| NAME | INTENT | REQUIREMENTS | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | STANDARDS | EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Integrative Project Planning and Design
HC |
Maximize opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies, emphasizing human health as a fundamental evaluative criterion for building design, construction and operational strategies. | Use cross-discipline design and decision making, beginning in the programming and pre-design phase. At a minimum, ensure the following process:
Owner's Project Requirements Document: Prepare an Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) document. Develop a health mission statement and incorporate it in the OPR. The health mission statement must address "triple bottom line" values - economic, environmental and social. Include goals and strategies to safeguard the health of building occupants, the local community and the global environment, while creating a high-performance healing environment for the building's patients, caregivers and staff. Preliminary Rating Goals: As early as practical and preferably before schematic design, conduct a preliminary LEED meeting with a minimum of four key project team members and the owner or owner's representative. As part of the meeting, create a LEED action plan. |
Triple Bottom Line - People, Planet, Profit.
A comprehensive, integrative process accounts for the interactions of all building and site systems, relying on an iterative cycle of analysis, workshops, implementation, and performance feedback. Owner's project requirements (OPR): a written document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project. |
ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities (February 2, 2012) | N/A |
| C Integrative Process
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
Utilize innovative approaches and techniques for green design and construction. To support high performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems. | Determines the LEED certification level to pursue (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum); Selects the LEED credits to meet the targeted certification level; and Identifies the responsible parties to ensure the LEED requirements for each prerequisite and selected credit are met.
Integrated Project Team: Assemble an integrated project team and include as many of the following professionals as feasible (minimum of four), in addition to the owner or owner's representative. Design Charrette: As early as practical and preferably before schematic design, conduct a minimum four-hour, integrated design charrette with the project team. The goal is to optimize the integration of green strategies across all aspects of building design, construction and operations. Energy-Related Systems (Discovery): Perform a preliminary "simple box" energy modeling analysis before schematic design to explore how to reduce energy loads. Assess at least two potential strategies associated with: Site conditions, Massing and orientation, Basic envelope attributes, Lighting levels, Thermal comfort ranges, Plug and process load needs, Programmatic and operational parameters. Water-Related Systems (Discovery): Perform a preliminary water budget analysis before schematic design. Assess and estimate potential nonpotable water supply sources and water demand volumes (Indoor water demand, Outdoor water demand, Process water demand, Supply sources). Implementation: Document how the analysis informed design decisions in the project's OPR and BOD. |
basis of design (BOD): the information necessary to accomplish the owner's project requirements, including system descriptions, indoor environmental quality criteria, design assumptions, and references.
Integrative Process Steps: |
ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities (February 2, 2012) | No |
| NAME | INTENT | REQUIREMENTS | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | STANDARDS | EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C LEED for Neighborhood Development Location
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To avoid development on inappropriate sites. To reduce vehicles miles traveled. To enhance livability and improve human health by encouraging daily physical activity. | Locate the project within the boundary of a LEED ND certified development (Pilot or 2009-Stage 2 or Stage 3, LEED v4-Certified Plan or Certified Project).
Point total increases with LEED ND certification level (Certified: 8 pts, Silver: 10 pts, Gold: 12 pts, Platinum: 16 pts). Projects attempting this credit are not eligible for other LT credits. |
LEED ND emphasizes walkability, transit access, sensitive land protection, connectivity, and shared infrastructure. Check USGBC website for up-to-date lists. | None | No |
| C Sensitive Land Protection
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To avoid the development of environmentally sensitive lands and reduce the environmental impact from the location of a building on a site. | Option 1: Locate development footprint on previously developed land. Option 2: If on undeveloped land, avoid: Prime farmlands, Floodplains, Habitat (threatened/endangered species), Within 100 ft of a water body, Within 50 ft of wetlands. Minor Improvements allowed: Bicycle/pedestrian pathways ≤ 12 feet wide; Activities to restore native natural communities; One single-story structure per 300 linear feet (≤ 500 sq. ft). |
Requires vicinity base map with LEED project boundary and registered environmental parameters. Tree removal restrictions apply based on arborist assessment. | U.S. Department of Agriculture, Title 7, Parts 400 to 699; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; NatureServe Heritage Program. | No |
| C High-Priority Site
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To encourage project location in areas with development constraints and promote the health of the surrounding area. | Option 1: Historic District. Locate the project on an infill location in a historic district.
Option 2: Priority Designation. Locate on a site listed as EPA National Priorities List, Federal Empowerment Zone, Federal Enterprise Community, Federal Renewal Community, RCRA, or low-income community validation. Option 3: Brownfield Remediation. Locate on a brownfield where soil or groundwater contamination has been identified and perform remediation required by the local/national authority. |
infill site: 75+% of surrounding land within 1/2 mile of project boundary is previously developed land.
previously developed site: consisted of at least 75% previously developed land. |
EPA National Priority List; U.S. Dept of HUD; Department of the Treasury CDFI Fund. | Achieve Option 1 AND Option 2 or Option 3 |
| C Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To conserve land and protect farmland/wildlife habitat by encouraging development in areas with existing infrastructure. Promote walkability and transportation efficiency. | Option 1: Surrounding Density. Existing density within 1/4 mile radius meets: Residential (7 or 12 DU/acre), Nonresidential (Combined 22,000 or 35,000 SF/acre; 0.5 or 0.8 FAR).
Option 2: Diverse Uses. Main entrance is within 1/2 mile walking distance of 4-7 (1 pt) or 8+ (2 pts) existing and publicly available diverse uses across at least 3 categories. WDC Options: Industrial/Commercial Adjacency or Transportation Resources (Logistics hub, highway off-ramp, freight rail). |
Restrictions: A use may be counted as only one type. No more than two uses in each use type may be counted (e.g., max 2 restaurants). Primary building use is excluded. Planned transit must be completed within 24 months of occupancy. | None | No |
| C Access to Quality Transit
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To encourage development in locations with multimodal transportation choices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. | Locate entry within 1/4-mile walking distance of bus, streetcar, or rideshare stops, OR 1/2-mile walking distance of bus rapid transit, light/heavy rail, or ferry terminals.
Minimum daily trips required: |
Projects served by 2+ routes where no single route provides >60% of trips may earn 1 additional point. Private shuttles cannot be used for basic compliance. | None | Double the highest transit service point threshold (except Schools Option 2). |
| C Bicycle Facilities
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To promote bicycling and transportation efficiency, reduce vehicle distance traveled, and improve public health through physical activity. | Bicycle Network: Functional entry within 200 yards of a bicycle network connecting to 10+ diverse uses, a school/employment center, or transit.
Storage & Showers (Commercial): Short-term storage for ≥ 2.5% of peak visitors; Long-term storage for ≥ 5% of regular occupants. 1 shower for first 100 occupants, 1 per 150 thereafter. Storage (Residential): Short-term for ≥ 2.5% of peak visitors; Long-term for ≥ 30% of occupants (min. 1 space per unit). |
Bicycle network: continuous off-street paths ≥ 8ft wide (two-way) or on-street lanes ≥ 5ft wide.
Short-term storage must be within 100 feet of any main entrance. Long-term within 100 feet of a functional entry. All destinations within a 3-mile bicycling distance. |
None | N/A |
| C Reduced Parking Footprint
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To minimize environmental harms associated with parking facilities, including automobile dependence, land consumption, and rainwater runoff. | Do not exceed minimum local code requirements. Provide parking reduction below the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) handbook baseline:
Case 1 (Baseline Location): 20% reduction (if no points earned under Surrounding Density or Transit). Provide preferred parking for carpools for 5% of total spaces. |
TDM strategies include: Telecommuting, Shuttles, Shared parking between uses, unbundling parking cost from housing rent, and transit subsidies. Includes all off-street leased/owned spaces. | Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Transportation Planning Handbook, 3rd edition, Tables 18-2 through 18-4. | Case 1: Achieve 60% reduction. Case 2: Achieve 80% reduction. |
| C Green Vehicles
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To reduce pollution by promoting alternatives to conventionally fueled automobiles. | Designate 5% of all parking spaces as preferred parking for green vehicles (min. score of 45 on ACEEE guide). A 20% discounted parking rate is an acceptable substitute.
Option 1: Electric Vehicle Charging. Install EVSE in 2% of all parking spaces. Schools/WDC: Options for green buses, fleet vehicles, or reduced truck idling via dock door electrical connections. |
Discounted rates must be publicly posted at the entrance and available to all building users in perpetuity. EVSE must comply with SAE J1772 standard. | ACEEE Green Book; Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1772. | No |
| NAME | INTENT | REQUIREMENTS | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | STANDARDS | EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust. | Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan for all construction activities. The plan must conform to the 2012 U.S. EPA Construction General Permit (CGP) or local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. Plan must address topsoil preservation, runoff control, and airborne dust. | Best Management Practices (BMP) include: Stabilization, Earth Dike, Temporary/Permanent Seeding, Silt Fence, Sediment Trap, and Sediment Basin. | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2012 Construction General Permit (CGP). | N/A |
| P Environmental Site Assessment
S, HC |
To protect the health of vulnerable populations by ensuring that the site is assessed and remediated for environmental contamination. | Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) per ASTM E1527-05. If contamination is suspected, conduct a Phase II ESA per ASTM E1903-11.
If site is contaminated, remediate the site to meet local, state, or national EPA residential (unrestricted) standards, whichever are most stringent. |
Phase I ESA is considered valid for 180 days. EPA's residential use standards represent the most rigorous level of cleanup to ensure safety for residential, school, or hospital use. | ASTM E1527-05 Phase I ESA; ASTM E1903-11 Phase II ESA; 40 CFR Part 312. | N/A |
| C Site Assessment
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To assess site conditions before design to evaluate sustainable options and inform related decisions about site design. | Complete and document a site survey or assessment that includes: - Topography: Contour mapping, unique features, slope stability risks. - Hydrology: Flood hazard areas, wetlands, lakes, streams, rainwater reuse options. - Climate: Solar exposure, heat island potential, sun angles, wind, precipitation. - Vegetation: Primary types, greenfield areas, significant trees, threatened species, invasive plants. - Soils: NRCS soils delineation, prime farmlands, healthy/disturbed soils. - Human Use/Health: Views, adjacent infrastructure, materials reuse, proximity of vulnerable populations, air pollution sources. |
The survey must demonstrate how these features influenced the project design; give explicit reasons for any topics not addressed. Must be completed before conceptual design starts. | Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils; TR-55 initial water storage capacity. | No |
| C Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity. | Preserve and protect from all construction activity 40% of the greenfield area on the site (if it exists).
AND Choose Option 1 or 2: |
Projects with a FAR ≥ 1.5 may include vegetated roof surfaces if plants are native/adapted and promote biodiversity. Dedicated athletic fields in Schools are exempted from soil restoration but don't count toward area. | U.S. EPA Ecoregions; Land Trust Alliance; Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES). | Option 1: Restore 60%. Option 2: Provide \$0.80 per SF. |
| C Open Space
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To create exterior open space that encourages interaction with the environment, social interaction, passive recreation, and physical activities. | Provide outdoor space ≥ 30% of total site area (including footprint). A minimum of 25% of that outdoor space must be vegetated (turf grass does not count) or have an overhead vegetated canopy.
Space must be physically accessible and serve as: pedestrian paving/turf for social activities, recreation space, a garden with diverse species, community gardens, or preserved habitat with human interaction elements. |
For projects with a FAR ≥ 1.5, extensive or intensive vegetated roofs and accessible roof paving can count. Turf grass counts toward total open space but NOT toward the 25% vegetated requirement. | None | No |
| C Rainwater Management
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating natural site hydrology based on historical conditions. | Option 1: Percentile of Rainfall Events. Manage runoff from developed site using Low-Impact Development (LID) and green infrastructure for: - Path 1: 95th percentile of regional rainfall events (2 pts / HC: 1 pt). - Path 2: 98th percentile of regional rainfall events (3 pts / HC: 2 pts). - Path 3 (Zero Lot Line, density ≥ 1.5 FAR): 85th percentile (3 pts / HC: 2 pts). Option 2: Natural Land Cover Conditions. Manage on site the annual increase in runoff volume from natural condition to postdeveloped condition. |
Requires at least 10 years of historical rainfall data. Calculation methods include: modified rational method, NRCS TR-55, or U.S. EPA SWMM model. | U.S. EPA Technical Guidance on Rainwater Runoff; Energy Independence and Security Act Section 438. | Manage 100% of rainwater that falls within the project boundary. |
| C Heat Island Reduction
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands. | Option 1: Nonroof and Roof Measures. Meet the equation: (Area of Nonroof ≤ 0.75) + (Area of High-Reflectance Roof ≤ 0.5) + (Area of Vegetated Roof ≤ 0.75) ≥ Total Site Paving Area + Total Roof Area. Nonroof strategies: Plant shade within 10 years, solar panels, paving with 3-year aged SR ≥ 0.28 (initial SR ≥ 0.33), open-grid pavement. Roof SRI requirements: Low-sloped (≤ 2:12): Initial 82 / 3-yr aged 64. Steep-sloped (> 2:12): Initial 39 / 3-yr aged 32. Option 2: Parking under Cover. Place ≥ 75% of parking under cover with high-refectance roof (3-yr aged SRI ≥ 32), vegetated roof, or solar systems. |
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is used for roofing. Solar Reflectance (SR) is used for nonroof hardscape components due to thermal mass. Standard black surface initial SRI = 0, standard white initial SRI = 100. | ASTM E903 and E892; Cool Roof Rating Council Standard (CRRC-1). | Achieve both Options 1 and 2. Locate 100% of parking under cover. |
| C Light Pollution Reduction
NC, CS, S, R, DC, WDC, HOS, HC |
To increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce the consequences of development for wildlife and people. | Meet uplight and light trespass requirements using either the Backlight-Uplight-Glare (BUG) method (Option 1) or the calculation method (Option 2) for all exterior luminaires based on the property's MLO lighting zone.
Internally Illuminated Exterior Signage: Do not exceed luminance of 200 cd/m² (nits) at night and 2000 cd/m² (nits) during daytime hours. Exemptions: Specialized transportation signals, façade/landscape lighting in LZ3/LZ4 automatically turned off midnight to 6 a.m. |
MLO Lighting Zones: - LZ0: No ambient lighting (undeveloped) - LZ1: Low ambient (single-family residential) - LZ2: Moderate ambient (multifamily) - LZ3: Moderately high (suburban) - LZ4: High ambient (Times Square) |
IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance User Guide; IES TM-15-11 Addendum A. | No |
