The intent of the Innovation (IN) Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating is to formalize the goal-setting process at the beginning of a project. By requiring the project team to complete a preliminary LEED for Homes checklist and establish a target certification level, this prerequisite ensures that sustainable goals are integrated into the project from the earliest stages. This early planning is the foundation of the integrative process, which is proven to be the most effective way to identify and implement green strategies, optimize performance, and manage costs. It allows the team to evaluate synergies between credits and make informed decisions before design and construction are too far advanced.

A. This is a potential outcome of the integrative process facilitated by the prerequisite, but not the primary, overarching intent itself.

B. The certification level established is a target, not a mandatory or binding declaration; it can be adjusted as the project evolves.

D. This describes the intent of the Innovation (IN) credits, which reward exemplary performance and new strategies, not the prerequisite for a preliminary rating.

1. U.S. Green Building Council. (2021). LEED v4.1 Homes and Multifamily Reference Guide. Washington, DC: U.S. Green Building Council. Page 431, "IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating," under the "Intent" section, states: "To facilitate the integrative process and maximize the opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies."

2. U.S. Green Building Council. (2008). LEED for Homes Rating System. Washington, DC: U.S. Green Building Council. Page 111, "ID Prerequisite 1: Preliminary Rating," the "Intent" section states: "To help the project team set goals and integrate the LEED for Homes process throughout the design and construction of the home." This earlier version also emphasizes the core concept of early integration.

3. Krygiel, E., & Nies, B. (2008). Green BIM: Successful Sustainable Design with Building Information Modeling. Wiley Publishing, Inc. Chapter 2, "The Integrative Design Process," discusses how early goal-setting and analysis, as mandated by prerequisites like the Preliminary Rating, are fundamental to achieving cost-effective sustainable outcomes.