LEED ND v4 Reference Guide Study Guide

Short Answer Questions (2-3 sentences each)

1. What are the three site types defined in the LEED ND v4 Reference Guide?
2. Describe the difference between "previously developed" and "undeveloped" land.
3. What is an "infill site" and how is it determined in LEED ND?
4. Explain the concept of "development timeline" and its significance in LEED ND certification.
5. Why is mapping important in LEED ND projects? What types of maps are typically used?
6. Define "walkshed" and explain its relevance to LEED ND credits.
7. How are "density" and "floor-area ratio (FAR)" calculated in LEED ND projects?
8. What constitutes a "development footprint"? How does permeable pavement affect this
calculation?
9. What is "transit service" and how is it measured in LEED ND?
10. Explain the terms "block length" and "circulation network length" in the context of LEED ND.
Answer Key
1. The three site types defined in the LEED ND v4 Reference Guide are: previously developed, infill,
and adjacent.
2. Previously developed land is land that has been altered by paving, construction, or land use
requiring regulatory permitting, while undeveloped land is land that has not undergone such
alterations and remains in a natural state.
3. An infill site is a project site located within a largely developed area. It is determined by assessing
the percentage of previously developed land on adjacent parcels, development density within a
half-mile buffer, and the connectivity of the surrounding area.
4. The development timeline refers to the key milestone dates in a project's development, from
property acquisition to build-out and occupancy. It is significant because certain LEED ND provisions
are tied to these dates, ensuring long-term commitment to sustainability.
5. Mapping is crucial in LEED ND projects to document project characteristics and verify credit
achievement due to numerous geographic provisions and calculations. Commonly used maps
include vicinity maps, site maps, zoning maps, and base maps.
6. A walkshed is an area encompassing all possible pathways within a certain walking distance from a
specific origin point. It helps assess compliance with credits related to pedestrian accessibility and
proximity to amenities.
7. Density, for residential buildings, is calculated as dwelling units per acre of buildable land. FAR, for
nonresidential buildings, is calculated as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the
total buildable land area available for nonresidential buildings.
8. The development footprint refers to the total land area covered by impervious surfaces, including
buildings, streets, and parking areas. Permeable pavement, with at least 50% permeability, is
excluded from the development footprint calculation.
9. Transit service represents the accessibility and frequency of public transportation options. It is
measured in daily trips at transit stops within walking distance of dwelling units and nonresidential
entrances.
 10. Block length is the distance along a block face, measured from one intersecting right-of-way edge
to the next along a qualifying circulation network segment. Circulation network length
encompasses the total length of streets, sidewalks, and other pedestrian pathways within a project.
Essay Questions
1. Discuss the importance of taking an integrative approach to neighborhood development and
explain how LEED ND v4 supports this approach.
2. Evaluate the role of "property acquisition date" and "50% occupancy date" in determining the
applicability and achievement of specific LEED ND credits.
3. Analyze the concept of "transit-oriented development" and explain how LEED ND incentivizes
projects that prioritize access to quality transit.
4. Discuss the environmental and social benefits of prioritizing "infill development" over development
on greenfield sites.
5. Explain the importance of community outreach and involvement in LEED ND projects. How does the
rating system encourage collaboration with local stakeholders?
Glossary of Key Terms
• Adjacent Site Type: A project site located next to or near previously developed land.
• Buildable Land: The portion of the project site that can be developed, excluding areas like water
bodies, steep slopes, and protected habitats.
• Circulation Network: The interconnected system of streets, sidewalks, and other pathways for
pedestrian and vehicular movement within a project.
• Compact Development: A development pattern characterized by higher densities and mixed land
uses, promoting walkability and reducing sprawl.
• Connectivity: The ease with which people can move between different destinations within and
surrounding a neighborhood, typically measured by intersection density.
• Development Footprint: The total area of a project site covered by impervious surfaces like
buildings, roads, and parking lots.
• Infill Site Type: A project site located within a largely developed area, characterized by existing
development on surrounding parcels.
• Occupancy: The number and type of people using a building or space, categorized as regular
occupants (residents, employees) and visitors.
• Previously Developed Site Type: A project site where land has been previously altered by
construction or land use requiring regulatory permits.
• Transit Service: The frequency and availability of public transportation options, measured by daily
trips at transit stops within walking distance of a project.
• Walkshed: The area encompassing all possible pathways within a certain walking distance from a
specific origin point.
LEED for Neighborhood Development v4 FAQ
Site Type and Infill Status
1. What is considered "previously developed" land in the context of LEED ND?
Land is classified as "previously developed" if it has been altered by construction, paving, or land use that
typically necessitates regulatory permitting. This includes land with existing structures or where buildings
were previously demolished. Examples include a city park with constructed features or land that has been
cleared and graded. Unimproved land with minor features like walking paths or land maintained in a
natural state is not considered previously developed.
2. What are the criteria for a LEED ND project to be considered an infill site?
A project qualifies as an infill site if it fulfills at least ONE of the following conditions:
(a) 75% of the perimeter is adjacent to parcels that are at least 50% previously developed: This assesses
the development status of parcels directly bordering the project site.
(b) 75% of an expanded perimeter (including the project site and directly bordering parcels) is adjacent
to parcels that are at least 50% previously developed: This considers a wider area for assessing
surrounding development.
(c) The area within a 1/2-mile radius of the project boundary is at least 75% previously developed: This
evaluates the overall development density in the project's vicinity.
(d) The street network within a 1/2-mile radius of the project boundary has an intersection density of at
least 10 intersections per square mile: This measures the connectivity and walkability of the surrounding
area.
Project Timeline and Mapping
3. What are the key milestone dates in the LEED ND development timeline?
Crucial dates include:
• Property Acquisition: The date the developer acquired or gained control over most of the project
land.
• 50% Occupancy: This marks the point at which various credits, such as those related to transit
operation or farmers markets, are evaluated.
• Buildout: The date when all construction within the project boundary is complete.
• Perpetual Commitments: Certain prerequisites and credits, such as those related to habitat
protection or steep slope conservation, require ongoing commitments.
4. Why is mapping important in LEED ND documentation, and what types of maps are required?
Mapping visually represents project characteristics and verifies credit compliance. Required maps include:
• Vicinity Map: Shows the project site and surrounding context.
• Site Boundary Map: Delineates the project's boundaries.
• Buildable Land Map: Identifies buildable areas within the project.
• Development Footprint Map: Illustrates impervious surfaces within the project.
• Open Space Map: Depicts open and recreational spaces.
• Walking and Bicycling Distances Map: Displays pedestrian and cycling routes and distances.
 • Transit Service Map: Shows transit stops and routes accessible to the project.
• Connectivity Map: Illustrates the street network and intersection density.
Calculations and Metrics
5. How is "transit service" measured in LEED ND, and which credits use this metric?
Transit service is quantified as the daily number of transit vehicle trips at stops within walking distance of
the project. The calculation involves:
• Identifying dwelling units and nonresidential entrances.
• Determining qualifying transit stops within a specified walking distance (1/4 mile for bus/streetcar,
1/2 mile for rail/BRT/ferry).
• Counting transit vehicle trips at each qualifying stop on weekdays and weekends.
Credits utilizing this metric include:
• SLL Prerequisite: Smart Location
• SLL Prerequisite: Agricultural Land Conservation
• SLL Credit: Access to Quality Transit
• NPD Prerequisite: Compact Development
• NPD Credit: Mixed-Use Neighborhoods
• NPD Credit: Transportation Demand Management
6. What is "intersection density," and how is it calculated?
Intersection density measures the connectivity of a street network, representing the number of qualifying
street intersections per square mile (or square kilometer). The calculation involves:
• Mapping eligible street intersections within a defined area.
• Excluding ineligible intersections like cul-de-sac entrances or driveway connections.
• Summing the number of qualifying intersections.
• Prorating the intersection count to the equivalent of a square mile.
7. How are "block length" and "circulation network length" defined in LEED ND?
• Block Length: The distance along a block face from one intersecting right-of-way edge to the next
(excluding alleys).
• Circulation Network Length: The total length of streets, sidewalks, and other pedestrian-accessible
rights-of-way within the project.
LEED ND Applicability and Rating Systems
8. What types of projects are eligible for LEED ND certification, and how do I know which LEED rating
system to use?
LEED ND is designed for new or redevelopment projects with residential, nonresidential, or mixed uses. It
applies to projects from conceptual planning to construction phases, with at least 50% of the total building
floor area being new construction or major renovation.
To determine the most appropriate LEED rating system, assess which rating system best aligns with at least
60% of the project's gross floor area. If a rating system applies to less than 40%, it's generally not suitable.
When a rating system falls between 40% and 60%, a thorough evaluation is needed to determine the most
fitting system.