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Easier for dense urban sites
This credit addresses two basic issues: density of the surrounding neighborhood and occupant access to everyday services. It encourages use of existing infrastructure and tries to reduce environmental impacts of transportation. It’s easier for projects located in a densely built area or with a host of community services nearby.
This credit, like SSc1: Site Selection, is intended to encourage commercial interiors projects to locate in more environmentally friendly buildings. Many projects have a location determined by other factors, so while it may not be a strong driver for that decision, it does reward you for locating in developed areas and for choosing infill instead of greenfield sites.
In determining how easily your project can comply, site...
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8 Comments
ID Credit for exemplary community connectivity
Our site has access to twice the required minimum of 10 basic services within 1/2 mile. Does anyone have any experience/comments on the liklihood of achieving an ID credit for community connectivity?
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Mar 01 2010
Hi Rona,
Unfortunately, you won’t have much luck attempting the Exemplary PerformanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. point through doubling your community connectivity. And, the 2009 CI Reference Guide doesn’t even give Exemplary Performance for doubling the density of the project (as they do with NC, Schools, and CS). If you can meet the double density portion of the credit it would be worth it to write a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide but the double community connectivity is most likely a no-go.
Good luck!
Shannon
Rona Easton replied Mar 01 2010
Shannon, Thank you!
Jim McCarty, LEED AP BD+C replied Sustainable Programs Manager, Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc, Jun 30 2010
For an NC-2009 project, for a centrally located public library on an infill tract, we recently wrote a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide noting that although we did not have the minimum residential density within the one-half mile radius, a large percentage of the town's population lived within the half-mile, and with pedestrian access. We also have 15 services.
The ruling we received waived the residential density requirment. However, remember that CIRs are now project-specific.
ID Credits under 2009 CI
Shannon, what do you think about attempting an ID credit for alternative transportation? I have a feeling this might be easier to attempt.
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Mar 01 2010
Yes, the alternative transportation ID credit is pretty easy to document. See the LEEDuser Documentation Toolkit page on SSc3.1 for an example Exemplary PerformanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. document.
Best,
Shannon
Density and Vacant Land
Does privately held vacant land need to be factored in to the density calculations? In the area there is a 18000 square foot of land with no building on it, should we include this?
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jun 23 2010
Yes, Otherwise you could be the first to develop a project in the middle of an undeveloped track and still potentially get the credit.
If there are development plans on file with the city, or if a developer in currently working on developing the site you might be able to include the anticipated density and opening date in your documentation, but I would expect it to raise a question or two during the audit.
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