This standard provides minimum criteria that: a. apply to the following elements of building projects: 1. new buildings and their systems 2. new portions of buildings and their systems 3. new systems and equipment in existing buildings b. address site sustainability@ water use efficiency@ energy efficiency@ indoor environmental quality (IEQ)@ and the building's impact on the atmosphere@ materials@ and resources. The provisions of this standard do not apply to: a. single-family houses@ multi-family structures of three stories or fewer above grade@ manufactured houses (mobile homes) and manufactured houses (modular)@ and b. buildings that use none of the following: electricity@ fossil fuel@ or water. This standard shall not be used to circumvent any safety@ health@ or environmental requirements. PURPOSE The purpose of this standard is to provide minimum requirements for the siting@ design@ construction@ and plan for operation of high-performance green buildings to: a. balance environmental responsibility@ resource efficiency@ occupant comfort and well being@ and community sensitivity@ and b. support the goal of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.