Best practices for ensuring that minimum program requirements (MPRs) for LEED certification are met involve confirming these requirements early in the project lifecycle. Specifically, this confirmation should occur during the discovery phase, which is the initial stage of a project. The discovery phase involves beginning initial research and analysis, and when sufficient information has been gathered, a goal-setting workshop is held to discuss findings. Part of these findings should include checking that the project complies with the MPRs for the applicable LEED rating system. Confirming MPRs during this early phase helps in setting a clear direction for the project and ensures that all subsequent work is aligned with LEED's fundamental requirements, facilitating a smoother certification process.
References:Excerpt from the document outlining the process and importance of checking minimum program requirements as part of the project's initial stages, specifically during the discovery phase .