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LEED Resource Center

Common Questions

Q: What fixtures do you have that are LEED certified?

A: Unlike certain building components such as carpeting, LEED does not reference a standard that 'certifies' a specific luminaire product.  Depending on the particular credit, the lighting typically passes or fails based on overall performance of the lighting system, e.g.

  • Light Pollution Reduction - Compliance is dependent the amount of light trespass and uplight generated by the entire lighting system; not the photometrics of a single luminaire.
  • Energy Performance - Compliance is dependent on either the entire building or the entire lighting system using as little light as possible overall; the efficiency of a single luminaire will not typically have a significant effect on compliance.
  • Mercury in Lamps - Complaince is achieved by reaching an acceptable overall average number of picograms/lumen hour; not the mercury content of any one lamp.

Q: Where can I get the recycled content on your products for the LEED credit, MRc4?

A: As an electrical product, all lighting has been excluded by LEED in the Recycled Content credit.  Depending on the specific LEED Rating System being used, the requirement or the Reference Guide will contain a statement such as: “Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components and specialty items such as elevators shall not be included in this calculation.” 


Q: Where can I get the manufacturing location on your products for the LEED credit, MRc5?

A: As an electrical product, all lighting has been excluded by LEED in the Regional Materials credit.  Depending on the specific LEED Rating System being used, the requirement or the Reference Guide will contain a statement such as: “Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components and specialty items such as elevators shall not be included in this calculation.” There is one exception; the Commercial Interiors Rating System does not specifically exclude lighting from this credit.  For manufacturing data, in this case, consult your local Acuity Brands representative.  They have access to this data for showing compliance with the Buy American Act.


Q: For the IEQc4.x series of credits, I need to know the VOC content of your products; where can I find that:

A: The only potential VOCs that lighting might typically be involved with would be paints, sealants, coatings & adhesives and, per the Reference Guide, those are only counted when applied on-site and such materials are typically applied at the factory.  If that is not the case however, then check with your local Acuity Brands representative who will need to work with the appropriate product development group.