A Data-Driven Study of Regional Priority Credits and Their Impact on LEED Certification in Multifamily Residential Projects

10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025

Mohsen Goodarzi, Sajjad Naseri, Mohsen Garshasby and Mohammadsoroush Tafazzoli

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of Regional Priority (RP) credits on LEED certification outcomes for multifamily residential projects under the LEED for New Construction (LEED NC) Version 3 framework. Leveraging data from 878 certified projects, the analysis explored the frequency, distribution, and predictive power of RP credits on overall LEED scores. Sustainable Sites credits emerged as the most frequently achieved category, reflecting their critical role in addressing urban environmental challenges such as stormwater management and heat island mitigation. Geographic analysis revealed regional clusters of RP credit achievements, with the East Coast, West Coast, and Great Lakes regions leading in adoption, likely driven by local environmental priorities and policy frameworks. A linear regression model demonstrated a significant positive association between the number of RP credits earned and overall LEED scores, with each additional RP credit contributing approximately 2.42 points. These findings highlight the strategic importance of RP credits in enhancing LEED certification outcomes, particularly in urban and high-density settings, where tailored sustainability practices are essential. This study underscores the value of regionally relevant credit strategies in advancing green building performance and provides actionable insights for optimizing certification pathways in multifamily residential developments. Future research should examine the interplay of climate, project size, and regional policies to refine RP credit frameworks further and maximize their impact on sustainable construction.

Keyphrases: leed, multifamily residential buildings, regional priority, sustainability

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 371-380.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/7PHF
	https://doi.org/10.29007/rclb

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2025:Data_Driven_Study_Regional,
  author    = {Mohsen Goodarzi and Sajjad Naseri and Mohsen Garshasby and Mohammadsoroush Tafazzoli},
  title     = {A Data-Driven Study of Regional Priority Credits and Their Impact on LEED Certification in Multifamily Residential Projects},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {6},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/7PHF},
  doi       = {10.29007/rclb},
  pages     = {371-380},
  year      = {2025}}

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