Pilot Version: LEED For Neighborhood Development Rating System
Pilot Version: LEED For Neighborhood Development Rating System
Also, please note that none of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the LEED for
Neighborhood Development Rating System, including the U.S. Green Building Council or its members,
make any warranty (express or implied) or assume any liability or responsibility, to you or any third
parties for the accuracy, completeness, or use of, or reliance on, any information contained in the LEED
or Neighborhood Development Rating System, or for any injuries, losses or damages (including, without
limitation, equitable relief) arising out of such use or reliance. As a condition of use, you covenant not to
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claims, demands and causes of action for any injuries, losses or damages (including, without limitation,
equitable relief) that you may now or hereafter have a right to assert against such parties as a result of
your use of, or reliance on, the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.
Copyright
Copyright © 2007 by the U.S. Green Building Council. All rights reserved.
Trademark
LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Minor changes, including only corrected typos and minor clarifications, have been made to
this version that were not included in the February 2007 version of the LEED for
Neighborhood Development rating system. In addition, an alternative version of GCT
Credit 9 (Stomwater Management) is provided with this version. Prerequisite and credit
requirements were not changed in any way that would affect a project’s ability to achieve
them.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 1
Overview
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), and the Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC)—three organizations that represent some of the nation’s leaders
among progressive design professionals, builders, developers, and the environmental community—have
come together to develop a national set of standards for neighborhood location and design based on the
combined principles of smart growth, new urbanism, and green building. The goal of this partnership is
to establish these standards for assessing and rewarding environmentally superior development practices
within the rating framework of the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green
Building Rating System™.
Unlike other LEED products that focus primarily on green building practices, with relatively few credits
regarding site selection and design, LEED for Neighborhood Development places emphasis on the design
and construction elements that bring buildings together into a neighborhood, and relate the neighborhood
to its larger region and landscape. The work of the committee is guided by sources such as the Smart
Growth Network’s ten principles of smart growth, the Charter of the New Urbanism, and other LEED
rating systems. LEED for Neighborhood Development creates a label, as well as guidelines for design
and decision-making, to serve as an incentive for better location, design, and construction of new
residential, commercial, and mixed use developments.
The existing LEED for New Construction Rating System has a proven track record of encouraging
builders to utilize green building practices, such as increasing energy and water efficiency and improving
indoor air quality in buildings. It is the hope of the partnership that LEED for Neighborhood
Development will have a similarly positive effect in encouraging developers to revitalize existing urban
areas, reduce land consumption, reduce automobile dependence, promote pedestrian activity, improve air
quality, decrease polluted stormwater runoff, and build more livable, sustainable, communities for people
of all income levels.
LEED provides rating systems that are voluntary, consensus-based, market-driven, grounded in accepted
energy and environmental principles, and that strike a balance between established practices and
emerging concepts. LEED rating systems are developed by committees, in adherence with USGBC
policies and procedures guiding the development and maintenance of rating systems. LEED for
Neighborhood Development is one of a growing portfolio of rating systems serving specific market
sectors.
LEED rating systems typically consist of a few prerequisites and many credits. In order to be certified, a
project must meet each prerequisite. Each credit is optional, but achievement of each credit contributes to
the project’s point total. A minimum point total is required for certification, and higher point scores are
required for silver, gold, or platinum LEED certification.
The rating system is designed to certify exemplary development projects that perform well in terms of
smart growth, new urbanism, and green building. Projects may constitute whole neighborhoods, fractions
of neighborhoods, or multiple neighborhoods. Smaller, infill projects that are single use but complement
Up to 120 projects in total will be selected to be a part of the pilot program. The objective of the pilot
program is to ensure that the rating system is practical for application and is an effective tool for
recognizing projects that incorporate smart growth, new urbanist, and green building practices. The
LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee will assess the experience gained from the pilot
program in order to revise the rating system for public comment and ballot.
LEED for Neighborhood Development’s principal aim is to improve land-use patterns, neighborhood
design, and technology in the United States. However, on a very limited basis, the pilot program may test
the applicability of the rating system in non-United States settings as well.
In terms of eligibility for the pilot program, there is no minimum or maximum for project size and no
strict definition for what would comprise a neighborhood. The only requirement is that projects must be
able to meet all prerequisites and anticipate that the minimum number of points through credits to achieve
certification can be earned.
Certification Process
LEED for Neighborhood Development will certify projects that may have significantly longer
construction periods than single buildings, and as a result the standard LEED certification process needed
to be modified. The core committee wanted to be able to provide developers of certifiable projects with
some form of approval even at the early, pre-entitlement stage. They also wanted to ensure that great
plans became great real-life projects. With these goals in mind, the core committee created the following
three-stage certification process:
Acknowledgements
The partnership would like to thank the following funders for their support of the creation of LEED for
Neighborhood Development (listed alphabetically):
The pilot version of the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System has been made possible
because of the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, staff members, consultants, and others in the
USGBC, CNU, and NRDC communities. The partnership extends its deepest gratitude to all of these
individuals, and especially to the LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee members
selected by the partners, for their tireless volunteer efforts in developing this rating system. They are:
Certification Levels:
Certified 40-49 points
Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80-106 points
Intent
Encourage development within and near existing communities or public transportation infrastructure.
Reduce vehicle trips and miles traveled and support walking as a transportation choice.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate the project on an infill site;
OR
OPTION 2
Locate the project near existing or planned adequate transit service so that at least 50% of dwelling
units and business entrances within the project are within ¼ mile walk distance of bus or streetcar stops
or within ½ mile walk distance of bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy passenger rail stations and ferry
terminals. In the case of planned service, show that the relevant transit agency has committed in a legally
binding warrant that adequate transit service will be provided at or before the beginning of the transit
agency’s first service year after 50% of the dwelling units and/or businesses within the project are
occupied and has identified all funding necessary to do so;
OR
OPTION 3
Locate the project near existing neighborhood shops, services, and facilities so that the project boundary
is within ¼ mile walk distance of at least four, or within ½ mile walk distance of at least 6, of the diverse
uses defined in Appendix A. Uses may not be counted in two categories, e.g an office building may be
counted only once even if it is also a major employment center. A mixed use building containing several
uses as distinct enterprises would count each as a separate use, but no more than half of the minimum
number of diverse uses can be situated in a single building. A single retail store of any type (such as a big
box retail store that sells both clothing and household goods) may only be counted once even if it sells
products associated with multiple use types;
OR
OPTION 4
Locate the project within a region served by a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and within a
transportation analysis zone for which MPO research demonstrates that the average annual home-based
and/or non-home-based rate of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita is lower than the average
annual rate of the metropolitan region as a whole. The research must be derived from transportation
OR
OPTION 5
Locate the project within a region served by a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and
demonstrate through peer-reviewed analysis that the average annual home-based and/or non-home-based
rate of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita of the project will be lower than the average annual rate
shown by MPO research for the metropolitan region as a whole. The MPO research must be derived from
transportation surveys conducted within ten years of the date of submission for LEED for Neighborhood
Development certification. The analysis prepared for the project must be conducted by a qualified
transportation professional and reviewed and supported by a second qualified transportation professional
who is not affiliated with either the sponsor of the project or the first analyst.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1:
A map of the vicinity demonstrating that the project is located on an infill site.
Option 2:
A site and/or vicinity map showing all dwelling units and relevant building entrances,
transit stops, and walking routes to those stops.
A table of walk distances between each dwelling unit or business entrance and the closest
transit stop, and a calculation of the percentage of dwelling units and business entrances
that lie within the specified distances.
Schedules or a brief narrative indicating the frequency and type of transit available.
For planned transit routes, provide documents from the relevant transit authority
indicating when service will be instituted and the source of funding.
Option 3:
A site and/or vicinity map showing the project’s boundary and walking routes to any uses
listed in Appendix A.
Intent
Encourage new development within and near existing communities in order to reduce multiple
environmental impacts caused by sprawl. Conserve natural and financial resources required for
construction and maintenance of infrastructure.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate the project on a site served by existing water and wastewater infrastructure. Replacement or other
on-location improvements to existing infrastructure are considered existing for the purpose of achieving
this option;
OR
OPTION 2
Locate the project within a legally adopted planned water and wastewater service area and provide new
water and wastewater infrastructure for the project.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A site and/or vicinity map indicating the location of existing water and wastewater
infrastructure.
Option 2
Intent
Requirements
Check with the state Natural Heritage Program, and any local wildlife agencies to determine if species
listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, the state's endangered species act, or species or
ecological communities classified by NatureServe as G1 (critically imperiled) or G2 (imperiled), have
been found on the site or have a high likelihood of occurring on the site due to the presence of suitable
habitat and nearby occurrences. If no such species have been found or have a high likelihood of being
present, the prerequisite is achieved. If any such species have been found or have a high likelihood of
being present, meet the requirements of Option 1 or Option 2 set forth below.
OPTION 1
Comply with an approved Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under the Endangered Species Act for each
identified species or ecological community;
OR
OPTION 2
If no approved HCP exists for an identified species or ecological community, then coordinate with the
state's Natural Heritage Program or fish and wildlife agency to perform adequate surveys of imperiled
species and ecological communities. If a survey finds that an imperiled species or ecological community
is present, the project applicant shall do the following:
b. Protect the habitat and buffer or setback area from development in perpetuity by donating
or selling the land or a conservation easement on the land to an accredited land trust or
relevant public agency.
c. Work with ecologists to analyze the threats from development of the proposed project
and develop a management plan that eliminates or significantly mitigates the identified
threats.
G1 species are critically imperiled; at very high risk of extinction globally due to extreme rarity (often
five or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.
G2 species are imperiled; at high risk of extinction globally due to very restricted range, very few
populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
Results of inquiries to the state Natural Heritage Program and any local wildlife agencies
as to whether listed endangered species or G1 or G2 ecological communities occur or
have a high likelihood of occurring on the project site.
Option 1
A map showing the geographic extent of the HCP and the project’s location within it.
A brief narrative describing how the project will meet the requirements of the HCP.
Option 2
Information about the site received from the relevant natural heritage program or agency.
The results of site surveys.
If imperiled species or ecological communities are found, submit a) a site plan which
delineates imperiled species habitat in relation to the project; b) a letter from the
Intent
Conserve water quality, natural hydrology and habitat and preserve biodiversity through conservation of
water bodies or wetlands.
Requirements
If the project is located on a site that includes wetlands, water bodies, or land within 100 feet of these
areas, and if local, state, and federal regulations permit impacts to any on-site wetlands, water bodies, or
buffer land that is within 100 feet of these areas, limit any impacts to less than the percentage of these
areas reflected in either one of the two following tables, and compensate by on-site or off-site wetland
restoration of equal or greater amounts. The portion of the site that is impacted must incorporate
stormwater best management practices within the impacted area to infiltrate, re-use, or evapotranspirate at
least 90% of the average annual rainfall or 1” of rainfall from 75% of the development footprint within
the impacted area.
For all Options, minor development within the buffer may be undertaken in order to enhance appreciation
for wetlands and water bodies. Such development may only include minor path-ways, limited pruning
and tree removal for safety, habitat management activities, educational structures not exceeding 200
square feet, and small clearings for picnic tables, benches, and non-motorized recreational water crafts.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A site and/or vicinity map demonstrating that there are no wetlands, water bodies, or land
within 100 feet of these areas.
OR
Declaration that there are no wetlands or water bodies.
Options 2 and 3
A site and/or vicinity map showing a) any previously developed areas of the site; b) the
street grid density or built density of the area within a 1 mile radius of the perimeter of
the project site; and c) the construction impact zone; and d) the location of any wetlands,
water bodies, or land within 100 feet of these areas.
A calculation of either street grid density or built density within a 1 mile radius of the
perimeter of the project site.
If on-site impacts occur, a brief narrative describing the planned compensating wetland
restoration activities, including the size of the impacted wetlands and of the restored
wetlands. For Option 3, also include a narrative describing the stormwater best
management practices employed and the amount of rainfall that will be captured.
Option 3
A site plan indicating the portion of the site that is impacted, and the location of any
BMPs.
Options 2 and 3
If wetland restoration activities took place, either a photograph, diagram, or a brief
description of the resulting areas.
Option 3
For portions of the site where BMPs were required, a calculation of either 90% of the
average annual rainfall or 1” of rainfall that occurs on the project’s development
footprint and other effectively impervious areas.
A calculation of the percentage of the development footprint for which runoff is
infiltrated, re-used, or evapotranspirated.
Case 3B: Change since Stage 2
If project conditions have changed with respect to prerequisite requirements:
Submit updated versions of the relevant documentation submitted at Stage 2 and the
additional item(s) listed above in Case 3A.
Intent
Preserve irreplaceable agricultural resources by protecting prime and unique farmland and forest lands
from development.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate the project such that the site contains no more than 25% prime soils, unique soils, or soils of
state significance as identified in a state Natural Resources Conservation Service soil survey;
OR
OPTION 2
Locate the project such that it meets the requirements specified in Options 1, 2, or 3, of SLL Prerequisite
1;
OR
OPTION 3
Locate the project such that it is within a designated receiving area for development rights under a
publicly administered farmland protection program that provides for the transfer of development rights
from lands designated for conservation to lands designated for development;
OR
If the project is located within a metropolitan or micropolitan statistical area for which 75% or more of
the total vacant land, including infill sites, is covered by prime soils, unique soils, or soils of state
significance, and is on an adjacent site, then the prerequisite is not applicable. If the project does not lie
in an established metropolitan or micropolitan statistical area, then the county boundary may serve for the
purposes of the calculation.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for identifying prime and unique
soils, and they make detailed soil surveys and maps available for every county in the United States.
NRCS data are available for download to GIS mapping programs.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A site and/or vicinity map indicating the location of any prime or unique soils on the site.
OR
Declaration that there are no prime or unique soils on the site.
If any prime, unique, or state significant soils occur on the site, a calculation of the
percentage of the site area that they cover.
Option 2
No additional documentation necessary.
Option 3
A brief description and/or map indicating the receiving area for development rights.
Option 4
Data and/or a map showing that 75% of the total vacant land in the metropolitan or
micropolitan statistical area (or county) is covered by prime soils, unique soils, or soils of
state significance.
A site and/or vicinity map showing that the project site is an adjacent site.
Intent
Protect life and property, promote open space and habitat conservation, and enhance water quality and
natural hydrological systems.
Requirement
Locate on a site that does not contain any land within the 100-year floodplain as defined and mapped by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency or state or local floodplain management entity, whichever
has been done most recently;
OR
Locate the project on an infill site or a previously developed site and follow the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for developing any portions of the site that lie within the 100-
year floodplain as defined and mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or state or local
floodplain management entity, whichever has been done most recently;
OR
For projects where part(s) of the site is located within the 100-year floodplain as defined and mapped by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency or state or local floodplain management entity, whichever
has been done most recently, develop only on portions of the site that are not in the 100-year floodplain or
on portions that have been previously developed. Previously developed portions in the floodplain must
be developed according to the NFIP requirements.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Option 1
A site and/or vicinity map indicating that the site contains no land within the 100-year
floodplain.
OR
Declaration that the site contains no land within the 100-year floodplain.
Option 2
A site and/or vicinity map indicating that the project is an infill site or areas that are
previously developed.
If any portion of the site lies within the 100-year floodplain, submit a brief narrative
describing how the NFIP requirements will be met for that portion.
Option 3
A site and/or vicinity map indicating where new development will take place, areas that
are previously developed, and the boundaries of the 100-year floodplain.
If any portion of the site that is being redeveloped lies within the 100-year floodplain,
submit a brief narrative describing how the NFIP requirements will be met for that
portion.
Intent
Encourage the reuse of land by developing sites where development is complicated by environmental
contamination, reducing pressure on undeveloped land.
Requirements
Locate project on a site, part or all of which is documented as contaminated (by means of an ASTM
E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or a local Voluntary Cleanup Program) OR on a site
defined as a brownfield by a local, state or federal government agency;
AND
Remediate site contamination such that the controlling public authority approves the protective measures
and/or clean-up as effective, safe, and appropriate for the future use of the site.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Confirmation of whether any part of the project site was determined contaminated by
means of an ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or defined as a
brownfield by a local, state, or federal agency.
Narrative describing the site contamination and remediation efforts undertaken or to be
undertaken by the project.
Intent
Encourage the cleanup of contaminated brownfields sites in areas targeted for redevelopment.
Requirements
Earn SLL Credit 1: Brownfields Redevelopment, using a site that is in one of the following areas:
Brownfield sites in areas identified by state level equivalent programs to those listed above will also
qualify.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Documentation demonstrating that the site lies within one of the listed zones or
communities.
Intent
Encourage development within existing communities and developed places to reduce multiple
environmental harms associated with sprawl. Reduce development pressure beyond the limits of existing
development. Conserve natural and financial resources required for construction and maintenance of
infrastructure.
Requirements
Locate the project in one of the following locations that also earn at least one point for street grid
density according to the calculation below:
• An infill site that is also a previously developed site (6 points)
• An infill site that is not a previously developed site (4 points)
• An adjacent site that is also a previously developed site (3 points)
• A previously developed site that is not an adjacent or infill site (2 points)
• An adjacent site that is not a previously developed site (1 point)
AND
Calculate the street grid density (in street centerline miles per square mile) within a 1 mile radius from the
perimeter of the site boundary. Points are added to the above points according to the following street grid
density:
• 40 centerline miles per square mile or greater (4 points)
• 30-39 centerline miles per square mile (3 points)
• 20-29 centerline miles per square mile (2 points)
• 10-19 centerline miles per square mile (1 point)
No points are available under this credit for sites that are not either 1) an adjacent site, 2) an infill site, or
3) a previously developed site.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A map of the vicinity demonstrating that the project is located on one or more of the
following: 1) an infill site; 2) an adjacent site; or 3) a previously developed site.
A map of the vicinity showing the street grid density of the area within a 1 mile radius of
the perimeter of the project site.
A calculation of the street grid density within a 1 mile radius of the perimeter of the
project site.
Intent
Encourage development in locations that exhibit superior performance in providing transportation choices
or otherwise reducing motor vehicle use.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate project on a site with transit service of 20 or more easily accessible transit rides per week day.
The number of points available for increasing transit service is indicated in the table below. The total
number of rides available during weekdays is defined as the number of buses or streetcars stopping within
a ¼ mile walk distance of at least 50% of the project's dwellings and business entrances, and the number
of bus rapid transit buses, light rail trains, heavy passenger rail, and ferries stopping within a ½ mile walk
distance of at least 50% of the project's dwellings and business entrances;
OR
OPTION 2
Locate project within a region served by a Metropolitan Planning Organization AND within a
transportation analysis zone where annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) per capita or single occupancy
vehicle (SOV) driving mode share has been demonstrated by MPO research derived from a household
transportation survey to be no more than 80% of the average of the metropolitan region as a whole. The
research must be derived from transportation surveys conducted within ten years of the date of
submission for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification. Additional credit may be awarded for
increasing levels of performance, as indicated;
OR
OPTION 3
Locate the project such that 50% of the dwelling units and business entrances are within a ¼ mile walk
distance of at least one vehicle that is available through a vehicle-sharing program, and publicize the
availability and benefits of the vehicle-sharing program to project occupants. If the project will add more
than 100 dwelling units and/or employees to the neighborhood, at least one additional vehicle for every
100 dwelling units and/or employees must be available and the parking space must be dedicated as part of
the project. Where new vehicle locations are created, a vehicle share program must commit to providing
a vehicle to the location for at least three years. (1 point)
Points earned under Options 1 and 2 may not be combined. A point from Option 3 may be earned
independently, or be added to those earned under Options 1 and 2 for a maximum of 8 points.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A site and/or vicinity map showing all relevant dwelling units and building entrances,
transit stops, and walking routes to those stops.
Schedules or a brief narrative indicating the frequency and type of transit available.
A list of transit stops that lie within the specified walk distance of 50% of the project’s
dwelling units and business entrances.
Intent
Requirements
Design or locate the project such that 50% of the dwelling units and business entrances are within 3 miles
of at least four or more of the diverse uses listed in Appendix A using an existing biking network and/or
a biking network that will be completed as part of the project (3 mile distance is measured along the
biking network, not as a straight radius);
AND
For any non-residential buildings and multifamily residential buildings that are part of the project, provide
bicycle parking spaces or storage for a capacity of no less than 15% of the off-street parking space
capacity provided for cars for those buildings.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site and/or vicinity map indicating the relevant building entrances, diverse uses listed
in Appendix A, and biking network.
A table of biking distances between each dwelling unit or business entrance and each
relevant use listed in Appendix A, and a calculation of the percentage of dwelling units
and business entrances that lie within the specified distance.
If non-residential buildings or multifamily residential buildings are included in the
project, submit a calculation of the required bicycle parking spaces and indicate their
location on the site plan.
Intent
Encourage balanced communities with a diversity of uses and employment opportunities. Reduce energy
consumption and pollution from motor vehicles by providing opportunities for shorter vehicle trips and/or
use of alternative modes of transportation.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Include a residential component equaling at least 25% of the project’s total building square footage, and
locate and/or design the project such that the center is within a 1/2 mile walk distance of a number of
pre-project jobs equal to or greater than 50% of the number of dwelling units in the project;
OR
OPTION 2
Include a non-residential component equaling at least 25% of the project’s total building square footage,
and locate on an infill site whose center is within a ½ mile walk distance of an existing and operational
rail transit stop, and within a ½ mile walk distance of a number of existing dwelling units equal to or
greater than 50% of the number of new jobs created as part of the project.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A calculation demonstrating that at least 25% of the project’s built square footage is
residential.
Intent
Promote public health through physical activity by facilitating walking to school. Promote community
interaction and engagement.
Requirements
Include a residential component in the project that constitutes at least 25% of the project’s total building
square footage; and locate or design the project so that at least 50% of the project’s dwelling units are
within ½ mile walk distance of an existing or planned school.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Minimize erosion to protect habitat and reduce stress on natural water systems by preserving steep slopes
in a natural, vegetated state.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Avoid disturbing portions of project sites that have pre-project slopes greater than 15%;
OR
OPTION 2- FOR PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED SITES ONLY
On portions of project sites with pre-project slopes greater than 15% that are not previously developed
sites:
• do not disturb slopes greater than 40% and do not disturb portions of the project site within 50
feet of the top of the slope, and 75 feet from the toe of the slope;
• limit development to no more than 40% of slopes between 25%-40%, and to no more than 60% of
slopes between 15%-25%.
• locate development such that the percentage of the development footprint that is on pre-project
slopes less than 15% is greater than the percentage of buildable land that has pre-project slopes
less than 15%.
For all three options, those portions of project sites with slopes up to 20 feet in elevation (toe to top) that
are more then 30 feet in any direction from another slope greater than 15% are exempt from the
requirements, although more restrictive local regulations may apply.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
Topographic drawings of the project site indicating slopes, any areas that are previously
developed, and the areas planned for development or redevelopment.
Option 1
Declaration that there are no pre-project slopes greater than 15%.
Option 2a
Calculations showing that portions of the site that have not been previously developed are
complying with the percentage requirements set forth in Option 3.
Option 2b
A site plan indicating areas planned for restoration (or indicate these areas on the
topographic drawings).
A list of plants to be used.
Option 3
Calculations showing that the site is complying with the percentage requirements.
Options 2a and 3
A copy of, or a written commitment to create, any necessary CC&Rs, development
agreements, or other binding documents that will restrict development around slopes
according to the relevant credit requirements. If jurisdictional regulations provide for
these restrictions, a copy of the relevant passages can be substituted.
Intent
Requirements
OPTION 1
Work with the state's Natural Heritage Program, a local fish or wildlife agency, or the state fish and
wildlife agency to determine if significant habitat occurs on the site. If significant habitat is found, do not
disturb that significant habitat or portions of the site within an appropriate buffer around the habitat. The
geographic extent of the habitat and the appropriate buffer shall be identified by a qualified biologist, a
non-governmental conservation organization or the appropriate state, regional or local agency. Protect
significant habitat and its identified buffers from development in perpetuity by donating or selling the
land or a conservation easement on the land to an accredited land trust or relevant public agency.
Significant habitat for this credit includes:
• Habitat for species that are listed or are candidates for listing under state or federal endangered
species acts, or for those classified as G1, G2, G3 and/or S1 and S2 species by NatureServe (see
note below about G and S classification); and
• Locally or regionally significant habitat, or patches of natural vegetation at least 150 acres in size
(irrespective of whether some of the 150 acres lies outside the project boundary); and
• Habitat flagged for conservation under a regional or state conservation or green infrastructure
plan;
OR
OPTION 2
If the project is located on a previously developed site, use native plants for 90% of vegetation, and use
no invasive plants on any part of the site;
OR
OPTION 3 – FOR SITES WITH WETLANDS AND/OR WATER BODIES
Design the project to conserve 100% of all water bodies and wetlands on the site; and conduct an
assessment, or compile existing assessments, showing the extent to which water bodies and/or wetlands
on the site perform the following functions: 1) water quality maintenance, 2) wildlife habitat protection,
and 3) hydrologic function maintenance, including flood protection. Assign appropriate buffers (not less
than 100 feet) around the development footprint throughout the site based upon the functions provided,
contiguous soils and slopes, and contiguous land uses; and protect wetlands, water bodies, and their
Additional Notes
G1 species are critically imperiled; at very high risk of extinction globally due to extreme rarity (often
five or fewer populations), very steep declines, or other factors.
G2 species are imperiled; at high risk of extinction globally due to very restricted range, very few
populations (often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors.
G3 species are vulnerable; at moderate risk of extinction due to a restricted range, relatively few
populations (often 80 or fewer), recent and widespread declines, or other factors.
S1 species are critically imperiled in the state because of extreme rarity (often five or fewer occurrences)
or because of some factor such as very steep declines making it especially vulnerable to extirpation from
the state
S2 species are imperiled in the state because of rarity due to very restricted range, very few populations
(often 20 or fewer), steep declines, or other factors making it very vulnerable to extirpation from the
state.
See notes under SLL Prerequisite 3: Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities” for more
information about NatureServe and this classification system.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A brief description of the efforts to determine if significant habitat occurs on the project
site, including information about the site received from the relevant natural heritage
program or agency.
A brief narrative summarizing the results of the efforts to determine whether significant
habitat occurs on the project site.
If significant habitat is found, submit a) a site plan which delineates significant habitat
and buffers in relation to the project; and b) a letter from the accredited land trust or
Intent
Restore wildlife habitat and wetlands that have been harmed by previous human activities.
Requirements
Using only native plants, restore native habitat or pre-development water bodies or wetlands on the
project site in an area equal to or greater than 10% of the development footprint and remove any
invasive species on the site. Protect such areas from development in perpetuity by donating or selling the
land or a conservation easement on the land to an accredited land trust or relevant public agency.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Requirements
Create a long-term (at least 10-year) management plan for on-site native habitats and their buffers and
create a guaranteed funding source for management. Involve at least one person from a natural resources
agency, a natural resources consulting firm, or an academic ecologist in writing the management plan and
conducting or evaluating the ongoing management. The plan should include biological objectives
consistent with habitat conservation, and it should identify a) procedures, including personnel to carry
them out, for maintaining the conservation areas; b) estimated implementation costs and funding sources;
and c) threats that the project poses for habitat within conservation areas (e.g., introduction of exotic
species, intrusion of residents in habitat areas) and measures to substantially reduce those threats;
OR
OPTION 2 – FOR SITES WITH WETLANDS AND WATER BODIES
Create a long-term (at least 10-year) management plan for any on-site wetlands, water bodies and their
buffers and a guaranteed funding source for management. Involve at least one person from a natural
resources agency, a natural resources consulting firm, or an academic ecologist in writing the
management plan and conducting or evaluating the ongoing management. The plan should include
biological objectives consistent with wetland and water body conservation, and it should identify a)
procedures, including personnel to carry them out, for maintaining the conservation areas; and b)
estimated implementation costs and funding sources.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Promote communities that are physically connected to each other. Foster community and connectedness
beyond the development.
Requirements
Designate all streets and sidewalks that are built as part of the project or serving the project directly as
available for general public use and not gated. Gated areas and enclaves are NOT considered available
for public use, with the exception of education and health care campuses where gates are used for security
purposes.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site and/or vicinity map indicating that all streets and sidewalks are available for
general public use.
OR
Declaration that all streets and sidewalks are available for general public use.
Intent
Requirements
Build any residential components of the project at an average density of seven or more dwelling units
per acre of buildable land available for residential uses;
AND
Build any non-residential components of the project at an average density of 0.50 FAR or greater per acre
of buildable land available for non-residential uses.
If the project location is serviced by a transit agency which has specified minimum service densities that
are greater than the densities required by this prerequisite, then the project must meet the transit agency’s
minimum service densities instead.
The specified average density must be achieved by the point in the project’s construction at which 50% of
dwelling units are built, or within five years of the date that the first building is occupied, whichever is
longer.
Additional Notes
The density of a mixed-use building is calculated by: 1) determining the total square footage of all
residential and non-residential uses; 2) calculating the percentages of the total square footage that the
residential and non-residential components each represent; 3) applying those percentages to the building
parcel to determine the proportionate share of land area for each component; and 4) calculating residential
density as the number of dwelling units per acre using the residential share of the building parcel, and
calculating non-residential density as FAR using the non-residential share of the land area divided by total
non-residential square footage. For example, a mixed-use building of ten dwellings at 1,500 sq.ft. each,
and 25,000 sq.ft. of retail, on one acre of land would have a residential density of 26 DU/acre and a non-
residential density of 0.92 FAR. Densities of individual mixed use buildings that are not being averaged
with other single-use buildings must meet either the residential density minimum or the non-residential
density minimum, but need not meet both.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Requirements
Design and build the project to achieve the densities shown in the table below.
The specified density must be achieved by the point in the project’s construction at which 50% of
dwelling units are built, or within five years of the date that the first building is occupied, whichever is
longer.
Additional Notes
The scoring of the density of a mixed-use project is calculated by a weighted average: 1) determining the
total square footage of all residential and non-residential uses; 2) calculating the percentages of the total
square footage that the residential and non-residential components each represent; 3) determining the
density of each component as measured in dwelling units per acre and FAR respectively; 4) determining
how many points the residential and non-residential component each earns separately according to the
table above; 5) if the points are different, multiply the point value of the residential component by the
percentage of the total square footage it represents (as determined in step 2) and multiply the point value
of the non-residential component by the percentage of the total square footage it represents (as determined
in step 2); 6) add the two scores together. For example; a project that is 75% residential at an average
density of 65 DU/acre and 25% non-residential at an FAR of 0.8 would earn 4 points:
(.75 x 6) + (.25 x 1) = 4.25, which is rounded to 4.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Requirements
Include a residential component in the project that constitutes at least 25% of the project’s total building
square footage; and design or locate the project such that at least 50% of the dwelling units are within ½
mile walk distance of at least two (1 point), four (2 points), seven (3 points) or ten (4 points) of the
diverse uses defined in Appendix A. Uses may either be in nearby areas or be built within the
development.
Verify that a pedestrian can reach the uses via routes that do not necessitate crossing any streets that have
speed limits of greater than 25 miles per hour, unless those crossings have vehicle traffic controls such as
signals and stop signs with crosswalks.
The specified number of uses must be in place by the time certain percentages of occupancy are in place,
as indicated in the following table:
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
To enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups to live within a community.
Requirements
Include a sufficient variety of housing sizes and types in the project such that the total variety of housing
within the project, or within a ¼ mile of the center of the project, achieves at least 0.5 according to the
following calculation, which is based on the Simpson Diversity Index using the housing categories below.
The Simpson Diversity Index score is calculated with the following equation:
Score = 1- ∑ (n/N)2 ,
Housing categories are defined for the purposes of this calculation in LEED for Neighborhood
Development as:
Townhouse and live/work units may be ground related and/or within a multifamily or mixed-use building.
Double counting is prohibited. Each dwelling may be classified in only one category.
Additional Notes
This credit was adapted from Laurance Aurbach’s TND Design Rating Standards Version 2.1, June 2005.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site and/or vicinity map showing the location of different types of housing, either 1)
within the project; or 2) within ¼ mile of the center of the project.
The number of dwelling units in each category, the total number of dwelling units, and
the results of the Simpson Diversity Index calculation.
Intent
To enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups to live within a community.
Requirements
Include a proportion of rental units priced for households earning below area median income such that:
OPTION 1
At least 15% of total rental units are priced for households up to 50% of area median income and units are
maintained at affordable levels for a minimum of fifteen years (1 point);
OR
OPTION 2
At least 30% of total rental units are priced for households up to 80% of area median income and units are
maintained at affordable levels for a minimum of fifteen years (1 point);
OR
OPTION 3
At least 15% of total rental units are priced for households up to 50% of area median income and an
additional 15% of total rental units are priced for households at up to 80% of area median income and
units are maintained at affordable levels for a minimum of fifteen years (2 points).
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
To enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups to live within a community.
Requirements
Include a proportion of for-sale housing affordable to households at or slightly above the area median
income such that:
OPTION 1
At least 10% of for-sale housing is priced for households up to 80% of the area median income (1 point);
OR
OPTION 2
At least 20% of for-sale housing is priced for households up to 120% of the area median income (1 point);
OR
OPTION 3
At least 10% of for-sale housing is priced for households up to 80% of the area median income and an
additional 10% of for-sale housing is priced for households at up to 120% of the area median income (2
points).
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Design parking to increase the pedestrian orientation of projects and to minimize the adverse
environmental effects of parking facilities.
Requirements
For any non-residential buildings and multifamily residential buildings that are part of the project, locate
all off-street surface parking lots at the side or rear of buildings, leaving building frontages and
streetscapes free of surface parking lots;
AND
Use no more than 20% of the total development footprint area for surface parking facilities, with no
individual surface parking lot larger than 2 acres. For the purposes of this credit, surface parking facilities
include ground-level garages unless they are under or over space intended for human occupancy.
Underground or multi-story parking facilities can be used to provide additional capacity, and on-street
parking spaces are exempt from this limitation;
AND
For any non-residential buildings and multifamily residential buildings that are part of the project,
provide bicycle and/or carpool parking spaces equivalent to 10% of the total automobile parking for each
non-residential and multifamily building on the site. Signage indicating carpool parking spots should be
provided, and bicycle parking should be within 200 yards of the entrance to the building that it services.
The 10% carpool/bicycle space requirement can be met with any combination of bicycle and carpool
parking.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Provide appealing and comfortable pedestrian street environments in order to promote pedestrian activity.
Promote public health though increased physical activity.
Requirements
Design and build the project such that all of the following are achieved (4 points):
a. A principal functional entry of each building has a front façade that faces a public space such as
a street, square, park, paseo, or plaza.
b. A minimum of 30% of all street frontages located within the project, if any, are planned for
development that complies with the minimum building-height-to-street-width proportions of 1:3;
and where building sites are planned along streets bordering the project, a minimum of 15% of
the total street frontage of such sites contains (or is dedicated to) development that will produce a
building-height-to-street-width proportion of 1:3. Street frontages are to be measured in linear
feet.
c. Continuous sidewalks or equivalent provisions for walking are provided along both sides of all
streets within the project. New sidewalks must be at least 4 feet wide. Equivalent provisions for
walking include woonerfs and footpaths.
d. All streets along exclusively residential blocks within the project, whether new or existing, are
designed for a maximum speed of 20 mph.
e. All streets along non-residential or mixed use blocks within the project, whether new or existing,
are designed for a maximum speed of 25 mph.
If the above measures are achieved, the project may earn additional points as follows: 1 point for
designing and building the project such that any three measures on the list below are accomplished (up to
4 additional points):
f. The front façades of at least 80% of all buildings are no more than 25 feet from front property
line.
g. The front facades of at least 50% of all buildings are no more than 18 feet from the front property
line.
h. The front facades of at least 50% of mixed-use and non-residential buildings are contiguous to the
sidewalk.
i. Functional building entries occur every 75 feet, on average, along non-residential or mixed use
blocks.
j. All ground-level non-residential interior spaces that face a public space have transparent glass on
at least 33% of the ground-level façade.
k. No blank (without doors or windows) walls longer than 50 feet occur along sidewalks. Walls
with public art installations such as murals may be exempted.
l. Any ground-level storefront windows must be kept open and visible (unshuttered) at night, and
this must be stipulated to future owners in CC&Rs or other binding documents.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
To achieve the base 4 points, submit a site plan or plans indicating the following:
(a) the principal functional entries of all buildings and any streets or other
public spaces.
(b) any street frontages planned for development with a minimum building
height- to-street-width proportion of 1:3.
(c) the location and width of sidewalks or equivalent provisions for walking.
(d/e) the location of residential and non-residential uses, and the speed for
which each street within the project will be designed.
To achieve the base 4 points, submit the following additional documentation:
(b) a calculation showing the percentage of street frontage within the project
that will meet the minimum building height-to-street-width proportion of
1:3; and the same percentage for street frontage on the borders of the
project.
To achieve additional points, submit a site plan or plans indicating the following (as
appropriate to the measures attempted):
Intent
Encourage the design of projects that incorporate high levels of internal connectivity and the location of
projects in existing communities in order to conserve land, promote multimodal transportation and
promote public health through increased physical activity.
Requirements
If new cul-de-sacs are created as part of the project, include a pedestrian or bicycle through-connection in
at least 50% of any new cul-de-sacs. If topographical conditions prohibit such connections, these are not
included in the calculation.
Locate the project such that the street grid density within a ¼ mile radius from the center of the
project falls within one of the ranges listed in the table below, OR design the project such that the
project’s street grid density falls within one of the ranges listed in the table below.
OR
Design the project such that the project’s average street grid density falls within one of the ranges
listed in the table below.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
All Options
A site plan indicating the location of any cul-de-sacs and pedestrian or bicycle through-
connections.
Option 1
A site plan and map of the vicinity showing the street grid density of the area within a ¼
mile radius of the center of the project site.
A calculation of the street grid density within a ¼ mile radius of the center of the project
site.
Option 2
A site plan showing the street grid density of the project site.
A calculation of the street grid density of the project site.
Intent
Encourage transit use and reduce driving by creating safe and comfortable transit facilities.
Requirements
Provide covered and at least partially enclosed shelters, adequate to buffer wind and rain, with at least one
bench at each transit stop within the project boundaries. Shelters shall be illuminated to five average
maintained footcandles (light levels may be reduced after hours). Existing external lighting can
contribute to this level, but any new lighting shall meet light pollution requirements in GCT Credit 20,
and designed to not directly illuminate any windows of residential properties.
AND
Provide kiosks, bulletin boards, and/or signs devoted to providing local transit information as part of the
project, including basic schedule and route information at each transit stop that borders or falls within the
project.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site plan showing the location of any transit stops within the project boundaries and
any kiosks, bulletin boards, or signs with local transit information that will be provided as
part of the project.
A brief narrative listing the facilities for each transit stop that will be provided, including
shelters, benches, and the mechanism for achieving the minimum light levels.
A brief narrative describing the transit information that will be posted at kiosks, bulletin
boards, or signs.
Intent
Reduce energy consumption and pollution from motor vehicles by encouraging use of public transit.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Create and implement a comprehensive transportation demand management (TDM) program for the
project aimed at reducing weekday peak period trips by at least 20% compared to the forecasted trip
generation for the project without the TDM strategies; and fund for a minimum of two years following
buildout of the project (1 point);
OR
OPTION 2
Provide transit passes valid for at least one year, subsidized to be half of regular price or cheaper, to each
resident and employee locating within the project during the first three years of project occupancy (or
longer). Publicize the fact that subsidized transit passes are available to the eligible residents and
employees (1 point);
OR
OPTION 3
Provide transit service (with vans, shuttles, buses) to rail, ferry, or other major transit facilities and/or
another major destination such as a retail or employment center, with service no less frequent than five
rides per weekday peak period. The service must begin when the project is 20% occupied or sooner, and
must be guaranteed for at least two years beyond project buildout (1 point).
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Option 1
A narrative describing the TDM program, including the strategies used, the estimated
resulting trip reduction percentage, and the estimated cost of the program for two years
following buildout of the project.
A written commitment to fund the TDM program for two years following buildout of the
project if the project is built.
Option 2
A narrative describing the type of transit available, the mechanism for publicizing and
distributing subsidized transit passes, the regular and subsidized prices of passes, and the
estimated number of new residents and employees that will receive subsidized transit
passes.
A written commitment to provide a legally binding guarantee that passes will be provided
to meet the requirements, if the project is built.
Option 3
A map of the vicinity indicating the routes of new transit service that will be provided as
part of the project.
A description of the type of transit, and a schedule of service to be provided by as part of
the project.
A timeline of estimated project occupancy as compared with the estimated start date of
transit service provided as part of the project.
A written commitment to provide a legally binding guarantee that such service will be
provided for at least two years beyond project buildout, if the project is built.
Intent
Provide direct and safe connections, for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as drivers, to local destinations
and neighborhood centers. Promote public health by facilitating walking and bicycling.
Requirements
Design and build projects such that there is at least one through-street at the project boundary every 800
feet, or at existing abutting street intervals, whichever distance is smaller. This does not apply to
connections that cannot physically be made; e.g. wetlands, rivers, railroads, extreme topography, natural
gas lines, pipeline easements, highways, expressways and other limited-access roads.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site and/or vicinity map showing the project boundary, existing abutting street
intervals, the through-streets at the project boundary, and the distances between through-
streets.
Intent
To provide a variety of open spaces close to work and home to encourage walking, physical activity and
time spent outdoors.
Requirements
Locate and/or design project so that a park, green plaza or square at least 1/6 acre in area, and at least
150’ in width, lies within 1/6 mile walk distance of the 90% of the dwelling units and business entrances
in the project. Parks less than 1 acre must also have a proportion no narrower than 1 unit of width to 4
units of length;
AND
For projects larger than 7 acres only, locate and/or design the project so that taken together all of the parks
in the project shall average at least 1/2 acre in size.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site and/or vicinity map showing 1) the location of all residential units and non-
residential building entrances; 2) the location, size, and proportions of all relevant parks;
and 3) the walking routes between the project’s buildings and relevant parks.
A table of walk distances between each dwelling unit or non-residential building entrance
and the closest relevant public space, and a calculation of the percentage of dwelling
units and non-residential building entrances that lie within the specified distance.
For projects larger than 7 acres, submit a calculation of the average size of parks (in
acres) in the project.
Intent
To provide a variety of open spaces close to work and home to encourage walking, physical activity and
time spent outdoors.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate and/or design the project so that an active open space facility (e.g., general playfields, soccer,
baseball, basketball and other sports fields) of at least 1 acre lies within ½ mile walk distance of 90% of
the dwelling units and business entrances in the project;
OR
OPTION 2
Locate and/or design the project so that at least 50% of dwelling units and business entrances are located
within ¼ mile walk distance of a multi-use trail or Class I bikeway of at least 3 miles in length;
OR
OPTION 3
Locate and/or design the project so that at least 90% of all dwelling units and business entrances in the
project are located within ¼ mile walk distance of a public recreation center or gym with outdoor
facilities or a park with active recreational facilities.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Enable the widest spectrum of people, regardless of age or ability, to more easily participate in their
community life by increasing the proportion of areas that are usable by people of diverse abilities.
Requirements
For each residential unit type developed, design 20% (and not less than one) of each type to comply with
the accessible design provisions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act (Rehabilitation Act), as applicable. Separate residential unit types include: single-
family, duplex, triplex, multi-unit row or townhouses, and mixed-use buildings that include residential
units. (Compliance for multi-family buildings of four or more units is already a regulatory requirement.).
All paths of travel between residential units and other buildings within the project shall comply with the
accessible design provisions of the FHAA and Rehabilitation Act, as applicable;
AND
For projects with common-use or recreational facilities constructed as part of the project:
• For any residential areas, apply the accessible design provisions of the FHAA and the
Rehabilitation Act to facilities and rights-of-way; and
• For any non-residential areas, apply the accessible design provisions of the American Disabilities
Act (ADA) to facilities and rights-of-way.
Projects that include only non-residential components and public right-of-ways will not be able to achieve
this credit, since they are already required by law to comply with applicable accessibility regulations.
However, if non-residential projects include any common-use or recreational facilities not covered by
accessibility regulations, they will be able to achieve the credit.
Regarding residential accessibility design provisions, an accessible entrance can be located at the front,
side or back of the residential unit, which may sometimes be determined by the topography of the site.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
A brief narrative identifying the universal design or universal accessibility features of the
project, and identifying any applicable provisions of the FHAA, Rehabilitation Act, and
the ADA.
For projects with residential components, submit a site plan indicating the location of any
units and paths of travel that comply with the applicable provisions of the FHAA and the
Rehabilitation Act, and a calculation showing the percentage of each type of residential
unit that complies with the applicable provisions.
For projects with common-use or recreational facilities constructed as part of the project,
submit a site plan indicating the location of these facilities, including rights-of-way in
residential areas.
Intent
To encourage community participation in the project design and planning and involve the people who live
in a community in deciding how it should be improved or how it should change over time.
Requirements
Meet with immediate neighbors and local public officials to solicit input on the proposed project during
the pre-conceptual design phase,
AND
Host an open community meeting during conceptual design phase to solicit input on the proposed project,
AND
Modify the project design as a direct result of community input, or if modifications are not made, explain
why community input did not generate design improvements,
AND
Work directly with community associations and/or other social networks of the community to advertise
public meetings and generate comments on project design,
AND
Establish ongoing means for communication between the developer and the community throughout the
design, construction, and in cases where the developer maintains control of part or the entire project, post-
construction.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
For projects that have not yet undertaken community outreach and involvement but
intend to, submit a written commitment to meet the requirements of the credit and a brief
description as to how and when the activities are expected to take place.
For projects that have already undertaken community outreach and involvement, submit
the following:
1) some documentation that at least one public meeting was held (examples could
include meeting fliers, agenda, minutes, invitation letters, photographs of the
meeting, copies of meeting sign-in sheets);
2) a brief narrative and/or illustration demonstrating how community input
influenced changes to the design or an explanation of why changes were not made;
3) at least one letter of support from a community association and/or social
network stating that the project team worked directly to engage with the association or
network to advertise and generate comments on the project;
4) a brief narrative describing the ongoing means of communication between
developers and community during design, construction, and in cases where the
developer maintains control of part or the entire project, after construction.
Intent
Promote community-based and local food production to minimize the environmental impacts from
transporting food long distances and increase direct access to fresh foods.
Requirements
Establish CC&Rs or other forms of deed restrictions that do not prohibit areas for growing produce,
including greenhouses, on any portion or area of residential front yards, rear yards, side yards, balconies,
patios or rooftops. Greenhouses, but not gardens, may be prohibited in front yard areas that face the
street.
AND
Dedicate permanent and viable growing space and/or related facilities (such as greenhouses)
within the project at the square footage areas specified below. Provide fencing, watering
systems, soil and/or garden bed enhancements (such as raised beds), secure storage space for
garden tools, solar access, and pedestrian access for these spaces. Ensure that the spaces are
owned and managed by an entity that can include occupants of the project in its decision-making,
such as a community group, a homeowners association, or a public body.
OR
Purchase shares in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program located within 150
miles of the project site for at least 80% of the households within the project for two years.
Shares must be delivered to within ¼ mile of the project on a regular schedule, which shall not be
less than twice per month at least four months of the year.
Locate and/or design project such that the center is within ¼ mile of an established farmer’s
market (that has been operating for at least two years), with at least three producer vendors, and
that operates at least once a week for at least 5 months of the year.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
A copy of, or a written commitment to create, any necessary CC&Rs, development
agreements, deed restrictions, or other binding documents that will establish that areas for
growing produce are not prohibited as specified.
Option 1
A site plan showing the location and size of dedicated space for growing and/or related
facilities.
A calculation showing the required growing space based on density.
A written commitment to provide the items specified if the project is built.
A brief narrative explaining what entity will serve to own and manage the growing spaces
and facilities.
Option 2
Identification of available CSA programs that can deliver to within ¼ mile of the project
site according to the specified schedule, and an estimated cost for purchasing shares for
80% of the project’s households for two years.
A written commitment to purchase shares for 80% of the project’s households for two
years, if the project is built.
Option 3
A map showing the location of the relevant farmers’ market in relation to the project.
Intent
Reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and
airborne dust generation.
Requirements
Create and implement an Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan for all construction activities
associated with the project. The ESC Plan shall list the Best Management Practices (BMPs)
employed and describe how the BMPs accomplish the following objectives:
• Prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, including
protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse.
The BMPs shall be selected from the 2003 EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) OR local erosion and
sedimentation control standards and codes, whichever is more stringent.
Note: Many projects are already mandated to comply with the CGP. These requirements are intended to
integrate consideration of these measures into site planning and to ensure that all projects seeking LEED
certification implement these measures, regardless of size.
Additional Notes
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site plan indicating where erosion and sedimentation control will be necessary during
construction.
A written commitment that an ESC plan will be created and implemented if the project is
built, or confirmation that local code requires the same provisions.
Intent
Encourage the design and construction of buildings to utilize green building practices.
Requirements
Design, construct, or retrofit one building as part of the project to be certified under one of the following
LEED building rating systems: LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for
Homes, LEED for Core & Shell, LEED for Schools, or any Application Guides of these rating systems (1
point). Additional points (no more than 3 total) may be earned for each additional certified building that is
part of the project;
OR
Design, construct, or retrofit a percentage of the square footage of buildings that are part of the project to
be certified under one of the LEED building rating programs listed above. Points are available as follows:
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Encourage the design and construction of energy efficient buildings to reduce air, water, and land
pollution and environmental impacts from energy production and consumption.
Requirements
Design and construct at least 90% of all buildings in the project such that they meet one of the following
requirements according to the appropriate category:
For the purposes of this analysis, process energy is considered to include, but is not
limited to, office and general miscellaneous equipment, computers, elevators and
escalators, kitchen cooking and refrigeration, laundry washing and drying, lighting
exempt from the lighting power allowance (e.g. lighting integral to medical equipment)
and other (e.g. waterfall pumps). Regulated (non-process) energy includes lighting (such
as for the interior, parking garage, surface parking, façade, or building grounds, except as
noted above), HVAC (such as for space heating, space cooling, fans, pumps, toilet
exhaust, parking garage ventilation, kitchen hood exhaust, etc.), and service water heating
for domestic or space heating purposes.
OR
Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
for Small Office Buildings or the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small
Retail Buildings, as appropriate to building type. The following restrictions apply:
• Buildings must be under 20,000 square feet.
• Buildings must be office or retail occupancy.
• Project teams must fully comply with all applicable criteria as established in the
Advanced Energy Design Guide for the climate zone in which the building is
located.
OR
Comply with the Basic Criteria and Prescriptive Measures of the Advanced Buildings
Benchmark™ Version 1.1 with the exception of the following sections: 1.7 Monitoring
and Trend-logging, 1.11 Indoor Air Quality, and 1.14 networked Computer Monitor
Control. The following restrictions apply:
• Project teams must fully comply with all applicable criteria as established in
Advanced Buildings Benchmark for the climate zone in which the building is
located.
Design and construct at least 90% of all buildings in the project such that they meet one of the following
requirements according to the appropriate category:
Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
for Small Office Buildings or the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small
Retail Buildings, as described above in PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH A of
Category 1.
Design and construct at least 90% of all buildings in the project such that they meet one of the following
requirements according to the appropriate category:
OR
Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
for Small Office Buildings or the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small
Retail Buildings, as described above in PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE PATH A of
Category 1.
Exceed the ENERGY STAR for Homes requirements by achieving a minimum HERS
Index of at least 80 for IECC Climate Zones 1-5 (generally the southern United States),
or at least 75 for IECC Climate Zones 6-8 (generally the northern United States).
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Intent
Minimize water use in buildings and for landscape irrigation to reduce the impact to natural water
resources and reduce the burden on municipal water supply and wastewater systems.
Requirements
Design and construct at least 90% of all buildings in the project such that they meet one of the
following requirements according to the appropriate category (1 point):
Employ strategies that in aggregate use 20% less water than the water use baseline
calculated for the building (not including irrigation) after meeting the Energy Policy Act
of 1992 fixture performance requirements. Calculations are based on estimated occupant
usage and shall include only the following fixtures (as applicable to the building): water
closets, urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, and kitchen faucets.
Design and construct at least 90% of all buildings in the project such that they meet one of the
following requirements according to the appropriate category:
Employ strategies that in aggregate use 30% less water than the water use
baseline calculated for the building (not including irrigation) after meeting the Energy
Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements. Calculations are based on
estimated occupant usage and shall include only the following fixtures (as applicable
to the building): water closets, urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, and kitchen faucets.
OR
For irrigation, use only captured rainwater, recycled wastewater, recycled graywater, or water
treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for non-potable uses.
OR
Install landscaping that does not require permanent irrigation systems. Temporary irrigation
systems used for plant establishment are allowed only if removed within one year of installation.
A point from Option 2 may be earned independently, or be added to those earned under Options 1, for a
maximum of 3 points.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
An estimate of baseline indoor water use based on the type and number of buildings in
the project.
A written commitment to employ indoor water use reduction strategies to meet the
requirements of the credit as appropriate to the number of points attempted if the project
is built.
Option 2
A site plan indicating areas of outdoor water use.
A written commitment to employ outdoor water use reduction strategies to meet the
requirements of the credit, including a list of strategies planned.
Intent
Extend the life cycle of existing building stock, conserve resources, reduce waste, and reduce
environmental impacts of new buildings as they relate to materials manufacturing and transport.
Requirements
Incorporate into the project the reuse of one building that maintains at least 50% (based on surface area)
of the existing building structure (including structural floor and roof decking) and envelope (including
exterior skin and framing, and excluding window assemblies and non-structural roofing material).
Hazardous materials that are remediated as a part of the project scope shall be excluded from the
calculation of the percentage maintained (1 point).
For projects reusing portions of two or more existing buildings, 1 additional point can be earned by
incorporating into the project the reuse that achieves the greater of the following:
• 50% of 1 existing building plus an equivalent amount reused among one or more
buildings (based on surface area, as defined above); or
• 20% of the existing building stock (based on surface area, as defined above)
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Encourage use of historic buildings in a manner that preserves their historic materials and character.
Requirements
Incorporate into the project one or more buildings that have been:
• designated, listed, or identified by a local government as a historic or contributing structure in a
locally designated historic district pursuant to a local preservation ordinance;
OR
• designated, listed, or identified as a historic or contributing structure in a historic district under a
state historic register or on the National Register of Historic Places;
AND
Rehabilitate the building(s) in accordance with local or federal standards for rehabilitation, and:
• obtain confirmation from the municipality, and/or the local historic preservation commission that
the plan(s) for rehabilitation meet the local standards for an historic rehabilitation,
OR
• obtain confirmation from a State Historic Preservation Office or the National Park Service that
the rehabilitation satisfies the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation.”
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A document from the local government, the State Historic Preservation Officer, or the
National Park Service stating the name and address of the property, its historic
designation or status, and the date of designation. Other acceptable documents include a
Intent
Preserve existing tree canopy, native vegetation and pervious surfaces while encouraging high density,
smart growth communities.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate the development footprint on areas that are 100% previously developed and for which the zone
of construction impact is 100% previously developed;
OR
OPTION 2
Depending on the density of the project, do not develop or disturb a proportion of the land that has not
been previously developed on the site, exclusive of any land excluded from development by law or
required to be preserved as a prerequisite of LEED for Neighborhood Development, and stipulate in
CC&Rs or other binding development documents that the undisturbed area will be protected from
development in perpetuity. Densities and minimum percentages are as follows (mixed use projects
should use the lowest applicable density or calculate a weighted average per the methodology in NPD
Credit 1: Compact Development):
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
A site plan indicating the location of any areas that are previously developed, the
development footprint of the project, and the zone of construction impact.
Option 2
A calculation showing the residential and/or non-residential density of the project.
A calculation of the percentage of the previously undeveloped areas that will be left
undisturbed.
A copy of, or a written commitment to create, any necessary CC&Rs, development
agreements, or other binding documents that will protect the undisturbed area according
to the relevant credit requirements if the project is built.
Intent
Conserve existing natural areas and protect trees to provide habitat and promote biodiversity.
Requirements
OPTION 1
Locate the development footprint on areas that are 100% previously developed and for which the zone
of construction impact is 100% previously developed;
OR
OPTION 2
For portions of the site that are not previously developed: identify limits of disturbance through the
creation of construction impact zones; and limit all site disturbance to 40 feet beyond the building
perimeter; 10 feet beyond surface walkways, patios, surface parking and utilities less than 12 inches in
diameter; 15 feet beyond primary roadway curbs and main utility branch trenches; and 25 feet beyond
constructed areas with permeable surfaces (such as pervious paving areas, stormwater detention facilities
and playing fields) that require additional staging areas in order to limit compaction in the constructed
area.
OR
Preserve the following on the site that are also identified as in good or excellent condition:
• all Heritage or Champion Trees identified,
• a minimum of 75% of all non-invasive trees (including the above) over 18” in caliper (D.B.H.),
and
• a minimum of 25% of all non-invasive trees (including the above) that are over 12” in caliper
(D.B.H.) if deciduous, and 6” in caliper (D.B.H.) if conifer.
Stipulate in CC&Rs or other binding development documents that the preserved trees will be protected
from development in perpetuity.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Options 1 and 2
A site plan indicating the location of any areas that are previously developed, the
development footprint of the project, and the zone of construction impact.
Option 3
A site plan showing the locations of existing trees, and indicating which will be
preserved.
A summary of the survey conducted, highlighting the type and quantity of trees found,
any Heritage or Champion trees, any trees with a caliper greater than 18”, and any
invasive tree species present on the site.
A list or summary of the trees to be preserved.
A calculation of the percentage of non-invasive trees with a caliper greater than 12” or 6”
(as appropriate to type) that will be preserved.
A copy or summary of the maintenance plan developed in consultation with a certified
arborist.
A copy of, or a written commitment to create, any necessary CC&Rs, development
agreements, or other binding documents that will protect the preserved trees according to
the relevant credit requirements if the project is built.
Intent
Encourage brownfields cleanup methods that reduce contaminant volume or toxicity and thereby
minimize long-term remediation or monitoring burdens.
Requirements
AND
Use cleanup method(s) for 100% of the remediation that treat, reduce or eliminate the volume or toxicity
of contaminated material found on the site.
Cleanup methods which include only capping or translocation of contaminated material to an off-site
location will not achieve this credit.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Note: Projects can use this version or the February 2007 version found in Appendix B.
Intent
Reduce adverse impacts on water resources by mimicking the natural hydrology of the region on the
project site, including groundwater recharge. Reduce pollutant loadings from stormwater discharges,
reduce peak flow rates to minimize stream channel erosion, and maintain or restore chemical, physical,
and biological integrity of downstream waterways.
Requirements
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that infiltrates, re-
uses, or evapotranspirates the below-specified amount of rainfall from the project’s
development footprint and other areas that have been graded so as to be effectively
impervious.
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that infiltrates, re-
uses, or evapotranspirates the below-specified amount of rainfall from the project’s
development footprint and other areas that have been graded so as to be effectively
impervious.
Notes: a) The stormwater management plan should identify practices to be employed, such
as permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting systems or green roofs.
b) For the purposes of the calculations in this credit, the development footprint will
include typically impervious surfaces included in the definition of “development
footprint,” such as roofs and pavements, even though the surfaces may be made
pervious as part of the stormwater management plan.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
A site plan indicating the project’s development footprint, and the location of any
planned stormwater management technologies or BMPs.
A written commitment to develop and implement a comprehensive stormwater
management plan to meet the requirements if the project is built.
Confirmation of type of watershed.
Option 1
A site plan indicating previously developed areas (this can be done as part of the site plan
listed above).
Reduce heat islands to minimize impact on microclimate and human and wildlife habitat.
Requirements
OPTION 1 – NON-ROOF
Provide any combination of the following strategies for 50% of the non-roof impervious site landscape
(including roads, sidewalks, courtyards, parking lots, and driveways):
OR
Place a minimum of 50% of off-street parking spaces under cover (defined as underground, under deck,
under roof, or under a building). Any roof used to shade or cover parking must have an SRI of at least 29;
OR
OPTION 2 – ROOF
Use roofing materials that have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) equal to or greater than the values in the
table below for a minimum of 75% of the roof surface of all buildings within the project; or install a
“green” (vegetated) roof for at least 50% of the roof area of all buildings within the project.
Combinations of SRI compliant and vegetated roof can be used provided that they collectively cover 75%
of the roof area of all buildings.
Additional Notes
Shaded areas for the purposes of this credit will include areas shaded by trees, other landscape features,
but not awnings, buildings, or other structural features.
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
A site plan indicating the location of any non-roof areas that will be employing the heat
island reduction technologies or strategies listed in the requirements.
A written commitment to employ sufficient non-roof heat island reduction strategies to
meet the requirements, if the project is built.
Option 2
A site plan indicating the location of any green roofs or roof areas that will have an SRI
greater than or equal to those specified in the requirements.
A written commitment to include a sufficient percentage of green roofs, or roofs with the
specified SRI value to meet the requirements, if the project is built.
Intent
Achieve enhanced energy efficiency by creating the optimum conditions for the use of passive and active
solar strategies.
Requirements
Locate project on existing blocks, or design and orient project, such that for 75% or more of the project’s
blocks, one axis of each block is within 15 degrees of geographical east/west, and the east/west length of
each block is at least as long, or longer, as the north/south length of the block.
OR
Design and orient 75% or more of the project’s buildings such that one axis of each building is at least
1.5 times longer than the other, and such that the longer axis is within 15 degrees of the geographical
east/west axis. The length to width ratio shall be applied only to the length of walls enclosing conditioned
spaces; walls enclosing unconditioned spaces such as garages, arcades, or porches cannot contribute to
credit achievement. South-facing vertical surfaces of buildings counting towards credit achievement must
not be more than 25% shaded at time of initial occupancy (measured at noon on December 21st).
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Option 1
Intent
Reduce air, water, and land pollution from energy consumption and production by increasing the
efficiency of the power delivery system. Increase the reliability of power.
Requirements
Develop on-site energy generation system(s) with peak electrical generating capacity of at least 5% of the
project’s specified electrical service load.
Develop on-site energy generation system(s) with capacity of at least 5% of the project’s annual electrical
and thermal energy consumption, as established through an accepted building energy performance
simulation tool.
For both options, total CO2 emissions shall be less than or equal to national average of CO2 emissions for
grid supplied electricity, which shall be calculated as the sum of 1545 lb per MWh produced by the on-
site power generation system and 145 lb per MMBtu of thermal energy produced by the on-site power
generation system.
For both options, calculations for total on-site energy can include future site or building-integrated
systems stipulated through CC&Rs or other binding documents.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Encourage on-site renewable energy self-supply in order to reduce environmental and economic impacts
associated with fossil fuel energy use.
Requirements
Design and incorporate the use of shared on-site nonpolluting renewable energy generation technologies
such as solar, wind, geothermal, small scale/micro hydroelectric, and biomass with peak electrical
generating capacity of at least 5% of the project’s specified electrical service load.
Design and incorporate the use of shared on-site nonpolluting renewable energy generation technologies
such as solar, wind, geothermal, small scale/micro hydroelectric, and biomass with peak electrical
generating capacity of at least 5% of the project’s annual electrical and thermal energy consumption, as
established through an accepted building energy performance simulation tool.
For both options, calculations for total on-site energy can include future site or building-integrated
systems stipulated through CC&Rs or other binding documents.
Additional Notes
• Electrical Systems: Photovoltaic (PV), wind, hydro, wave, tidal, and bio-fuel based electrical
production systems deployed at the project site.
• Geothermal Energy Systems: Geothermal energy systems using deep-earth water or steam
sources (and not using vapor compression systems for heat transfer) deployed at the project site.
These systems may either produce electric power or provide thermal energy for primary use at the
building.
• Solar Thermal Systems: Active solar thermal energy systems that employ collection panels; heat
transfer mechanical components, such as pumps or fans, and a defined heat storage system, such
as a hot water tank or thermo-siphon solar and storage tank “batch heaters” deployed at the site.
Ineligible on-site renewable energy systems include geo-exchange systems (ground source heat pumps)
and renewable or green-power from off-site sources. Eligible bio-fuels include untreated wood waste
including mill residues, agricultural crops or waste, animal waste and other organic waste and landfill gas.
Electrical production based on the following bio-fuels are excluded from eligibility for this credit:
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Reduce air, water, and land pollution resulting from energy consumption in buildings by employing
energy efficient district technologies.
Requirements
Design and incorporate into the project a district heating and/or cooling system for space conditioning of
all buildings in the project (at least 2 buildings total) such that at least 80% of the project total square
footage is connected, and at least 80% of the project total peak heating or cooling load is connected.
The efficiency of each component of the system which is regulated by ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1-2004
must have an overall efficiency performance at least 10% better than specified by the ASHRAE 90.1 -
2004 Prescriptive Requirements. Additionally, pumping power must not exceed 2.5% of the thermal
energy output (with one kWh of electricity equal to 3,413 Btu). Combined Heat and Power (CHP) district
systems can achieve this credit by demonstrating equivalency relative to the above criteria.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A written commitment to develop a district heating and/or cooling system to meet the
requirements if the project is built.
The total heating or cooling load of the project, and a calculation showing the
percentage that is generated by the district heating or cooling system.
A calculation showing the percentage of the project total square footage that is
connected.
The efficiency of each component which is regulated by ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1-2004
compared to the relative standard.
Submit the calculation of pumping power as a percentage of thermal energy output.
Case 3B: Change since Stage 2
If project conditions have changed with respect to credit requirements:
Submit updated versions of the relevant documentation submitted at Stage 2 and the
additional item(s) listed above in Case 3A.
Intent
Requirements
Design or purchase any traffic lights, street lights, water and wastewater pumps and treatment systems
that are included as part of the project to achieve a 15% annual energy reduction beyond an estimated
baseline energy use for this infrastructure. If any traffic lights are installed as part of the project, use light
emitting diode (LED) technology.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A written commitment to meet the requirements for any of the specified infrastructure
items used in the project if the project is built.
Requirements
Design and construct the project to divert at least 50% of the wastewater generated by the project, and
reuse wastewater to replace the use of potable water. Provide for on-site wastewater treatment to a
quality defined by state and local regulations for the proposed reuse.
50% of the wastewater is calculated by determining the total wastewater flow using conventional design
practices in gallons per day and demonstrating that 50% of that volume enters an alternative, on-site
process.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A written commitment to divert, treat as necessary, and reuse wastewater on site to meet
the requirements if the project is built.
Intent
Use recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact of extraction and processing of virgin
materials.
Requirements
Use the indicated recycled materials in all the following applications, if present in the project.
For roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, and curbs (above-ground structured parking and underground
parking are exempt from this requirement):
• Any aggregate base and aggregate subbase shall be at least 90% by volume recycled aggregate
materials such as crushed Portland cement concrete and asphalt concrete.
• Any asphalt base shall be a minimum 15% by volume recycled asphalt pavement.
• Any asphalt concrete pavement shall:
o be a minimum 15% by volume recycled asphalt pavement, OR
o be a minimum 75% by volume rubberized asphalt concrete from crumb rubber from
scrap tires (crumb rubber modifier), OR
o include a minimum of 5% (of total weight) of pre-consumer or post-consumer asphalt
roofing shingles.
• Any Portland cement concrete pavement shall contain:
o recycled mineral admixtures (such as coal fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag,
rice hull ash, silica fume, or other pozzolanic industrial byproduct) to reduce by at least
25% the concrete mix’s typical Portland cement content, AND
o a minimum of 10% by volume reclaimed concrete material aggregate.
Piping made of Portland cement concrete shall contain recycled mineral admixtures (such as coal fly ash,
ground granulated blast furnace slag, rice hull ash, silica fume, or other pozzolanic industrial byproduct)
to reduce by at least 25% the concrete mix’s typical Portland cement content.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A written commitment to meet the requirements for recycled content in the specified
applications, if the project is built.
Intent
Divert construction and demolition debris from disposal in landfills and incinerators. Redirect recyclable
recovered resources back to the manufacturing process. Redirect reusable materials to appropriate sites.
Requirements
Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of non-hazardous construction and demolition debris. Develop and
implement a construction waste management plan that, at a minimum, identifies the materials to be
diverted from disposal and whether the materials will be stored on-site or commingled. Excavated soil
and land-clearing debris do not contribute to this credit. Calculations can be done by weight or volume,
but must be consistent throughout.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Reduce the waste hauled to and disposed of in landfills. Promote proper disposal of office and household
hazardous waste streams.
Requirements
Meet at least two of the following three requirements and publicize the availability and benefits of the
drop-off point(s), station(s), or services:
1) Include at least one drop-off point as part of the project available to all project occupants
for office or household potentially hazardous wastes such as paints, solvents, oil, batteries; OR
locate project in a local government jurisdiction that provides services for collecting these
materials. If a plan for post-collection disposal or use does not exist, establish one.
2) Include at least one recycling or reuse station as part of the project available to all project
occupants dedicated to the separation, collection, and storage of materials for recycling
including, at a minimum, paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals; OR locate
project in a local government jurisdiction that provides recycling services for these materials. If a
plan for post-collection use does not exist, establish one.
3) Include at least one compost station as part of the project available to all project occupants
dedicated to the collection and composting of food wastes; OR locate project in a local
government jurisdiction that provides services for composting materials. If a plan for post-
collection use does not exist, establish one.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
Intent
Minimize light trespass from site, reduce sky-glow to increase night sky access, improve nighttime
visibility through glare reduction, and reduce development impact on nocturnal environments.
Requirements
For exterior lighting in shared portions of the project, only light areas as required for safety and
comfort. Do not exceed 80% of the lighting power densities for exterior areas and 50% for building
facades and landscape features as defined in ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004, Exterior Lighting
Section, without addenda;
AND
Stipulate CC&Rs or other binding documents that require continued adherence to these standards.
All projects shall be classified under the following zones, as defined in IESNA RP-33, and shall follow
all of the requirements for that specific zone:
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
A site plan indicating shared portions of the project, and relevant sources of lighting.
Confirmation of which LZ (lighting zone) the project is located in.
A written commitment to reduce light pollution from shared portions of the project to
meet the requirements if the project is built.
A copy of, or a written commitment to create, any necessary CC&Rs, development
agreements, or other binding documents that will require continued adherence to these
standards.
Intent
To provide projects the opportunity to be awarded points for exceptional performance above the
requirements set by the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System and/or innovative
performance in green building, smart growth, or new urbanist categories not specifically addressed by the
LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.
Requirements
In writing, identify the intent of the proposed innovation credit, the proposed requirement for compliance,
the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance, and the design approach and strategies that might be
used to meet the requirements. (1 point each, up to 5 possible)
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
The specific title for the ID credit, a statement of the credit intent, and a statement of
credit requirements.
A narrative (and site plan if necessary) describing the project’s approach to achievement
of the credit, including a description of the quantifiable benefits of the credit proposal.
A written commitment to meet the requirements (stated by the project team as part of the
submission requirement above) if the project is built.
Intent
To support and encourage the planning and design integration required by a LEED for Neighborhood
Development green neighborhood project and to streamline the application and certification process.
Requirements
At least one principal member of the project design team shall be a LEED Accredited Professional.
OR
At least one principal member of the project design team shall be a professional who is credentialed with
regard to smart growth as determined by the Natural Resources Defense Council in consultation with
Smart Growth America.
OR
At least one principal member of the project design team shall be a professional who is credentialed with
regard to new urbanism as determined by the Congress for the New Urbanism.
OR
This point may be used instead as an additional point available under ID Credit 1: Innovation and
Exemplary Performance, for performance not related to professional team member experience.
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
The name, place of employment, and a brief description of the project role for the
individual.
Adaptive reuse – Conversion of an existing building that is functionally obsolete for its designed purpose
to an updated purpose.
Adequate transit service – During weekday peak periods, at least four buses (including bus rapid
transit), streetcars or light rail trains per hour OR at least 5 heavy passenger rail or ferries per weekday
peak period.
Adjacent site – A site having at least 25% of its perimeter bordering land that has been previously
developed. For the puposes of this definition, a street or roadway does not constitute previously
developed land. Any fraction of the perimeter that borders waterfront will be excluded from the
calculation.
Area median income – The median, or middle, income of a county as defined and available from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Biking network – A continuous network consisting of one or more of the following: bicycle lanes or
trails at least 5 feet wide or roads designed for a speed of 10 miles per hour or slower.
Block – Land bounded by the project boundary, dedicated transportation or utility rights-of-way,
waterfront, and/or comparable land division features.
Brownfield – Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminate. (U.S. EPA)
Buildable land – The portion of the site where construction can occur. When used in density
calculations, the calculation for buildable land excludes: public streets and other public rights of way, and
land excluded from development by law or other prerequisites of LEED for Neighborhood Development.
Buildout – The time at which all habitable buildings on the project are complete and ready for
occupancy.
Class I Bikeway - Class I bikeways are defined as bicycle or multi-use facilities that are completely
separate from the vehicular right-of-way. The standard Class I bikeway has pavement that is 8 feet wide
however the exact design requirements for Class I bikeways differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – A farm operation for which a community of individuals
who pledge support so that the farmland becomes, either legally or informally, the community's farm.
The growers and consumers provide mutual support, sharing the risks and benefits of food production.
Consumers receive portions of the farm's harvest throughout the growing season.
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) – Limitations that may be placed on a property and
its use, and which are made a condition of holding title or lease.
Development footprint – The total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets, parking
areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – The measure of the density of non-residential land use. It is the total non-
residential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area available for non-residential uses.
For example, on a site with 10,000 square feet of buildable land area, an FAR of 1.0 would be 10,000
square feet of built building floor area. On the same site, an FAR of 1.5 would be 15,000 square feet of
built floor area; an FAR of 2.0 would be 20,000 built square feet and an FAR of 0.5 would be 5,000 built
square feet.
Functional entry – An entryway that is designed to be used by pedestrians and is open during regular
business hours. This does not include any door that is exclusively designated as an emergency exit, or a
garage door that is not designed as an entrance for pedestrians.
Graywater – Untreated household waste water which has not come into contact with toilet waste. Gray
water includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer
and laundry tubs. It shall not include waste water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. Some states and
local authorities allow kitchen sink wastewater to be included in graywater. Project teams should comply
with graywater definitions as established by the authority having jurisdiction in their areas. (Uniform
Plumbing Code)
Habitable building – A structure that is intended for living, working, or other types of occupancy.
Habitable structures do not include buildings such as garages and pump stations.
HERS Index – A scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in
which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International
Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS
Index of 0. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS
Reference Home.
Infill site – A site having at least 75% of its perimeter bordering sites that have been previously
developed. For the puposes of this definition, a street or roadway does not constitute previously
developed land. Any fraction of the perimeter that borders waterfront will be excluded from the
calculation.
Invasive Plants – Plants that may be either indigenous or non-indigenous species or strains that are
characteristically adaptable, aggressive, have a high reproductive capacity and tend to overrun the
ecosystems in which they inhabit.
Native (or indigenous) Plants – Plants that have adapted to a given area during a defined time period and
are not invasive. In America, the term often refers to plants growing in a region prior to the time of
settlement by people of European descent.
Pre-consumer – Diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. It does not include
the reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a process and capable of being
reclaimed within the same process that generated it.
Pre-development – Before any development occurred on the site. Pre-development conditions describe
the natural conditions of the site prior to any human alteration, i.e. development of roads, buildings, etc.
Previously developed – Having pre-existing paving, construction, or altered landscapes. This does not
apply to altered landscapes resulting from current agricultural use, forestry use, or use as preserved
natural area.
Previously developed site – A site consisting of at least 75% previously developed land.
Pre-project – Before the project was initiated, but not necessarily before any development or
disturbance took place on the site. Pre-project conditions describe site conditions as the current developer
or project applicant found them.
Prime soils – Soils with chemical, hydrographic and topological properties that make them especially
suited to the production of crops. The Natural Resources Conservation Agency is responsible for
identifying prime soils, and they make detailed soil surveys and maps available for every county in the
United States. All of the NRCS data are available for download to GIS mapping programs.
Project – The land and construction that constitutes the basis for LEED for Neighborhood Development
application.
Project boundary – The outermost property line of the project. Projects located on publicly-owned
campuses that do not have internal property lines shall delineate a sphere of influence line to be used in
place of “property line.” The phrase ‘project site’ is equivalent to the land inside the project boundary.
School – An institution for the academic instruction of children or adults, technical trade school, arts
school, college, or university.
Shared portions of the project – Areas of the project that are publicly-owned, such as streets and parks,
and land and facilities that are held under common ownership by entities such as a condominium
association, land trust, or privately owned corporations.
Street grid density – The density of the street network as measured in centerline miles per square mile.
Areas that shall be excluded from the calculation are water bodies, parks, recreational facilities, public
campus facilities (such as universities), areas preserved from development because of local, state, or
federal law, land preserved from development from the prerequisites of LEED for Neighborhood
Development, land that cannot be developed due to a unique topographic or geologic condition (such as
steep slopes).
Toe of the slope – Where there is a distinct break between a 40% slope and lesser slopes.
Walk distance – The distance that a pedestrian must travel between destinations without obstruction, in a
safe and comfortable environment such as on sidewalks, footpaths or other pedestrian facilities.
Water bodies – The surface water of a stream, creek, river, lake, estuary, bay, or ocean.
Weekday peak periods –Weekdays between 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The
period of time during the weekday commute when traffic congestion is the greatest.
Wetlands – Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar areas." http://www.wetlands.com/regs/tlpge02e.htm (1987 Army Corps of Engineers Manual)
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) – The number of miles traveled by motor vehicles in a specified period
of time, such as a day or a year, by a number of motorists in absolute or per capita terms.
Woonerf – A Dutch word that means “street for living.” In practice, it is common space shared by
pedestrians, bicyclists, and low-speed motor vehicles. They are usually streets raised to the same grade as
curbs and sidewalks. Vehicles are slowed by placing trees, planters, parking areas, and other obstacles in
the street, so that motorists travel at walking speed.
Bank
Child care facility (licensed)
Community/civic center
Convenience store
Hair care
Hardware store
Health club or outdoor recreation facility
Laundry/dry cleaner
Library
Medical/dental office
Pharmacy (stand-alone)
Place of worship
Police/fire station
Post office
Restaurant
School
Senior care facility
Supermarket
Theater
Note: Projects can use this version or the June 2007 version found in the GCT Section.
Intent
Reduce pollution and hydrologic instability from stormwater, prevent flooding, and promote aquifer
recharge.
Requirements
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that infiltrates, re-
uses, or evapotranspirates runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall or 1” of rainfall
from a percentage of the project’s development footprint and other areas that have been
graded so as to be effectively impervious, as listed below.
Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that infiltrates, re-
uses, or evapotranspirates runoff from 90% of the average annual rainfall or 1” of rainfall
from a percentage of the project’s development footprint as listed below.
Notes: a) The stormwater management plan should identify practices to be employed, such
as permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting systems or green roofs.
b) For the purposes of this calculations in this credit, the development footprint will
include typically impervious surfaces included in the definition of “development
______________________________________________________________________________
Submittals
During the pilot program, project teams are encouraged to suggest replacement documentation that may be easier
to access or produce than the items listed below, but still clearly verifies that the requirements have been met. The
certification reviewers will evaluate the adequacy of the potential replacement documentation on a case-by-case
basis.
Provide the LEED submittal template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that
the requirements have been met, and the following:
All Options
A site plan indicating the project’s development footprint, and the location of any
planned stormwater management technologies or BMPs.
A written commitment to develop and implement a comprehensive stormwater
management plan to meet the requirements if the project is built.
Option 1
A site plan indicating the size of the project and any previously developed areas (this can
be done as part of the site plan listed above).