LEED-AP-ND LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) Questions and Answers

For a project that temporarily reroutes existing transit service as part of the construction process, the service can be rerouted for a maximum of two years and still qualify for the Smart Location and Linkage Credit: Access to Quality Transit in LEED for Neighborhood Development.

Access to Quality Transit Credit:This credit under the Smart Location and Linkage (SLL) category is intended to ensure that projects are located in areas with access to public transit. The credit promotes development near existing or planned transit services to reduce reliance on automobiles and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Temporary Rerouting:During construction, it may be necessary to temporarily reroute transit services. LEED-ND allows this as long as the disruption is limited in duration. The maximum allowable period for rerouting transit services while still maintaining eligibility for this credit is two years.

Restoration Requirement:The project team must secure an agreement with the transit agency to restore the original service routes after construction. This ensures that transit access is re-established, thereby maintaining the intent of the credit.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for maintaining access to transit during construction and the conditions under which temporary rerouting is acceptable.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides additional details on how to document and manage transit service changes during the construction phase.

Detailed Explanation:References:For more comprehensive guidance, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

These explanations provide detailed insights into the requirements and conditions for achieving LEED-ND credits and adhering to Minimum Program Requirements.

When using the whole building energy modeling option to determine compliance with the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Minimum Building Energy Performance, the reference standard used is ASHRAE 90.1-2010. This standard provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of buildings, excluding low-rise residential buildings. It is a widely recognized benchmark for energy performance in the United States and is used as the basis for LEED energy modeling requirements.

A LEED for Neighborhood Development project team may need to contact or use reference materials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a local equivalent outside the U.S. regarding brownfield locations and designations. Brownfields are sites previously used for industrial or certain commercial purposes and may be contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Brownfield Redevelopment:LEED-ND encourages the redevelopment of brownfield sites as a sustainable practice. Redeveloping such sites helps in remediating environmental contamination and allows for the reuse of land within existing urban areas, which can reduce the pressure on undeveloped greenfield sites.

EPA and Local Equivalents:The U.S. EPA provides guidelines, standards, and resources for identifying, assessing,and remediating brownfield sites. In countries outside the U.S., local agencies may perform similar roles, establishing regulations and providing information necessary for the safe redevelopment of these areas.

Credit Application:To qualify for credits related to brownfield redevelopment under LEED-ND, the project team must verify the site's designation as a brownfield and follow appropriate remediation strategies as outlined by the EPA or its local equivalent. This ensures that the project contributes to environmental restoration and meets public health standards.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for brownfield redevelopment and the necessary documentation to support credit applications.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides further details on brownfield sites and their importance in sustainable urban development.

Detailed Explanation:References:For more comprehensive guidance, consult:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit on Transit Facilities, only bus stops that are operational by the time of project completion can be included in the credit documentation. In this scenario, since only one of the proposed bus stops will be in operation at the time of project completion, only this stop can be included in the application form. Stops that will become operational after project completion cannot be counted toward the credit.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This guide discusses the credit criteria for Transit Facilities, specifying that only currently operational or immediately operational stops can be included (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Offers specific instructions on documenting transit facilities, including the requirement that stops must be operational at project completion (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

For the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit concerning Minimum Building Energy Performance (GIBc), the requirement is that 90% of all new homes (in this case, the 25 new homes) must meet the requirements of the LEED for Homes v4 Minimum Energy Performance prerequisite. This ensures that the new homes are designed and constructed to be energy-efficient, reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The option of applying the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 does not apply to single-family homes under LEED ND; instead, the LEED for Homes rating system is used for residential projects.

To determine if a project qualifies for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit related to Wastewater Management in LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), the most relevant piece of information is theaverage amount of annual wastewater generatedby the project. This metric is essential because the credit focuses on minimizing the impact of wastewater on the environment, primarily through strategies such as reducing the volume of wastewater produced, treating wastewater on-site, and reusing treated wastewater.

Wastewater Generation and Management:The LEED-ND rating system encourages the efficient management of wastewater to minimize its environmental impact. Specifically, the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit requires that a project demonstrates effective strategies for managing and reducing the volume of wastewater generated annually. This involves calculating the total averageamount of wastewater generated by the community and assessing how much of it can be treated and reused on-site.

Credit Requirements:To earn the Wastewater Management credit, projects must typically show that they have reduced the amount of wastewater generated by at least 25% compared to baseline conditions or that they treat and reuse a significant portion of their wastewater on-site. This necessitates an accurate estimation of the average annual wastewater production to determine the appropriate strategies and technologies for meeting the credit's objectives.

Supporting Strategies:Projects may employ various methods to achieve this, including installing efficient plumbing fixtures, recycling graywater, using natural treatment systems (like constructed wetlands), or connecting to high-efficiency municipal treatment facilities. However, all these strategies hinge on an understanding of the total wastewater volume generated, making this the most critical data point.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) provides comprehensive criteria and methodologies for calculating the average wastewater generation and determining credit eligibility.

TheGreen Infrastructure and Buildingssection of the LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development rating system further outlines the specific requirements and point allocations for wastewater management strategies.

Detailed Explanation:References:For more detailed guidance and examples, refer to the LEED-ND Reference Guide available at the USGBC's resources section:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

This detailed assessment is crucial in ensuring that a project can meet the sustainability goals required for LEED certification under the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Wastewater Management.

The Neighborhood Pattern and Development Credit for Visitability and Universal Design aims to promote the creation of inclusive communities by ensuring that homes and buildings are accessible to all, including those with disabilities. According to LEED ND standards, the project must design a certain percentage of homes with either Visitability features (such as a zero-stepentrance, wider doorways, and an accessible bathroom) or universal design features (which accommodate a wide range of physical abilities). In this scenario, option D satisfies the credit requirements by ensuring that 20% of the detached homes, townhomes, and apartments meet the criteria, thereby fostering accessibility and inclusivity.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: The guide outlines the standards for achieving credits related to Visitability and Universal Design (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This reference details the percentage requirements and the features needed for homes to comply with Visitability and Universal Design credits (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

Within the required buffer zone around a wetland or body of water, minor improvements such as the addition of bicycle and pedestrian pathways are permitted under specific conditions. The pathways must not exceed 12 feet (3.5 meters) in width, and no more than 8 feet (2.5 meters) of their width can be impervious (non-permeable).

Buffer Zone Requirements:LEED-ND has strict guidelines for protecting wetlands and water bodies to maintain their ecological integrity. However, the rating system allows for certain minor improvements within these buffer zones to enhance public access and appreciation of these natural features.

Pathway Specifications:The specified limits on the width and imperviousness of the pathways ensure that the improvements do not significantly disrupt the natural hydrology or increase runoff into the wetland or water body. By limiting the impervious surface area, the pathways allow for better water infiltration and reduce the potential for erosion or other negative impacts on the ecosystem.

Public Access:Providing public access through such pathways aligns with LEED’s goals of promotingsustainable and healthy communities by encouraging outdoor recreation and non-motorized transportation while preserving the natural environment.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development provides detailed criteria for permissible activities within buffer zones.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation further elaborates on the conditions under which minor improvements, like pathways, can be implemented.

Detailed Explanation:References:For additional details, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

In LEED terminology, a previously undeveloped site is one that has not been significantly altered by human activity, such as by construction or paving. An improved park with manicured landscaping and paved playground areas would be considered previously developed because it has been altered from its natural state. The other options, involving areas with substantial building footprints, also indicate previously developed land. Therefore, the area described in option D, despite being relatively small, is the correct choice as it reflects human alteration of the land, making it a developed site.

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit on District Heating and Cooling, single-family residences may be excluded from the district system if the energy savings from including them are negligible or if it is impractical to connect them. The LEED system recognizes that it may not be efficient or cost-effective to include single-family homes in a district energy system, particularly if they are spread out over a large area. Therefore, excluding them does not negatively impact the credit achievement as long as the overall system design meets the efficiency and coverage requirements for other building types.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: Discusses the criteria for District Heating and Cooling credits, including allowances for excluding certain building types like single-family residences (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides guidance on the conditions under which buildings can be excluded from a district energy system without affecting credit eligibility (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

TheSmart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Wetland and Water Body Conservationin LEED for Neighborhood Development aims to protect natural hydrological systems by ensuring that development does not negatively impact wetlands and water bodies. Projects must avoid development on land that would disrupt these sensitive ecological areas or mitigate their impact if such development is unavoidable.

Option C: A brownfield redevelopmentis the correct answer because brownfield sites are typically previously developed lands that may have been contaminated or disturbed. When a project is located on a brownfield site, it avoids impacting previously undisturbed wetlands or water bodies, as brownfields have already undergone substantial disturbance. LEED incentivizes the reuse and redevelopment of such sites as it aligns with sustainable land-use practices and avoids the need to develop on pristine or sensitive environmental areas, including wetlands and water bodies. Therefore, projects on brownfield sites automatically comply with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite (Reference:LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).

Option A: An infill sitemay or may not comply automatically with this prerequisite depending on whether the site includes or affects wetlands or water bodies. Infill sites can be adjacent to or even contain sensitive areas.

Option B: An adjacent sitedoes not necessarily ensure compliance with this prerequisite. Adjacent development could still affect nearby wetlands or water bodies if it is not planned carefully.

Option D: On previously disturbed landdoes not guarantee compliance, as previously disturbed land may still contain wetlands or be near water bodies that require protection.

In summary,brownfield redevelopmentprojects inherently avoid negatively impacting wetlands and water bodies, makingOption Cthe correct choice for automatic compliance with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite.

Installing highly efficient street lights and traffic lights throughout a neighborhood project contributes directly to the Infrastructure Energy Efficiency credit. This credit encourages the use of energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce the overall energy consumption of the project. By using efficient lighting, the project can lower its operational energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the sustainability goals of the neighborhood.

The Smart Location and Linkage (SLL) Credit forAccess to Quality Transitin LEED for Neighborhood Development promotes connectivity to public transportation, reducing reliance on private vehicles andencouraging walkability. To meet this credit, a portion of the dwelling units in the project must be located within a specified walking distance of a transit stop, which in this case is astreetcar stop.

For this specific scenario:

The project has3,500 dwelling unitson a600-acre (243-hectare)site.

LEED requires a minimum percentage of units to be within1/4 mile (400 meters)walk distance of a transit stop to qualify for the credit.

According to LEED guidelines,30%of the dwelling units must be located within the required walking distance to earn the credit. Thus, the calculation would be:

3,500 units×30%=1,050 units3,500 \, \text{units} \times 30\% = 1,050 \, \text{units}3,500units×30%=1,050units

Therefore,Option B: 1,050 unitsis the correct answer. This ensures that a sufficient number of residential units are within a close and accessible distance to transit, which contributes to reducing automobile dependence and fostering sustainable neighborhood development (Reference:LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).

The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction requires that the indoor water usage of new buildings or buildings undergoing major renovations must average at least 20% less than in baseline buildings. This prerequisite is aimed at promoting water conservation through the use of efficient plumbing fixtures, appliances, and systems, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project by reducing water demand and minimizing the strain on local water resources.

The calculation of an overall annual heating and/or cooling consumption reduction using an energy efficiency model is directly related to optimizing the energy performance of infrastructure in the development. This aligns with the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Infrastructure Energy Efficiency. The intent of this credit is to minimize the energy demand and enhance the efficiency of energy systems within the project. By demonstrating a reduction in energy consumption through a model, the project can document compliance with the criteria set forth in this credit, which focuses on energy-efficient infrastructure such as street lighting, public buildings, and central plants.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: The guide specifies that the Infrastructure Energy Efficiency credit involves improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure, which includes heating and cooling systems (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This reference elaborates on the acceptable methods for documenting energy efficiency improvements, including the use of energy models to demonstrate reduced consumption (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

USGBC Official Website: The website outlines the Green Infrastructure and Buildings category and the Infrastructure Energy Efficiency credit, providing guidance on the use of energy models for credit documentation (USGBC, LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System).

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit related to Renewable Energy Production, cogeneration of electricity and heat using mill residue biomass is an eligible source of renewable energy. This process, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), efficiently uses biomass to generate both electricity and thermal energy, reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Passive solar heating strategies, while beneficial for reducing energy demand, do not directly produce renewable energy. Geothermal energy used with a ground-source heat pump is generally considered energy efficiency rather than renewable energy. Photovoltaic energy generation from off-site locations may not qualify unless it is directly tied to the project.

When pursuing the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Local Food Production, restrictions in deeds or covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may prohibit greenhouses in front yards facing the circulation network. This restriction is often put in place tomaintain the aesthetic appeal and uniformity of the neighborhood as seen from public streets and walkways.

Local Food Production Credit:This credit encourages the integration of food production into neighborhood design, allowing residents to grow their own food in spaces like gardens and greenhouses. However, certain restrictions may apply to where these facilities can be located to ensure they do not negatively impact the visual or social fabric of the neighborhood.

CC&Rs and Aesthetic Considerations:CC&Rs often include provisions that regulate the appearance of properties within a neighborhood. Restrictions on placing greenhouses in front yards facing the circulation network (streets and public pathways) are common because these areas are highly visible and contribute to the neighborhood's overall aesthetic. Allowing greenhouses in these areas could disrupt the visual harmony and lead to inconsistent appearances along the streetscape.

Alternative Locations:While greenhouses may be restricted in front yards, they are typically permitted in less visible areas, such as backyards or side yards, where they can still contribute to local food production without impacting the neighborhood's visual cohesion.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development provides guidelines on how to meet the Local Food Production credit while considering CC&Rs.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation offers further details on managing land use and aesthetic considerations in neighborhood design.

Detailed Explanation:References:For additional guidance, consult:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

A snow storage system that uses collected snow in the winter to cool water for a neighborhood central plant during the summer would contribute to the Green Infrastructure and Buildings credit for Optimizing Building Energy Performance. This innovative system reduces the energy needed for cooling by utilizing natural, renewable resources, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the development.

Optimize Building Energy Performance Credit:This credit aims to reduce the energy demand of buildings through design strategies and technologies that improve energy efficiency. By optimizing energy use, projects can significantly lower their environmental impact and operational costs.

Snow Storage System:The snow storage system in question utilizes a natural process where snow, collected in winter, is stored and then used to cool water for a central plant in summer. This method reduces reliance on traditional, energy-intensive cooling systems such as air conditioning, thereby saving energy.

Renewable and Efficient Energy Use:This system aligns with the objectives of the Optimize Building Energy Performance credit by reducing the need for mechanical cooling. It is an example of how leveraging local climatic conditions and natural processes can contribute to sustainable building operations.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development provides guidelines on how innovative energy-saving strategies, like snow storage systems, can be applied to earn points under the Optimize Building Energy Performance credit.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation further elaborates on various energy optimization strategies that can be employed to enhance building performance.

Detailed Explanation:References:For additional information, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

These explanations provide a thorough understanding of how specific project features can contribute to earning LEED-ND credits and meeting sustainability goals.

The LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) Rating System defines a "circulation network" as an interconnected network that includes all travel ways that facilitate the movement of people within a neighborhood. This encompasses motorized, non-motorized, and mixed-mode travel ways that are permanently accessible to the public. The purpose of this network is to ensure a comprehensive and integrated system that supports all modes of transportation, thereby promoting accessibility, safety, and sustainability within the neighborhood. The focus on inclusivity in the definition ensures that all possible methods of transit—whether by foot, bicycle, car, or public transport—are considered part of this network.

Connecting to the municipal graywater system contributes toward the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Wastewater Management. This credit focuses on reducing the impact of wastewater generated by the project by encouraging the use of graywater systems for recycling and reusing water, thus minimizing the demand on municipal wastewater treatment facilities.

Graywater Systems:Graywater refers to wastewater from domestic sources like sinks, showers, and laundry that can be recycled for non-potable uses such as irrigation or toilet flushing. By connecting to a municipal graywater system, the project can contribute to reducing the overall volume of wastewater that needs to be treated, thereby earning points under the Wastewater Management credit.

Wastewater Management Credit:The intent of this credit is to minimize the adverse effects of wastewater on theenvironment. Projects can earn points by implementing strategies that reduce the volume of wastewater, treat it on-site, or connect to systems that facilitate its reuse.

Benefits of Municipal Graywater Systems:Using a municipal graywater system helps in reducing the strain on local wastewater treatment facilities and promotes the sustainable use of water resources. It also aligns with LEED’s broader goals of water conservation and efficient water use.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for the Wastewater Management credit and how connecting to graywater systems can contribute to achieving it.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides additional guidance on the types of wastewater systems that are eligible for this credit.

Detailed Explanation:References:For more details, consult:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

In the context of solar reflectance, a value of one (1) represents a surface that reflects all solar energy and absorbs none. This is theoretically the maximum solar reflectance possible and is most closely associated with a perfectly reflective white surface. In practice, materials with very high solar reflectance values, close to one, are typically white or very light in color. On the other hand, black has a solar reflectance of nearly zero, meaning it absorbs almost all solar energy. Gray shades have intermediate values depending on their lightness or darkness.

The Backlight-Uplight-Glare (BUG) rating method is used to assess the performance of luminaires in controlling light pollution, which is critical for achieving the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Light Pollution Reduction. The BUG system evaluates how much light is directed in unwanted directions—backward, upward, and as glare—thus helping to minimize light pollution. This method is recognized by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and is preferred over simply evaluating the type of light source, like LEDs, or other general methods.

For a project located in a Federal Empowerment Zone to qualify for the Smart Location and Linkage Credit under Preferred Locations Option 3: Designated High-Priority Locations, the project must also meet certain affordability criteria. Specifically, providing at least 10% of total rental units priced at or below 60% of the area median income (AMI) aligns with the requirements for achieving this credit. This ensures that the development supports affordable housing in addition to being located in a high-priority area.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: Details the requirements for Designated High-Priority Locations, including the criteria related to affordable housing (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Offers guidance on how to achieve the Preferred Locations credit by meeting affordability thresholds (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

The LEED project boundary, as defined by the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), includes the land and water area that is reviewed for certification. This boundary encompasses all contiguous land and water under the control of the project owner that will be part of the certification process. The project boundary is critical because it delineates the area of development or land-use that will be assessed against LEED criteria.

LEED Project Boundary:The project boundary is a key concept in LEED certification, defining the precise area that will be evaluated for compliance with LEED criteria. It includes all land and water areas associated with the project that will be developed or impacted by the project activities.

Purpose:Establishing a clear project boundary ensures that all relevant environmental impacts, including those related to land use, water use, and infrastructure development, are properly accounted for in the certification process. It prevents any ambiguity about which parts of a development are subject to LEED standards.

Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs):MPRs are essential prerequisites that must be met for a project to be eligible for LEEDcertification. Defining the project boundary is part of these requirements, ensuring that the entire area under consideration is consistently and comprehensively reviewed.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines how to define and document the project boundary.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides specific guidance on the inclusion of land and water areas within the project boundary.

Detailed Explanation:References:For further guidance, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that implement water-saving technologies and fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets allow users to choose between a full flush or a reduced flush, which significantly reduces water consumption for toilet use. This strategy directly contributes to earning points under this credit by lowering the total indoor water usage in the project.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This guide outlines the requirements for achieving points in Indoor Water Use Reduction, including the use of dual-flush toilets and other water-efficient fixtures (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides detailed information on water-saving strategies that qualify for the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

The development of a central plant that burns biomass products to provide space heating and hot water is directly aligned with the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for District Heating and Cooling. This credit rewards projects that implement district energy systems that use renewable energy sources, such as biomass, to provide heating and cooling to multiple buildings in a development. By using biomass, the project reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowersgreenhouse gas emissions, and increases energy efficiency, all of which are key objectives of this credit.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This document details the requirements for achieving the District Heating and Cooling credit, including the use of renewable energy sources like biomass (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how district energy systems can contribute to credit achievement, specifically focusing on the sustainability benefits of biomass and other renewable energy sources (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

USGBC Official Website: The website provides information on the Green Infrastructure and Buildings credits, including District Heating and Cooling, and highlights the advantages of using renewable energy in central plants (USGBC, LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System).