Pass the USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED-AP-ND Questions and answers with CertsForce

Under the Smart Location and Linkage Credit for Preferred Locations, maximum points are awarded to sites that are both infill and previously developed. This is because such sites typically have better access to existing infrastructure and services, reducing the environmental impact of development. Infill sites help limit urban sprawl, while previously developed sites contribute to the reuse and revitalization of land. Option B meets both criteria, hence earning the maximum points for this credit.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: The guide discusses the criteria for Preferred Locations and the importance of infill and previously developed sites (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This guide explains the scoring system for the Preferred Locations credit and the benefits of using infill, previously developed sites (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

For the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit on Visitability and Universal Design, incorporating features that enhance accessibility and usability for all individuals, regardless of physical ability, is crucial. Easy-touch rocker or hands-free switches contribute directly to this credit as they make it easier for individuals with physical disabilities, such as limited hand strength or dexterity, to operate lighting and other controls. These features align with the principles of universal design, which aim to make spaces more inclusive. Options like easy-to-reach door knobs or motion sensors, while beneficial, do not directly address the needs of individuals with disabilities as effectively as the easy-touch switches.

The intent of the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Community Outreach and Involvement is to foster engagement and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of community members who live or work in the area being developed. This credit encourages developers to actively involve the community in the planning process, ensuring that the project aligns with thecommunity’s values and addresses local issues. It promotes transparency and collaboration, leading to developments that better serve the community's needs.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: The guide emphasizes the importance of community outreach and involvement in the development process (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides detailed strategies for achieving this credit by engaging with local community members and stakeholders (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

To achieve the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Tree-Lined and Shaded Streetscapes, a minimum of 60% of the total sidewalk length must be shaded within ten years of landscape installation. For a project with 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) of sidewalks, 60% equates to 3,000 feet (915 meters) of shaded sidewalk. This requirement encourages the development of pedestrian-friendly environments that provide comfort and reduce the urban heat island effect, contributing to the sustainability and livability of the neighborhood.

When a LEED for Neighborhood Development project has not yet secured all land use entitlements, one effective strategy to assist with local approvals is to pursue a "LEED for Neighborhood Development: Plan" designation. As part of this process, the project team can seek a Letter of Support from the USGBC or another relevant authority. This letter serves as a formal endorsement of the project’s sustainability goals and alignment with LEED ND principles, which can be persuasive in negotiations with local authorities and stakeholders. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development, which can help to secure the necessary approvals.

References:

LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development, Current Version

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, required under the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, primarily aims to prevent air pollution from dust and particulate matter generated during construction. This objective ensures that construction activities do not negatively impact air quality, particularly for neighboring communities. The plan also addresses soil erosion and sedimentation, protecting local waterways from sediment runoff, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.

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 selecting renewable energy technologies for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Renewable Energy Production, site conditions such as wind exposure are crucial considerations. Wind exposure directly affects the feasibility and efficiency of wind energy systems, making it a key factor in determining whether wind turbines or other wind-based energy systems can be effectively implemented. While other factors like distance from a wetland orelevation above the floodplain are important for site selection, they are not directly related to the efficiency of renewable energy technologies like wind exposure is.

For the purpose of calculating previously developed site area in LEED for Neighborhood Development, lots that are fully covered with existing buildings, hardscapes, or other impervious surfaces are considered 100% previously developed. Smaller lots, such as the 0.5 acre option, are often fully developed, making them eligible to be classified as 100% previously developed under LEED ND guidelines.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This document specifies how to determine and calculate previously developed land for LEED certification (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides detailed guidance on how to categorize and calculate site areas for credits related to previously developed lands (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

In LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), avicinity mapis the standardized base map used throughout the submission process to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) around the project boundary. This map is crucial for demonstrating the context of the project within its surrounding environment, including nearby land uses, transportation networks, and other significant features that could impact the sustainability of the development.

Vicinity Map Purpose:The vicinity map is intended to provide a clear and consistent representation of the project's location and its relationship to the surrounding area. It is used to show how the project connects to nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities, which are critical in evaluating the project's sustainability, walkability, and connectivity.

Standardized Submission Requirement:The LEED-ND rating system requires a standardized base map to ensure that all relevant features are consistently represented across different credits and documentation submissions. The vicinity map helps to streamline the review process by providing a uniform reference point for all stakeholders involved in the certification process.

Relevant Features:The map should include key features such as roads, public transit routes, parks, schools, and other community amenities within a 1-mile radius. This helps assess the project's accessibility, potential for reducing automobile dependence, and integration with existing urban or suburban infrastructure.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the requirements for submission documentation, including the use of standardized maps like the vicinity map.

Additional details can be found in theLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation, which provides guidelines on preparing and using the vicinity map effectively.

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

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development