story\/how-will-coronavirus-impact-cities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Outbreaks of the past<\/a> taught us the importance of creating green spaces within urban centers; engineering and maintaining modern sanitation systems throughout our built environments; and the \u201carchitectural hygiene\u201d of brightly lit and well-ventilated indoor spaces. Now, once again, we are entering a period of transformation. While there is still much to clarify with regard to transmission and what safeguards will be most efficient in the long term, some aspects are already clear \u2014 the importance of a \u201cgreen\u201d mindset and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/top-40-sustainably-powered-us-cities-2018\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">prioritizing sustainability in powering our cities<\/a>, as well as in the ways we <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/urban-sustainability-us-progress-top-50-cities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">zone, build, and clean the air<\/a> in our urban hubs.<\/p>\n<p>Read on for details on evolving best practices that were recently put forward by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGBC) and its global certification body, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). Additionally, we spoke with Melissa Baker of USGBC, on what changes we should expect to see in our buildings, cities and communities for a successful and sustainable adaptation to the new post-COVID normal.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"background: #74acac; padding: 10px; color: #fff;\">New LEED, GBCI Guidance in Response to COVID-19<\/h2>\n<p>The USGBC has become almost synonymous with responsible urbanism and real estate development. In fact, since its inception in the early 1990s, the USGBC\u2019s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program has evolved from a single standard for new construction to a comprehensive system that acknowledges the interrelation between design, construction, maintenance and operation of our built environment. What\u2019s more, meeting these standards and earning a LEED certification is highly regarded and recognized worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>Naturally, the USGBC has risen to the challenges currently presented by the pandemic and presented new tools to assist the industry in responsibly navigating the changes. Specifically, guidelines released in response to COVID-19 include new pilot LEED credits, as well as new Safety First pilot credits for the SITES and TRUE rating systems accreditations awarded by GBCI.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"background: #cdebf1; padding: 10px;\">New LEED Pilot Credits<\/h3>\n<p>Four pilot credits were designed to offer guidance in the process of reopening. These offer an outline of best practices that are in alignment with public health and industry guidelines regarding disinfecting, cleaning, re-occupancy of workspaces, plumbing operations and HVAC. These new Safety First credits can be used by certified properties, as well as by projects that are still undergoing certification.<\/p>\n<p>The four credits summarized below \u2014 which were released last month as part of the Council\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/usgbc-launches-global-economic-recovery-strategy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">global economic recovery strategy<\/a> \u2014 are currently available to all LEED 2009, LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 projects.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits\/safety-first-137-v4.1?return=\/credits\/Existing%20Buildings\/v4.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Safety First: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space<\/a> \u2014 This credit requires the creation and implementation of green cleaning procedures that support worker safety and healthy indoor environments. It prioritizes sustainable options among existing disinfectants and cleaning processes that have been proven to be effective against COVID-19, as well as the importance of training for cleaning personnel and occupant education.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits\/safety-first-136-v4.1?return=\/credits\/Existing%20Buildings\/v4.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Safety First: Re-Enter Your Workspace<\/a> \u2014 This option identifies sustainable requirements in behavior and building operations that take precautions against the spread of COVID-19. This tool can be used to plan for returning to the workspace, as well as to evaluate progress after re-entry.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits\/safety-first-139-v4.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Safety First: Building Water System Recommissioning<\/a> \u2014 This addresses some of the risks associated with prolonged building closures, such as reduced usage, which can result in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2020\/05\/20\/health\/coronavirus-legionnaires-offices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">stagnant water that is unsafe<\/a> to use or drink. This pilot credit aims to reduce the risk of exposing building occupants to degraded water quality. As such, it requires the implementation of a water management plan that addresses water quality in the building, coordination with relevant local authorities (such as water and public heath), as well as communication regarding water system activities and possible risks to occupants.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits\/safety-first-138-v4.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Safety First: Managing Indoor Air Quality During COVID-19<\/a> \u2014 This pilot credit builds upon existing requirements for indoor air quality and requires air quality systems to be in operation. In particular, it dictates that responsible parties make adjustments that minimize the airborne spread of COVID-19 by increasing air filtration and the percentage of outdoor air up to 100%, if possible. Additionally, building managers must facilitate a minimum of six feet of physical distance between occupants, as well as comply with other guidelines in line with official recommendations and with the \u201cRe-Enter Your Workspace\u201d credit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Given the evolving nature of findings on all-things-COVID-19, these credit requirements are, of course, subject to change. The USGBC also welcomes feedback that can be incorporated in future credit improvements and updates.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"background: #cdebf1; padding: 10px;\">GBCI Releases New Credits for SITES, TRUE Rating Systems<\/h3>\n<p>The GBCI was established in 2008 as the Green Building Certification Institute \u2014 now Inc. \u2014 to provide independent oversight of LEED certification and the professional credentialing process. The organization has since also undertaken oversight of the WELL Building Standard, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark, as well as the PEER standard for sustainable, resilient and reliable energy.<\/p>\n<p>To complement USGBC\u2019s Safety First pilot credits, GBCI has also released new credits in support of its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablesites.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">SITES<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/true.gbci.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">TRUE<\/a> rating systems. The Sustainable SITES Initiative encourages best practices and clarifies performance measures for the sustainable development of parks, corporate campuses and other green spaces. There are currently 70 certified SITES projects throughout the world. They contribute to a framework that protects ecosystems and wildlife habitat, while also expanding green infrastructure and enhancing landscape resilience.<\/p>\n<p>The TRUE system is designed to change the flow of materials in society so much so that it results in zero waste. Specifically, TRUE outlines processes that consider the entire lifecycle of products used within a facility. As a result, the system ensures support of public health and ecosystems, maximizes the reduction of a business\u2019 ecological footprint, and advances a sustainable economy.<\/p>\n<p>Outlined below are the new GBCI credits. These offer guidelines that assist sustainable landscape development projects \u2014 as well as those pursuing zero-waste goals \u2014 to maintain their commitments, while also adapting to changes mandated by the pandemic.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainablesites.org\/sites\/default\/files\/legal\/SITES%20Pilot%20Credit%201%20-%20Safety%20First%20-%20Final_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">SITES Safety First Pilot Credit<\/a> \u2014 This option recommends the use of the National Recreation and Park Association\u2019s (NRPA) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nrpa.org\/our-work\/Three-Pillars\/health-wellness\/coronavirus-disease-2019\/path-to-recovery\/assessing-the-risk-of-spaces-facilities-and-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Risk Assessment Tool<\/a> in updating operations and management plans for outdoor spaces. The plans should address issues like the necessity for proper physical distancing; adapting organized activities, training and protection measures for both staff and the public; signage and communication; and more.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/true.gbci.org\/sites\/default\/files\/resources\/TRUE%20Pilot%20Credit%202_Updated.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">TRUE Safety First Pilot Credit<\/a> \u2014 This credit is intended to identify and eliminate any adverse health effects on workers associated with waste management activities. Requirements include: the completion of an OSHA-compliant job hazard analysis for all personnel, as well as the examination of all activities pertaining to the handling and management of waste at each facility. Additionally, it also requires the implementation of an updated health and safety plan that identifies any hazard measures that are lacking; offers a thorough and comprehensive training that addresses any language barriers; and complies with local and national COVID-19 guidelines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Check the full text linked in the abbreviated descriptions above for more information on current credit attainment requirements. Note that these requirements and recommendations are subject to change pending further updates in COVID-related research, as well as feedback provided by pilot credit applicants.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"background: #74acac; padding: 10px; color: #fff;\">USGBC Insights on Current &amp; Possible Future Adaptation in Our Cities<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_28278\" style=\"width: 461px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Melissa-Baker-USGBC-headshot-2014.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28278\" class=\"wp-image-28278 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Melissa-Baker-USGBC-headshot-2014-451x300.jpg\" alt=\"USGBC new leed sites and true credits for updated procedures during covid interview melissa baker\" width=\"451\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-28278\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Melissa Baker, Senior Vice President at USGBC, courtesy of USGBC<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p>As the world adapts to what some call a \u201cnew normal,\u201d the future state of affairs is not yet clear. While there are some aspects that we can be sure of at this time, much remains to be clarified going forward. For example, how will homes and workplaces change? What are some of the changes that can be immediately implemented? How will architecture and our cities look in the future?<\/p>\n<p>We discussed questions like these with Melissa Baker, senior vice president for technical core at USGBC. See what she had to say below.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> Which changes would you consider to be the most cost-heavy for a COVID-related retrofit?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cMuch of what we know right now in preparing and supporting staff to return to buildings starts with providing access to information and the ability to make the right choices to prevent the spread of disease. For example, allowing employees to work from home, if possible. Or, if they are in the office, providing proper PPE, signage, and sinks with soap and water for proper handwashing. It also involves showing people where they need to walk or spacing desks so that social distancing can be maintained.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlanning for these actions is outlined in our \u2018Safety First: Re-Enter Your Workspace\u2019 pilot credit. This credit utilizes a tool published by AIA that includes a checklist of actions. Some examples that could be used have a cost associated with them, such as changing the way spaces are used to provide physical distancing, as well as barriers between individuals. Adding touchless access to open doors [or] activate sinks or elevators will also add some cost.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter those steps are taken, operations such as utilizing green cleaning to maintain healthy indoor air \u2014 while also disinfecting to kill the virus \u2014 [are] important steps for occupant and janitorial staff health and wellness as outlined in the \u2018Safety First: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space\u2019 pilot credit.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere is a lot of conversation across the industry about ventilation and air filtration and the best way to manage those systems in a way that could help stem the spread of the virus. The public health community is still studying this, so it continues to be an ongoing conversation about what the best path forward should be.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve outlined several steps that can be taken to enhance ventilation and filtration in the LEED <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/credits\/safety-first-138-v4.1?return=\/credits\/Existing%20Buildings\/v4.1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Safety First: Managing Indoor Air Quality During COVID-19<\/a> pilot credit that we introduced this month. It includes actions like increasing fresh air and ventilation, and having building teams ensure air quality systems are operating as designed. If a building team determines an HVAC system needs to be upgraded, then they might start to incur higher costs.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> The concept of \u201cbuilding health\u201d was gaining traction even before the pandemic. With the extra incentive of the current situation, do you think building techniques and materials will progress any faster?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cIn times of crisis, we often see innovation spurred. At USGBC, we\u2019ve had to adjust and consider how LEED can support [that], given what we\u2019re facing and what we know, and the design and materials worlds are doing the same thing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHealth has been a part of LEED and a big part of the green building conversation, in general, especially in the last few years. Part of the discussion now, though, involves looking at what already exists and reinforcing those solutions, while also taking what we\u2019re learning about the virus and finding new pathways to support the market.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> What materials \u2014 either structural or decorative \u2014 do you consider to be \u201chealthiest\u201d?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cFrom a LEED perspective, we have several credits in our Materials and Resources and Indoor Environmental Quality credit categories that focus on both the health of people and ecological health. As an example, this includes the use of low-emitting materials. It\u2019s an important way to reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can cause poor air quality and damage health while [also] reducing productivity. LEED outlines strategies [that] building teams can leverage to ensure they\u2019re using materials that best support our health and wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnother aspect of the conversation around buildings and health also includes considering the impact on community health. Buildings are significant contributors of carbon and other greenhouse gases, which increases air pollution. Through LEED, building teams are also focused on how to reduce emissions and prioritize renewable energy sources that aren\u2019t hurting the surrounding community.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s important to also remember, though, that the health conversation isn\u2019t just about the occupant \u2014 although that\u2019s a primary part of it. It\u2019s also about considering how the building is positively contributing to the health of the community it\u2019s in.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q<\/strong>: Could outdoor offices happen in the near future?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cRight now, there is a lot of conversation around increasing access to fresh air. The concept of outdoor offices is certainly interesting. There would be a lot of logistical considerations, but when we talk about innovation, we need to be open to out-of-the-box thinking if we want to move forward. Many LEED projects already have access to outdoor spaces, so a natural progression might be looking at how to make those spaces more functional office environments for more people.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> Some research indicates that the virus can survive on surfaces such as metal, cardboard and plastic for several days. Could you give us any insights on possible benefits of smart materials \u2014 \u00a0such as mycelium-based furniture \u2014 in this regard? Could they provide an alternative?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cBased on CDC guidance, disinfection is a best-practice measure for [the] prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses when considering surfaces. The CDC is still studying transmission and hasn\u2019t released best practices in terms of materials to use.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo assist commercial spaces, USGBC introduced a new LEED pilot credit called \u2018Safety First: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space.\u2019 It helps building teams create and implement policies and procedures that follow green cleaning best practices that support health, the environment and worker safety. Unlike the need to develop new vaccines and medical treatments for COVID-19, current disinfectants and cleaning processes are effective against the virus and sustainable options exist.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> Do you see a way to preserve urban density and all the things that have been attractive about it to so many people \u2014 such as high walkability?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cAs a society, we\u2019re not likely to move away from urban density, but there will be important lessons we take away from this experience that will inform how we can support health. Our industry is taking a look at how we can better design and build our cities and communities.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs one example, not only is it a question of walkability, but it also involves looking at our transportation systems, too. In some cities, in order to reopen, they need outdoor dining options, so we\u2019re seeing streets reallocated to support that, which has an impact on transportation. There\u2019s a ripple effect to all this and it\u2019s going to require us to look at design differently.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"padding-bottom: 10px; border-bottom: 2px solid #74acac;\"><strong style=\"color: #74acac;\">Q:<\/strong> Any other insights that you would like to share?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Baker:<\/strong> \u201cThere are immediate actions [that] buildings need to take in order to reopen, and LEED is supporting those efforts with four new Safety First credits that address cleaning and disinfecting, re-entry, water systems and indoor air quality. It\u2019s part of our larger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgbc.org\/articles\/usgbc-launches-global-economic-recovery-strategy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">economic recovery strategy<\/a> that\u2019s based on the idea that healthy people in healthy places [are] the fastest way to rebuild a healthy economy.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBecause we\u2019re still learning about the virus, it\u2019s important [that] we have an open dialogue with the industry about what they are experiencing so we can continue to refine our recommendations. USGBC has been a leader in convening industry voices to help inform where we need to go next. We\u2019re continuing that tradition through a series of virtual events this year, including the Healthy Economy Forum, which will take places in August and help us specifically address where LEED and green building need to be focused given the current situation. We\u2019re looking for ideas and encourage the commercial industry to participate.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cHealth has been a part of LEED and a big part of the green building conversation, in general, especially in the last few years. Part of the discussion now, though, involves looking at what already exists and reinforcing those solutions, while also taking what we\u2019re learning about the virus and finding new pathways to support the market.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":24736,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4014,1335],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-qa","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Buildings &amp; Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A look at new pilot credits released by USGBC and GBCI for LEED &amp; other rating systems, and an interview with USGBC VP on adapting workspaces and cities to a post COVID-19 world\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Buildings &amp; Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights (Interview)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A look at the new pilot credits released for LEED, SITES &amp; TRUE, plus a USGBC VP interview on measures for and adaptation potential of our built environment.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"CommercialCafe\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-06-29T14:05:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-15T11:20:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Green-Office.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ioana Ginsac\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Buildings &amp; Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"A look at the new pilot credits released for LEED, SITES &amp; TRUE, plus a USGBC interview on measures for and adaptation potential of our cities.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Green-Office.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ioana Ginsac\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/\",\"name\":\"Buildings & Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-06-29T14:05:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-15T11:20:50+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/48aeaad10a9efc4d927324fcb20632f2\"},\"description\":\"A look at new pilot credits released by USGBC and GBCI for LEED & other rating systems, and an interview with USGBC VP on adapting workspaces and cities to a post COVID-19 world\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":500},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Buildings After COVID-19: USGBC on New Pilot Credits, Meeting Improved Health Standards in Existing Buildings &#038; More\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"CommercialCafe\",\"description\":\"Your Commercial Real Estate Blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/48aeaad10a9efc4d927324fcb20632f2\",\"name\":\"Ioana Ginsac\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/04\/Ioana-Ginsac.png?w=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/04\/Ioana-Ginsac.png?w=96\",\"caption\":\"Ioana Ginsac\"},\"description\":\"Ioana is a content writer who has been covering all-things-CRE (and more) for several Yardi network publications since 2017. You will find her byline regularly in industry news and market reports, but also on articles covering sustainable development, green urbanism, and innovation, all of which she has been passionately learning about for more than a decade. Her work has been referenced by publications including AmericanInno, Bisnow, BusinessInsider, Commercial Property Executive, Curbed, Fast Company, Forbes, GlobeSt.\",\"jobTitle\":\"Senior Content Writer, Industry News & Reports\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/author\/ioana-ginsac\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Buildings & Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights","description":"A look at new pilot credits released by USGBC and GBCI for LEED & other rating systems, and an interview with USGBC VP on adapting workspaces and cities to a post COVID-19 world","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Buildings & Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights (Interview)","og_description":"A look at the new pilot credits released for LEED, SITES & TRUE, plus a USGBC VP interview on measures for and adaptation potential of our built environment.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/","og_site_name":"CommercialCafe","article_published_time":"2020-06-29T14:05:56+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-15T11:20:50+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Green-Office.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Ioana Ginsac","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"Buildings & Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights","twitter_description":"A look at the new pilot credits released for LEED, SITES & TRUE, plus a USGBC interview on measures for and adaptation potential of our cities.","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/Green-Office.jpg","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ioana Ginsac","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/","url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/","name":"Buildings & Cities After COVID - USGBC New LEED Credits, Insights","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png","datePublished":"2020-06-29T14:05:56+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-15T11:20:50+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/48aeaad10a9efc4d927324fcb20632f2"},"description":"A look at new pilot credits released by USGBC and GBCI for LEED & other rating systems, and an interview with USGBC VP on adapting workspaces and cities to a post COVID-19 world","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png","width":1280,"height":500},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/usgbc-gbci-new-pilot-credits-interview-post-covid\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Buildings After COVID-19: USGBC on New Pilot Credits, Meeting Improved Health Standards in Existing Buildings &#038; More"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/","name":"CommercialCafe","description":"Your Commercial Real Estate Blog","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/48aeaad10a9efc4d927324fcb20632f2","name":"Ioana Ginsac","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/04\/Ioana-Ginsac.png?w=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/04\/Ioana-Ginsac.png?w=96","caption":"Ioana Ginsac"},"description":"Ioana is a content writer who has been covering all-things-CRE (and more) for several Yardi network publications since 2017. You will find her byline regularly in industry news and market reports, but also on articles covering sustainable development, green urbanism, and innovation, all of which she has been passionately learning about for more than a decade. Her work has been referenced by publications including AmericanInno, Bisnow, BusinessInsider, Commercial Property Executive, Curbed, Fast Company, Forbes, GlobeSt.","jobTitle":"Senior Content Writer, Industry News & Reports","url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/author\/ioana-ginsac\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/top-50-greenest-american-cities_Featured-image.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28276"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43626,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28276\/revisions\/43626"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.commercialcafe.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}