TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space, which encourages projects to be located near publicly accessible open spaces to promote recreation and environmental benefits.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space (1 point)

Locate the project within a 1/2-mile (0.8-kilometer) walking distance of a publicly accessible open space that is at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare) in size. The open space must be primarily vegetated (softscape, such as grass, trees, or shrubs) or provide recreational opportunities (e.g., playgrounds, trails). Acceptable open spaces include parks, playgrounds, or nature preserves, but not water bodies or privately restricted areas.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 55.

TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:

LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space

The open space must be at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare), publicly accessible, and within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of the project. It must consist primarily of vegetation or recreational areas, excluding water bodies or areas with restricted access.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

Evaluation of options:

A. 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) cornfield: A cornfield is agricultural land, not a publicly accessible recreational or vegetated open space as defined by LEED, so it does not qualify.

B. 3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a publicly accessible park that is 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) in size: The distance (3/4 mi.) exceeds the 1/2-mile (0.8 km) requirement, so it does not qualify.

C. 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a pond surrounded by a 1/2 acre (0.2 hectare) walkway, and across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park: The pond is excluded (water bodies do not qualify), and the walkway (0.2 hectare) and park (0.1 hectare) together total 0.3 hectare (0.75 acre), meeting the size requirement within 1/2 mile. Assuming the walkway is vegetated or recreational, this qualifies.

D. 3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park, across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) lot which is private land open to the public: The distance (3/4 mi.) exceeds 1/2 mile, and the combined area (0.2 hectare) is below 0.3 hectare. Private land, even if publicly accessible, may not fully qualify without clear documentation.

The correct answer isOption C, as it meets the 1/2-mile distance and the combined 0.75-acre size requirement, assuming the walkway is vegetated or recreational.

TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes LT credits, including Site Selection, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of open space criteria.