At least how many buildings within a LEED for Neighborhood Development project must be certified by a green building rating system?
For a LEED for Neighborhood Development project, at least one building within the project must be certified by a green building rating system. This requirement ensures that the development incorporates at least one example of sustainable building practices, setting a standard for the rest of the neighborhood. This certification demonstrates a commitment to green building principles and serves as a benchmark for the project's overall sustainability.
Which of the following can be Included as non-buildable land?
Existing water bodies can be included as non-buildable land. Non-buildable land refers to areas where development is restricted due to natural features, environmental regulations, or other constraints that prevent construction. Existing water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, or ponds, naturally limit the possibility of development and are therefore classified as non-buildable. This designation helps protect natural resources and contributes to the sustainability and ecological health of the project site.
A creek tuna through a project site containing adjacent degraded wetlands In order to achieve Smart Location and Linkage Credit. Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies, the developer Is restoring the wetlands and establishing a conservation easement in collaboration with a state land conservation organization
Once restored, what is the minimum amount of time this area must be protected from development and the minimum amount of time the maintenance be funded?
For the Smart Location and Linkage Credit concerning the Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies, the restored area must be protected for long-term conservation purposes. This means that the area should be safeguarded indefinitely from future development. Additionally, the project must ensure that the maintenance of the restored area is funded for at least three years. This requirement ensures that the restoration efforts are sustainable and that the ecosystem can recover fully before the responsibility for ongoing maintenance is handed off, if applicable.
What can be omitted from the calculation verifying the percentage of reuse of buildings undergoing major renovation?
Nonstructural roofing material can be omitted from the calculation verifying the percentage of reuse of buildings undergoing major renovation in a LEED for Neighborhood Development project. The calculation typically focuses on structural elements of the building that have a significant impact on the overall sustainability of the renovation.
Detailed Explanation:
Reuse Calculation: In LEED-ND, the calculation for the percentage of building reuse considers the retention and reuse of structural and significant non-structural elements during a renovation. This is to ensure that the embodied energy and materials within the existing structure are maximized, reducing the need for new materials and minimizing waste.
Exclusion of Nonstructural Roofing Material: Nonstructural elements, such as roofing materials that do not contribute to the structural integrity of the building, are generally excluded from this calculation. This is because these materials are often replaced more frequently due to wear and tear and do not represent the same level of material conservation as structural components.
Structural Elements Focus: The emphasis is placed on retaining major structural components such as floors, framing, and exterior walls, which contribute significantly to the building's embodied energy and material footprint.
The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development provides detailed instructions on how to calculate the percentage of building reuse and what elements should be included or excluded.
The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation clarifies the definitions of structural and nonstructural materials in the context of building reuse.
For more details, refer to:
A project includes previously developed lots within the LEED for Neighborhood Development boundary. For the purpose of calculating previously developed site area, which lot size may be considered to be 100% previously developed?
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.
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).
