seminar-1-sustainable neighbour hood & green rating system-abhishek jain

Practices for a

S u s t a i n a b l e N e i g h b o r h o o d

G r e e n R a t i n g S y s t e m

PROJECT SEMINAR -1

ABHISHEK JAIN SPA| NS | BEM | 467

SECOND SEMESTER 2010

Department of Building Engineering and Management

School of Planning and Architecture

New Delhi – 110002

May 2010

&

Practices for a



PROJECT SEMINAR -1

Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of

Masters in Building Engineering and Management of the School of Planning and Architecture,

(Deemed to be a University), New Delhi.






May 2010

&

PAGE | ii

Practices for a



PROJECT SEMINAR -1

Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of

Masters in Building Engineering and Management of the School of Planning and Architecture,

(Deemed to be a University), New Delhi.






May 2010

&

PAGE | iii

C E R T I F I C A T E C E R T I F I C A T E C E R T I F I C A T E C E R T I F I C A T E

This is to certify that the project seminar titled “PRACTICES FOR A

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD & GREEN RATING” has been submitted

by ABHISHEK JAIN (BEM/467) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the

award of the Master’s degree in Building and Management at the School of

Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (deemed to a university), is a record of the

students own work carried out by him under my supervision and guidance.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

------------------------ ---------------------------------

Ms. Renuka V. Bhoge Seminar Guide

Lecturer

Department of Building Engineering

& Management


New Delhi

Place: New Delhi

Date:

Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul Head of the Department

Professor and Head of Department


& Management


New Delhi

Place: New Delhi

Date:

Ms. Dipti Gupta

Seminar Guide

Visiting Faculty


& Management


New Delhi

Place: New Delhi

Date:

Mr. Manish Jain

Seminar Guide

Visiting Faculty


& Management


New Delhi

Place: New Delhi

Date:

Page | iv

C E R T I F I C A T EC E R T I F I C A T EC E R T I F I C A T EC E R T I F I C A T E

I Abhishek Jain hereby certify that no part of this report is reproduced or copied

from another literature source, (published or unpublished). All works used for the

purpose of this study are duly referred and acknowledge in the relevant portions of

this report and sources indicated.

Date: _ _ | _ _ | _ _ _ _ Signature

Name of student: Abhishek Jain

Class of years: 2009-2010

PAGE | v

A C K NOW L E D G E ME N TA C K NOW L E D G E ME N TA C K NOW L E D G E ME N TA C K NOW L E D G E ME N T

I am highly indebted to my guides Ms. Renuka Bhoge, Ms. Dipti Gupta & Mr.

Manish Jain, Visiting Faculty, Department of Building Engineering and

Management for their able guidance, continuous encouragement and advice, who

very painstakingly went through the report and made many useful suggestions.

I also wish to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. V. Thiruvengadam,

Professor, Department of Building Engineering and Management for his valuable

suggestions and constructive criticism of the work during the class reviews

I am extremely grateful to Prof. Virendra Kr. Paul, Professor and Head of the

Department of Building Engineering & Management for his valuable suggestions

and advice during the stages of work.

Last but not the least; I shall never forget to thanks my classmates, friends and all

well - wishers for keeping up my moral and worthy cooperation and

encouragement. I am grateful to my parents & sisters for being a constant source

of inspiration, love and support. This seminar would have been incomplete had it

not been for their presence.

NEW DELHI ABHISHEK JAIN

MAY 2010

PAGE | vi

Dedicated to my Family & Friends

Page | vii

L I S T O F C O N T E N T SL I S T O F C O N T E N T SL I S T O F C O N T E N T SL I S T O F C O N T E N T S

Certificate

Certificate

Acknowledgement

Dedication

Abstract

Summary

Chapters

List of tables & Figures

1. CHAPTER-1-INTRODUCTION 1-6

1.1. Need of the study

1.2. Aim

1.3. Objective

1.4. Scope

1.5. Methodology

2. CHAPTER-2-LITERATURE REVIEWS 7-11

2.1. Appraisals of published books/reports/thesis/papers

2.2. Appraisals of unpublished books/reports/thesis/papers

2.3. Websites

2.4. Analysis.

3. CHAPTER-3-NEIGHBORHOOD & SUSTAINABILITY 12-56

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Understanding neighborhood

3.2.1. Introduction

3.2.2. What is a neighborhood

3.2.3. Principles of neighborhood planning

3.2.4. Walk able neighborhood

3.3. Sustainable development

3.4. Sustainability Indicators

PAGE | viii

3.4.1. Introduction

3.4.2. State & Control SI.

3.5. Scale of construction & Sustainability

3.6. Practices for a sustainable neighborhood

3.7. Sustainable site design

3.8. New Urbanism

3.9. Conclusion

4. CHAPTER-4-LEED NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT 57-143

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Rating System

4.3. Project Check List for LEED certification

4.4. Process of Certification

4.5. Areas of credits

4.5.1. Smart Links & Linkages(SLL)

4.5.2. Neighborhood Pattern & design(NPD)

4.5.3. Green Infrastructure & Building(GIB)

4.5.4. Innovation & Design Process(IDP)

4.5.5. Regional Priority Credit (RPC)

4.6. Glossary of Definitions of various elements.

5. CHAPTER-5-CASE STUDY 144-182

5.1. Introduction- LEED Neighborhood Development-Dockside Green - Victoria, British

Columbia, Canada.

5.2. About The project

5.3. Executive Summary

5.4. Areas of Sustainable development

5.4.1. LEED Certification

5.4.2. Water Conservation

5.4.3. Energy Conservation

5.4.4. Sustainable site & Urban Ecology

PAGE | ix

5.4.5. Human Health & Well being

5.4.6. Materials & Resources

5.4.7. Social Parameters

6. CHAPTER-6-ACCREDIT TOWNSHIP FOR LEED-NEIGHBORHOOD

CERTIFICATION 183-195

6.1.1. Introduction

6.1.2. About the city and planning philosophy

6.1.3. Accreditation -A Sector in Chandigarh

6.1.4. Credit check list.

6.1.5. Conclusion

6.1.6. Results :Findings from the case

7. CHAPTER-7-CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS & FUTURE SCOPE196-199

REFERENCES

APPENDIX

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

PAGE | x

S. No. Table No. Description

1 Table 3.1 Built Environment toolbox

2 Table 3.2 Environment Sustainability Values:The built environment

3 Table 3.3 Environmental Sustainablity values: Natural Resources

4 Table 3.4 Matrix of regional bioclimatic, site use and site design factors

5 Table 4.1 Minimum daily transit service

6 Table 4.2 Maximum allowable area of impacts within buffer zone, by density

7 Table 4.3 Mitigation ratios for projects in metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, pop-250,000

8 Table 4.4 Mitigation ratios for projects in metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, pop<250,000

9 Table 4.5 Points for connectivity within ½ mile of project.

10 Table 4.6 Minimum daily transit services for project with multiple transit types (bus, street car, rail or fery)

11 Table 4.7 Minimum daily transit services for project with commuter rail or fery services

12 Table 4.8 Points for low VMT locations.

13 Table 4.9 Required restoration area of slope.

14 Table 4.10 Points for walk able street features

15 Table 4.11 Points for density per acre of buildable land

16 Table 4.12 Points for Diverse Use within ¼ mile walk distance, by time of occupancy

17 Table 4.13 Points for Clustering of Diverse Uses.

18 Table 4.14 Housing categories

19 Table 4.15 Points for affordable housing.

20 Table 4.16 Points for connectivity

21 Table 4.17 Minimum garden space, by project density

22 Table 4.18 National efficiency baseline

23 Table 4.19 Points for building certification

24 Table 4.20 National Efficiency baselines

25 Table 4.21 Minimum undeveloped area. By project Density

26 Table 4.22 Points for retaining storm water on site

27 Table 4.23 Minimum solar reflectance index value, by roof slope

28 Table 4.24 Points for on-site renewable energy generation

29 Table 4.25 Points for reusing waste water

30 Table 4.26 Lighting zones

31 Table 4.27 Allowable light trespass and uplight, by lighting zone

32 Table 4.28 Allowable light power densities, by lighting zone

33 Table 6.1 Accreditation table for LEED-ND Certification

34 Table 6.2 Accreditation table for LEED-ND Certification

LIST OF TABLES

PAGE | xi

S. No. Table No. Description

1 Fig 1.1 Sustainabillity Index.

2 Fig 1.2 Methodology Chart

3 Fig 3.1 Clarence Perry’s Neighborhood Unit, 1929

4 Fig 3.2 A “sustainable” update of Perry’s Neighbourhood unit.

5 Fig 3.3 Examples of neighborhood morphology

6 Fig 3.4 Scales of constructions

7 Fig 3.5 Matrix of regional bioclimatic, site use and site design factors

8 Fig 3.6 Continual Improvement

9 Fig 4.1 Adjacent and connected project site

10 Fig 4.2 site with through-street right-of-way

11 Fig 4.3 Walking routes on pedestrian network

12 Fig 4.4 Walking routes on pedestrian network

13 Fig 4.5 Project site design with 140 eligible intersections per square mile on street that are not gated

14 Fig 4.6 Project site with at least 90 eligible intersections per square mile 1/4mile of project boundary

15 Fig 4.7 Project site with right- of-way intersects on project boundary at least every 400 feet

16 Fig 4.8 Solar-oriented blocks

17 Fig 4.9 Solar-oriented blocks with longer axis

18 Fig 6.1 Chandigarh city layout

19 Fig 6.2 A commercial block in sector

20 Fig 6.3 Layout plan of sector-15, Chandigarh

LIST OF FIGURES

PAGE | xii

ABSTRACTABSTRACTABSTRACTABSTRACT

The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and

productivity. As the population continues to expand rapidly, consumption of land grows

exponentially. The way we grow will have a profound effect on our planet and on us.

Segregated land uses accessed by high speed roadways that necessitate the use of cars have been

the predominant development pattern over the past 50 years. Transportation accounts for

roughly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, a large portion of which can be attributed to

personal automobile use. Automobile-oriented neighborhoods tend to be hostile to pedestrians

and unsupportive of traditional mixed-use neighborhood centers.

Sprawling development patterns fragment habitat, endanger sensitive land and water bodies,

destroy precious farmland, and increase the burden on municipal infrastructure. In contrast, by

placing residences and jobs proximate to each other, thoughtful neighborhood planning and

development can limit automobile trips and the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Mixed-use

development and walk able streets encourage walking, bicycling, and public transportation for

daily errands and commuting.

Environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure are an important component of any

green neighborhood, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing energy

consumption. Green buildings and infrastructure also lessen negative consequences for water

resources, air quality, and natural resource consumption.

Green neighborhood developments are beneficial to the community and the individual as well as

the environment. The character of a neighborhood, including its streets, homes, workplaces,

shops, and public spaces, significantly affects the quality of life.. Green developments preserve

open space and encourage access to parks. Green buildings, community gardens, and streets and

PAGE | xiii

public spaces that encourage physical activity are beneficial for public health. Combine the

substantial environmental and social benefits and the case for green neighborhoods makes itself.

Green sustainable residential neighborhoods have tremendous benefits, both tangible and

intangible. The most tangible benefits are the reduction in water and energy consumption right

from day one of occupancy. The energy savings range from 20 – 30 % and water savings around

30 – 50%. Intangible benefits of Green neighborhoods include enhanced air quality, excellent

day lighting, health & wellbeing of the occupants, safety benefits and conservation of scarce

national resources.

The very fact that the need for sustainable development is indispensible and the point of view

that the concept of sustainability has to have a holistic approach the application of principles

like the “new urbanism” in the neighborhood planning and their tangible and non-tangible

benefits are also analyzed.

India is witnessing tremendous growth in infrastructure and construction development. The

construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities and is growing at an

average rate of 9.5% as compared to the global average of 5%. As the sector is growing rapidly,

preserving the environment poses a host of challenges. Therefore understanding the

environmental quality of the given area of the project and relating the developmental controls

for the sustainable development is of utmost requirement.

The seminar comes out with understanding of various factors pivotal in the 1) conceptualization,

2) planning & detailing, 3) Execution & 4) post occupancy of a residential neighborhood

PAGE | xiv

SUSUSUSUMMARYMMARYMMARYMMARY

Chapter 1: Introduces with the importance of Sustainable development & Green

Neighbourhood, the aim, objective and scope of the study have been discussed and the

methodology followed to meet the objectives.

Chapter 2: It gives an over view of all literature that were studied to understand the factors

involved in LEED ratings and aspects of sustainable development. Also the holistic approach

towards the sustainable development

Chapter 3: Various factors related with the sustainable development like the understanding of a

sustainable development, types of sustainability, sustainable development indicators, relation of

scale of construction and sustainability, definitions & features of neighborhood unit, principles of

neighborhood planning & planning process for a neighborhood designing and practices for a

sustainable neighborhood development thus arriving at a sustainable site development. The

drawing out the benefits of sustainable development, Concept of New Urbanism, its principles

and its benefits, ways to implement it & charter of new urbanism.

Chapter 4: An understanding of LEED neighborhood development, Introduction to the LEED

rating system and understanding the ratings and the process of certification, understanding of all

the points and credits and pre-requites for gaining various possible points and the requirements

of all the points.

Chapter 5: The case of a LEED-ND Platinum certified project is taken up to understand what’s

actually done on ground to achieve ratings and how it is done as well as maintained over a

certain period of time and what are tangible and intangible benefits drawn out of the project.

PAGE | xv

Chapter 6: Applying the knowledge acquired to accredit a sector in city of Chandigarh, analysis

of the existing infrastructure/planning. Inferences drawn are the benefits the people living in

there enjoy in terms of the over all well being and other parameters of wellness.

Chapter 7: Conclusion and Recommendation and future scope of works, analysis of the work

done and making the ratings for Indian context and carry out financial feasibilities and

simulations for the LEED-ND certified projects.

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD & GREEN RATING SYSTEM

1

1. Introduction

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Need of the study

1.3 Aim

1.4 Objective

1.5 Scope

1.6 Methodology

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD & GREEN RATING SYSTEM SEMINAR-1

SPA|NS|BEM|467 | MBEM | SPA 2010 PAGE | 2

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1: Introduction

The housing sector in India is growing at a rapid pace and contributing immensely to the

growth of the economy. This augurs well for the country and now there is an imminent need

to introduce green concepts and techniques in this sector, which can aid growth in a

sustainable manner.

Green concepts and techniques in the residential sector can help address national issues like

handling of consumer waste, water efficiency, reduction in fossil fuel use in commuting,

energy efficiency and conserving natural resources. Most importantly, these concepts can

enhance occupant health, happiness and wellbeing.

Green residential neighbourhood can have tremendous benefits, both tangible and intangible.

The most tangible benefits are the reduction in water and energy consumption right from day

one of occupancy. The energy savings could range from 20 – 30 % and water savings around

30 – 50%. Intangible benefits of Green homes include enhanced air quality, excellent day

lighting, health & wellbeing of the occupants, safety benefits and conservation of scarce

national resources. Green Residential neighbourhood rating system can also enhance

marketability of a project.

Neighborhood-Definition

Residential units are planned on neighbourhood principle. It is a small unit which serves the

local community and encourages them to foster a neighbourhood spirit or relationship which

seems to have been lost in the modern city life. It should possess the best qualities of small

town to facilitate the acquaintance and neighborly relations and also be broad enough to

accommodate sufficient people to enable each individual to come in contact with people of

different strata of society and compatible tastes-Unity in Diversity.

Principles of neighbourhood Planning:

The principles of neighbourhood planning could be broadly stated as following:

• Size: The town is divided into self-contained units or sectors of 10,000 population

and this is further divided into smaller units called neighbourhood unit with 2000 to

5000 population based on the requirement of one primary school The size of the unit

is therefore limited to about 1 to 1.5 sq km i.e. within walk able distance of 10 to 15

minutes.



• Boundaries: The unit should be bounded by main road, wide enough for through

traffic.

• Protective Strips: These are accessory to protect the neighbourhood from annoyance

of through traffic and to provide suitable facilities for developing parks, playgrounds

and road widening scheme in future. These are also called - Minor Green Belts.

• Internal Streets: The internal streets are designed to ensure safety to the people and

the school going children in particular since the mothers are anxious every day till

the safe return of the child. The internal streets should circulate throughout the unit

with easy access to shops and community centers. No through traffic is allowed here.

• Layout of buildings: To encourage neighbourhood relation and secure social

stability and balance, houses to suit the different income groups should be provided

such as single family houses, double family houses, cottages, flats etc.

• Shopping Centers: Each shop should be located on the circumference of the unit,

preferably at traffic junctions and adjacent to the neighbourhood units.

• Community Centers: Each community will have its centre with social, cultural and

recreational amenities.

• Facilities: All public facilities required for the family for their comfort and

convenience should be within easy reach. These include the primary school, temple,

club, retail shop, sport centre etc. These should be located within 1 km in the central

place so as to form a nucleus to develop social life of the unit.

Concept of Green

Efficiency is the next nearest word for the green, a green building is one which uses less water,

optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides

healthier spaces and at the same time has universal approach and shares a social responsibility.

Therefore to put in different word it is integrated design and construction process that

significantly reduces or eliminates the negative impact of the built spaces on the environment

and occupants.

Similarly we may club the aspect of Green with the Sustainable Development, as the term

implies, is development that meets the needs of the present generation of human society without

compromising the ability of future generation to obtain their own needs. In other words, we

make use of natural resources and life support activities to the extent that the cycle of

replenishment does not get disturbed.



Fig 1-1: Sustainability Index.

1.2: Need of the study

India is witnessing tremendous growth in infrastructure and construction

development. The construction industry in India is one of the largest

economic activities and it contributes to about 10 % of the GDP and is

growing at an average rate of 9.5% as compared to the global average of

5%. As the sector is growing rapidly, preserving the environment poses a

host of challenges.

Construction and building wastes pose serious environmental threats. The

Demands for energy is ever increasing so is the demand for the water

supply. Another cause to take up the study is the shift of population

growth – from rural to urban.

1.3: Aim:

� Understanding sustainable development at different levels from total

planning level to the building and the scenario of sustainable development.

� Incorporating sustainability in the building construction sector.

� This study would also be aiming at the understanding the green practices

required for the buildings and neighbourhood to comply with the rating



systems for the purpose of their accreditation to LEED Neighbourhood

Development.

1.4: Objectives:

The objectives of this study are

� To develop an understanding for the concept of sustainable development

and Sustainability indicators.

� To interpret the environmental categories and the rating system adopted by

various rating agencies.

� To formulate guidelines and understand the methods adopted for

sustainable practices in a building project.

� To provide a thorough understanding of the LEED Neighbourhood

development points.

� To study and analyze in detail some of the rated projects on the above

mentioned rating systems.

� Apply the understanding from the above study in a project and rate the

same for LEED framework.

1.5: Scope:

� The scope of the study includes understanding the principle for green

sustainable neighbourhood the aspect of scale of consideration.

� The Study is limited to the LEED Neighbourhood rating system and the

related parameters of credits for them, their possible alternatives and their

application in the form of rating a project.

� Evaluation of green neighbourhood as business growth factor.

1.6: Methodology

� Define aim, objectives, scope & limitations.

� Literature review of books, journals related to neighbourhood

development.

� Critical analysis of a case studies which has been certified as a green

project.

� Develop an understanding for sustainable development and sustainability

indicators.

� Conclusion & recommendations.



Fig 1-2: Methodology Chart



2

2. Literature Review

2.1 Appraisal of published books/reports/thesis/papers

2.2 Appraisal of unpublished books/reports/thesis/papers

2.3 Websites



CHAPTER – 2- LITERATURE REVIEWS.

2.1: Appraisal of published books/reports/thesis/papers

Introduction

The following published books, journals are referred for the study. It is essential to know various

programs, studies, research topics carried out in the field to keep update of new tools and

technologies in reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Documents, Codes & Standards –

- LEED Neighbourhood rating system

- ECBC

Published Books:

1. Future Forms and Design for Sustainable Cities-Mike Jenks and Nicola Dempsey

Inferences:

This book presents the reader with examples of the latest research into different urban forms and

the ways in which they can be designed to be more sustainable. This book presents some of the

diverse aspects that are inextricably bound up with, and strongly influence, the scope of

sustainable urban planning and design.

2. Energy Manual-Sustainable Architecture-Hegger, Fuchs, Stark, Zeumer

Inferences:

The book adds a new dimension to sustainability and built environment. This manual approaches

design and construction from apparently invisible qualities: sustainability & energy efficiency of

buildings.



3. Sustainable Practices in the built environment-Craig A.Langston, Grace K.C. Ding

Inferences:

The Book deals with sustainability as it affects the construction industry, looking at the

techniques and issues which designers. Engineers, planners and construction managers will have

to deal with-in their day to day activity.

4. Environment, Technology & Sustainability-Hocine Boughdah & Stephen Sharples

5. Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature: Douglas-Farr

Written by the chair of the LEED-Neighbourhood Development (LEED-ND)

initiative, Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature is both an urgent call to action and a

comprehensive introduction to "sustainable urbanism"--the emerging and growing design reform

movement that combines the creation and enhancement of walkable and diverse places with the

need to build high-performance infrastructure and buildings.

Providing a historic perspective on the standards and regulations that got us to where we are

today in terms of urban lifestyle and attempts at reform, Douglas Farr makes a powerful case for

sustainable urbanism, showing where we went wrong, and where we need to go. He then

explains how to implement sustainable urbanism through leadership and communication in

cities, communities, and neighborhoods. Essays written by Farr and others delve into such issues

as:

� Increasing sustainability through density.

� Integrating transportation and land use.

� Creating sustainable neighborhoods, including housing, car-free areas, locally-

owned stores, walk able neighborhoods, and universal accessibility.

� The health and environmental benefits of linking humans to nature, including

walk-to open spaces, neighbourhood stormwater systems and waste treatment, and

food production.

� High performance buildings and district energy systems.

� Enriching the argument are in-depth case studies in sustainable urbanism, from

BedZED in London, England and Newington in Sydney, Australia, to New



Railroad Square in Santa Rosa, California and Dongtan, Shanghai, China. An

epilogue looks to the future of sustainable urbanism over the next 200 years.

2.2: Appraisal of unpublished books/reports/thesis/papers

Unpublished books, thesis & seminars –

1. Project specific compliance to LEED green building-by Prajakta Bakshi.

2. Green Building-An Integrated approach-by Neha Gupta, 403/MBEM, SPA New Delhi

3. Holistic Approach to sustainable buildings (Thesis work) By Tanushree Mohanty May

2006

Work done:

This thesis work involves detailed study of various issues that are necessary to make a building

sustainable and energy efficient. At the end, it develops a strategy for overall sustainable

development in construction sector and gives directions for implementing it.

Relevance to the topic: This work gives a detailed listing of various sustainable and energy

efficient issues that have to be addressed while designing or rating a green building and their

solutions. These issues are also applicable in LEED rating of a project.

4. Strategies for sustainable practices in building projects (Thesis work) By Jyothi Subray

Hegde, Jan 2003

Work done:

The thesis formulates guidelines for implementation of sustainable practices in building projects

by developing a rating system.

Relevance to the topic: various points of LEED and application of sustainable strategies and

technologies with respect to the project.



5. Sustainable development related to building projects (Thesis work) By Dependra

Gabryal, May 2002

Work done:

This seminar gives an understanding of sustainable development at all levels( from regional level

planning, master plan to site planning of individual blocks) to materials and incorporating it to

the building sector

Relevance to the topic: The work emphasizes on sustainable building materials and technologies

which is useful in the LEED materials point.

6. Sustainable site planning and management during project implementation-by Divya

Vishwanathan, BEM 417, SPA

2.3: Web Sites:

� http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com

� http://www.energydesignresources.com/Resources/Publications/PublicationLibrary//

� http://www.buildnova.com/

� http://greenbuildingelements.com

� www.wbdg.org/design/envelope.

� www.buildinggreen.com

� www.greenbuilding.com/ www.breeam.org

� www.usgbc.org/ www.igbc.org/ www.terin.org

� www.wiley.com/go/sustainable construction



3

3. Neighbourhood & Sustainability

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Understanding Neighborhood

3.3. Sustainable development

3.4. Sustainability Indicators

3.5. Scale of construction & Sustainability

3.6. Practices for a sustainable neighborhood

3.7. Sustainable site design

3.8. New Urbanism

3.9. Conclusion



CHAPTER – 3- NEIGHBOURHOOD & SUSTAINABILITY

3.1: Introduction

PPP-People, Planet & Profit…………………………………………………………

Construction industry invariably overrides nature rather than interpreting and

symbiotically balancing itself with nature. It may be argued that some strides have been

made in the environmental management of construction through Eco-architecture and

Eco-engineering but the construction industry is driven by financial determinants that,

more often than not, preclude environmentally sound solutions being avidly sought.

Ecologically sound buildings and structures are, of course, technically achievable and

may, in fact, be more economic to construct and maintain than traditional solutions. They

can use sustainable or man-made materials, be designed to use minimal and renewable

energy and be developed on existing rather than new construction sites.

Sustainability is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological

systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-

term maintenance of wellbeing, which in turn depends on the wellbeing of the natural

world and the responsible use of natural resources.

Sustainability has become a wide-ranging term that can be applied to almost every facet

of life on Earth, from local to a global scale and over various time periods. Long-lived

and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of sustainable biological systems. Invisible

chemical cycles redistribute water, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon through the world's

living and non-living systems, and have sustained life for millions of years.

As the earth’s human population has increased, natural ecosystems have declined and

changes in the balance of natural cycles has had a negative impact on both humans and

other living systems



3.2: Understanding Neighbourhood

Since ancient times, cities around the world have been spatially divided into districts or

neighbourhoods. Excavations of some of the earliest cities reveal evidence of social

neighbourhoods.

Urban scholar Lewis Mumford noted that “neighborhoods, in some primitive, inchoate

fashion exist wherever human beings congregate, in permanent family Dwellings; and

many of the functions of the city tend to be distributed naturally—that is, without any

theoretical preoccupation or political direction—into neighborhoods.”

In basic terms, a neighbourhood is an area of dwellings, employment, retail, and civic

places and their immediate environment that residents and/or employees identify with in

terms of social and economic attitudes, lifestyles, and institutions.

Introduction:

Neighbourhood planning deals with a level of planning greater than household size but

smaller than that of a city. In fact, one of the first steps in planning for a neighbourhood is

to define the boundaries of the neighborhood. This process can sometimes be

problematic. It becomes difficult when some areas do not want certain streets or houses

to be included in their neighbourhood boundary.

On the other hand, it can also be a problem if more than one neighbourhood district

attempts to claim a certain street or group of homes. Two less problematic ways in which

to define neighbourhood boundaries are by using natural objects like rivers and parks or

by dividing up the city using information based on the census report. If all else fails,

public meetings and surveys can help the decision making process.



Principles of Planning

Following are the principles of planning a neighbourhood unit:

(1) Facilities: the internal planning within a neighborhoods unit should provide for an

orderly arrangement of all those facilities which are to be shared in common by

the residences. The grouping of facilities should be done while keeping in view the

convenience of the residents. The facilities may include school, temple, club, sport

center, etc. the location of such facilities should form a nucleus for the

development of the local social life of the neighborhoods unit.

(2) Population: there is no standard fixed for the density of population for the

neighbourhood unit. The population of four or five thousand persons is considered

to be suitable to support its own primary school and other facilities required for

community life.

(3) Sector: it becomes necessary to combine the adjacent neighboring units to form,

what is called, a sector. Such a combination makes it possible to afford facilities

which a neighbourhood unit cannot support such as secondary school, big markets,

entertainments canters etc. It is found that population equivalent to that of three

neighbourhood units, i.e., twelve to fifteen thousand persons is suitable for a

sector.

(4) Size: The neighbourhood units should be capable of accommodating the

population for which one primary school is required. The actual size of

neighbourhood unit, however, will be determined from the spacing of houses. For

re-planning of existing town, a minimum area of 5 hectares is considered is

considered necessary for the formation of a neighbourhood unit.

(5) Street system: the layout of the streets in a neighbourhood unit should ensure

safety from traffic accidents to school going children and the population as a

whole. The neighbourhood unit should be bounded on all sides by main streets



wide enough to encourage the passing of vehicles around rather than through the

unit.

Planning Process

After a valid and useful information source has been established, collecting information

becomes easier.

• Collecting information is the first step in neighbourhood planning. Planners

combine the information they have gathered from residents with other information

they have obtained from personal observation and surveying the land. They use all

of this information to create a large, more informative picture of the neighborhood.

• The second step in the neighbourhood planning process is making sense of the

information. This entails pinpointing issues and establishing which issues are of

major concern. Pinpointing issues helps to define which issues will take

precedence if they should conflict with one another.

• Setting goals is the third step of neighbourhood planning.

• The fourth step in the neighbourhood planning process is to come up with

alternatives and select among them. This involves the planning committee coming

up with different alternatives for each goal. After these alternatives are established

the committee will discuss and decide which alternatives are the best suited to

reach the goals.

• The fifth step of neighbourhood planning is to put the plan together. Now that

goals and policies have been established, strategies and specific courses of action

need to be defined. This involves putting all of the elements together to create a

plan.

• The sixth step is to figure out how to implement the plan the committee has

created. This requires the planning committee to decide what actions need to take

place in order to effectively implement the plan. The committee needs to decide

what resources are available, and ways in which to create more available

resources. This step helps decide where funding and financial stability will come

from.



• The seventh and final step of neighbourhood planning is monitoring, evaluating,

and updating your plan. While this may be the final step of neighbourhood

planning, it does not mean that the planning process is finished. The committee

still needs to take a look at the decisions they have made and decide which parts of

the plan work and do not work.

Importance

Neighbourhood planning can make a valuable contribution towards the creation of a

community sprit and properly balanced population structure. Neighbourhood plan aim

at welding various elements of social and cultural life of a community in a proper

order. The real purpose of neighbourhood planning will only be achieved by sincere

efforts and spontaneous movements on the part of members of neighbourhood units.

Features of Neighbourhood Unit

The essential features of a neighbourhood unit can be listed as follows:

1. It is desirable to devote a minimum area of about ten per cent or so for parks

and playgrounds.

2. The boundary of the unit need not be fixed by arterial roads. It may even take

the form of physical barriers such as a large park, a railway station, a river, an

industrial area, a hill, etc.

3. The exact shape of the unit is not necessary. But it is preferable to have all

sides fairly equidistant from the centre of unit.

4. The planning of residential units of the neighbourhood unit should be carefully

done with respect to the habits of residents, direction of winds, sanitation, etc.

5. The provision of shopping centre should be at the periphery of unit and near

traffic junctions.

6. The widths of interior streets of the units should be just sufficient to serve a

specific purpose and these streets should give easy access to shops and

community centers.



Neighbourhood Planning Models of Action

The modern concepts of town planning is often looked as an investment yielding returns

but cities are for the people and the social inter dependence amongst them form the

matrix of urban existence and expansions, thus Clarnce Stein and Clarnce A Perry

advocated the concept of neighborhood

It is defined as a physical environment in which a mother knows that a child will have no

traffic streets to cross on his way to school, which is within easy walking distance from

home. It is an environment in which the house wife may have an easy walk to the

shopping centre where she may obtain the daily household goods and the man of the

house may find convenient transportation to and from his work.

It is an environment in which a well equipped playground is located near the home where

the children can play safely with their friends. The parents may not care to maintain

intimate friendship with their friends. The parents may not care to maintain intimate

friendship with their neighbor, but the children are so inclined and they need the facilities

of recreation for the healthy development for their minds and spirit.

Hence, in the concepts of Stein and Perry, the cities are viewed as social meeting place

and not merely a collection of houses, workplaces, road networks and with the provisions

of the physical infrastructures. The whole city is divided into several neighborhood, each

accommodating a considerable population (say 5000), and providing community

facilities.

Each neighbourhood is segmented to accommodated different income groups. No high

speed vehicles are allowed to cross the neighbourhood but pass only from the

peripheries.Jose Sert planned the neighbourhood in a linear fashion, placing the industries

at one side and the schools and the commercial centers at the middle of two rows of

neighbourhood units. This module could be repeated (in mirror image) to increase the

length of the neighbourhood unit.



Metropolitan Forces Affecting Neighborhoods & Urban Growth Management

City and regional change have important neighbourhood impacts. The region's vitality

and economic development can slip away from older neighborhoods and focus on the

urban fringe. Metropolitan governments can subsidize urban growth and fail to be good

stewards of existing schools, parks, and infrastructure. This section focuses on the

Planned Growth Strategy. The PGS attempts to guide urban growth in order to revitalize

older neighborhoods and small businesses, and to foster community in new areas.

Neighbourhood Strategic Planning

Ultimately it is the planning process, not the plan document, that brings about

development". Neighbourhood strategic planning can unify diverse community

development activities such as in education, housing, economic development, and public

safety through long term vision, goals, conditions assessments, strategies, objectives, and

programs.

� Long term goals & vision.

� Community conditions.

� Policies affecting future programs

� Broad strategies (“What” & “Who”)

� Short term objectives (“How Much” & “When”)

� New programs and projects.

Neighbourhood Public Safety and Community Policing

� When people start protecting themselves as individuals rather than as a

community, the battle is lost.

� Police and community should work together to identify, prioritize, and solve

public safety problems including crime, drugs, fear of crime, social and

physical disorder, and neighbourhood decay.

� Neighbourhood built environment and street design impacts crime and

disorder.



Conclusion

� The return of civic life is important in all neighborhoods not just in older, low-

income areas.

� All neighborhoods have human resources that can be used to improve local

conditions.

� All neighborhoods have economic market demand, e.g. for retail and housing.

� Community development and education are equivalent to each other.

� Private economic conditions underpin the neighborhood’s social environment.

� Programs to improve neighbourhood conditions must address whole

individuals, families, and communities.

� Neighbourhood residents need to have greater control over local programs and

services.

� Planners should incorporate the perspectives and approaches of community

organizers.

Some other definitions:

A neighbourhood can be considered the planning unit of a town. The charter of the

Congress for the New Urbanism characterizes this unit as “compact, pedestrian-friendly,

and mixed-use. By itself the neighbourhood is a village, but combined with other

neighborhoods it becomes a town or a city. Similarly, several neighborhoods with their

centres at transit stops can constitute a transit corridor.

Traditional neighborhoods meet all those same needs—for housing, employment,

shopping, civic functions, and more—but in formats that are compact, complete, and

connected, and ultimately more sustainable and diverse The metrics of a neighbourhood

vary in density, population, mix of uses, and dwelling types and by regional customs,

economies, climates, and site conditions. In general, they include size, identifiable centers

and edges, connectedness with the surroundings, walk able streets, and sites for civic uses

and social interaction.



Size is a defining feature of a neighbourhood and is typically based on a comfortable

distance for walking from the centre of the neighbourhood to its edge; that suggests an

area of 40 to 160 acres. In the 1929 Regional Plan of New York and Environs, urban

planner Clarence Perry outlined a neighbourhood centre surrounded by civic uses, parks,

residential uses, a school, and retail at the edge, all within one-quarter mile—about a 5-

minute walk. This amounts to an area or pedestrian “shed” of 125 acres, or if the land

area is a square, 160 acres.

Although Perry’s diagram does not address many of the sustainable features of LEED-

ND, such as access to multimodal transportation options, location of infrastructure, and

building form, it serves as a reference point for the mix of uses and walk able scale of

neighbourhood development encouraged in the rating system. Most people will walk

approximately one-quarter mile (1,320 feet) to run daily errands; beyond that, many will

take a bicycle or car. Additional research shows that people will walk as far as a half-mile

(2,640 feet) to reach heavy rail transit systems or more specialized shops or civic uses.8

Since half a square mile contains 320 acres, the core committee has decided that this size

should serve as guidance for the upper limit of a LEED-ND project.

Fig 3.1 : Clarence Perry’s Neighbourhood Un,

1929.Source: Regional Plan Association

Fig 3.2: A “sustainable” update of Perry’s

Neighbourhood unit. Source: Douglas Farr,

Sustainable Urbanism

Fig 3.1 : Clarence Perry’s Neighbourhood Unit,

1929.Source: Regional Plan Association



A neighbourhood should have places where the public feels welcome and encouraged to

congregate, recognizable as the heart of the community. A proper centre has at least one

outdoor public space for this purpose, designed with pedestrians in mind; this is the most

well-defined outdoor “room” in the neighborhood.

The best centres are within walking distance of the primarily residential areas, and

typically some gradient in density is discernible from centre to edge. The “centre” need

not be in the geographic centre of the neighborhood; it can be along the edge, on an

arterial or transit line.

It is important for a neighbourhood to have boundaries as well as a defined centre, and

this characteristic is often achieved through identifiable edges, either man-made or

natural, such as adjacent farmland, parks, greenways, schools, major rights-of-way, or

other uses.

When a neighbourhood has a robust network of internal streets and good connections to

surrounding communities, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers can move more efficiently

and more safely. Multiple intersections and short blocks also give pedestrians a more

interesting environment.

The maximum average block perimeter to achieve an integrated network is 1,500 feet,

with a maximum uninterrupted block face of ideally no more than 450 feet; intersecting

streets are placed at intervals of 500 to 600 feet, and no greater than 800 feet apart along

any single stretch.

The morphology of a sustainable neighborhood—the design of its blocks, streets, and

buildings—can serve as the foundation of a walk able environment. Walk able streets

have many features, and those elements deemed most important

These features, such as human scaled buildings and street widths, wide sidewalks,

buildings that are pulled up to the sidewalk to create a continuous street wall, retail



storefronts and other uses, and interesting street furniture and trees, are meant to create a

safe, inviting, and well-used public realm with visual interest. To keep loading docks,

garage openings, and utilities away from sidewalks, neighborhoods with walk able streets

often feature alleys.

Fig3.3: Examples of neighbourhood morphology. Source: Douglas Farr, Sustainable Urbanism

A mix of uses is often integral to the vitality of a neighborhood; the mix can include not

only residential and commercial but also a variety of retail establishments, services,

community facilities, and other kinds of “diverse uses,” whether available within the

neighbourhood or adjacent. Urban theorist Ray Oldenburg would classify diverse uses as

“Third Places”—small neighbourhood grocers, coffee shops, pubs, or post offices that

allow residents and workers to mingle and have social interactions. A mix of active and

diverse retail uses on a walk able street can create a place that is a live day and night, and

not closed down at 6 p.m.



Existing neighborhoods have the added benefit of historic buildings and events with

cultural significance. Jane Jacobs argued that every neighbourhood needed a mixture of

newer and older buildings to allow for a variety of uses, income levels, and even ideas

within the neighborhood.

New neighborhoods can bring some of the architectural diversity found in existing

neighborhoods by including a mix of uses and housing types, each of which might need a

different building type and design, thus generating visual interest. Finally, placing

important civic buildings, such as churches, libraries, schools, or local government

buildings at the termination of a street can create civic pride and also an interesting vista

for pedestrians. With a focus on civic buildings and gathering places and the pedestrian

experience in general, it is no surprise that walk able neighborhoods are often defined by

the social interaction among people living and working near one another.

Neighbourhood Planning:

In 1915, Robert E. Park and E. W. Burgess introduced the idea of "neighborhood" as an

ecological concept with urban planning implications. Since then, many concepts and

ideas of a neighbourhood have emerged. Milton Kolter defines a neighbourhood as, “…a

political settlement of small territory and familiar association, whose absolute property is

its capacity for deliberative democracy.” While most neighborhoods are difficult to

define geographically, anyone who lives in an urban setting relates to an area that they

call their neighborhood. As such, it is a useful level to engage in planning practice.

Neighbourhood planning deals with a level of planning greater than household size but

smaller than that of a city. In fact, one of the first steps in planning for a neighbourhood is

to define the boundaries of the neighborhood. This process can sometimes be

problematic. It becomes difficult when some areas do not want certain streets or houses

to be included in their neighbourhood boundary. On the other hand, it can also be a

problem if more than one neighbourhood district attempts to claim a certain street or

group of homes. Two less problematic neighbourhood boundary definitions are based on

natural objects like rivers and parks, or on dividing the area based on census information.

If all else fails, public meetings and surveys can help the decision making process.



After the boundaries of the plan are established, officials need to decide how to get the

neighbourhood involved with the planning process. Most people wrongly assume that a

neighbourhood plan will be done democratically. In reality, a city official may do all of

the planning with minimal contact or input from the residents. The plan may also be done

by a small, self-selected group of residents who ignore input from others in the

neighborhood. Either way, without involvement of as many neighborhoods as possible,

the outcome may lack critical information and perspectives and thus not fully represent

the desires of the neighbourhood residents. This may create problems for the community.

Neighbourhood planning can work with all scales of area, from city neighborhoods to

rural areas. In the UK neighbourhood planning in rural areas is led by Rural Community

Councils who can assist rural communities or parishes in creating parish plans or village

design statements, a form of rural neighbourhood plan. Other established methods exist

including Market Town Initiatives. Neighbourhood plans are a way of empowering local

residents to take responsibility for their areas.

3.3: Sustainable Development

Sustainable Construction:

Construction is essential for our health, productivity, quality of life and economy. But

construction has a huge impact on the environment...

The construction industry makes a vital contribution to the social and economic

development of every country. At the same time, this sector of industry expanding apace

in rapidly industrializing countries - has major impacts on the environment.

Construction is an important consumer of non-renewable resources (energy in particular),

a substantial source of waste, a polluter of air and water, and an important contributor to

land dereliction. Environmental impacts occur at every stage of the construction cycle:

sitting, production and supply of building materials and equipment, on-site construction,

operation and demolition.



New building developments, together with the quarrying of sand and gravel, the

extraction of brick materials and clay, and the exploitation of timber resources, destroy

natural areas, forests and wetlands.

Longer-term environmental impacts result from the use and operation of buildings. It has

been estimated that one-third of global primary energy is used just to maintain existing

structures and keep them running. Demolition generates massive amounts of waste to be

disposed of, adding to the considerable quantities already produced at other stages - from

quarrying and mining to building maintenance and operations.

But solutions to these problems exist. They involve careful sitting and design of

buildings, prudent choice and efficient use of building materials, re-use and recycling at

all stages, the use of energy- and water efficient building techniques and elements, as

well as adequate maintenance and operation. As in many other sectors, solutions lie in

cleaner-production approaches, eco efficiency, new technologies and new management

practices and tools.

Sustainable construction is one of the most important issues now challenging our

industry. The challenge is to make all construction processes, products and services more

sustainable through a rolling programme of initiatives and activities, reviewed and

reported on an annual basis. Sometimes termed the ‘triple bottom line’, being sustainable

involves a commitment to:

� Economic sustainability – increasing profitability by making more efficient use

of resources, including labour, materials, water and energy.

� Environmental sustainability – preventing harmful and potentially irreversible

effects on the environment by careful use of natural resources, minimising waste,

protecting and where possible enhancing the environment.

� Social sustainability – responding to the needs of people at whatever stage of

involvement in the construction process (from commissioning to demolition),



providing high customer satisfaction and working closely with clients, suppliers,

employees and local communities

Two different visions of sustainability:

� Strong sustainability

In strong sustainability there is little if any consideration of the financial or other costs of

attaining sustainability. It equates to what some call ecological sustainability and the

focus is primarily on the environment. In this case system quality is taken in terms of the

physical measures of things (eg: population, soil erosion, biodiversity).

� Weak sustainability

The second type of sustainability is referred to as weak sustainability. Costs of attainment

(financial or otherwise) are Important and typically based on a cost-benefit analysis

(CBA) which inevitably involves trade-offs between environment and social and

economic benefits. Weak sustainability equates to a sort of economic sustainability where

the emphasis is upon allocation of resources and level of consumption and financial value

is, a key element of system quality.

Space and time in Sustainability:

Spatial and time scale is key components of achieving sustainability. There are two

questions to be answered before putting sustainability into practice. They are

� Over what space is sustainability to be achieved

� Over what time is sustainability to be achieved

The answers to these may at first appear rather obvious. But even within clear spatial

units such as villages, towns or cities there are difficulties. Urban areas are not self-

contained entities but have links with other urban areas and the rural environment, which

may extend for many miles around the centre.



Sustainability in the urban area is heavily influenced or even dependent upon what

happens outside of that area. It is important to decide as to, what is to be included? From

a theoretical perspective the spatial scale is clearly very important while attempting to put

sustainability into practice or to judge the level of sustainability of an existing system.

However, even after clearly defining the boundary there are problems in implementing

sustainability. To begin with, simple logistic considerations should be brought about by

limited budgets. The larger the scale and the more unsustainable the system, the bigger

the problem is likely to be.

Once sustainability has been put into use it is important to check whether the system is

still unsustainable or whether the goal of sustainability has been reached.

Principles for gauging progress towards sustainable development

1. What is meant by sustainable development should be clearly defined.

2. Sustainability should be viewed in a holistic sense, including economic, social and

ecological components,

3. Notions of equity should be included in any perspective of sustainable

development. This includes access to resources as well as human rights and other

'non-market' activities that contribute to human and social well being.

4. Time horizon should span 'both human and ecosystem time scales', and the spatial

scale should include 'not only local but also long-distance impacts on people and

ecosystems.

5. Progress towards sustainable development should be based on the measurement of

‘a limited number’ of indicators based on 'standardized measurement.

6. Methods and data employed for assessment of progress should be open and

accessible to all.

7. Progress should be effectively communicated to all.

8. Broad participation is required.



9. Allowance should be made for repeated measurement in order to determine trends

and incorporate the results of experience.

10. Institutional capacity in order to monitor progress towards sustainable

development needs to be assured.

Source; Sustainability and Sustainability indicators, Simon Bell and Stephen Morse

Consumption — population, technology, resources

The overall driver of human impact on Earth systems is the consumption of biophysical

resources. Human consumption can be divided into three key components: population

numbers, levels of consumption (affluence), and impact per unit of resource use (which

depends on the technology used).

This has been expressed through an equation:

I = P × A × T

Where: I = Environmental impact, P = Population, A = Affluence, T = Technology

Historically, humanity has responded to a demand for more resources by trying to

increase supply. As supplies inevitably become depleted sustainable practices are

encouraged through demand management for all goods and services — by promoting

reduced consumption, using renewable resources where possible, and encouraging

practices that minimise resource intensity while maximising resource productivity.

Careful resource management can be applied at many scales, from economic sectors like

agriculture, manufacturing and industry, to work organisations, the consumption patterns

of households and individuals and to the resource demands of individual goods and

services.

3.4: Sustainability Indicators

Sustainability indicators are environmental elements used to gauge the ecosystem that are

sensitive to changes in the environment.



SIs is often grouped in various ways depending upon what dimension or element of

sustainability they are trying to gauge. The simplest division is into two groups:

1. State SIs. These are SIs that describes the state of a variable. For example, in the

case of environmental quality one may determine soil physical and chemical

properties, or the concentration of a pollutant in water.

2. Control (also referred to as pressure, process or driving force) SIs. These are Sis

that gauges a process that in turn will influence a state SI. For example, a control

SI may be the rate at which a pollutant is passed into the environment.

A suite of SIs may need to have both state and control SIs included, as changes in a state

SI may not necessarily provide information on the causes of change.

Based on the selection of SIs the topic on Sustainable development can be divided into

four categories:

� Social aspects of sustainable development.

� Economic aspects of sustainable development.

� Environmental aspects of sustainable development – further subdivided into water,

land, atmosphere and waste;

� Institutional aspects of sustainable development.

It is difficult to decide upon what Sis to use and even about the broad nature and

characteristics of the Sis. The Decision over what Sis to adopt is vital to the final

outcome. Following are some examples showing the diversity in taking decision for

selection of SIs.

Sustainability indicators: example 1

SIs should have the following characteristics

1. Simplicity

2. Scope: the SIs should cover the diversity of issues (environmental, social and

economic) and overlap as little as possible

3. Quantification: the SIs should be measurable;



4. Assessment: the SIs should allow trends with time to be determined;

5. Sensitivity: the SIs should be sensitive to change;

6. Timeliness: the SIs should allow timely identification of the trends.


They suggest employing a spatial systems approach, with each spatial system comprising

five sub-systems:

1. Richness of resources;

2. Strength of the economy;

3. Stability of society;

4. Tolerability of the environment

5. Soundness of decision.

SIs are then selected to gauge each of these.


� Harvest rates of renewable resources should not exceed regeneration rates.

� Waste emissions should not exceed the relevant assimilative capacities of

ecosystems.

� Non-renewable resources should be exploited in a quasi-sustainable manner by

limiting their rate of depletion to the rate of creating renewable substitutes.

Sustainable Indicators in Building Projects:

The sustainable indicators in any Building Project can be classified broadly into five

categories:

1. Site

2. Water

3. Energy

4. Material

5. Air



1. SITE: The indicators in this category are

a. Erodability: This is an indicator if the landscape designing of the site has

been done properly. The extent to which the site has worn out over a period

of time needs to be analysed.

b. Sensitivity: All construction activities have some impact on the micro

climate and geology of the region. The extent to which the construction

activity has caused disturbance to the natural phenomenon (wind, water

etc.) in the region is an indication of the extent to which the building is

sensitive to its site.

c. Soil condition: This indicator is more applicable incase of industries which

contaminate the site through its effluents resulting in a Brownfield site over

a period of time. Laboratory tests of the soil would indicate the condition if

the soil is contaminated and if the working conditions in the building are as

desired.

d. Storm water quality: Colour, odour and sediment of the water collect in

the nearby pond will indicate the erosion level and disruption of natural

flow of water in the site. This is applicable in the construction phase as well

as operational phase of the project to check how efficient are the

technologies adopted for controlling soil erosion.

e. Existing infrastructure: This is an indicator of the sustainable

consideration adopted in the project in question. It indicates the level to

which infrastructure development is to be carried out so as to reduce the

environmental impact with respect to the same by locating the building on

that site.

f. Density: The coverage or foot print and the FAR consumed by the building

are an indicator of the extent to which the site and the infrastructure has

been utilized.

2. Water:

a. Water consumption:

i. Water consumption indicates if the supply system is and the sanitary

and plumbing fittings are functioning with the desired efficiency or



they require maintenance this applicable in the operational phase of

the building.

ii. In the construction stage it could be judge by an experienced

manager if the consumption for the day has been optimum or there

has been misuse of the supply.

iii. Water consumption is an indicator of the effectiveness of the system

that has been adopted for reduction in consumption rate.

b. Water quality:

i. The discharge of effluents into the drainage versus production in any

industry indicates the control over the production process.

ii. If recycling system has been adopted then this indicates the efficient

functioning of the recycling unit under question. In case of

municipal supply this indicates if any additional treatment is

required.

c. Efficiency of a design:

i. The percentage covering of the open spaces in the site is an indicator

of the amount to which the building leans towards recharging the

water table or water harvesting.

3. Energy:

a. Energy consumption:

i. Energy consumption in a building is an indicator of the working

condition of the system. If the consumption increases it is an

indicator of some malfunctioning.

ii. Energy consumption is an indicator of the effectiveness of the

system that has been adopted for reduction in consumption rate.

iii. The minimum requirement of any system can be judged by using

this indicator.

b. Renewable energy:

i. The use of renewable energy versus the total consumption of energy

in a building is an indicator of the efficient functioning of the

system. This is applicable for the operational phase of the building.



4. Material:

a. Embodied energy: The percentage use of recycled content in the materials

and reuse of materials indicates the decrease in embodied energy in the

material. Use of locally available materials cuts down the Energy content in

the material drastically since energy consumed for transportation forms the

major fraction of the total energy in the material.

b. Waste: The amount of waste produced on site is an indicator of the

infrastructure development for waste management.

5. Air:

a. Natural ventilation: The number of openings, their positioning as per the

climatic requirement of the region and most important the orientation of the

building with respect to the site is an indication of the effectiveness of a

unit.

b. CO2 content: CO2 content in the indoor is an indicator of the air quality,

which helps to determine the fresh air intake.

c. Suspended air particles:

i. Increase in the suspended particles on construction site is an

indicator of the efficiency of the measures adopted decrease the level

of suspended particles.

ii. The quality of air from AHU indicates the efficiency of the filters

used and if they are to be maintained or replaced.

d. Quality of air: The quality of air indoor indicates the reliability of the

products used for their low emission of volatile organic compounds.

SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD

SPA|NS|BEM|467 | MBEM | SPA 2010

3. 5: Scale & Sustainability

Sustainability is studied and managed over many scales (levels or frames of reference) of

time and space and in many contexts of environmental, social and economic organiza

The focus ranges from the total carrying capacity (sustainability) of planet

Earth to the sustainability of economic sectors, ecosystems, countries, municipalities,

neighborhoods, home gardens, individual lives, individual goods and services,

occupations, lifestyles, behaviour patterns and so on. In short, it can entail the full

compass of biological and human activity or any part of it has

When it comes to as to what should be the scale of the built environment the options for

the same are as follows:

As clear from the above shown hierarchy of construction/built environment the fact is

clear that the neighbourhood

board for the larger scale of built environment but also provides an opportunity to

understand the multimodal approaches in the sustainable practices for the residents.

NEIGHBOURHOOD & GREEN RATING SYSTEM

| MBEM | SPA 2010

ustainability


time and space and in many contexts of environmental, social and economic organiza



s, home gardens, individual lives, individual goods and services,


compass of biological and human activity or any part of it has.



neighbourhood is the stage of planning which not just only acts as the jump

larger scale of built environment but also provides an opportunity to


Planet earth

Continent

Country

Region

Province

City

NEIGHBORHOOD

Residential/commercial block

Building level

System / Technologies, services

Equipment level

Building Materials

Fig 3.4: Scales of constructions

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 35


time and space and in many contexts of environmental, social and economic organization.



s, home gardens, individual lives, individual goods and services,




is the stage of planning which not just only acts as the jump

larger scale of built environment but also provides an opportunity to




The Scale of the neighbourhood in the built environment is quite crucial because of the

following reasons:

� The presence of different components of the society viz the residential, commercial,

green spaces, service area and the institutional gives the sense of completeness to the

area as a whole.

3.6: Practices for a Sustainable Neighborhood

The heart of New Urbanism-one of the key driving force behind the concept of LEED-

ND is in the design of neighbourhoods, which can be defined by thirteen elements:

1. The neighbourhood has a discernible centre. This is often a square or a green and

sometimes a busy or memorable street corner. A transit stop would be located at

this centre.

2. Most of the dwellings are within a five-minute walk of the centre, an average of

roughly 1/4 mile or 1,320 feet (0.4 km).

3. There are a variety of dwelling types — usually houses, row-houses,

and apartments — so that younger and older people, singles, and families, the

poor, and the wealthy may find places to live.

4. At the edge of the neighbourhood, there are shops and offices of sufficiently

varied types to supply the weekly needs of a household.

5. A small ancillary building or garage apartment is permitted within the backyard of

each house. It may be used as a rental unit or place to work (for example, an

office or craft workshop).

6. An elementary school is close enough so that most children can walk from their

home.

7. There are small playgrounds accessible to every dwelling — not more than a tenth

of a mile away.

8. Streets within the neighbourhood form a connected network, which disperses

traffic by providing a variety of pedestrian and vehicular routes to any destination.

9. The streets are relatively narrow and shaded by rows of trees. This slows traffic,

creating an environment suitable for pedestrians and bicycles.



10. Buildings in the neighbourhood

well-defined outdoor room.

11. Parking lots and garage doors rarely front the street. Parking is relegated to the

rear of buildings, usually accessed by alleys.

12. Certain prominent sites at the termination of street vistas or in the

centre are reserved for civic buildings. These provide sites for community

meetings, education, and religious or cultural activities.

13. The neighbourhood

debates and decides matters of maintenance, security, and physi

Taxation is the responsibility of the larger community.

Built Environment Toolbox

The Built Environment Toolbox includes elements and design strategies that contribute to

neighbourhood environment. Each of these , when used by community members in

appropriate ways, can increase the well

with smaller tools, for use by individuals in their houses or shops, and continues with

larger design and zoning tools that would require community action to implement. Some

of the elements in this list are described in the pages that follow.

Table 3.1


| MBEM | SPA 2010

neighbourhood centre are placed close to the street, creating a

defined outdoor room.

Parking lots and garage doors rarely front the street. Parking is relegated to the

rear of buildings, usually accessed by alleys.

Certain prominent sites at the termination of street vistas or in the

rved for civic buildings. These provide sites for community

meetings, education, and religious or cultural activities.

neighbourhood is organized to be self-governing. A formal association

debates and decides matters of maintenance, security, and physi

Taxation is the responsibility of the larger community.

Built Environment Toolbox


environment. Each of these , when used by community members in

appropriate ways, can increase the well-being of the neighborhood


oning tools that would require community action to implement. Some

of the elements in this list are described in the pages that follow.

Table 3.1: Built Environment toolbox

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 37

centre are placed close to the street, creating a

Parking lots and garage doors rarely front the street. Parking is relegated to the

Certain prominent sites at the termination of street vistas or in the neighbourhood

rved for civic buildings. These provide sites for community

governing. A formal association

debates and decides matters of maintenance, security, and physical change.


environment. Each of these , when used by community members in

neighborhood. The toolbox starts


oning tools that would require community action to implement. Some



Table 3.2: Environment Sustainability Values: The built environment


| MBEM | SPA 2010

Environment Sustainability Values: The built environment

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 38

Environment Sustainability Values: The built environment




| MBEM | SPA 2010

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 39

Ta

ble

3.3

: E

nvi

ronm

enta

l Su

sta

inab

lity

valu

es:

Natu

ral

Res

ou

rces



Sustainable Neighborhood-The Benefits………………………………………………

Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lower Public Costs

Infrastructure makes modern life possible. We could not go on living our normal lives

without roads, water, sewer, trash removal, police and fire protection, or schools. Each of

these costs money, and they are typically funded with local money, generated from local

property taxes.

The costs of infrastructure and community services are not fixed, however. The level of

expense depends on how suitably different developments relate to one another, how well

the buildings within a given development are laid out, and – above all – how far from

each other they are located.

If you are providing water to 100 families, you’ll need to provide 100 faucets; but if they

each live on two acres you’ll need a lot more pipe than if they all live in an apartment

building. One survey of costs of community services estimated that public savings from

Sustainable Neighborhoods-type developments could be $10,000 for a single-family

house.1 Research has found that development patterns that consume less land can lower

public costs from 5 to 75 percent.

Sustainable Neighborhoods reduce the costs of infrastructure and community services in

various ways. Existing Sustainable Neighborhoods that are maintained, rehabilitated, or

retrofitted already have roads and utility networks. Most new infill projects within these

existing neighborhoods also require low levels of public investments for infrastructure.

New Sustainable Neighborhoods do require new public expenditures, but because such

neighborhoods are compact, there is less distance between dwellings, thus decreasing

costs to property taxpayers in comparison to conventional subdivisions.

A pleasing side effect of reducing infrastructure costs is that housing becomes more

affordable. Many municipalities require developers to pay for the cost of public



improvements. Developers pass these costs on to consumers, raising the selling price.

Lowering the cost of infrastructure can reduce the cost of new housing.

Sustainable Neighborhoods Meet the Needs of All Citizens

Sustainable Neighborhoods – both new and historic – can comfortably contain a wide

range of housing types. Single-family, duplex, townhouse, and multi-family structures

can all comfortably co-exist in the same neighborhood. Furthermore, because Sustainable

Neighborhoods offer a high level of visual and structural variety, they make mixing rental

with owner-occupied properties viable. Such mixes of housing types and ownership

arrangements allow people of different ages, incomes, and family types to live in the

same neighborhood. This is to say, Sustainable Neighborhoods foster diversity and

vitality.

Sustainable Neighborhoods Preserve Land and Natural Resources

Because they are less dispersed than conventional subdivisions, Sustainable

Neighborhoods consume less land. That means that they leave more land for other things,

such as preserving wetlands, view sheds, woodlands, or other natural or scenic features.

These natural areas can serve any number of purposes, some with direct benefits to the

neighborhood, others with broader benefits.

For example, wetlands, forests, and prairies are natural water purifiers. They can capture

storm water, recharge aquifers, clean runoff, and prevent flooding. Areas of wildness can

also provide critical wildlife habitat – especially if linked to a larger network of

environmental corridors – and they afford areas for passive recreation.



Sustainable neighborhoods Promote civic spaces and Social interactions

Open spaces in Sustainable Neighborhoods are consciously created as civic places. They

become organizing features of neighbourhood design, helping to determine the location

and orientation of homes and businesses, and helping to determine how people will move

around their neighborhood. Sustainable Neighborhoods’ open spaces are where residents

play, gather, meet, and relax – together.

While many Sustainable Neighborhoods offer residents and owners private backyards,

these tend to be less expensive than in a conventional subdivision. Instead, Sustainable

Neighborhoods favour the front side of the house, where the public realm meets the

private, as the place to relax, play with the kids or pets, or just watch the neighbours walk

by.

Sustainable Neighborhoods also integrate plazas, vest-pocket parks, and other small open

spaces within easy walking distance of homes. The homes and businesses that face these

civic spaces allow neighbours to keep an eye on things, which increases both the

perception and the reality of a safe and secure environment. These neighborhoods also

feature sidewalks and on-street parking, which allow local parks to accommodate

festivals and gatherings (whether organized or impromptu) without the need for vast

areas of surface parking. Finally, most Sustainable Neighborhoods – both old and new –

have access to larger parks with play fields or natural areas. Such larger-scale parks are

frequently located on the edge of neighborhoods, where they can serve several areas at

once.

Sustainable Neighborhoods Support Efficient Use of Energy

There is a growing demand for Sustainable Neighborhoods that use resources and energy

efficiently for long-term sustainability. Decisions made when building a new home or

addition, remodelling an existing home, or selecting products have a lasting impact on the

environment and liveability of our homes and neighborhoods.



Energy Efficiency

Proper design for energy efficient buildings combines appropriate building placement,

optimal insulation, a sealed building envelope, and balanced ventilation in order to

conserve energy, improve the health and comfort of the occupants, and reduce operating

costs. When selecting appliances and lighting fixtures choose high efficiency models and

look for the Energy Star label. Whether for new construction or re-modelling, energy

efficient methods and design make for more affordable housing that contributes to

healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. Because energy costs are lower, a substantial number

of people can afford to purchase homes and create a sense of “ownership” in the

neighborhood. Reduced energy use also means less environmental impact from the

burning of fossil fuels.

Ultimately, these savings contribute to a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and

an improved quality of life.

3.7: Sustainable Site Design

Green site-planning strategies and practices that specifically relate to assessing and

selecting a site for uses such as office buildings and parks, institutional and research

structures, retail businesses, and industrial facilities. The purpose of sustainable site

planning is to integrate design and construction strategies by modifying both site and

building to achieve sustainableer human comfort and operational efficiencies.

Sound site planning is prescriptive and strategic. It charts appropriate patterns of use for a

site while incorporating construction methods that minimize site disruption and the

expenditure of financial and building resources. Site planning assesses a particular

landscape to determine its appropriate use, and then maps the area’s most suitable for

accommodating specific activities associated with that use.

The process is based upon the premise that any landscape setting can be analyzed and

studied as a series of interconnected geological, hydrological, topographic, ecological,



climatologically, and cultural features and systems. An ideal site plan is one in which the

arrangement of roads, buildings, and associated uses is developed using site data and

information from the larger macro-environment, including existing historical and cultural

patterns of the community.

Selecting a building site begins the process of calculating the degree of resource use and

the degree of disturbance of existing natural systems that will be required to support a

building’s development. The most environmentally sound development is one that

disturbs as little of the existing site as possible. Therefore, sites suitable for commercial

building should ideally be located within or adjacent to existing commercial

environments.

Building projects also require connections to mass transit, vehicular infrastructure, and

utility and telecommunication networks. Sound site planning and building design should

consider locating building-support services in common corridors, or siting a building to

take advantage of existing service networks. This consolidation can minimize site

disruption and facilitate building repair and inspection.

The use, scale, and structural systems of a building affect its particular site requirements

and associated environmental impacts. Building characteristics, orientation, and

placement should be considered in relation to the site so that proper drainage systems,

circulation patterns, landscape design, and other site-development features can be

determined.

Site Analysis and Assessment

The purpose of a site analysis is to break down the site into basic parts, to isolate areas

and systems requiring protection, and to identify both off-site and on-site factors that may

require mitigation. Site assessment is a process that examines the data gathered and

identified in the site analysis, assigns specific site factors to hierarchies of importance,

and identifies, where possible, interactive relationships.



For example, an analysis may identify specific soils and their properties, vegetation types

and their distribution, or various slope and slope-orientation conditions to name a few site

factors. An assessment applies evaluation criteria that allow the comparison of various

sites’ suitability for a specific use.

Sustainable design practices assess both site and building program to determine the site’s

capacity to support the program without degrading vital systems, or requiring

extraordinary development expenditures. The result of analysis and assessment is a

blueprint for the most appropriate ecological and physical fit between site, building, and

the resulting cultural landscape.

Data Collection

Technical Site Data

� Perform a site analysis to determine site characteristics that influence building

design.

The following site characteristics influence building design elements, including form,

shape, bulk, materials, skin-to-volume ratio, structural systems, mechanical systems,

access and service, solar orientation, and finished floor elevation.

o Geographical latitude (solar altitude) and microclimate factors, such as

wind loads

o Topography and adjacent landforms

o Groundwater and surface runoff characteristics

o Solar access

o Air-movement patterns , both annual and diurnal

o Soil texture and its load-bearing capacity

o Parcel shape and access

o Neighbouring developments and proposed future developments

� Analyze specific characteristics of climate zones.

� Analyze the site’s existing air quality.

� Perform soil and groundwater testing.

� Test soil suitability for backfills, slope structures, infiltration.



� Evaluate site ecosystem for existence of wetlands and endangered species.

� Examine existing vegetation to inventory significant plant populations.

� Map all natural hazard potentials (such as winds, floods, and mudslides).

� Diagram existing pedestrian and vehicular movement and parking to identify

patterns.

� Review the potential of utilizing existing local transportation resources.

� Identify construction restraints and requirements.

Cultural and Historical Data

� Review site’s cultural resources for possible restoration.

� Review architectural style of the area for incorporation into building.

� Explore use of historically compatible building types.

Infrastructure Data

� Analyze site for existing utility and transportation infrastructure and capacity.

Data Assessment

� Identify topographic and hydrological impacts of proposed design and building

use.

� Develop general area takeoff and overall building footprint compatibility with site.

� Identify alternative site design concepts to minimize resource costs and disruption.

� Review financial implications of site development, building, and projected

maintenance costs.

� Develop matrix of use and site compatibility index

Site Development and Layout

After the site has been selected on the basis of a thorough analysis and assessment, ideal

diagrammatic concepts are laid out on the topographic survey with the objective of

organizing all proposed built elements to achieve an efficient and effective site and

development fit. The main goal of the concepts should be to minimize resource

consumption during construction and after human occupation. It should be noted that

during reclamation of disturbed sites, initial expenditures may be higher than normal and

should be balanced by ongoing landscape management strategies. The following

practices serve to guide the initial concept diagramming process.



Infrastructure Utility Corridors

� Design the site plan to minimize road length, building footprint, and the actual

ground area required for intended improvements.

� Use gravity sewer systems wherever possible.

� Reuse chemical-waste tanks and lines.

� Aggregate utility corridors when feasible.

Transportation

� Support reduction of vehicle miles travelled (VMT) to the site.

� Use existing vehicular transportation networks to minimize the need for new

infrastructure.

Table3.5: Matrix of regional bioclimatic, site use and site design factors.



� Consider increased use of telecommuting strategies.

� Consolidate service, pedestrian, and automobile paths.

Building and Site Requirements

� Land Features

� Building and Site Orientation

� Landscaping and Use of Natural Resources

� Public Amenities

� Construction Methods

�


| MBEM | SPA 2010

Consider increased use of telecommuting strategies.

Consolidate service, pedestrian, and automobile paths.

Building and Site Requirements

Building and Site Orientation

Landscaping and Use of Natural Resources

Construction Methods

Fig 3.6: Continual Improvement

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 48



3.8: New Urbanism

"The sum of human happiness increases because of New Urbanism" -Andres Duany

NEW URBANISM promotes the creation and restoration of diverse, walk able, compact,

vibrant, mixed-use communities composed of the same components as conventional

development, but assembled in a more integrated fashion, in the form of complete

communities.

These contain housing, work places, shops, entertainment, schools, parks, and civic

facilities essential to the daily lives of the residents, all within easy walking distance of

each other. New Urbanism promotes the increased use of trains and light rail, instead of

more highways and roads. Urban living is rapidly becoming the new hip and modern way

to live for people of all ages.

New Urbanism is the most important planning movement this century, and is about

creating a better future for us all. It is an international movement to reform the design of

the built environment, and is about raising our quality of life and standard of living by

creating better places to live.

New Urbanism is the revival of our lost art of place-making, and is essentially a re-

ordering of the built environment into the form of complete cities, towns, villages, and

neighborhoods - the way communities have been built for centuries around the world.

New Urbanism involves fixing and infilling cities, as well as the creation of compact new

towns and villages.

THE PRINCIPLES OF NEW URBANISM

The principles of New Urbanism can be applied increasingly to projects at the full range

of scales from a single building to an entire community.



1. Walk ability-

� Most things within a 10-minute walk of home and work

� Pedestrian friendly street design (buildings close to street; porches, windows &

doors; tree-lined streets; on street parking; hidden parking lots; garages in rear

lane; narrow, slow speed streets)

� Pedestrian streets free of cars in special cases

2. Connectivity

� Interconnected street grid network disperses traffic & eases walking

� A hierarchy of narrow streets, boulevards, and alleys

� High quality pedestrian network and public realm makes walking pleasurable

3. Mixed-use & diversity

� A mix of shops, offices, apartments, and homes on site. Mixed-use within

neighborhoods, within blocks, and within buildings

� Diversity of people - of ages, income levels, cultures, and races

4. Mixed housing

� A range of types, sizes and prices in closer proximity

5. Quality architecture & urban design

� Emphasis on beauty, aesthetics, human comfort, and creating a sense of place.

� Special placement of civic uses and sites within community. Human scale

architecture & beautiful surroundings nourish the human spirit.

6. Traditional Neighbourhood Structure

� Discernable center and edge

� Public space at center

� Importance of quality public realm; public open space designed as civic art

� Contains a range of uses and densities within 10-minute walk

� Transect planning: Highest densities at town center; progressively less dense

towards the edge. The transect is an analytical system that conceptualizes mutually

reinforcing elements, creating a series of specific natural habitats and/or urban

lifestyle settings.



The Transect integrates environmental methodology for habitat assessment with

zoning methodology for community design. The professional boundary between

the natural and man-made disappears, enabling environmentalists to assess the

design of the human habitat and the urbanists to support the viability of nature.

This urban-to-rural transect hierarchy has appropriate building and street types for

each area along the continuum.

7. Increased Density

� More buildings, residences, shops, and services closer together for ease of

walking, to enable a more efficient use of services and resources, and to create a

more convenient, enjoyable place to live.

� New Urbanism design principles are applied at the full range of densities from

small towns, to large cities

8. Smart Transportation

� A network of high-quality trains connecting cities, towns, and neighborhoods

together

� Pedestrian-friendly design that encourages a sustainableer use of bicycles,

rollerblades, scooters, and walking as daily transportation

9. Sustainability

� Minimal environmental impact of development and its operations

� Eco-friendly technologies, respect for ecology and value of natural systems

Energy efficiency

� Less use of finite fuels

� More local production

� More walking, less driving

10. Quality of Life

� Taken together these add up to a high quality of life well worth living, and create

places that enrich, uplift, and inspire the human spirit.



Benefits of New Urbanism

Benefits to Residents

Higher quality of life; Better places to live, work, & play; Higher, more stable property

values; Less traffic congestion & less driving; Healthier lifestyle with more walking, and

less stress; Close proximity to main street retail & services; Close proximity to bike trails,

parks, and nature; Pedestrian friendly communities offer more opportunities to get to

know others in the neighbourhood and town, resulting in meaningful relationships with

more people, and a friendlier town

More freedom and independence to children, elderly, and the poor in being able to get to

jobs, recreation, and services without the need for a car or someone to drive them;

Sustainable savings to residents and school boards in reduced busing costs from children

being able to walk or bicycle to neighbourhood schools; More diversity and smaller,

unique shops and services with local owners who are involved in community; Big

savings by driving less, and owning less cars

Less ugly, congested sprawl to deal with daily; Better sense of place and community

identity with more unique architecture; More open space to enjoy that will remain open

space; More efficient use of tax money with less spent on spread out utilities and roads

Benefits to Businesses

Increased sales due to more foot traffic & people spending less on cars and gas; More

profits due to spending less on advertising and large signs; Better lifestyle by living

above shop in live-work units - saves the stressful & costly commute; Economies of scale

in marketing due to close proximity and cooperation with other local businesses; Smaller

spaces promote small local business incubation

Lower rents due to smaller spaces & smaller parking lots; Healthier lifestyle due to more

walking and being near healthier restaurants; More community involvement from being

part of community and knowing resident



Benefits to Developers

More income potential from higher density mixed-use projects due to more leasable

square footage, more sales per square foot, and higher property values and selling prices;

Faster approvals in communities that have adopted smart growth principles resulting in

cost / time savings

Cost savings in parking facilities in mixed-use properties due to sharing of spaces

throughout the day and night, resulting in less duplication in providing parking; Less

need for parking facilities due to mix of residences and commercial uses within walking

distance of each other

Less impact on roads / traffic, which can result in lower impact fees; Lower cost of

utilities due to compact nature of New Urbanist design; Sustainableer acceptance by the

public and less resistance from NIMBYS; Faster sell out due to sustainableer acceptance

by consumers from a wider product range resulting in wider market share

Benefits To Municipalities

Stable, appreciating tax base; Less spent per capita on infrastructure and utilities than

typical suburban development due to compact, high-density nature of projects; Increased

tax base due to more buildings packed into a tighter area; Less traffic congestion due to

walkability of design

Less crime and less spent on policing due to the presence of more people day and night;

Less resistance from community; Better overall community image and sense of place;

Less incentive to sprawl when urban core area is desirable; Easy to install transit where

it's not, and improve it where it is; Sustainable civic involvement of population leads to

better governance

Ways to Implement New Urbanism

The most effective way to implement New Urbanism is to plan for it, and write it into

zoning and development codes. This directs all future development into this form.



New Urbanism is best planned at all levels of development:

� The single building

� Groups of buildings

� The urban block

� The neighborhood

� Networks of neighborhoods

� Towns

� Cities

� Regions

Increasingly, regional planning techniques are being used to control and shape growth

into compact, high-density, mixed-use neighborhoods, villages, towns, and cities.

Planning new train systems (instead of more roads) delivers the best results when

designed in harmony with regional land planning - known as Transit Oriented

Development (TOD). At the same time, the revitalization of urban areas directs and

encourages infill development back into city centers.

Planning for compact growth, rather than letting it sprawl out, has the potential to

sustainablely increase the quality of the environment. It also prevents congestion

problems and the environmental degradation normally associated with growth.

Charter of the New Urbanism- Congress for the New Urbanism

The neighborhood, the district, and the corridor

1. The neighborhood, the district, and the corridor are the essential elements of

development and redevelopment in the metropolis. They form identifiable areas

that encourage citizens to take responsibility for their maintenance and evolution.

2. Neighborhoods should be compact, pedestrian-friendly, and mixed-use. Districts

generally emphasize a special single use, and should follow the principles of

neighbourhood design when possible. Corridors are regional connectors of



neighborhoods and districts; they range from boulevards and rail lines to rivers

and parkways.

3. Many activities of daily living should occur within walking distance, allowing

independence to those who do not drive, especially the elderly and the young.

Interconnected networks of streets should be designed to encourage walking,

reduce the number and length of automobile trips, and conserve energy.

4. Within neighborhoods, a broad range of housing types and price levels can bring

people of diverse ages, races, and incomes into daily interaction, strengthening the

personal and civic bonds essential to an authentic community.

5. Transit corridors, when properly planned and coordinated, can help organize

metropolitan structure and revitalize urban centers. In contrast, highway corridors

should not displace investment from existing centers.

6. Appropriate building densities and land uses should be within walking distance of

transit stops, permitting public transit to become a viable alternative to the

automobile.

7. Concentrations of civic, institutional, and commercial activity should be

embedded in neighborhoods and districts, not isolated in remote, single-use

complexes. Schools should be sized and located to enable children to walk or

bicycle to them.

8. The economic health and harmonious evolution of neighborhoods, districts, and

corridors can be improved through graphic urban design codes that serve as

predictable guides for change.

9. A range of parks, from tot-lots and village greens to ball fields and community

gardens, should be distributed within neighborhoods. Conservation areas and open

lands should be used to define and connect different neighborhoods and districts.



3.9: Conclusion

The understanding of the scale of applicability of the sustainable practices at the

neighbourhood with the understanding of the various parameters of the neighborhood

development was taken up. Therefore the various morphologies of the neighbourhood

development are studied.

The concept of sustainable development has been introduced and sustainable indicators

have been identified for building projects which have been classified as indicators for

site, water, energy, materials and air.

At the same time the concept of scale and sustainability is also considered and analyzed

to examine that the approach of holistic sustainable development is the need of the hour

and the practices of sustainability be applied on a broader term is actually required for the

bigger target of sustainable earth.

In the modern context of sustainable construction the guidelines formulated by the

congress for new urbanism are discussed and analyzed. The practices and principles and

the benefits of the same are also stated.

4

4. LEED Neighborhood Development

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Rating System

4.3. Project Check List for LEED certification

4.4. Process of Certification

4.5. Areas of credits






4.6. Glossary of Definitions of various elements.



4.1: Introduction

The Case for Green Neighbourhood Developments

As the population continues to expand rapidly, consumption of land grows

exponentially—currently, three times the rate of population growth. At this breathtaking

pace, two-thirds of the development on the ground in 2050 will be built between now and

then. The way we grow—especially how and where we grow—will have a profound

effect on our planet and on us.

Land use and neighbourhood design patterns create a particular physical reality and

compel behaviours that have a significant effect on the environmental performance of a

given place. Segregated land uses accessed by high speed roadways that necessitate the

use of cars have been the predominant development pattern over the past 50 years.

Transportation accounts for roughly one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, a large

portion of which can be attributed to personal automobile use.2 Burning fossil fuels for

transportation increases air pollution and related respiratory diseases. Automobile-

oriented neighbourhoods tend to be hostile to pedestrians and unsupportive of traditional

mixed-use neighbourhood centres. Sprawling development patterns fragment habitat,

endanger sensitive land and water bodies, destroy precious farmland, and increase the

burden on municipal infrastructure.

In contrast, by placing residences and jobs proximate to each other, thoughtful

neighbourhood planning and development can limit automobile trips and the associated

greenhouse gas emissions. Mixed-use development and walk able streets encourage

walking, bicycling, and public transportation for daily errands and commuting.

Environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure are an important component of

any green neighbourhood, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing

energy consumption. Green buildings and infrastructure also lessen negative

consequences for water resources, air quality, and natural resource consumption.

Green neighbourhood developments are beneficial to the community and the individual

as well as the environment. The character of a neighbourhood, including its streets,

homes, workplaces, shops, and public spaces, significantly affects the quality of life.



Green neighbourhood developments enable a wide variety of residents to be part of the

community by including housing of varying types and price ranges.

Green developments respect historical resources and the existing community fabric; they

preserve open space and encourage access to parks. Green buildings, community gardens,

and streets and public spaces that encourage physical activity are beneficial for public

health. Combine the substantial environmental and social benefits and the case for green

neighbourhoods makes itself.

Understanding LEED for Neighbourhood Development

LEED for Neighbourhood Development is a rating system that integrates the principles of

smart growth, new urbanism, and green building into the first national standard for

neighbourhood design. It is being developed by USGBC in partnership with the Congress

for the New Urbanism (CNU) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC).

Significance of LEED-ND Certification

Using the framework of other LEED rating systems, LEED for Neighbourhood

Development recognizes development projects that successfully protect and enhance the

overall health, natural environment, and quality of life of our communities. The rating

system encourages smart growth and new urbanist best practices, promoting the location

and design of neighbourhoods that reduce vehicle miles travelled and communities where

jobs and services are accessible by foot or public transit. It promotes more efficient

energy and water use—especially important in urban areas where infrastructure is often

overtaxed.

Status of LEED-ND

The LEED for Neighbourhood Development pilot program is well underway. A call for

pilot projects took place between in early 2007. Due to overwhelming interest in the pilot

program, additional resources were made available that enabled us to accommodate twice

as many projects as originally anticipated, and 238 projects from 39 states and 6 countries

are now registered to participate in the pilot program.

These projects are in the process of gathering documentation based on the rating system,

which they will submit to USGBC in order to become certified. The information learned



during the pilot program will be used to make further revisions to the rating system and

certification process, and the resulting draft rating system will be posted for public

comment before it is submitted for final approvals and balloting.

4.2: Rating System

Other LEED rating systems & LEED for Neighbourhood Development

Points are available within the LEED for Neighbourhood Development rating system for

including LEED Certified buildings and for integrating green building practices within

the buildings on the project site. These credits relate to energy efficiency, reduced water

use, building reuse, recycled materials, and heat island reduction.

LEED-ND & other the Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus

Building Projects

The Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects is based

on the LEED for New Construction rating system for buildings and therefore does not

incorporate smart growth or new urbanism to the extent that LEED for Neighborhood

Development does. The LEED for Neighbourhood Development rating system focuses

on residential, commercial, and mixed use projects developed by a single entity but often

sold or leased to multiple consumers whereas the application guide targets institutional

and office park campuses, which are usually owned and operated by a single entity.

LEED Rating Systems

Background on LEED: Following the formation of the U.S. Green Building Council

(USGBC) in 1993, the organization’s members quickly realized that the sustainable

building industry needed a system to define and measure “green buildings.” USGBC

began to research existing green building metrics and rating systems. Less than a year

after formation, the members acted on the initial findings by establishing a committee to

focus solely on this topic. The composition of the committee was diverse; it included

architects, real estate agents, a building owner, a lawyer, an environmentalist, and

industry representatives. This cross section of people and professions added a richness



and depth both to the process and to the ultimate product, the Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED) certification system.

The first LEED Pilot Project Program, also referred to as LEED Version 1.0, was

launched at the USGBC Membership Summit in August 1998. After extensive

modifications, LEED Green Building Rating System Version 2.0 was released in March

2000, with LEED Version 2.1 following in 2002 and LEED Version 2.2 following in

2005.

As LEED has evolved and matured, the program has undertaken new initiatives. In

addition to a rating system specifically devoted to building operational and maintenance

issues (LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance), LEED addresses the

different project development and delivery processes that exist in the U.S. building

design and construction market, through rating systems for specific building typologies,

sectors, and project scopes: LEED for Core & Shell, LEED for New Construction, LEED

for Schools, LEED for Retail, LEED for Healthcare, LEED for Homes, and LEED for

Commercial Interiors. LEED for Neighbourhood Development is the latest LEED

certification system to be released.

The green building and neighbourhood development field is growing and changing daily.

New technologies and products are being introduced into the marketplace, and innovative

designs and practices are proving their effectiveness. The LEED rating systems and

reference guides will evolve as well. Project teams must comply with the version of the

rating system that is current at the time of their registration.



4.3: Area of Credits

LEED 2009 FOR NEIGHBORHOD DEVELOPMENT Project Checklist

Smart location and linkage 27possible points

� Prerequisite 1 Smart Location required

� Prerequisite 2 Imperiled Species and Ecological Communities required

� Prerequisite 3 Wetland and Water body Conservation required

� Prerequisite 4 Agricultural Land Conservation required

� Prerequisite 5 Floodplain Avoidance required

� Credit 1 Preferred Locations 10

� Credit 2 Brownfield redevelopment 2

� Credit 3 Locations with reduced Automobile Dependence 7

� Credit 4 Bicycle Network and Storage 1

� Credit 5 Housing and Jobs proximity 3

� Credit 6 Steep Slope protection 1

� Credit 7 Site Design for habitat or Wetland and Water body

Conservation 1

� Credit 8 Restoration of habitat or Wetlands and Water bodies 1

� Credit 9 Long-term Conservation management of habitat or

Wetlands and Water bodies 1

Neighborhood pattern and Design 44 possible points

� Prerequisite 1 Walk able Streets required

� Prerequisite 2 Compact Development required

� Prerequisite 3 Connected and open Community required

� Credit 1 Walk able Streets 12

� Credit 2 Compact Development 6

� Credit 3 Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers 4

� Credit 4 Mixed-income Diverse Communities 7

� Credit 5 Reduced parking footprint 1

� Credit 6 Street Network 2

� Credit 7 Transit facilities 1

� Credit 8 Transportation Demand management 2

� Credit 9 Access to Civic and public Spaces 1

� Credit 10 Access to recreation facilities 1



� Credit 11 Visit ability and Universal Design 1

� Credit 12 Community outreach and involvement 2

� Credit 13 Local food production 1

� Credit 14 Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets 2

� Credit 15 Neighborhood Schools 1

Green infrastructure and Buildings 29 possible points

� Prerequisite 1 Certified green building required

� Prerequisite 2 Minimum building Energy Efficiency required

� Prerequisite 3 Minimum building Water Efficiency required

� Prerequisite 4 Construction Activity pollution prevention required

� Credit 1 Certified green buildings 5

� Credit 2 Building Energy Efficiency 2

� Credit 3 Building Water Efficiency 1

� Credit 4 Water-Efficient Landscaping 1

� Credit 5 Existing building reuse 1

� Credit 6 Historic resource preservation and Adaptive Use 1

� Credit 7 Minimized Site Disturbance in Design and Construction 1

� Credit 8 Storm water management 4

� Credit 9 Heat island reduction 1

� Credit 10 Solar orientation 1

� Credit 11 On-Site renewable Energy Sources 3

� Credit 12 District heating and Cooling 2

� Credit 13 Infrastructure Energy Efficiency 1

� Credit 14 Wastewater management 2

� Credit 15 Recycled Content in infrastructure 1

� Credit 16 Solid Waste management infrastructure 1

� Credit 17 Light pollution reduction 1

Innovation and Design process 6 possible points

� Credit 1 Innovation and Exemplary performance 1–5

� Credit 2 LEED® Accredited professional 1

Regional priority Credit 4 possible points

� Credit 1 Regional priority 1–4



LEED 2009 for neighbourhood Development Certification levels

100 base points plus 6 possible innovation and Design process and 4 possible regional priorities

Credit points

CERTIFIED 40–49 points

SILVER 50–59 points

GOLD 60–79 points

PLATINUM 80points and+

4.4: Process of Certification

Stages of Certification

LEED for Neighbourhood Development involves projects that may have significantly

longer construction periods than single buildings, and as a result the standard LEED

certification process has been modified. To provide developers of certifiable projects with

conditional approval at an early stage, LEED 2009 for Neighbourhood Development

certification is divided into a three-stage process. A land-use entitlement, referred to

below, is the existing or granted right to use property for specific types and quantities of

residential and non-residential land uses.

Stage 1. Conditional Approval of a LEED-ND Plan. This stage is optional for projects

at any point before the entitlement process begins, or when no more than 50% of a

project’s total new and/or renovated building square footage has land-use entitlements to

use property for the specific types and quantities of residential and nonresidential land

uses proposed, either by right or through a local government regulatory change process.

Projects with more than 50% of new and/or renovated square footage already entitled

must complete the local entitlement process for 100% of new and/or renovated square

footage and apply under Stage 2.

If conditional approval of the plan is achieved, a letter will be issued stating that if the

project is built as proposed, it will be eligible to achieve LEED for Neighborhood

Development certification. The purpose of this letter is to help the developer build a case



for entitlement among land-use planning authorities, as well as attract financing and

occupant commitments.

Stage 2. Pre-Certified LEED-ND Plan. This stage is available after 100% of the

project’s total new and/or renovated building square footage has been fully entitled by

public authorities with jurisdiction over the project. The project can also be under

construction or partially completed, but no more than 75% of the total square footage can

be constructed; projects that are more than 75% constructed must finish and use Stage 3.

Any changes to the conditionally approved plan that could affect prerequisite or credit

achievement must be communicated as part of this submission. If precertification of the

plan is achieved, a certificate will be issued stating that the plan is a Pre- Certified LEED

for Neighborhood Development Plan and it will be listed as such on the USGBC website.

Stage 3. LEED-ND Certified Neighbourhood Development. This final step takes place

when the project can submit documentation for all prerequisites and attempted credits,

and when certificates of occupancy for buildings and acceptance of infrastructure have

been issued by public authorities with jurisdiction over the project. Any changes to the

Pre-Certified LEED-ND Plan that could affect prerequisite or credit achievement must be

communicated as part of this submission. If certification of the completed neighborhood

development is achieved, a plaque or similar award for public display at the project site

will be isssued and it will be listed as certified on the USGBC website.

Since the location of a project cannot be changed, whereas its design and technologies

can, a review is offered to determine a project’s compliance with the Smart Location and

Linkage (SLL) prerequisites and inform the team whether the location qualifies. If it

does, a project team can proceed; if it doesn’t, the team can end its participation in the

program before investing more time. This optional review of the SLL prerequisites is

available to projects in advance of a Stage 1, Stage 2, or Stage 3 application.



4.5: Areas of credits






4. 5.1 | Smart Links & Linkages

SLL Prerequisite 1: Smart Location (Required)

Intent

To encourage development within and near existing communities and public transit

infrastructure. To encourage improvement and redevelopment of existing cities, suburbs,

and towns while limiting the expansion of the development footprint in the region to

appropriate circumstances. To reduce vehicle trips and vehicle miles travelled (VMT). To

reduce the incidence of obesity, heart disease, and hypertension by encouraging daily

physical activity associated with walking and bicycling.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Either (a) locate the project on a site served by existing water and wastewater

infrastructure or (b) locate the project within a legally adopted, publicly owned, planned

water and wastewater service area, and provide new water and wastewater infrastructure

for the project.

AND

OPTION 1. Infill Sites

Locate the project on an infill site.

OR

OPTION 2. Adjacent Sites with Connectivity

Locate the project on an adjacent site (i.e., a site that is adjacent to previously developed

land) where the connectivity of the site and adjacent land is at least 90

intersections/square mile as measured within a 1/2-mile distance of a continuous segment



of the project boundary, equal to or greater than 25% of the project boundary, that is

adjacent to previous development.

Existing external and internal intersections may be counted if they were not constructed

or funded by the project developer within the past ten years. Locate and/or design the

project such that a through-street and/or non motorized right-of-way intersects the project

boundary at least every 600 feet on average, and at least every 800 feet, connecting it

with an existing street and/or right of way outside the project; non motorized rights-of-

way may count for no more than 20% of the total.

The exemptions listed in NPD Prerequisite 3, Connected and Open Community; do not

apply to this option

Figure 4.1: Adjacent and connected project site based on minimum 25% of perimeter adjacent

to previously developed parcels and at least 90 eligible intersections per square mile within 1/2

mile of boundary segment adjacent to previous development



Figure 4.2: Project site with through

OR

OPTION 3. Transit Corridor or Route with Adequate Transit Service

Locate the project on a site with existing and/or planned transit service such that at least

50% of dwelling units and

buildings) are within a 1/4 mile

1/2 mile walk distance of bus rapid transit

terminals, and the transit service at those stops in aggregate meets the minimums listed in

Table 1 (both weekday and weekend trip minimums must be met).

include service on both Saturday and Sunday. Commuter rail must serve more than one

metropolitan statistical area

Table

If transit service is planned but not yet operational, the project must demonstrate one of

the following:

a. The relevant transit agency has a signed full funding grant agreement with the

Federal Transit Administration that includes a revenue operations date for the start


| MBEM | SPA 2010

Project site with through-street right-of-way intersecting project boundary at least

every 600 feet on average

Corridor or Route with Adequate Transit Service


and nonresidential building entrances (inclusive of existing

buildings) are within a 1/4 mile walk distance of bus and/or streetcar stops, or within a

bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail stations, and/or ferry


and weekend trip minimums must be met).


metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and/or the area surrounding the core of an MSA.

Table 4.1: Minimum daily transit service


The relevant transit agency has a signed full funding grant agreement with the

Administration that includes a revenue operations date for the start

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 68

way intersecting project boundary at least

Corridor or Route with Adequate Transit Service


nonresidential building entrances (inclusive of existing

streetcar stops, or within a

stops, light or heavy rail stations, and/or ferry


Weekend trips must


(MSA) and/or the area surrounding the core of an MSA.


The relevant transit agency has a signed full funding grant agreement with the

Administration that includes a revenue operations date for the start



of transit service. The revenue operations date must be no later than the occupancy

date of 50% of the project’s total building square footage.

b. For bus, streetcar, bus rapid transit, or ferry service, the transit agency must certify

that it has an approved budget that includes specifically allocated funds sufficient

to provide the planned service at the levels listed above and that service at these

levels will commence no later than occupancy of 50% of the project’s total

building square footage.

c. For rail service other than streetcars, the transit agency must certify that

preliminary engineering for a rail line has commenced. In addition, the service

must meet either of these two requirements:

a. A state legislature or local subdivision of the state has authorized the transit

agency to expend funds to establish rail transit service that will commence

no later than occupancy of 50% of the project’s total building square

footage. OR

b. A municipality has dedicated funding or reimbursement commitments from

future tax revenue for the development of stations, platforms, or other rail

transit infrastructure that will service the project no later than occupancy of

50% of the project’s total building square footage.

Fig 4.3 Walking routes on pedestrian network showing distances from dwellings and non

residential uses to transit Stops



OR

OPTION 4. Sites with Nearby Neighbourhood Assets

Include a residential component equalling at least 30% of the project’s total building

square footage (exclusive of portions of parking structures devoted exclusively to

parking), and locate the project near existing neighbourhood shops, services, and

facilities (“diverse uses”; see Appendix) such that the project boundary is within 1/4-mile

walk distance of at least five diverse uses, or such that the project’s geographic center is

within 1/2-mile walk distance of at least seven diverse uses. In either case the qualifying

uses must include at least one food retail establishment and at least one service from each

of two other categories, with the following limitations:

a. A single establishment may not be counted in two categories (e.g., a place of worship

may be counted only once even if it also contains a daycares facility, and a retail store

may be counted only once even if it sells products in several categories).

b. Establishments in a mixed-use building may each count if they are distinctly operated

enterprises with separate exterior entrances, but no more than half of the minimum

number of diverse uses can be situated in a single building or under a common roof.

c. Only two establishments in a single category may be counted (e.g., if five restaurants

are within the required distance, only two may be counted).

Fig44. Walking routes on pedestrian network showing distances from dwellings and

nonresidential uses to diverse use destinations



SLL Prerequisite 2: Imperilled Species and Ecological Communities Conservation

(Required)

Intent

To conserve imperilled species and ecological communities.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Consult with the state Natural Heritage Program and state fish and wildlife agencies to

determine whether species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal

Endangered Species Act, the state’s endangered species act, or species or ecological

communities classified by NatureServe as GH (possibly extinct), G1 (critically

imperiled), or G2 (imperiled) have been or are likely to be found on the project site

because of the presence of suitable habitat and nearby occurrences. If the consultations

are inconclusive and site conditions indicate that imperiled species or ecological

communities could be present, using a qualified biologist, perform biological surveys

using accepted methodologies during appropriate seasons to determine whether such

species or communities occur or are likely to occur on the site.

OPTION 1. Sites without Affected Species or Ecological Community

The prerequisite is satisfied if the consultation and any necessary biological surveys

determine that no such imperiled species or ecological communities have been found or

have a high likelihood of occurring.

OR

OPTION 2. Sites with Affected Species or Ecological Community: Habitat Conservation

Plan Comply with an approved habitat conservation plan under the Endangered Species

Act for each identified species or ecological community.

OR

OPTION 3. Sites with Affected Species or Ecological Community: Habitat Conservation

Plan Equivalent Work with a qualified biologist, a nongovernmental conservation

organization, or the appropriate state, regional, or local agency to create and implement a

conservation plan that includes the following actions:

a. Identify and map the extent of the habitat and the appropriate buffer, not less

than 100 feet, according to best available scientific information.



b. To the maximum extent practicable, protect the identified habitat and buffer in

perpetuity by donating or selling the land or a conservation easement on the land

to an accredited land trust or relevant public agency.

c. If on-site protection can be accomplished, analyze threats from development

and develop a monitoring and management plan that eliminates or significantly

reduces the threats.

d. If any portion of the identified habitat and buffer cannot be protected in

perpetuity, quantify the effects by acres or number of plants and/or animals

affected, and protect from development in perpetuity habitat of similar or better

quality, on-site or off-site, by donating or selling a conservation easement on it to

an accredited land trust or relevant public agency. The donation or easement must

cover an amount of land equal to or larger than the area that cannot be protected.

SLL Prerequisite 3: Wetland and Water Body Conservation (Required)

Intent

To preserve water quality, natural hydrology, habitat, and biodiversity through

conservation of wetlands and water bodies.

Requirements

Limit development effects on wetlands, water bodies, and surrounding buffer land

according to the requirements below.

OPTION 1. Sites with No Wetlands, Water Bodies, Land within 50 Feet of Wetlands, or

Land within 100 Feet of Water Bodies

Locate the project on a site that includes no wetlands, no water bodies, no land within 50

feet of wetlands, and no land within 100 feet of water bodies.

OR

OPTION 2. Sites with Wetlands, Water Bodies, Land within 50 Feet of Wetlands, or

Land within 100 Feet of Water Bodies

a. Locate the project such that preproject wetlands, water bodies, land within 50 feet of

wetlands, and land within 100 feet of water bodies is not affected by new development,

unless the development is minor improvements or is on previously developed land.

OR



b. Earn at least 1 point under GIB Credit 8, Stormwater Management, and

impacts beyond minor improvements to less than the percentage o

Table4.2

Table 4.2: Maximum allowable area of impacts within buffer zone, by density

AND

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Comply with all local, state, and federal

conservation. The following features are not considered wetlands, water bodies, or buffer

land that must be protected for the

a. Previously developed land.

b. Man-made water

or stormwater retention

ecological communities in the water and along the edge.

c. Man-made linear wetlands that result from the interruption of natural drainages

by existing rights-of-

d. Wetlands that were man

measured wetland functions.

qualified biologist using a method that is accepted by

agencies. Minor improvements within the buffer may be undertaken to enhance

appreciation for the wetland or water

public access. Only the following improvements are permitted:

a) Bicycle and pedestrian pathways no more than 12 feet wide, of which no more

than 8 feet may be impervious.


| MBEM | SPA 2010

b. Earn at least 1 point under GIB Credit 8, Stormwater Management, and

improvements to less than the percentage of buffer land listed in

Maximum allowable area of impacts within buffer zone, by density

Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to wetland and water body

The following features are not considered wetlands, water bodies, or buffer

land that must be protected for the purposes of this prerequisite:

a. Previously developed land.

made water bodies (such as industrial mining pits, concrete

or stormwater retention ponds) that lack natural edges and floors or native

ecological communities in the water and along the edge.

made linear wetlands that result from the interruption of natural drainages

-way.

d. Wetlands that were man-made incidentally and have been rated “poor” for all

measured wetland functions. Wetland quality assessment must be performed by a

qualified biologist using a method that is accepted by state or regional permitting

Minor improvements within the buffer may be undertaken to enhance

appreciation for the wetland or water body, provided such facilities are open to


Bicycle and pedestrian pathways no more than 12 feet wide, of which no more

than 8 feet may be impervious.

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 73

b. Earn at least 1 point under GIB Credit 8, Stormwater Management, and limit any

f buffer land listed in

Maximum allowable area of impacts within buffer zone, by density

regulations pertaining to wetland and water body

The following features are not considered wetlands, water bodies, or buffer

bodies (such as industrial mining pits, concrete-lined canals,

ponds) that lack natural edges and floors or native

made linear wetlands that result from the interruption of natural drainages

made incidentally and have been rated “poor” for all

Wetland quality assessment must be performed by a

state or regional permitting

Minor improvements within the buffer may be undertaken to enhance

provided such facilities are open to


Bicycle and pedestrian pathways no more than 12 feet wide, of which no more



b) Activities to maintain or restore native natural communities and/or natural

hydrology.

c) One single-story structure not exceeding 500 square feet per 300 linear feet of

buffer, on average.

d) Grade changes necessary to ensure public access.

e) Clearings, limited to one per 300 linear feet of buffer on average, not exceeding

500 square feet each, for tables, benches, and access for non motorized

recreational watercraft. Off-street parking is not considered a minor improvement.

f) Removal of hazardous trees; up to 75% of dead trees; trees less than 6 inches

diameter at breast height;trees under 40% condition rating; and up to 20% of trees

more than 6 inches diameter at breast height with a condition rating of 40% or

higher. The condition rating must be based on an assessment by an arborist

certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) using ISA standard

measures.

g) Brownfield remediation activities.Direct impacts to wetlands and water bodies are

prohibited, except for minimal-impact structures, such as an elevated boardwalk,

that allow access to the water for educational and recreational purposes. Structures

that protrude into wetlands or water bodies may be replaced, provided the

replacement structure has the same or smaller footprint and a similar height.

SLL Prerequisite 4: Agricultural Land Conservation (Required)

Intent

To preserve irreplaceable agricultural resources by protecting prime and unique soils on

farmland and forestland from development.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Locate the project on a site that is not within a state or locally designated agricultural

preservation district, unless any changes made to the site conform to the requirements for

development within the district (as used in this requirement, district does not equate to

land-use zoning).

AND



OPTION 1. Sites without Affected Soils

Locate the project development footprint such that it does not disturb prime soils, unique

soils, or soils of state significance as identified in a state Natural Resources Conservation

Service soil survey. OR

OPTION 2. Infill Sites

Locate the project on an infill site. OR

OPTION 3. Sites Served by Transit

Comply with SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 3, Transit Corridor or Route with Adequate

Transit Service. OR

OPTION 4. Development Rights Receiving Area

Locate the project within a designated receiving area for development rights under a

publicly administered farmland protection program that provides for the transfer of

development rights from lands designated for conservation to lands designated for

development. OR

OPTION 5. Sites with Impacted Soils

If development footprint affects land with prime soils, unique soils, or soils of state

significance, as identified in a state Natural Resources Conservation Service soil survey,

mitigate the loss through the purchase of easements providing permanent protection from

development on land with comparable soils in accordance with the ratios based on

densities per acre of buildable land as listed in Tables 4.3 and 4.4.

Table 4.3: Mitigation ratios for projects in metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, pop-250,000



All off-site mitigation must be located within 100 miles of the project.

Up to 15% of the impacted soils area may be exempted from the density requirements if it

is permanently dedicated for community gardens, and may also count toward the

mitigation requirement for the remainder of the site. Portions of parking structures

devoted exclusively to parking must be excluded from the numerator when calculating

the floor area ratio (FAR).

The mitigation ratio for a mixed-use project is calculated as follows:

1. Determine the total square footage of all residential and non residential uses.

2. Calculate the percentage residential and percentage non residential of the total

square footage.

3. Determine the density of the residential and non residential components as

measured in dwelling units per acre and FAR, respectively.

4. Referring to Tables 1 and 2, find the appropriate mitigation ratios for the

residential and non residential components.

5. If the mitigation ratios are different, multiply the mitigation ratio of the

residential component by its percentage of the total square footage, and multiply

the mitigation ratio of the non residential component by its percentage.

6. Add the two numbers produced by Step 5. The result is the mitigation ratio.

SLL Prerequisite 5: Floodplain Avoidance (Required)

Intent

To protect life and property, promote open space and habitat conservation, and enhance

water quality and natural hydrological systems.

Requirement

OPTION 1. Sites without Floodplains

Table 4.4: Mitigation ratios for projects in metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, pop less than 250,000



Locate on a site that does not contain any land within a 100-year high- or moderate-risk

floodplain as defined and mapped by the Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA) or a state or local floodplain management agency, whichever is more recent.

OR

OPTION 2. Infill or Previously Developed Sites with Floodplains

Locate the project on an infill site or a previously developed site or in a nonconveyance

area of river or coastal floodplain without storm surge potential where compensatory

storage is used in accordance with a FEMA approved mitigation plan. Comply with the

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for developing any portions of

the site that lie within a 100-year high-or moderate-risk floodplain, as defined in Option

1. If the project includes construction of any critical facility, such as a hospital, water and

sewage treatment facility, emergency center, or fire or police station, the critical facility

must be designed and built so as to be protected and operable during a 500-year event, as

defined by FEMA. OR

OPTION 3. All Other Sites with Floodplains

If any part of the site is located within a 100-year high- or moderate-risk floodplain, as

defined above, develop only on portions of the site that are not in the floodplain, or that

have been previously developed, or that are in a non conveyance area of river or coastal

floodplain without storm surge potential where compensatory storage is used in

accordance with a FEMA-approved mitigation plan. Previously developed portions in the

floodplain must be developed according to NFIP requirements. If development includes

construction of any critical facility, as described above, the critical facility must be

designed and built so as to be protected and operable during a 500- year event, as defined

by FEMA.

SLL Credit 1: Preferred Locations (1–10 points)

Intent

To encourage development within existing cities, suburbs, and towns to reduce adverse

environmental and public health effects associated with sprawl. To reduce development

pressure beyond the limits of existing development. To conserve natural and financial

resources required for construction and maintenance of infrastructure.



Requirements

Achieve any combination of requirements in the following three options:

OPTION 1. Location Type

Locate the project in one of the following locations:

a) A previously developed site that is not an adjacent site or infill site (1 point).

b) An adjacent site that is also a previously developed site (2 points).

c) An infill site that is not a previously developed site (3 points).

d) An infill site that is also a previously developed site (5 points).

AND/OR

OPTION 2. Connectivity

Locate the project in an area that has existing connectivity within 1/2 mile of the project

boundary, as listed to Table 4.5

Intersections within the site may be counted if the intersections were not constructed or

funded by the developer within the past ten years.

AND/OR

OPTION 3. Designated High-Priority Locations

Achieve the following (3 points):

� Earn at least 2 points under NPD Credit 4, Mixed-Income Diverse Communities,

Option 2, Affordable Housing.

In addition, locate the project in one of the following high-priority redevelopment areas:

EPA National Priorities List, Federal Empowerment Zone, Federal Enterprise

Community, Federal Renewal Community, Department of Justice Weed and Seed

Strategy Community, Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial

Table4.5: Points for connectivity within ½ mile of project.



Institutions Fund Qualified Low-Income Community (a subset of the New Markets Tax

Credit Program), or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Qualified

Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult Development Area (DDA).

SLL Credit 2: Brownfield’s Redevelopment (1–2 points)

Intent

To encourage the reuse of land by developing sites that are complicated by environmental

contamination, thereby reducing pressure on undeveloped land.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Brownfield Sites (1 point)

Locate the project on a site, part or all of which is documented as contaminated (by

means of an ASTM E1903- 97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or a local

Voluntary Cleanup Program), or on a site defined as a brownfield by a local, state, or

federal government agency; and remediate site contamination such that the controlling

public authority approves the protective measures and/or cleanup as effective, safe, and

appropriate for the future use of the site.

OR

OPTION 2. High-Priority Redevelopment Areas (2 points)

Achieve the requirements in Option 1;

AND

Locate the project in one of the following high-priority redevelopment areas: EPA

National Priorities List, Federal Empowerment Zone, Federal Enterprise Community,

Federal Renewal Community, Department of Justice Weed and Seed Strategy

Community, Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions

Fund Qualified Low-Income Community (a subset of the New Markets Tax Credit

Program), or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Qualified

Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult Development Area (DDA).



SLL Credit 3: Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence (1–7 points)

Intent

To encourage development in locations shown to have multimodal transportation choices

or otherwise reduced motor vehicle use, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air

pollution, and other adverse environmental and public health effects associated with

motor vehicle use.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Transit-Served Location

Locate the project on a site with existing transit service such that at least 50% of dwelling

units and nonresidential building entrances (inclusive of existing buildings) are within a

1/4-mile walk distance of bus or streetcar stops, or within a 1/2-mile walk distance of bus

rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail stations, or ferry terminals, and the transit service at

those stops in aggregate meets the minimums listed in Tables 1 and 2. Both weekday and

weekend trip minimums must be met to earn points at a particular threshold.

Projects larger than 125 acres can meet the requirements by locating on a site with

existing transit service such that at least 40% of dwelling units and nonresidential

building entrances (inclusive of existing buildings) are within a 1/4-mile walk distance of

bus or streetcar stops, or within a 1/2-mile walk distance of bus rapid transit stops, lightor

heavy rail stations, or ferry terminals, and the transit service at those stops in aggregate

meets the minimums listed in Tables 1 and 2 (both weekday and weekend trip minimums

must be met to earn points at a particular threshold), as long as the 40% complies with

NPD Prerequisite 2 and any portion of the project beyond the 1/4-mile and/or 1/2-mile

walk distances meets SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 3-compliant planned transit service.

Projects greater than 500 acres can meet the requirements by locating on a site with

existing transit service such that at least 30% of dwelling units and nonresidential

building entrances (inclusive of existing buildings) are within a 1/4-mile walk distance of

bus or streetcar stops, or within a 1/2-mile walk distance of bus rapid transit stops, light

or heavy rail stations, or ferry terminals, and the transit service at those stops in aggregate

meets the minimums listed in Tables 1 and 2 (both weekday and weekend trip minimums

must be met to earn points at a particular threshold), as long as the 30% complies with



NPD Prerequisite 2 and any portion of the project beyond

walk distances meets SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 3

For all projects, weekend daily trips must include service on both Saturday and Sunday.

Commuter rail must serve more than one

area surrounding the core of an MSA.

Projects served by two or more transit routes such that no one route provides more than

60% of the prescribed levels may earn 1 bonus point, up to the maximum 7 points.

Projects where existing transit service is temporarily rerouted outside the required

distances for less than 2 years

committed to restoring the compliant routes with

OR

OPTION 2. Metropolitan Planning Organization Location with Low VMT

Locate the project within a region served by a metropolitan planning organization (MPO)

and within a transportation analysis zone where the current annual home

miles traveled (VMT) per capita does not exceed 90% of the average of the metropolitan

region. The research must be derived from

by the MPO within ten years of the date of submission for

Development certification. Additional credit may be awarded for increasing levels of

performance, as indicated in Table

Table 4.6: Minimum daily transit services for project with multiple transit types (bus, street car, rail or fery)

Table 4.7: Minimum daily transit services for project with


| MBEM | SPA 2010

NPD Prerequisite 2 and any portion of the project beyond the 1/4-

walk distances meets SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 3-compliant planned transit service.


more than one metropolitan statistical area

area surrounding the core of an MSA.


levels may earn 1 bonus point, up to the maximum 7 points.


distances for less than 2 years may meet the requirements if the local transit agency has

the compliant routes with service at or above the prior level.



a transportation analysis zone where the current annual home

capita does not exceed 90% of the average of the metropolitan

region. The research must be derived from household transportation surveys conducted

O within ten years of the date of submission for LEED for Neighborhood


performance, as indicated in Table 4.8.

ransit services for project with multiple transit types (bus, street car, rail or fery)

Minimum daily transit services for project with commuter rail or fery services

SEMINAR-1

PAGE | 81

-mile and/or 1/2-mile

compliant planned transit service.


metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and/or the


levels may earn 1 bonus point, up to the maximum 7 points.


may meet the requirements if the local transit agency has

service at or above the prior level.



a transportation analysis zone where the current annual home-based vehicle

capita does not exceed 90% of the average of the metropolitan

household transportation surveys conducted

LEED for Neighborhood


ransit services for project with multiple transit types (bus, street car, rail or fery)

commuter rail or fery services



SLL Credit 4: Bicycle Network and Storage (1 point)

Intent

To promote bicycling and transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles

traveled (VMT). To support public health by encouraging utilitarian and recreational

physical activity.

Requirements

BICYCLE NETWORK

Design and/or locate the project to meet at least one of the three requirements below:

a) An existing bicycle network of at least 5 continuous miles in length is within 1/4-

mile bicycling distance of the project boundary.

b) If the project is 100% residential, an existing bicycle network begins within 1/4-

mile bicycling distance of the project boundary and connects to a school or

employment center within 3 miles’ bicycling distance.

c) An existing bicycle network within 1/4-mile bicycling distance of the project

boundary connects to at least ten diverse uses (see Appendix) within 3 miles’

bicycling distance from the project boundary.

AND

BICYCLE STORAGE

Provide bicycle parking and storage capacity to new buildings as follows:

Table 4.8: Points for low VMT locations.



a) Multiunit residential. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle storage space

per occupant for 30% of the planned occupancy but no fewer than one per unit.

Provide secure visitor bicycle racks on-site, with at least one bicycle space per ten

dwelling units but no fewer than four spaces per project site.

b) Retail. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle storage space per new retail

worker for 10% of retail worker planned occupancy. Provide visitor or customer

bicycle racks on-site, with at least one bicycle space per 5,000 square feet of retail

space, but no fewer than one bicycle space per business or four bicycle spaces per

project site, whichever is greater. Provide at least one on-site shower with

changing facility for any development with 100 or more new workers and at least

one additional on-site shower with changing facility for every 150 new workers

thereafter.

c) Non residential other than retail. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle

storage space per new occupant for 10% of planned occupancy. Provide visitor

bicycle racks on-site with at least one bicycle space per 10,000 square feet of new

commercial nonretail space but not fewer than four bicycle spaces per building.

Provide at least one on-site shower with changing facility for any development

with 100 or more new workers and at least one additional on-site shower with

changing facility for every 150 new workers thereafter.

Secure, enclosed bicycle storage areas must be locked and easily accessible to residents

and/or workers. Provide informational signage on using the storage facilities.

Visitors’ and customers’ bicycle racks must be clearly visible from a main entry, located

within 100 feet of the door, served with night lighting, and protected from damage from

nearby vehicles. If the building has multiple main entries, bicycle racks must be

proportionally dispersed within 100 feet of each.

Shower and changing facility requirements may be met by providing the equivalent of

free access to on-site health club shower facilities, if the health club can be accessed

without going outside. Provide informational signage on using the shower facilities.



SLL Credit 5: Housing and Jobs Proximity (1–3 points)

Intent

To encourage balanced communities with a diversity of uses and employment

opportunities.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Project with Affordable Residential Component (3 points)

Include a residential component equaling at least 30% of the project’s total building

square footage (exclusive of parking structures), and locate and/or design the project such

that the geographic center (or boundary if the project exceeds 500 acres) is within 1/2-

mile walk distance of existing full-time-equivalent jobs whose number is equal to or

greater than the number of dwelling units in the project; and satisfy the requirements

necessary to earn at least one point under NPD Credit 4, Mixed-Income Diverse

Communities, Option 2, Affordable Housing.

OR

OPTION 2. Project With Residential Component (2 points)

Include a residential component equaling at least 30% of the project’s total building

square footage (exclusive of parking structures), and locate and/or design the project such

that the geographic center (or boundary if the project exceeds 500 acres) is within 1/2-

mile walk distance of existing full-time-equivalent jobs whose number is equal to or

greater than the number of dwelling units in the project.

OR

OPTION 3. Infill Project with Nonresidential Component (1 point)

Include a nonresidential component equaling at least 30% of the project’s total building

square footage (exclusive of parking structures), and locate on an infill site whose

geographic center (or boundary if the project exceeds 500 acres) is within 1/2-mile walk

distance of an existing rail transit, ferry, or tram stop and within 1/2-mile walk distance

of existing dwelling units whose number is equal to or greater than 50% of the number of

new full-time equivalent jobs created as part of the project.



SLL Credit 6: Steep Slope Protection (1 point)

Intent

To minimize erosion to protect habitat and reduce stress on natural water systems by

preserving steep slopes in a natural, vegetated state.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

All options apply to existing natural or constructed slopes. Portions of project sites with

slopes up to 20 feet in elevation, measured from toe (a distinct break between a 40%

slope and lesser slopes) to top, that are more than 30 feet in any direction from another

slope greater than 15% are exempt from the requirements, although more restrictive local

regulations may apply.

OPTION 1. No Disturbance of Slopes Over 15%

Locate on a site that has no existing slopes greater than 15%, or avoid disturbing portions

of the site that have existing slopes greater than 15%.

OR

OPTION 2. Previously Developed Sites with Slopes Over 15%

On portions of previously developed sites with existing slopes greater than 15%, restore

the slope area with native plants or noninvasive adapted plants according to Table 4.9.

In addition, develop covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R); development

agreements; or other binding documents that will protect the specified steep slope areas

in perpetuity. Comply with the requirements of Option 3 on any slope over 15% that has

not been previously developed.

OR

OPTION 3. Undeveloped Sites with Slopes Over 15%

On sites that are not previously developed, protect existing slopes over 15% as follows:

Table 4.9: Required restoration area of slope.



a) Do not disturb slopes greater than 40% and do not disturb portions of the project

site within 50 feet horizontally of the top of the slope and 75 feet horizontally

from the toe of the slope.

b) Limit development to no more than 40% of slopes between 25% and 40% and to

no more than 60% of slopes between 15% and 25%.

c) Locate development such that the percentage of the development footprint that is

on existing slopes less than 15% is greater than the percentage of buildable land

that has existing slopes less than 15%.

d) Develop CC&R, development agreements, or other binding documents that will

protect steep slopes in perpetuity.

SLL Credit 7: Site Design for Habitat or Wetland and Water Body Conservation (1

point)

Intent

To conserve native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Sites without Significant Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies

Locate the project on a site that does not have significant habitat, as defined in Option 2

of this credit, or land within 100 feet of such habitat, and fulfill the requirements of

Options 1 or 2(a) under SLL Prerequisite 3, Wetland and Water Body Conservation.

OR

OPTION 2. Sites with Significant Habitat

Work with both the state’s Natural Heritage Program and the state fish and wildlife

agency to delineate identified significant habitat on the site. Do not disturb significant

habitat or portions of the site within an appropriate buffer around the habitat. The

geographic extent of the habitat and buffer must be identified by a qualified biologist, a

nongovernmental conservation organization, or the appropriate state or regional agency.

Protect significant habitat and its identified buffers from development in perpetuity by

donating or selling the land, or a conservation easement on the land, to an accredited land

trust or relevant public agency (a deed covenant is not sufficient to meet this

requirement). Identify and commit to ongoing management activities, along with parties



responsible for management and funding available, so that habitat is maintained in

preproject condition or better for a minimum of three years after the project is built out.

The requirement for identifying ongoing management activities may also be met by

earning SLL Credit 9, Long-Term Conservation Management of Wetlands and Water

Bodies.

Significant habitat for this credit includes the following:

a. Habitat for species that are listed or are candidates for listing under state or

federal endangered species acts, habitat for species of special concern in the state,

and/or habitat for those species and/or ecological communities classified as G1,

G2, G3, and/or S1 and S2 species by Nature Serve.

b. Locally or regionally significant habitat of any size, or patches of predominantly

native vegetation at least 150 acres (even if some of the 150 acres lies outside the

project boundary).

c. Habitat flagged for conservation under a regional or state conservation or green

infrastructure plan.

OR

OPTION 3. Sites with Wetlands and Water Bodies

Design the project to conserve 100% of all water bodies, wetlands, land within 100 feet

of water bodies, and land within 50 feet of wetlands on the site. Using a qualified

biologist, conduct an assessment, or compile existing assessments, showing the extent to

which those water bodies and/or wetlands perform the following functions:

1. water quality maintenance,

2. wildlife habitat protection, and

3. hydrologic function maintenance, including flood protection. Assign appropriate

buffers (not less than 100 feet for water bodies and 50 feet for wetlands) based on

the functions provided, contiguous soils and slopes, and contiguous land uses. Do

not disturb wetlands, water bodies, and their buffers, and protect them from

development in perpetuity by donating or selling the land, or a conservation

easement on the land, to an accredited land trust or relevant public agency(a deed

covenant is not sufficient to meet this requirement). Identify and commit to



ongoing management activities, along with parties responsible for management

and funding available, so that habitat is maintained in preproject condition or

better for a minimum of three years after the project is built out. The requirement

for identifying ongoing management activities may also be met by earning SLL

Credit 9, Long-Term Conservation Management of Wetlands and Water Bodies.

The project does not meet the requirements if it has negative effects on habitat for

species identified in Option 2(a).

FOR ALL PROJECTS

The following features are not considered wetlands, water bodies, or buffer land that

must be protected:

a) Previously developed land.

b) Man-made water bodies (such as industrial mining pits, concrete-lined canals, or

stormwater retention ponds) that lack natural edges and floors or native ecological

communities in the water and along the edge

c) Man-made linear wetlands that result from the interruption of natural drainages by

existing rights-of-way.

d) Wetlands that were created incidentally by human activity and have been rated

“poor” for all measured wetland functions. Wetland quality assessment must be

performed by a qualified biologist using a method that is accepted by state or

regional permitting agencies.

SLL Credit 8: Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies (1 point)

Intent

To restore native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies that have been

harmed by previous human activities.

Requirements

Using only native plants, restore predevelopment native ecological communities, water

bodies, or wetlands on the project site in an area equal to or greater than 10% of the

development footprint. Work with a qualified biologist to ensure that restored areas will

have the native species assemblages, hydrology, and other habitat characteristics that



likely occurred in predevelopment conditions. Protect such areas from development in

perpetuity by donating or selling the land, or a conservation easement on the land, to an

accredited land trust or relevant public agency (a deed covenant is not sufficient to meet

this requirement). Identify and commit to ongoing management activities, along with

parties responsible for management and funding available, so that restored areas are

maintained for a minimum of three years after the project is built out or the restoration is

completed, whichever is later. The requirement for identifying ongoing management

activities may also be met by earning SLL Credit 9, Long-Term Conservation

Management of Wetlands and Water Bodies. The project does not meet the requirements

if it has negative effects on habitat for species identified in Option 2(a) of SLL Credit 7,

Site Design for Habitat or Wetland and Water Body Conservation.

SLL Credit 9: Long-Term Conservation Management of Habitat or Wetlands and

Water Bodies (1 point)

Intent

To conserve native plants, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water bodies.

Requirements

Create and commit to implementing a long-term (at least ten-year) management plan for

new or existing onsite native habitats, water bodies, and/or wetlands and their buffers,

and create a guaranteed funding source for management. Involve a qualified biologist or a

professional from a natural resources agency or natural resources consulting firm in

writing the management plan and conducting or evaluating the ongoing management. The

plan must include biological objectives consistent with habitat and/or water resource

conservation, and it must identify

(1) procedures, including personnel to carry them out, for maintaining the

conservation areas;

(2) estimated implementation costs and funding sources; and

(3) Threats that the project poses for habitat and/or water resources within

conservation areas (e.g., introduction of exotic species, intrusion of residents in

habitat areas) and measures to substantially reduce those threats. The project does

not meet the requirements if it has negative effects on habitat for species identified



in Option 2(a) of SLL Credit 7, Site Design for Habitat or Wetland and Water

Body Conservation.

4. 5.2 | Neighborhood Pattern & design

NP D Prerequisite 1: Walkable Streets (Required)

Intent

To promote transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

To promote walking by providing safe, appealing, and comfortable street environments

that support public health by reducing pedestrian injuries and encouraging daily physical

activity.

Requirements

Design and build the project to achieve all of the following:

a) For 90% of new building frontage, a principal functional entry on the front façade

faces a public space, such as a street, square, park, paseo, or plaza, but not a

parking lot, and is connected to sidewalks or equivalent provisions for walking.

The square, park, or plaza must be at least 50 feet wide at a point perpendicular to

each entry.

b) At least 15% of existing and new street frontage within and bordering the project

has a minimum building height-to-street-width ratio of 1:3 (i.e., a minimum of 1

foot of building height for every 3 feet of street width).

• Nonmotorized rights-of-way may be counted toward the 15% requirement, but

100% of such spaces must have a minimum building-height-to-street-width ratio

of 1:1.

• Projects with bordering street frontage must meet only their proportional share of

the height-to-width ratio (i.e., only on the project side of the street).

• Street frontage is measured in linear feet.

• Building height is measured to eaves or the top of the roof for a flat-roof structure,

and street width is measured façade to façade. For block frontages with multiple

heights and/or widths, use average heights or widths weighted by each segment’s

linear share of the total block distance.

• Alleys and driveways are excluded.



c) Continuous sidewalks or equivalent all-weather provisions for walking are

provided along both sides of 90% of streets or frontage within the project,

including the project side of streets bordering the project. New sidewalks, whether

adjacent to streets or not, must be at least 8 feet wide on retail or mixed-use blocks

and at least 4 feet wide on all other blocks. Equivalent provisions for walking

include woonerfs and allweather- surface footpaths. Alleys, driveways, and

reconstructed existing sidewalks are excluded from these calculations.

d) No more than 20% of the street frontages within the project are faced directly by

garage and service bay openings.

Projects in a designated historic district subject to review by a local historic preservation

entity are exempt from (b), (c), and (d) if approval for compliance is not granted by the

review body. Projects in historic districts listed in or eligible for listing in a state register

or the National Register of Historic Places that are subject to review by a state historic

preservation office or the National Park Service are exempt from (b), (c), and (d) if

approval for compliance is not granted.

NPD Prerequisite 2: Compact Development (Required)

Intent

To conserve land. To promote livability, walkability, and transportation efficiency,

including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT). To leverage and support transit

investments. To reduce public health risks by encouraging daily physical activity

associated with walking and bicycling.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Projects in Transit Corridors

For projects with existing and/or planned transit service (i.e., service with the funding

commitments specified in SLL Prerequisite 1, Smart Location) that meets or exceeds the

2-point threshold in SLL Credit 3, Locations with Reduced Automobile Dependence,

Option 1, build at the following densities, based on the walk distances to the transit

service specified in SLL Credit 3:

a. For residential components located within the walk distances: 12 or more dwelling

units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses.



b. For residential components falling outside the walk distances: 7 or more dwelling

units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses.

c. For nonresidential components located within the walk distances: 0.80 floor-area

ratio (FAR) or greater of buildable land available for nonresidential uses.

d. or nonresidential components falling outside the walk distances: 0.50 FAR or

greater of buildable land available for nonresidential uses.

If the project location is served by a transit agency that has specified guidelines for

minimum service densities that are greater than the densities required by this prerequisite,

the project must achieve those service densities instead.

OR

OPTION 2. All Other Projects Build any residential components of the project at a

density of 7 dwelling units per acre of buildable land available for residential uses.

AND

Build any nonresidential components of the project at a density of 0.50 FAR or greater of

buildable land available for nonresidential uses.

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Density calculations include all planned and existing buildings within the project

boundary, excluding those portions of parking structures devoted exclusively to parking.

The specified density must be achieved within five years of the date that the first building

of any type is occupied. If one component of the project, residential or nonresidential,

meets the minimum density requirement but the other component does not, include only

the qualifying density. Use that component’s dwelling units or nonresidential floor area

in the numerator and the total buildable land area in the denominator. If the resulting

density meets the minimum requirement, the prerequisite is achieved.

NPD Prerequisite 3: Connected and Open Community (Required)

Intent

To promote projects that have high levels of internal connectivity and are well connected

to the community at large. To encourage development within existing communities that

promote transportation efficiency through multimodal transportation. To improve public

health by encouraging daily physical activity.



Requirements

OPTION 1. Projects with Internal Streets

Design and build the project such that its internal connectivity is at least 140 intersections

per square mile. All streets and sidewalks that are counted toward the connectivity

requirement must be available for general public use and not gated. Gated areas are not

considered available for public use, with the exception of education and health care

campuses and military bases where gates are used for security purposes.

AND

Design and build the project with at least one through-street and/or nonmotorized right-

of-way intersecting or terminating at the project boundary at least every 800 feet, or at

existing abutting street intervals and intersections, whichever is the shorter distance.

Nonmotorized rights-of-way may count for no more than 20% of the total. This does not

apply to portions of the boundary where connections cannot be made because of physical

obstacles, such as prior platting of property, construction of existing buildings or other

barriers, slopes over 15%, wetlands and water bodies, railroad and utility rights-of-way,

existing limited-access motor vehicle rights-of-way, and parks and dedicated open space.

OR

Fig 4.5: Project site design with 140 eligible intersections per square mile on street that are

not gated



OPTION 2. Projects without Internal Streets

Locate the project such that the connectivity of the existing streets within 1/4 mile of the

project boundary is at least 90 intersections per square mile. All streets and sidewalks that

are counted toward the connectivity requirement must be available for general public use

and not gated. Gated areas are not considered available for public use, with the exception

of education and health care campuses and military bases where gates are used for

security purposes.

NP D Credit 1: Walkable Streets (1–12 points)

Intent

To promote transportation efficiency, including reduced vehicle miles traveled (VMT).

To promote walking by providing safe, appealing, and comfortable street environments

Fig 4.6: Project site with at least 90 eligible intersections per square mile 1/4mile of project

boundary



that support public health by reducing pedestrian injuries and encouraging daily physical

activity.

Requirements

A project may earn a maximum of 12 points according to the schedule in Table 4.10:

NPD Credit 2: Compact Development (1–6 points)

Intent

To encourage development in existing areas to conserve land and protect farmland and

wildlife habitat. To promote livability, walkability, and transportation efficiency,

including reduced vehicle miles travelled (VMT). To improve public health encouraging

daily physical activity associated with alternative modes of transportation and compact

development.

Requirements

Design and build the project such that residential and non residential components achieve

the densities per acre of buildable land listed in Table 4.11 (excluding those portions of

parking structures devoted to parking).

Table 4.10: Points for walk able street features

Table 4.11: Points for density per acre of buildable land



The specified densities must be achieved within five years of the date that the first

building of any type is occupied.

The scoring of a mixed-use project is calculated with a weighted average, according to

the following steps.

1. Determine the total square footage of all residential and nonresidential uses.

2. Calculate the percentage residential and percentage nonresidential of the total

square footage.

3. Determine the density of each component as measured in dwelling units per acre

and floor-area ratio, respectively.

4. Referring to Table 1, find the appropriate points for the densities of the residential

and nonresidential components.

5. If the points are different, multiply the point value of the residential component by

its percentage of the total square footage and multiply the point value of the

nonresidential component by its percentage.

6. Add the two scores.

NPD Credit 3: Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers (1–4 points)

Intent

To cluster diverse land uses in accessible neighborhood and regional centers to encourage

daily walking, biking, and transit use, reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and

automobile dependence, and support car-free living.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Locate and/or design the project such that 50% of its dwelling units are within a 1/4-mile

walk distance of the number of diverse uses (see Appendix) in Table 1, including at least

one use from each of the four categories. For projects with no dwellings, 50% of dwelling

units within 1/4 mile of the project boundary must be within a 1/4-mile walk distance of

the number of diverse uses specified in Table 1, including at least one food retail store

and at least one establishment from each of two other categories. Establishments may be

inside or outside the project and may be existing or planned diverse uses.



The specified number of diverse uses must be in place by the time of occupancy

according to the percentages indicated in Table 4.12 (exclusive of portions of parking

structures devoted to parking):

Per neighborhood center, the following restrictions apply:

a) A single establishment may not be counted in two categories (e.g., a place of

worship may be counted only once even if it also contains a daycare facility, and a

retail store may be counted only once even if it sells products in several

categories).

b) Establishments in a mixed-use building may each count if they are distinctly

operated enterprises with separate exterior entrances, but no more than half of the

minimum number of diverse uses can be situated in a single building or under a

common roof.

c) Only two establishments in a single category may be counted (e.g., if five

restaurants are within the required distance, only two may be counted).

FOR PROJECTS 40 ACRES OR GREATER

Cluster diverse uses into neighborhood centers as follows:

Within each neighborhood center, the principal entries of the establishments must be

within a 300-foot walk distance from a single common point that represents the center of

the cluster (1 or 2 points) or within a 400-foot walk distance (3 or 4 points).

Table 4.12: Points for Diverse Use within ¼ mile walk distance, by time of occupancy.

Table 4.13: Points for Clustering of Diverse Uses.



Also, projects with multiple centers must determine points earned based on the number of

uses in the centers weighted by the percentage of total dwelling units within a 1/4-mile

walk distance from each center’s common point.

AND

FOR PROJECTS WITH REGIONAL-SERVING RETAIL OF 150,000 OR MORE

SQUARE FEET

Projects with retail uses totaling 150,000 or more square feet, if they have at least one

retail establishment totalling 75,000 or more square feet, must also earn a minimum of 1

point under SLL Credit 3, Reduced Automobile Dependence, Option 1, Transit-Served

Location (planned transit service can be counted), and for every additional 50,000 square

feet of retail above 150,000 square feet, must earn 1 additional point under SLL Credit 3.


the following:

a) The relevant transit agency has a signed full funding grant agreement with the

Federal Transit Administration that includes a revenue operations date for the start

of transit service. The revenue operations date must be no later than the occupancy

date of 50% of the project’s total building square footage.

b) For bus, streetcar, bus rapid transit, or ferry service, the transit agency must

certify that it has an approved budget that includes specifically allocated funds

sufficient to provide the planned service at the levels listed above and that service

at these levels will commence no later than occupancy of 50% of the project’s

total building square footage.

c) For rail service other than streetcars, the transit agency must certify that

preliminary engineering for a rail line has commenced. In addition, the service

must meet either of these two requirements:

a. A state legislature or local subdivision of the state has authorized the transit

agency to expend funds to establish rail transit service that will commence

no later than occupancy of 50% of the project’s total building square

footage.

OR



b. A municipality has dedicated funding or reimbursement commitments from

future tax revenue for the development of stations, platforms, or other rail

transit infrastructure that will service the project no later than occupancy of

50% of the project’s total building square footage.

NPD Credit 4: Mixed-Income Diverse Communities (1–7 points)

Intent

To promote socially equitable and engaging communities by enabling residents from a

wide range of economic levels, household sizes, and age groups to live in a community.

Requirements

Meet the requirements of one or more options below.

OPTION 1 : Diversity of Housing Types Include a sufficient variety of housing sizes and

types in the project such that the total variety of planned and existing housing within the

project achieves a Simpson Diversity Index score greater than 0.5, using the housing

categories below. Projects of less than 125 acres may calculate the Simpson Diversity

Index for the area within 1/4 mile of the project’s geographic center. The Simpson

Diversity Index calculates the probability that any two randomly selected dwelling units

in a project will be of a different type.

Score = 1- ∑ (n/N) 2.

where n = the total number of dwelling units in a single category, and N = the total

number of dwelling units in all categories.

Housing categories are defined according to the dwelling unit’s net square footage,

exclusive of any garage, as listed in Table 4.14.



For the purposes of this credit, townhouse and live-work units may have individual

ground-level entrances and/ or be within a multiunit or mixed-use building. Double

counting is prohibited; each dwelling may be classified in only one category. The number

of stories in a building is inclusive of the ground floor regardless of its use.

AND/OR

OPTION 2. Affordable Housing

Include a proportion of new rental and/or for-sale dwelling units priced for households

earning below the area median income (AMI). Rental units must be maintained at

affordable levels for a minimum of 15 years. Existing dwelling units are exempt from

requirement calculations. A maximum of 3 points may be earned by meeting any

combination of thresholds in Table 4.15.

Table 4.14: Housing categories.



AND/OR

OPTION 3. Mixed-Income Diverse Communities

A project may earn 1 additional point by earning at least 2 points in Option 1 and at least

2 points in Option 2 (at least one of which must be for providing housing at or below

100% AMI).

NPD Credit 5: Reduced Parking Footprint (1 point)

Intent

To design parking to increase the pedestrian orientation of projects and minimize the

adverse environmental effects of parking facilities. To reduce public health risks by

encouraging daily physical activity associated with walking and bicycling.

Requirements

For new nonresidential buildings and multiunit residential buildings, either do not build

new off-street parking lots, or locate all new off-street surface parking lots at the side or

rear of buildings, leaving building frontages facing streets free of surface parking lots.

AND

Use no more than 20% of the total development footprint area for all new off-street

surface parking facilities, with no individual surface parking lot larger than 2 acres. For

the purposes of this credit, surface parking facilities include ground-level garages unless

they are under habitable building space. Underground or multistory parking facilities can

be used to provide additional capacity, and on-street parking spaces are exempt from this

limitation.

AND

Table 4.15: Points for affordable housing.



Provide bicycle parking and storage capacity to new buildings as follows:

a) Multiunit residential. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle storage space

per occupant for 30% of the planned occupancy but no fewer than one per unit.

Provide secure visitor bicycle racks on-site, with at least one bicycle space per ten

dwelling units but no fewer than four spaces per project site.

b) Retail. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle storage space per new retail

worker for 10% of retail worker planned occupancy. Provide visitor or customer

bicycle racks on-site, with at least one bicycle space per 5,000 square feet of retail

space, but no fewer than one bicycle space per business or four bicycle spaces per

project site, whichever is greater. Provide at least one on-site shower with

changing facility for any development with 100 or more new workers and at least

one additional on-site shower with changing facility for every 150 new workers

thereafter.

c) Non residential other than retail. Provide at least one secure, enclosed bicycle

storage space per new occupant for 10% of planned occupancy. Provide visitor

bicycle racks on-site with at least one bicycle space per 10,000 square feet of new

commercial nonretail space but not fewer than four bicycle spaces per building.

Provide at least one on-site shower with changing facility for any development

with 100 or more new workers and at least one additional on-site shower with

changing facility for every 150 new workers thereafter. Secure, enclosed bicycle

storage areas must be locked and easily accessible to residents and/or workers.

Provide informational signage on using the storage facilities.

Visitors’ and customers’ bicycle racks must be clearly visible from a main entry, located

within 100 feet of the door, served with night lighting, and protected from damage from

nearby vehicles. If the building has multiple main entries, bicycle racks must be

proportionally dispersed within 100 feet of each.

Shower and changing facility requirements may be met by providing the equivalent of

free access to on-site health club shower facilities, if the health club can be accessed

without going outside. Provide informational signage on using the shower facilities.

AND



Provide carpool and/or shared-use vehicle parking spaces equivalent to 10% of the total

automobile parking for each nonresidential and mixed-use building on the site. Signage

indicating such parking spots must be provided, and the parking spots must be within 200

feet of entrances to the buildings served.

NPD Credit 6: Street Network (1–2 points)

Intent

To promote projects that have high levels of internal connectivity and are well connected

to the community at large. To encourage development within existing communities,

thereby conserving land and promoting multimodal transportation. To improve public

health by encouraging daily physical activity and reducing the negative effects of motor

vehicle emissions.

Requirements

Design and/or locate the project such that a through-street and/or nonmotorized

right‑of‑way intersects or terminates at the project boundary at least every 400 feet or at

existing abutting street intervals and intersections, whichever is the shorter distance.

Include a pedestrian or bicycle through-connection in at least 90% of any new culs-de-

sac. This does not apply to portions of the boundary where connections cannot be made

because of physical obstacles, such as prior platting of property, construction of existing

buildings or other barriers, slopes over 15%, wetlands and water bodies, railroad and

utility rights-of-way, existing limited-access motor vehicle rights-of-way, and parks and

dedicated open space.

Fig 4.7: Project site with right- of-way intersects on project boundary at least every 400 feet.



AND

Locate and/or design the project such that its internal connectivity and/or the connectivity

within a 1/4-mile distance of the project boundary falls within one of the ranges listed in

Table 4.16

All streets and sidewalks that are counted toward the connectivity requirement must be

available for general public use and not gated. Gated areas are not considered available

for public use, with the exception of education and health care campuses, and military

bases where gates are used for security purposes.

NPD Credit 7: Transit Facilities (1 point)

Intent

To encourage transit use and reduce driving by providing safe, convenient, and

comfortable transit waiting areas and safe and secure bicycle storage facilities for transit

users.

Requirements

Work with the transit agency or agencies serving the project to identify transit stop

locations within and/or bordering the project boundary where transit agency-approved

shelters and any other agency-required improvements, including bicycle racks, will be

installed no later than construction of 50% of total project square footage. At those

locations, install approved shelters and any required improvements, or provide funding to

the transit agency for their installation. Shelters must be covered, be at least partially

enclosed to buffer wind and rain, and have seating and illumination. Any required bicycle

racks must have a two-point support system for locking the frame and wheels and be

securely affixed to the ground or a building.

AND

Table 4.16: Points for connectivity



Work with the transit agency or agencies serving the project to identify locations within

and bordering the project boundary where the agency determines that transit stops will be

warranted within two years of project completion, either because of increased ridership

on existing service resulting from the project or because of planned future transit. At

those locations, reserve space for transit shelters and any required improvements,

including bicycle racks. In lieu of or in addition to new stops, this requirement can be

satisfied with a commitment from the transit agency to provide increased service to the

transit stops that will have been installed at the time of 50% build-out.

AND

Work with the transit agency or agencies serving the project to provide kiosks, bulletin

boards, and/or signs that display transit schedules and route information at each public

transit stop within and bordering the project.

NPD Credit 8: Transportation Demand Management (1–2 points)

Intent

To reduce energy consumption, pollution from motor vehicles, and adverse public health

effects by encouraging multimodal travel.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Earn one point for every two options achieved below, for a maximum of two points. For

the purposes of this credit, existing buildings and their occupants are exempt from the

requirements.

OPTION 1. TDM Program

Create and implement a comprehensive transportation demand management (TDM)

program for the project that reduces weekday peak-period motor vehicle trips by at least

20% compared with a baseline case, and fund the program for a minimum of three years

following build-out of the project. The TDM program must be prepared by a qualified

transportation professional. Any trip reduction effects of Options 2, 3, 4, or 5 may not be

included in calculating the 20% threshold.

OR

OPTION 2. Transit Passes



Provide transit passes valid for at least one year, subsidized to be half of regular price or

cheaper, to each occupant locating within the project during the first three years of

project occupancy (or longer). Publicize the availability of subsidized transit passes are

available to project occupants;

OR

OPTION 3. Developer-Sponsored Transit

Provide year-round, developer-sponsored private transit service (with vans, shuttles,

buses) from at least one central point in the project to other major transit facilities, and/or

other destinations such as a retail or employment center, with service no less frequent

than 45 daily weekday trips and 30 daily weekend trips. The service must begin by the

time the project total square footage is 20% occupied and must be guaranteed for at least

three years beyond project build-out. Twenty percent occupancy is defined as residents

living in 20% of the dwelling units and/or employees working in 20% of the total

nonresidential square footage. Provide transit stop shelters and bicycle racks adequate to

meet projected demand but no less than one shelter and one bicycle rack at each transit

stop. Shelters must be covered, be at least partially enclosed to buffer wind and rain, and

have seating and illumination. Bicycle racks must have a two-point support system for

locking the frame and wheels and must be securely affixed to the ground or a building.

OR

OPTION 4. Vehicle Sharing

Locate the project such that 50% of the dwelling units and nonresidential building

entrances are within a 1/4 mile walk distance of at least one vehicle in a vehicle-sharing

program. For each vehicle, dedicate one parking space accessible to vehicle-sharing

members. Through signage and other means, publicize to project occupants the

availability and benefits of the vehicle-sharing program. If the project has more than 100

dwelling units and/ or employees and has a minimum transit service of 60 daily weekday

trips and 40 daily weekend trips, at least one additional vehicle and parking space for

every 100 dwelling units and/or employees must be available. If the project has more

than 100 dwelling units and/or employees but does not have transit service at the

frequencies specified above, at least one additional vehicle and parking space for every

200 dwelling units and/or employees must be available. Where new vehicle locations are



created, a vehicle sharing program must begin by the time the project total square footage

is 20% occupied; commit to providing vehicles to the locations for at least two years.

Twenty percent occupancy is defined as residents living in 20% of the project dwelling

units and/or employees working in 20% of the total nonresidential square footage of the

project.

OR

OPTION 5. Unbundling of Parking

For 90% of multiunit residential units and/or nonresidential square footage, the

associated parking spaces are sold or rented separately from the dwelling units and/or

nonresidential square footage.

NPD Credit 9: Access to Civic and Public Space (1 point)

Intent

To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of open

spaces close to work and home to facilitate social networking, civic engagement, physical

activity, and time spent outdoors.

Requirements

Locate and/or design the project such that a civic or passive-use space, such as a square,

park, paseo, or plaza, at least 1/6 acre in area lies within a 1/4-mile walk distance of 90%

of planned and existing dwelling units and nonresidential building entrances. Spaces less

than 1 acre must have a proportion no narrower than 1 unit of width to 4 units of length.

AND

For projects larger than 7 acres, locate and/or design the project such that the median size

of civic or passive-use spaces within and/or contiguous to the project is at least 1/2 acre.

NPD Credit 10: Access to Recreation Facilities (1 point)

Intent

To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of

recreational facilities close to work and home to facilitate physical activity and social

networking.



Requirements

Locate and/or design the project so that a publicly accessible outdoor recreation facility

at least 1 acre in area, or a publicly accessible indoor recreational facility of at least

25,000 square feet, lies within a 1/2-mile walk distance of 90% of new and existing

dwelling units and nonresidential building entrances. Outdoor recreation facilities must

consist of physical improvements and may include “tot lots,” swimming pools, and sports

fields, such as baseball diamonds.

NPD Credit 11: Visit ability and Universal Design (1 point)

Intent

To enable the widest spectrum of people, regardless of age or ability, to more easily

participate in community life by increasing the proportion of areas usable by people of

diverse abilities.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Projects with Dwelling Units

For each new project dwelling unit of the following residential building types, design to

the applicable requirements specified:

Single dwelling unit buildings. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units (and

not less than one) in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Type C, Visitable Unit, each of

which has an open-space plan for primary functions (an area for cooking, eating, and

social gathering), as well as a sleeping area and a full bathroom.

Multiunit building with two or three dwelling units. Design a minimum of 20% of the

dwelling units (and not less than one) in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1, Type C,

Visitable Unit, each of which has a kitchen, dining area, living area, full bathroom, and

bedroom on the accessible level. If a project has both attached and detached single

dwelling unit buildings, the requirements apply to each type separately. Similarly, if a

project has both 2- and 3- dwelling unit buildings, the requirements apply to each type.

Multiunit buildings with four or more dwelling units. This category includes mixed-

use buildings with dwelling units. Design a minimum of 20% of the dwelling units (and

not less than one) to incorporate the universal design requirements stated below, or



comply with Option 2. Choose at least one of the following three strategies for universal

design:

a. Throughout the home, include at least five of the following universal design

features to facilitate universal function, access, and user ability:

• Easy-to-grip lever door handles.

• Easy-to-grip cabinet and drawer loop handles.

• Easy-to-grip locking mechanisms on doors and windows.

• Easy-to-grip single-lever faucet handles.

• Easy-touch rocker or hands-free switches.

• Motion-detector lighting at entrance, in hallways and stairwells, and in

closets, and motion-detector light switches in garages, utility spaces, and

basements.

• Large, high-contrast print for controls, signals, and the house or unit

numbers.

• A built-in shelf, bench, or table with knee space below, located outside the

entry door with weather protection overhead, such as porch or stoop with

roof, awning, or other overhead covering.

• A minimum 32-inch clear door opening width for all doorways.

• Tread at the entrance, on stairs, and other areas where slipping is common,

with color contrast difference between stair treads and risers.

• Interior floor surfaces (e.g., low-pile carpets, hard-surface flooring) that

provide easy passage for a wheelchair or walker, with color contrast

between floor surfaces and trim. No carpet is permitted in a kitchen,

bathroom, or other wet areas of the dwelling unit.OR

b. On the main floor of the home (or on another floor, if an elevator or stair lift is

provided), provide a kitchen with hard-surface flooring, plumbing with single-

lever controls, a 5-foot turning radius, and at least four of the following universal

design features to facilitate universal function, access, and user-ability:

• Variable-height (28- to 42-inch) or adjustable work surfaces, such as

countertops, sinks, and/or cooktops.



• Clear knee space under sink and cooktops (this requirement can be met by

installing removable base cabinets or fold-back or self-storing doors),

cooktops and ranges with front or side-mounted controls, and wall-mounted

ovens at a height to accommodate a seated adult.

• A toe kick area at the base of lower cabinets with a minimum height of 9

inches, and full-extension drawers and shelves in at least half (by volume)

of the cabinets.

• Contrasting color treatment between countertops, front edges, and floor.

• Adjustable-height shelves in wall cabinets.

• Glare-free task lighting to illuminate work areas without too much

reflectivity.OR

c. On the main floor of the building (or on another floor, if an elevator or stair lift is

provided), include all of the following: In at least one accessible bedroom,

• Size the room to accommodate a twin bed with a 5-foot turning radius

around the bed.

• Install a clothes closet with a 32-inch clear opening with adjustable-height

closet rods and shelves.

• In at least one full bathroom on the same floor as the bedroom,

• Provide adequate maneuvering space with a 30-by-48-inch clear floor space

at each fixture.

• Center the toilet 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet, or tub, and allow a

3-foot clear space in front.

• Install broad blocking in walls around toilet, tub, and/or shower for future

placement and relocation of grab bars

• Provide knee space under the lavatory (this requirement may be met by

installing removable base cabinets or fold-back or self-storing doors).

• Install a long mirror whose bottom is no more than 36 inches above the

finished floor and whose top is at least 72 inches high.

• In addition, all bathrooms must have hard-surface flooring, all plumbing

fixtures must have single-lever controls, and tubs or showers must have

hand-held shower heads.



OR

OPTION 2. Projects with Noncompliant Public Rights-of-Way or Accessible Travel

Routes

For projects with only nonresidential components, or residential components that are not

within the scope of Option 1, but have public rights-of-way or other publicly accessible

travel routes within the project that are not in compliance with Americans with

Disabilities Act (for private sector and local and state government facilities) or the

Architectural Barriers Act (for federally funded facilities), design, construct, and/or

retrofit 100% of the rights-of-way and/or travel routes in accordance with the ADA-ABA

Accessibility Guidelines, as applicable.

NPD Credit 12: Community Outreach and Involvement (1–2 points)

Intent

To encourage responsiveness to community needs by involving the people who live or

work in the community in project design and planning and in decisions about how it

should be improved or how it should change over time.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Community Outreach (1 point)

Meet with adjacent property owners, residents, business owners, and workers; local

planning and community development officials; and any current residents or workers at

the project site to solicit and document their input on the proposed project prior to

commencing a design.

AND

Work directly with community associations and/or the local government to advertise an

open community meeting, other than an official public hearing, to generate comments on

project design from the beginning.

AND

Host an open community meeting, other than an official public hearing, to solicit and

document public input on the proposed project at the beginning of project design.

AND



Modify the project’s conceptual design as a direct result of community input, or if

modifications are not made, explain why community input did not generate design

modifications.

AND

Establish ongoing means for communication between the developer and the community

throughout the design and construction phases and, in cases where the developer

maintains any control during the post construction phase.

OR

OPTION 2. Charrette (2 points)

Comply with Option 1 and conduct a design charrette or interactive workshop of at least

two days and open to the public that includes, at a minimum, participation by a

representative group of nearby property owners, residents, business owners, and workers

in the preparation of conceptual project plans and drawings.

OR

OPTION 3. Local Endorsement Pursuant to Evaluation Program (2 points)

Comply with Option 1 and obtain an endorsement from an ongoing local or regional

nongovernmental program that systematically reviews and endorses smart growth

development projects under a rating and/or jury system.

NPD Credit 13: Local Food Production (1 point)

Intent

To promote community-based food production, improve nutrition through increased

access to fresh produce, support preservation of small farms producing a wide variety of

crops, reduce the negative environmental effects of large-scale industrialized agriculture,

and support local economic development that increases the economic value and

production of farmlands and community gardens.

Requirements

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Establish covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) or other forms of deed

restrictions that do not prohibit the growing of produce in project areas, including

greenhouses, any portion of residential front, rear, or side yards; or balconies, patios, or



rooftops. Greenhouses but not gardens may be prohibited in front yards that face the

street.

AND

OPTION 1. Neighborhood Farms and Gardens

Dedicate permanent and viable growing space and/or related facilities (such as

greenhouses) within the project according to the square footage areas specified in Table 1

(exclusive of existing dwellings). Provide solar access, fencing, watering systems, garden

bed enhancements (such as raised beds), secure storage space for tools, and pedestrian

access for these spaces. Ensure that the spaces are owned and managed by an entity that

includes occupants of the project in its decision making, such as a community group,

homeowners’ association, or public body.

Established community gardens outside the project boundary but within a 1/2 mile walk

distance of the project’s geographic center can satisfy this option if the garden otherwise

meets all of the option requirements.

OR

OPTION 2. Community-Supported Agriculture

Purchase shares in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program located within 150

miles of the project site for at least 80% of dwelling units within the project (exclusive of

existing dwelling units) for two years, beginning with each dwelling unit’s occupancy

until the 80% threshold is reached. Shares must be delivered to a point within 1/2 mile of

Table 4.17: Minimum garden space, by project density



the project’s geographic center on a regular schedule not less than twice per month at

least four months of the year.

OR

OPTION 3. Proximity To Farmers’ Market

Locate the project’s geographic center within a 1/2-mile walk distance of an existing or

planned farmers’ market that is open or will operate at least once weekly for at least five

months annually. Farmers’ market vendors may sell only items grown within 150 miles

of the project site. A planned farmers’ market must have firm commitments from farmers

and vendors that the market will meet all the above requirements and be in full operation

by the time of 50% occupancy of the project’s total square footage.

NPD Credit 14: Tree-Lined and Shaded Streets (1–2 points)

Intent

To encourage walking, bicycling, and transit use and discourage excessive motoring

speeds. To reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality, increase

evapotranspiration, and reduce cooling loads in buildings.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Tree-Lined Streets (1 point)

Design and build the project to provide street trees on both sides of at least 60% of new

and existing streets within the project and on the project side of bordering streets,

between the vehicle travel way and walkway, at intervals averaging no more than 40 feet

(excluding driveways and utility vaults).

AND/OR

OPTION 2. Shaded Streets (1 point)

Trees or other structures provide shade over at least 40% of the length of sidewalks on

streets within or contiguous to the project. Trees must provide shade within ten years of

landscape installation. Use the estimated crown diameter (the width of the shade if the

sun is directly above the tree) to calculate the shaded area.

AND

FOR ALL PROJECTS INVOLVING STREET TREE PLANTINGS



Obtain a registered landscape architect’s determination that planting details are

appropriate to growing healthy trees, taking into account tree species, root medium, and

width and soil volume of planter strips or wells, and that the selected tree species are not

considered invasive in the project context according to USDA or the state agricultural

extension service.

NPD Credit 15: Neighborhood Schools (1 point)

Intent

To promote community interaction and engagement by integrating schools into the

neighborhood. To support students’ health by encouraging walking and bicycling to

school.

Requirements

Include in the project a residential component that constitutes at least 30% of the

project’s total building square footage, and locate or design the project such that at least

50% of the dwelling units are within a 1/2-mile walk distance of an existing or new

elementary or middle school building entrance or within a 1-mile walk distance of an

existing or new high school building entrance. For any new school, the school district or

equivalent organization must commit in a legally binding warrant that the school will be

open by the time of occupancy of 50% of the project dwelling units.

Streets within and/or bordering the project boundary that lead from dwelling units to the

school site must have a complete network of sidewalks on both sides and either bicycle

lanes or traffic control and/or calming measures. If the school is planned as part of the

project, it must be designed such that pedestrians and cyclists can easily reach building

entrances without crossing bus zones, parking entrances, and student drop-off areas.

AND

New school campuses must not exceed the following:

� High schools, 15 acres.

� Middle schools, 10 acres.

� Elementary schools, 5 acres.

Schools combining grade levels from more than one category may use the grade level

with the higher allowable acreage.



Facilities on the school site for which there is a formal joint-use agreement with another

entity, such as athletic facilities, playgrounds, and multipurpose spaces in buildings, may

be deducted from the total site area of the school

4. 5.3 | Green Infrastructure & Building

GIB Prerequisite 1: Certified Green Building (Required)

Intent

To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings that utilize green building

practices.

Requirements

Design, construct, or retrofit one whole building within the project to be certified through

LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance,

LEED for Homes, LEED for Schools, LEED for Retail: New Construction, or LEED for

Core and Shell (with at least 75% of the floor area certified under LEED for Commercial

Interiors or LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors), or through a green building rating

system requiring review by independent, impartial, third-party certifying bodies as

defined by ISO/IEC 17021.

GIB Prerequisite 2: Minimum Building Energy Efficiency (Required)

Intent

To encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that reduce air,

water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and

consumption.

Requirements

The following requirement applies to 90% of the building floor area (rounded up to the

next whole building) of all nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multiunit

residential buildings four stories or more constructed as part of the project or undergoing

major renovations as part of the project. New buildings must demonstrate an average

10% improvement over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007 (with errata but

without addenda). Buildings undergoing major renovations must demonstrate an average

5% improvement over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007.



Projects must document building energy efficiency using one or a combination of the

following:

a) Produce a LEED-compliant energy model following the methodology outlined in

the LEED rating system appropriate to each building’s scope, including

demonstration by a whole building project computer simulation using the building

performance rating method in Appendix G of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard

90.1–2007. Appendix G requires that the energy analysis done for the building

performance rating method include all energy costs associated with the building

project. Projects in California may use Title 24–2005, Part 6, in place of

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007.

b) Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design

Guide listed below, appropriate to each building’s scope. Comply with all

applicable criteria as established in the guide for the climate zone in which the

project is located.

a. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004

(office occupancy buildings less than 20,000 square feet).

b. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings 2006

(retail occupancy buildings less than 20,000 square feet).

c. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouses and Self-

Storage Buildings 2008(warehouse or self-storage occupancy less than

50,000 square feet).

d. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings (K–

12 school occupancy less than 200,000 square feet).

c) For buildings less than 100,000 square feet, comply with the prescriptive measures

identified in the Advanced Buildings™ Core Performance™ Guide developed by

the New Buildings Institute, as follows:

a. Comply with Section 1, Design Process Strategies, and Section 2, Core

Performance Requirements, of the Core Performance Guide.

b. Health care, warehouse and laboratory projects are ineligible for this path.

If method (a) is used for all of the floor area evaluated in this prerequisite, the total

percentage improvement is calculated as a sum of energy costs for each building



compared with a baseline. If any combination of methods (a), (b), and (c) is used, the

total percentage improvement is calculated as a weighted average based on building floor

area. In determining the weighted average, buildings pursuing (a) will be credited at the

percentage value determined by the energy model. Buildings pursuing (b) or (c) will be

credited at 12% better than ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007 for new

buildings and 8% better for existing building renovations.

AND

For new single-family residential buildings and new multiunit residential buildings three

stories or fewer, 90% of the buildings must meet ENERGY STAR or equivalent criteria.

Projects may demonstrate compliance with ENERGY STAR criteria through the

prescriptive requirements of a Builder Option Package, the Home Energy Rating System

(HERS) index, or a combination of the two.

Project teams wishing to use ASHRAE-approved addenda for the purposes of this credit

may do so at their discretion. Addenda must be applied consistently across all LEED

credits.

GIB Prerequisite 3: Minimum Building Water Efficiency (Required)

Intent

To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water

supply and wastewater systems.

Requirements

For nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multifamily residential buildings

four stories or more: Indoor water usage in new buildings and buildings undergoing

major renovations as part of the project must be an average 20% less than in baseline

buildings. The baseline usage is based on the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of

1992 and subsequent rulings by the Department of Energy, the requirements of the

Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the fixture performance standards in the 2006 editions of

the Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code as to fixture performance.

Calculations are based on estimated occupant usage and include only the following

fixtures and fixture fittings (as applicable to the project scope): water closets (toilets),

urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, kitchen sink faucets, and prerinse spray valves. The



water efficiency threshold is calculated as a weighted average of water usage for the

buildings constructed as part of the project based on their conditioned square footage.

Projects may also follow the LEED for Multiple Buildings and On- Campus Building

Application Guide alternative calculation methodology to show compliance with this

prerequisite.

* gpf = gallons per flush; psi = pounds per square inch.

Source: Adapted from information developed and summarized by the U.S. EPA Office of Water.

3 EPAct 1992 standard for toilets applies to both commercial and residential models.

4 Residential shower compartment (stall) in dwelling units: The total allowable flow rate from

all flowing showerheads at any given time, including rain systems, waterfalls, bodysprays,

bodyspas, and jets, shall be limited to the allowable showerhead flow rate as specified above

(2.5-gpm) per shower compartment, where the floor area of the shower compartment is less than

2,500 sq.in. For each increment of 2,500 sq.in. of floor area thereafter or part thereof, an

additional showerhead with total allowable flow rate from all flowing devices equal to or less

than the allowable flow rate as specified above shall be allowed. Exception: Showers that emit

recirculated non-potable water originating from within the shower compartment while operating

are allowed to exceed the maximum as long as the total potable water flow does not exceed the

flow rate as specified above.

Table 4.18: National efficiency baseline



The following fixtures, fittings, and appliances are outside the scope of the water use

reduction calculation:

a. Commercial steam cookers.

b. Commercial dishwashers.

c. Automatic commercial ice makers.

d. Commercial (family-sized) clothes washers.

e. Residential clothes washers.

f. Standard and compact residential dishwashers.

AND


stories or fewer, 90% of buildings must use a combination of fixtures that would earn 3

points under LEED for Homes 2008 Credit 3, Indoor Water Use.

GIB Prerequisite 4: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention (Required)

Intent

To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway

sedimentation, and airborne dust generation.

Requirements

Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all new construction

activities associated with the project. The plan must incorporate practices such as

phasing, seeding, grading, mulching, filter socks, stabilized site entrances, preservation of

existing vegetation, and other best management practices (BMPs) to control erosion and

sedimentation in runoff from the entire project site during construction. The plan must list

the BMPs employed and describe how they accomplish the following objectives:

a) Prevent loss of soil during construction by storm water runoff and/or wind erosion,

including but not limited to stockpiling of topsoil for reuse.

b) Prevent sedimentation of any affected storm water conveyance systems or

receiving streams.

c) Prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter.

The erosion and sedimentation control plan must describe how the project team will do

the following:



a. Preserve vegetation and mark clearing limits.

b. Establish and delineate construction access.

c. Control flow rates.

d. Install sediment controls.

e. Stabilize soils.

f. Protect slopes.

g. Protect drain inlets.

h. Stabilize channels and outlets.

i. Control pollutants.

j. Control dewatering.

k. Maintain the BMPs.

l. Manage the erosion and sedimentation control plan.

The BMPs must be selected from the Washington State Department of Ecology’s

Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, Volume II, Construction

Stormwater Pollution Prevention (2005 edition), or a locally approved equivalent,

whichever is more stringent, and must comply with all federal, state, and local erosion

and sedimentation control regulations.

GIB Credit 1: Certified Green Buildings (1–5 points)

Intent

To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings that utilize green building

practices.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Projects with 10 or Fewer Habitable Buildings

Design, construct, or retrofit one building as part of the project, beyond the prerequisite,

to be certified under one of the following LEED green building rating systems: LEED for

New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Homes, LEED for Schools,

LEED for Retail: New Construction, or LEED for Core & Shell (with at least 75% of the

floor area certified under LEED for Commercial Interiors or LEED for Retail:

Commercial Interiors) or through a green building rating system requiring review by

independent, impartial, third-party certifying bodies as defined by ISO/IEC 17021.



Additional points (up to 5) may be earned for each additional certified building that is

part of the project.

OR

OPTION 2. Projects of All Sizes

Design, construct, or retrofit a percentage of the total project building square footage,

beyond the prerequisite requirement, to be certified under one of the LEED green

building rating systems listed above or through a green building rating system requiring

review by independent, impartial, third-party certifying bodies as defined by ISO/IEC

17021.

AND

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Detached accessory dwelling units must be counted as separate buildings. Accessory

dwellings attached to a main building are not counted separately.

GIB Credit 2: Building Energy Efficiency (2 points)

Intent

To encourage the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings that reduce air,

water, and land pollution and adverse environmental effects from energy production and

consumption.

Table 4.19: Points for building certification



Requirements

The following requirement applies to 90% of the building floor area (rounded up to the

next whole building) of all nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multiunit

residential buildings four stories or more constructed as part of the project or undergoing

major renovations as part of the project. New buildings must demonstrate an average

18% (1 point) or 26% (2 points) improvement over ANSI/ASHRAE/ IESNA Standard

90.1–2007 (with errata but without addenda). Buildings undergoing major renovations as

part of the project must demonstrate an average 14% (1 point) or 22% (2 points)

improvement over ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007.

Projects must document building energy efficiency using one or a combination of the

following:

a) Produce a LEED-compliant energy model following the methodology outlined in

the LEED rating system appropriate to each building’s scope, including

demonstration by a whole building project computer simulation using the building

performance rating method in Appendix G of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard

90.1–2007. Appendix G requires that the energy analysis done for the building

performance rating method include all energy costs associated with the building

project. Projects in California may use Title 24–2005, Part 6, in place of

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007.

b) Comply with the prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design

Guide listed below, appropriate to each building’s scope. Comply with all

applicable criteria as established in the guide for the climate zone in which the

project is located.

a. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings 2004

(office occupancy buildings less than 20,000 square feet).

b. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Retail Buildings 2006

(retail occupancy buildings less than 20,000 square feet).

c. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Warehouses and Self-

Storage Buildings 2008 (warehouse or self-storage occupancy less than

50,000 square feet).



d. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings (K–

12 school occupancy less than 200,000 square feet).

c) For buildings less than 100,000 square feet, comply with the prescriptive measures

identified in the Advanced Buildings™ Core Performance™ Guide developed by

the New Buildings Institute, as follows:

a. Comply with Section 1, Design Process Strategies, and Section 2, Core

Performance Requirements, of the Core Performance Guide.

b. Health care, warehouse and laboratory projects are ineligible for this path.

If method (a) is used for all of the floor area evaluated in this prerequisite, the total

percentage improvement is calculated as a sum of energy costs for each building

compared with a baseline. If any combination of methods (a),(b), and (c) is used, the total

percentage improvement is calculated as a weighted average based on building floor area.

In determining the weighted average, buildings pursuing (a) will be credited at the

percentage value determined by the energy model. Buildings pursuing (b) or (c) will be

credited at 12% better than ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007 for new

buildings and 8% better for existing building renovations.

AND


stories or fewer, 90% of the buildings must achieve a Home Energy Rating System

(HERS) index score of at least 75.

Project teams wishing to use ASHRAE-approved addenda for the purposes of this credit

may do so at their discretion. Addenda must be applied consistently across all LEED

credits.

GIB Credit 3: Building Water Efficiency (1 point)

Intent

To reduce effects on natural water resources and reduce burdens on community water

supply and wastewater systems.



Requirements

For nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multifamily residential buildings

four stories or more:

Indoor water usage in new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovations as part

of the project must be an average 40% less than in baseline buildings. The baseline usage

is based on the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and subsequent rulings by

the Department of Energy, the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and the

fixture performance standards in the 2006 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code or

International Plumbing Code as to fixture performance.

Calculations are based on estimated occupant usage and include only the following

fixtures and fixture fittings (as applicable to the project scope): water closets (toilets),

urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, kitchen sink faucets, and prerinse spray valves. The

water efficiency threshold is calculated as a weighted average of water usage for the

buildings constructed as part of the project based on their conditioned square footage.

Projects may also follow the LEED for Multiple Buildings and On- Campus Building

Application Guide alternative calculation methodology to show compliance with this

prerequisite.

Table 4.20: National Efficiency baselines



The following fixtures, fittings, and appliances are outside the scope of the water use

reduction calculation:

a. Commercial steam cookers.

b. Commercial dishwashers.

c. Automatic commercial ice makers.

d. Commercial (family-sized) clothes washers.

e. Residential clothes washers.

f. Standard and compact residential dishwashers.

AND


stories or fewer, 90% of buildings must use a combination of fixtures that would earn 5

points under LEED for Homes 2008 Credit 3, Indoor Water Use.

GIB Credit 4: Water-Efficient Landscaping (1 point)

Intent

To limit or eliminate the use of potable water and other natural surface or subsurface

water resources on project sites, for landscape irrigation.

Requirements

Reduce water consumption for outdoor landscape irrigation by 50% from a calculated

midsummer baseline case. Reductions may be attributed to any combination of the

following strategies:, among others:

a. Plant species, plant density, and microclimate factor.

b. Irrigation efficiency.

c. Use of captured rainwater.

d. Use of recycled wastewater.

e. Use of water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses.

f. Use of other nonpotable water sources, such as stormwater, air-conditioning

condensate, and foundation drain water.

Projects with no new or existing landscape irrigation requirements automatically meet the

credit requirements. Groundwater seepage that is pumped away from the immediate

vicinity of buildings slabs and foundations can be used for landscape irrigation and meet



the intent of this credit. However, it must be demonstrated that doing so does not affect

site storm water management systems.

GIB Credit 5: Existing Building Reuse (1 point)

Intent

To extend the life cycle of existing building stock to conserve resources, reduce waste,

and reduce adverse environmental effects of new buildings related to materials

manufacturing and transport.

Requirements

Reuse the existing habitable building stock, achieving the greater of the following two

benchmarks (based on surface area):

a) 50% of one existing building structure (including structural floor and roof

decking) and envelope (including exterior skin and framing but excluding window

assemblies and nonstructural roofing material).

b) 20% of the total existing building stock (including structure and envelope, as

defined above). Hazardous materials that are remediated as a part of the project

scope must be excluded from the calculations.

AND

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Do not demolish any historic buildings, or portions thereof, or alter any cultural

landscapes as part of the project. An exception is granted only if such action has been

approved by an appropriate review body. For buildings listed locally, approval must be

granted by the local historic preservation review board, or equivalent. For buildings listed

in a state register or in the National Register of Historic Places, approval must appear in a

programmatic agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office.

GIB Credit 6: Historic Resource Preservation and Adaptive Use (1 point)

Intent

To encourage the preservation and adaptive use of historic buildings and cultural

landscapes that represent significant embodied energy and cultural value, in a manner

that preserves historic materials and character-defining features.



Requirements

To achieve this credit, at least one historic building or cultural landscape must be present

on the project site. Do not demolish any historic buildings, or portions thereof, or alter

any cultural landscapes as part of the project. An exception is granted only if such action

has been approved by an appropriate review body. For buildings or landscapes listed

locally, approval must be granted by the local historic preservation review board, or

equivalent. For buildings or landscapes listed in a state register or in the National

Register of Historic Places, approval must appear in a programmatic agreement with the

State Historic Preservation Office. If any historic building in the project site is to be

rehabilitated, rehabilitate in accordance with local review or federal standards for

rehabilitation, whichever is more restrictive, using one of the following approaches:

a) Obtain approval, in the form of a “certificate of appropriateness,” from a locally

appointed historic preservation commission or architectural review board for any

exterior alterations or additions.

b) If federal funds are used for the project, obtain confirmation from a state historic

preservation office or the National Park Service that the rehabilitation satisfies the

Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

c) If a building or site is listed in or determined eligible for the National Register of

Historic Places but is not subject to federal or local review board review, include

on the project team a preservation professional who meets the federal

qualifications for historic architect and attests to conformance to the Secretary of

the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

GIB Credit 7: Minimized Site Disturbance in Design and Construction (1 point)

Intent

To preserve existing noninvasive trees, native plants, and pervious surfaces.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Development Footprint on Previously Developed Land Locate 100% of the

development footprint on areas that are previously developed and for which 100% of the

construction impact zone is previously developed.

OR



OPTION 2. Undeveloped Portion of Project Left Undisturbed

Depending on the density of the project, do not develop or disturb a portion of the land

that has not been previously developed on the site, exclusive of any land preserved by

codified law or a prerequisite of LEED for Neighbourhood Development; or exempt

areas designated as nonbuildable in land-use comprehensive plans and stipulate in

covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) or other binding documents that the

undisturbed area will be protected from development in perpetuity. Densities and

minimum percentages are as follows (mixeduse projects must use the lowest applicable

density or calculate a weighted average per the methodology in NPD Credit 2, Compact

Development):

For portions of the site that are not previously developed, identify construction impact

zones that limit disturbance to a minimum of 40 feet beyond the building perimeter; 10

feet beyond surface walkways, patios, surface parking and utilities less than 12 inches in

diameter; 15 feet beyond street curbs and main utility branch trenches; and 25 feet

beyond constructed areas with permeable surfaces (such as pervious paving areas,

stormwater retention facilities, and playing fields) that require additional staging areas to

limit compaction in the constructed zone.

AND

FOR ALL PROJECTS

Survey the site to identify the following:

a) Trees in good or excellent condition, as determined by an arborist certified by the

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Table 4.21: Minimum undeveloped area. By project Density



b) Any heritage or champion trees of special importance to the community because

of their age, size, type, historical association, or horticultural value, as defined by a

government forester.

c) All trees larger than 6 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh, 4 feet 6 inches

above ground).

d) Any invasive tree species present on the site, and whether those trees threaten the

health of other trees to be preserved on the site, as determined by an ISA-certified

arborist.

Preserve the following trees that are also identified as in good or excellent condition:

a. All heritage or champion trees and trees whose dbh exceeds 50% of the state

champion dbh for the species.

b. A minimum of 75% of all noninvasive trees (including the above) larger than 18

inches dbh.

c. A minimum of 25% of all noninvasive trees (including the above) larger than 12

inches dbh if deciduous, and 6 inches dbh if coniferous.

Tree condition ratings must be based on assessment by an ISA-certified arborist using

ISA-approved assessment measures.

Develop a plan, in consultation with and approved by an ISA-certified arborist, for the

health of the trees, including fertilization and pruning, and for their protection during

construction. The plan must include protective fencing located 1 foot for each 1-inch

caliper from the trunk or at the tree drip line, whichever is larger, and specify that if

trenching or other disturbance is necessary within the protected zone, this work must be

done by hand. If disturbance includes a permanent excavation of 3 feet or deeper, the

excavation must start from a point not closer than 15 feet from the tree’s drip line. If an

ISA-certified arborist has determined that any trees to be preserved are threatened by

invasive vegetation, develop a plan to reduce the invasive vegetation to the maximum

extent possible.

Stipulate in CC&R or other binding documents that the undisturbed area of the preserved

trees will be protected from development in perpetuity.



GIB Credit 8: Storm water Management (1–4 points)

Intent

To reduce pollution and hydrologic instability from stormwater, reduce flooding, promote

aquifer recharge, and improve water quality by emulating natural hydrologic conditions.

Requirements

Implement a comprehensive stormwater management plan for the project that retains on-

site, through infiltration, evapotranspiration, and/or reuse, the rainfall volumes listed in

Table 1. Rainfall volume is based on the project’s development footprint, any other areas

that have been graded so as to be effectively impervious, and any pollution generating

pervious surfaces, such as landscaping, that will receive treatments of fertilizers or

pesticides. The percentile rainfall event is the total rainfall on a given day in the record

that is greater than or equal to X percent of all rainfall events over a 20- to 40+-year

period. For example, a 95th percentile event in a particular region might be 1.5 inches,

which would then be the volume to retain. To determine the volume to be retained,

projects may use NOAA’s published national rainfall data, run an approved stormwater

model, or independently gather local rain gauge data and rank rainfall events. One

hundred percent of the water volume from rainfall events up to the X percentile event

must not be discharged to surface waters unless the harvested and reused runoff is

authorized for discharge or allowed to be discharged into sanitary treatment systems.

Projects that earn at least 2 points under this credit may earn 1 additional point by

meeting each of the following site characteristics:

a. The project is located on a previously developed site (1 point).

Table 4.22: Points for retaining storm water on site



b. The project is located on a site that meets the definition of brownfield in

SLL Credit 2, Brownfields Redevelopment (1 point).

c. The project is designed to be transit ready by achieving the following (1

point):

i. At least 2 points under NPD Credit 1, Walkable Streets.

ii. At least 2 points under NPD Credit 2, Compact Development.

iii. At least 2 points under NPD Credit 3, Mixed-Use Neighborhood

Centers.

The BMPs for the comprehensive stormwater management plan must be selected from

the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Management Manual for

Western Washington, Volume V, Runoff Treatment (2005 edition), or locally approved

equivalent, whichever is more stringent, and must comply with all federal, state, and local

regulations. The plan must include season-specific maintenance that ensures continuous

performance of the stormwater management system.

For stormwater reuse systems not on a combined stormwater and sewer system, the total

water reused for indoor use must not exceed 90% of the average annual rainfall.

Stormwater BMPs (except cisterns) must be designed to drain down within 72 hours.

GIB Credit 9: Heat Island Reduction (1 point)

Intent

To reduce heat islands to minimize effects on the microclimate and human and wildlife

habitat.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Nonroof Measures

Use any combination of the following strategies for 50% of the nonroof site hardscape

(including roads, sidewalks, courtyards, parking lots, parking structures, and driveways):

a) Provide shade from open structures, such as those supporting solar photovoltaic

panels, canopied walkways, and vine pergolas, all with a solar reflectance index

(SRI) of at least 29.

b) Use paving materials with an SRI of at least 29.

c) Install an open-grid pavement system that is at least 50% pervious.



d) Provide shade from tree canopy (within ten years of landscape installation).

OR

OPTION 2. High-Reflectance and Vegetated Roofs

Use roofing materials that have an SRI equal to or greater than the values in Table 4.23

for a minimum of 75% of the roof area of all new buildings within the project; or install a

vegetated (“green”) roof for at least 50% of the roof area of all new buildings within the

project. Combinations of SRI-compliant and vegetated roofs can be used provided they

collectively cover 75% of the roof area of all new buildings (use the equation in Option 3

OR

OPTION 3. Mixed Nonroof and Roof Measures

Use any of the strategies listed under Options 1 and 2 that in combination meet the

following criterion:

GIB Credit 10: Solar Orientation (1 point)

Intent

To encourage energy efficiency by creating optimum conditions for the use of passive

and active solar strategies.

Requirements

OPTION 1. Block Orientation (For Projects Earning at Least 2 Points Under NPD Credit

2, Compact Development)

Locate the project on existing blocks or design and orient the project such that 75% or

more of the blocks have one axis within plus or minus 15 degrees of geographical east-

Table 4.23: Minimum solar reflectance index value, by roof slope



west, and the east-west lengths of those blocks are at least as long as the north-south

lengths of the blocks. Earn at least 2 points under NPD Credit 2, Compact Development.

OR

OPTION 2. Building Orientation (Available For All Projects)

Design and orient 75% or more of the project’s total building square footage (excluding

existing buildings) such that one axis of each qualifying building is at least 1.5 times

longer than the other, and the longer axis is within 15 degrees of geographical east-west.

The length-to-width ratio applies only to walls enclosing conditioned spaces; walls

enclosing unconditioned spaces, such as garages, arcades, or porches, cannot contribute

to credit achievement. The surface area of equator-facing vertical surfaces and slopes of

roofs of buildings counting toward credit achievement must not be more than 25%

shaded at the time of initial occupancy, measured at noon on the winter solstice.

Fig 4.8: Solar-oriented blocks with east-west lengths equal to or greater than north-south

lengths, and east west axis within 15 degrees of geographic east-west



GIB Credit 11: On-Site Renewable Energy Sources (1–3 points)

Intent

To encourage on-site renewable energy production to reduce the adverse environmental

and economic effects associated with fossil fuel energy production and use.

Requirements

Incorporate on-site nonpolluting renewable energy generation, such as solar, wind,

geothermal, small-scale or micro hydroelectric, and/or biomass, with production capacity

of at least 5% of the project’s annual electrical and thermal energy cost (exclusive of

existing buildings), as established through an accepted building energy performance

simulation tool. Points are awarded as listed in Table 4.24.

Fig 4.9: Solar-oriented blocks with longer axis (at least 1.5 times length of other axis) within

15 degrees of geographic east-west

Table 4.24: Points for on-site renewable energy generation



GIB Credit 12: District Heating and cooling (2 points)

Intent

To encourage the development of energy-efficient neighborhoods by employing district

heating and cooling strategies that reduce energy use and adverse energy-related

environmental effects.

Requirements

Incorporate a district heating and/or cooling system for space conditioning and/or water

heating of new buildings (at least two buildings total) such that at least 80% of the

project’s annual heating and/or cooling consumption is provided by the district plant.

Single-family residential buildings and existing buildings of any type may be excluded

from the calculation. Each system component that is addressed by

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1–2007 must have an overall efficiency

performance at least 10% better than that specified by the standard’s prescriptive

requirements. Additionally, annual district pumping energy consumption that exceeds

2.5% of the annual thermal energy output of the heating and cooling plant (with 1 kWh of

electricity equal to 3,413 Btus) must be offset by increases in the component’s efficiency

beyond the specified 10% improvement. Combined heat and power (CHP) district

systems can achieve this credit by demonstrating equivalent performance.

GIB Credit 13: Infrastructure Energy Efficiency (1 point)

Intent

To reduce adverse environmental effects from energy used for operating public

infrastructure.

Requirements

Design, purchase, or work with the municipality to install all new infrastructure,

including but not limited to traffic lights, street lights, and water and wastewater pumps,

to achieve a 15% annual energy reduction below an estimated baseline energy use for this

infrastructure. The baseline is calculated with the assumed use of lowest first-cost

infrastructure items.



GIB Credit 14: Wastewater Management (1–2 points)

Intent

To reduce pollution from wastewater and encourage water reuse.

Requirements

Design and construct the project to retain on-site at least 25% of the average annual

wastewater generated by the project (exclusive of existing buildings), and reuse that

wastewater to replace potable water. An additional point may be awarded for retaining

and reusing 50%. Provide on-site treatment to a quality required by state and local

regulations for the proposed reuse. The percentage of wastewater diverted and reused is

calculated by determining the total wastewater flow using the design case after the GIB

Prerequisite 3 calculations, and determining how much of that volume is reused on-site.

GIB Credit 15: Recycled Content in Infrastructure (1 point)

Intent

To use recycled and reclaimed materials to reduce the adverse environmental effects of

extracting and processing virgin materials.

Requirements

Use materials for new infrastructure such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content,

in-place reclaimed materials, and one-half of the preconsumer recycled content

constitutes at least 50% of the total mass of infrastructure materials.

Count materials in all of the following infrastructure items as applicable to the project:

a. Roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, unit paving, and curbs.

b. Water retention tanks and vaults.

c. Base and subbase materials for the above.

d. Stormwater, sanitary sewer, steam energy distribution, and water piping.

Table 4.25: Points for reusing waste water.



Recycled content is defined in accordance with ISO/IEC 14021, Environmental labels

and declaration, Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labeling).

GIB Credit 16: Solid Waste Management Infrastructure (1 point)

Intent

To reduce the volume of waste deposited in landfills. To promote the proper disposal of

hazardous wastes.

Requirements

Meet at least four of the following five requirements and publicize their availability and

benefits:

a. Include as part of the project at least one recycling or reuse station, available to all

project occupants, dedicated to the separation, collection, and storage of materials

for recycling; or locate the project in a local government jurisdiction that provides

recycling services. The recyclable materials must include, at a minimum, materials

paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics and metals.

b. Include as part of the project at least one drop-off point, available to all project

occupants, for potentially hazardous office or household wastes; or locate the

project in a local government jurisdiction that provides collection services.

Examples of potentially hazardous wastes include paints, solvents, oil, and

batteries. If a plan for post collection disposal or use does not exist, establish one;

c. Include as part of the project at least one compost station or location, available to

all project occupants, dedicated to the collection and composting of food and yard

wastes; or locate the project in a local government jurisdiction that provides

composting services. If a plan for postcollection use does not exist, establish one.

d. On every mixed-use or nonresidential block or at least every 800 feet, whichever is

shorter, include recycling containers adjacent to other receptacles or recycling

containers integrated into the design of the receptacle.

e. Recycle and/or salvage at least 50% of nonhazardous construction and demolition

debris. Develop and implement a construction waste management plan that, at a

minimum, identifies the materials to be diverted from disposal and specifies

whether the materials will be stored on-site or commingled. Excavated soil and



land-clearing debris do not contribute to this credit. Calculations can be done by

weight or volume but must be consistent throughout.

GIB Credit 17: Light Pollution Reduction (1 point)

Intent

To minimize light trespass from project sites, reduce sky-glow to increase night sky

access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce adverse effects

on wildlife environments.

Requirements

“Shared areas” of a project are spaces and facilities dedicated to common use (publicly or

privately owned). In residential areas, at least 50% of the external luminaires must have

fixture-integrated lighting controls that use motion sensors to reduce light levels by at

least 50% when no activity has been detected for 15 minutes.

AND

In all shared areas, install automatic controls that turn off exterior lighting when

sufficient daylight is available and when the lighting is not required during nighttime

hours; these lights must meet the total exterior lighting power allowance requirements in

Table 4.28.

AND

Document which lighting zone or zones (Table 4.26) describe the project, and for all

shared areas, follow the requirements in Table 4.27. If two or more different zones border

the project, use the most stringent uplight requirements, and use light trespass

requirements for the adjacent zone. Roadway lighting that is part of the project must meet

the requirements for the appropriate zone. For illuminance generated from a single

luminaire placed at the intersection of a private vehicular driveway and public roadway

accessing the site, project teams may use the centerline of the public roadway as the site

boundary for a length of two times the driveway width centered at the centerline of the

driveway when complying with the trespass requirements. Compliance with the light

trespass requirements may alternatively be met by using only luminaires that comply with

Table 4. ratings for backlight and glare.

AND



Stipulate covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) or other binding documents to

require continued adherence to the requirements.

Alternative method for meeting light trespass requirements in Table 4.27

Table 4.26: Lighting zones

Table 4.27: Allowable light trespass and uplight, by lighting zone

Table 4.28: Allowable light power densities, by lighting zone



A luminaire may be used if it is rated as follows according to the lighting zone of the site.

If the luminaire is installed in other than the intended manner, the rating must account for

the actual photometric geometry. An exception applies if at least 98% of a luminaire’s

emitted lumens are intercepted by man-made structures within the project. In either case,

luminaires equipped with adjustable mounting devices permitting alteration of luminaire

aiming in the field are not permitted.

4. 5.4 | Innovation & Design Process

IDP Credit 1: Innovation and Exemplary Performance (1–5 points)

Intent

To encourage exemplary performance above the requirements set by the LEED for

Neighborhood Development Rating System and/or innovative performance in green

building, smart growth, or new urbanist categories not specifically addressed by the

LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System.

Requirements

In writing, identify the intent of the proposed innovation credit, the proposed requirement

for compliance, the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance, and the design

approach and strategies that might be used to meet the requirements.

One point is awarded for each IDP Credit 1 earned, up to a total of 5. No more than 3

exemplary performance credits will be awarded in the Innovation and Design Process

category.

Table 4.29: Allowable backlit and glare, by lighting zone



IDP Credit 2: LEE D Accredited Professional (1 point)

Intent

To support the integrated planning and design required for a LEED for Neighborhood

Development project and to streamline the application and certification process.

Requirements

At least one principal member of the project team must be a LEED Accredited

Professional.

OR

At least one principal member of the project design team must be a professional who is

credentialed in smart growth as determined by the Natural Resources Defense Council in

consultation with Smart Growth America.

OR

At least one principal member of the project design team must be a professional who is

credentialed in new urbanism as determined by the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Note: A separate LEED Accredited Professional exam track for professionals wanting to

specialize in the LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System will be available

in early 2010; this IDP credit can be achieved if a principal member of the project design

team is accredited as a result of passing the exam.

4. 5.5 | Regional Priority Credit

RP C Credit 1: Regional Priority (1–4 points)

Intent

To encourage strategies that address geographically specific environmental, social equity,

and public health priorities.

Requirements

Earn up to four of the six Regional Priority credits. These credits have been identified by

subject matter experts representing the U.S. Green Building Council (regional councils

and chapters), the Congress for the New Urbanism (chapters and membership in regions

without chapters), and Smart Growth America (members of Smart Growth America’s

State and Local Caucus or their designees) as having additional regional importance for



the project’s location. A database of Regional Priority credits and their geographic

applicability will be available on the USGBC website, www.usgbc.org.

One point is awarded for each Regional Priority credit earned, up to a maximum of 4.

Non-U.S. projects are not eligible for Regional Priority credits.

5

5. CASE STUDY

LEED Neighborhood Development

Dockside Green - Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

5.1. Introduction

5.2. About The project

5.3. Executive Summary

5.4. Areas of Sustainable development

5.4.1. LEED Certification

5.4.2. Water Conservation

5.4.3. Energy Conservation

5.4.4. Sustainable site & Urban Ecology

5.4.5. Human Health & Well being

5.4.6. Materials & Resources

5.4.7. Social Parameters



Introduction

Dockside Green is a 1.3 million square foot mixed-use sustainable community

development on a 16-acre former Brownfield site located in Victoria, British Columbia. It

is an incredible 16-acre harbour front community adjacent to the Upper Harbour and

downtown Victoria The project is made up of residential, office, commercial and light

industrial uses and is a global showcase of the Triple Bottom Line approach to

development including environmental, social and economic principles.

It is a place to enjoy an unparalleled quality of life surrounded by incredible green spaces

and access to downtown Victoria via the mini-transit system, boat launch or pedestrian

and bike trails. This vibrant community offers three distinct neighbourhoods alive with

shops, restaurants, offices and the central gathering place — the amphitheatre.

Central to the vitality of Dockside

Green is the diverse mix of

commercial space available.

Premium mixed residential, office,

retail and commercial spaces are

planned site-wide and are sized to

accommodate from 700 to over

6,900 square feet on a single floor

(larger for multiple floors).

Created around the principles of

smart growth, green building and

sustainable community design.

Dockside’s unique harbour front

location allows easy access to the

Johnson and Bay Street bridges as

well as the Galloping Goose Trail.

This mixed-use community features

residential, light industrial, retail and 185,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.



Dockside Green is a 15-acre master-planned community

Vision Statement

Dockside Green will be a socially vibrant, ecologically restorative, economically sound

and just community. It will be a distinct collection of beautifully designed live, work,

play and rest spaces designed to enhance the health and well being of both people and

ecosystems, both now and in the future.



A. Dockside Village:

Located at the south end of the community, this dynamic neighbourhood will feature the

broadest spectrum of uses including homes, offices and locally-owned shops and

services. This is where the community amphitheatre will be located — the cultural heart

of Dockside Green.

B. Dockside Commons

As the second neighbourhood in this dynamic community, Dockside Commons will

feature peaceful courtyards, scenic vistas and lightly landscaped courtyards that will

promote a calming environment as well as open, pleasant work areas. Street-oriented

townhomes and garden flats face the greenway to complete the relaxed setting.

C. Dockside Wharf

In May 2008, Dockside Wharf welcomed its first residents as purchasers of the building

moved in. This vibrant neighbourhood will continue to grow when residents follow in

February 2009. Built around a central plaza, residents will enjoy such amenities as a

harbour front restaurant and pub, organic bakery and fitness facility.

Buildings Completed or Nearing Completion:

SYNERGY @ DOCKSIDE GREEN

INSPIRATION-OFFICE, BAKERY, COFFEE

SHOP AND RESTAURANT



WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

BIO-MASS HEAT GENERATION PLANT



Executive Summary

Project highlights include:

� Synergy receiving LEED® Platinum certification with 63 points, setting a new

global record for the highest number of points ever achieved for a LEED® project.

� It was determined that Balance is on track to receive LEED® Platinum

certification.

� The centralized biomass heat generation plant is under construction and expected

to be operational in the spring of 2009. The plant will provide renewable heating

to the development, resulting in Dockside Green being the first North American

community development to be “greenhouse gas positive” from a building energy

perspective.

� The sewage treatment plant was completed and is treating 100% of all sewage

onsite.

� Treated sewage water is being used for toilets, irrigation and water features.

� Projected potable water savings are 66.5% below baseline LEED® water

standards.

� It is estimated that 70 million gallons of water per year, at full build-out will be

saved (equivalent to entire region’s water use on driest day of the year).

� A naturalized approach to storm water treatment has been designed and about 60%

of the naturalized creek has been completed. The municipal storm water system

will not be used.

� Meters will be used in each residential unit to measure hot and cold water, heat

and electricity, ensuring that building occupants pay only for what they use and

eliminating “free riders.” These meters are currently in use in Synergy.

� Building energy modelling projects 50 to 52% in energy savings compared to the

Canadian Model National Building Code.

� Green roofs are showcased in Synergy and CI-1 (our first commercial building)

and under construction in Balance.



� All amenities will be delivered as planned. Additional paths and view corridors

have been added to the original design.

� Environmentally friendly building materials fly ash, Triton wood and air quality

techniques are being used.

� Several environmental products from Victoria, BC, and Canadian companies are

being used, contributing to the promotion of a sustainable and bioregional

economy.

� The remediation of the on-site park has been completed including plantings of

native and adaptive species.

� The Community Liaison Group has been established and is meeting on a regular

basis.

� An excellent working relationship with the Victoria West Community Association

has been forged.

� A video has been produced to showcase support from Chamber of Commerce,

Sierra.

� Club and Vic West Community Association-A Housing Affordability Strategy

was completed in 2007 and is being implemented in stages. The affordable-

housing condominiums are built: nine are in Synergy (the first residential project –

completed in 2008) and seventeen are in Balance (the second residential phase –

completing in spring 2009). We are continuing to prepare the business plan for the

rental housing project.

� A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Songhees and

Esquimalt First Nations. A First Nations job training program has been initiated

and a First Nations art piece has been installed for public display. The First

Nations training initiative is facing challenges that are being addressed.

� The Princess Mary building (formerly the Princess Mary Restaurant) has been

preserved and is being redeveloped as Farmer Construction’s new head office.

� Dockside Green is the first project in North America to register for LEED® ND

(Neighbourhood Development) certification. The LEED® ND application has

been submitted and is being reviewed by the USGBC.



LEED rated buildings:

Goal: Achieve LEED Canada NC 1.0 platinum certification on all buildings developed at

Dockside Green that can be certified under LEED Canada NC 1.0.

Example: Phase 1 -Synergy:

Status: Synergy achieved LEED Platinum with 63 points as follows:

Phase II - Balance:

Status: Balance is targeting the same number of points as

Synergy.

Other Buildings:

Status: The following buildings will also be pursuing LEED

Canada NC platinum:

� R3 – Harmony and Tranquillity

� Princess Mary (Farmer Construction head office)

Enhanced Goal: Achieve LEED Platinum certification on all commercial buildings under

LEED Application Guide for Core and Shell Buildings and Lease Tenant Space. The

following buildings will be pursuing LEED Core and Shell platinum

� CI-1 – Inspiration

� CI-2 – Prosperity



� CI-3 - Evolution

The following buildings will not be pursuing LEED certification as they cannot be

certified under LEED Canada NC 1.0:

� Biomass plant and sewage treatment plant (infrastructure systems for the project)

� R4 – three-story town home project (cannot be certified under LEED NC)

Greenhouse Gas Commitment: Biomass System

Stated Goal: Provide a biomass co-generation facility to be “greenhouse gas neutral”

from a building energy perspective, using biomass energy with the purchase of green

power certificates.

Status: The centralized biomass heat generation plant is being built; the plant will be

backed up by natural gas boilers for peak loads and maintenance.

Dockside Green will be the first large community-scale development in North America to

be GHG positive from a building energy perspective.



The anticipated GHG savings from the biomass system and anticipated building energy

efficiency are as follows:



WATER CONSERVATION

Sewage Treatment:

Stated Goal: Treat 100% of all sewage on-site.

Enhanced Goal: Use treated water from sewage

treatment process to flush toilets, run irrigation and

maintain the on-site creek and pond water system.

Status: The sewage treatment facility is finished and

has been certified as fully operational. The treated water will be used in all buildings for

toilets, on-site irrigation and green roof garden maintenance. It is estimated that the use of

treated water will save about 30.8 million of water per year at build-out. The remaining

treated water will be used to fill the naturalized greenway that will flow from the south

end to the north end of the site.

Water Efficiency – Buildings:

Stated Goal: Reduce potable water consumption by 60% as compared to the LEED

baseline requirements

Status: The projected water reduction for Synergy and Balance is 67.5% with respect to

the LEED baseline requirements which exceeds target. overall water consumption

reduction, including appliances and irrigation, is anticipated to be in excess of 66.5%.



Water Efficiency – Landscaping:

Stated Goal: Use no potable water for on-grade landscaping. Status Only

treated water and rainwater will be used for landscaping. In addition, the

use of native and adaptive species will significantly reduce the demand

for treated water for irrigation

Storm water Treatment:

Stated Goal: The development will treat its own storm water and meet the LEED

requirements by using a naturalized creek and pond system.

Status: Engineering reports have been completed and the storm water design has been

completed. The storm water system is under construction. The municipal storm system

will not be used Dockside Green’s system uses the on-site naturalized creek and pond

system, along with some underground storage to treat and control flows. The system is

designed well beyond LEED standards and can accommodate a 1-in-100-year rain event

for the majority of the system and 1-in-25-year event for the balance of the system. The

design promotes integrated storm water and urban ecology features including green roofs.

The plants selected in the naturalized creek and pond system (“greenway”) are native and

adaptive species. The greenway will be a significant amenity and featured landscape area

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Building Energy:

Stated Goal: Design buildings that are 47% more energy-efficient than those designed to

meet the Model National Energy Code (MNEC).

Status: First building phase, Synergy, is designed to surpass the stated goal. The

modelled energy savings for the buildings in Synergy are 53% better than those set in the

MNEC. The modeled energy savings will exceed Synergy’s modelled energy results.

design strategy focuses first on passive design. To address passive design, a number of

notable features in the design of Synergy and Balance:

� Averages of R17 wall insulation and R22 roof insulation have been used.



� Low E double-glazed windows provide a cool atmosphere in the summer and

cozy, warm atmosphere in the winter. These also prohibit the escape of longwave

heat radiation that is produced by each suite’s internal heat systems while at the

same time prohibiting the transfer of short wave radiation produced by the sun’s

rays. The result will be higher indoor comfort and less energy consumption. Most

south-facing and west-facing windows are equipped with motorized exterior sun

shades to provide shade during the summer months.

Energy – Measuring Performance:

Stated Goal: Provide meters to individual suites.

Status: Each residential suite in Synergy and Balance either has already or will be

equipped with meters to measure cold water, hot water, heat and electrical consumption.

Energy – Energy Efficient Appliances:

Stated Goal: Provide Energy Star rated appliances.

Status: Every appliance at Dockside Green will be Energy Star rated

Energy –Commissioning:

Stated Goal: Independently commission each building to review building systems to

ensure they are installed correctly and working properly

Status: Hired an independent commissioning agent for all buildings under construction

or design. The commissioning agent reviews design intent and construction drawings and

tests them upon building completion to ensure the systems work properly.

Renewable Energy:

Stated Goal: Demonstrate various renewable energy systems and environmental

techniques at Dockside Green.



Status: Use of various examples of photovoltaics and solar hot

water products on-site as demonstrations of these technologies,

such as the integrated photovoltaic shading strategy used on CI-1.

Wind turbines and photovoltaic technology are installed on the CI-

1 building and in Point Ellice Park.

A solar compactor using photovoltaic technology has been

installed on-site.

Elimination of CFC, Halons and Ozone Protection

Stated Goal: Avoid the use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and halons

Status: The development team has selected refrigeration units, HVAC systems and fire

suppressants that do not contain halons. Both these agents and CFCs are harmful to the

atmosphere and increase the rate of ozone depletion.

SUSTAINABLE SITES & URBAN ECOLOGY

Green Roofs:

Stated Goal: Install green roofs.

Status: Synergy, Balance, Harmony and CI-1 all include green

roofs. Green roofs reduce the heat island effect of urban settings

while promoting urban ecology.

Use of Vertical Green Wall elements:

New Goal: Introduce a vertical green wall element in the project.

Status: Balance is designed to have vertical green walls (or “living walls”). The green

wall is visually pleasing, offers environmental benefits and

integrates horizontal and vertical elements of ecology into

building design.



Use of Native and Adaptive Species:

Stated Goal: Use only native and adaptive species in landscaping.

Status: All building landscape plans include only native and adaptive species. This

approach will continue throughout the development.

Tree Planting and Site Landscaping:

Stated Goal: Plant 1,000 trees throughout the development.

Status: Native or adaptive trees will be planted in strategic positions throughout the site

to reinforce the West Coast character of the project, provide shade from the sun in

summer and wind breaks in winter, and attract birds.

Integrated Pest Management Plan:

Stated Goal: Develop and implement an integrated pest management plan.

Status: Integrated pest management plan was completed and approved by the

Municipality.

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Stated Goal: Follow an erosion and sedimentation plan and during construction.

Status: An overall site erosion and sedimentation control plan has been developed. Plan

conforms to the required standards and is now being implemented on-site.

Rehabilitate Point Ellice Park Shoreline:

Stated Goal: Rehabilitate the shoreline

along Point Ellice Park.

Status: The Park design was developed

with input from a broad range of

community members and other potential

stakeholders. The park is now finalized and

signage will be erected to showcase the

various features. The plan also includes a

new sand beach and tidal pool and all native adaptive plant species. A new pedestrian



pathway has been constructed. The type of material to be used on the walkway was up for

debate, Dockside Green and the Vic West Community Association both preferred

compacted gravel paths rather than asphalt for environmental and aesthetic reasons. The

municipality felt the path should be paved to avoid gravel being tracked off-site as

experienced in other developments as such asphalt was used.

Light Pollution

Stated Goal: Create no light pollution.

Status: All buildings are designed to ensure that only full “cut-off” light fixtures are

used.

Alternative Transportation Strategies

Stated Goal: Commit to the following

� a 5-minute walk to downtown

� the purchase of 10 Smart Cars or electric vehicles for a car share program

� upgrade of the Galloping Goose Trail

� purchasing a mini-transit bus

� contribute a dollar amount to provide for the 75 affordable-housing units, bicycles,

car share and transit subsidization

� build a dock facility for the Harbour Ferries

� sell residential parking stalls separately from residential units

� provide bike storage for residential and commercial space (and include showers in

commercial buildings)

� provide car co-op stalls for commercial spaces

� Work with BC Transit to add additional bus routes.

Status: The following is an update of strategies to date:

� One Smart car has been leased for the car share program. Car

share stalls have been located in both Synergy and Balance.

An agreement has been reached with the Victoria Car Share



Co-op to manage the program for Dockside Green. The program has been in place

since March 2008.

� The upgrade design of

the Galloping Goose Trail has

been completed through the

park and the safe interface

between the bike trail and

Harbour Road will be built

shortly. The construction of the

dock facility has been

completed and Harbour Ferry

service has commenced.

� A meeting took place to see if BC Transit would operate the mini-transit bus at

Dockside Green Limited. BC Transit was not interested. Dockside Green will

purchase the bus in accordance with the timing set out in the Master Development

Agreement. Customized bike racks with have been installed.

� The 75 affordable housing units will be provided with a dollar subsidization by

Dockside Green for bikes, transit and car share memberships.

� A dedicated car share stall has been provided for the commercial spaces in

Synergy.

� In Synergy, Balance and Harmony, 99, 171 and 381 (respectively) individual

secure bicycle lockers are being provided in the underground parking for the safe

storage of residents’ bicycles. A shower is also

being installed for the retail users in Synergy. As

well, 18 on-grade bike stalls will be set up for

Synergy and Balance and 14 for the CI-1 and CI-2

buildings.

� Discussions have taken place with BC Transit to

add bus routes to Dockside Green. Currently, the #6

bus on Esquimalt Road makes 209 stops per day



and the #14 bus on Bay Street makes 145 stops per day.

� Residential purchasers have been given the option to reduce the purchase price of

their suite if they do not want a parking stall.

Remediation:

Stated Goal: Dockside Green will carry out the site remediation in accordance with the

Ministry of Environment approvals; including ensuring buildings in risk-assessed areas

have proper vapour barriers and controls.

Status: The Approval in Principle (AIP) by the Ministry of Environment was received.

Under the requirements of the AIP, Dockside Green completed the removal of hazardous

and contaminated materials from the site and Certificates of Compliance have been

received on all parcels except lot 4 which should be secured shortly. Hazardous waste

materials were taken off-site to the Quantum Environmental facility in Princeton, BC,

where they were put through a process called Thermal ReSorbtion. In this process, the

materials are heated and dried in a kiln to a temperature that turns the contaminants in the

soils into a gas. This gas is then pushed through a reactor and incinerated. The leftover

“clean soil” is then tested to confirm it meets environmental standards. Once it has been

approved, the soils are mixed with bio-solids and sent to the reclamation project at the

Sunoco Copper mine. No contaminated soil was shipped by Dockside Green to the

Cowichan Valley.

HUMAN HEALTH & WELLBEING

According to the Canada Green Building Council, Canadians spend an average of 90% of

their time indoors. The environmental movement has long been effective in focusing

attention on the quality of air outside, but not in focusing on air quality inside.

100% Fresh Air into each Suite:

Stated Goal: Provide 100% fresh air to residential suites.

Status: A typical condominium design provides outdoor air to a suite by pressuring the

corridors in the hope that air will move from the corridors under the doors and into

individual suites. This is an extremely poor strategy and not allowed in certain parts of

North America.



In Synergy and Balance, a central heat recovery ventilation system or an individual heat

recovery system is being installed, which will provide 100% fresh air directly into each

residential suite. These heat recovery ventilation systems pump fresh, filtered air directly

into each suite and recover heat in the exhausted air to help warm the incoming air.

Materials -Low or No Emitting Materials Paints, Sealants and Adhesives:

Stated Goal: Meet the LEED requirements for providing low or no volatile organic

compound (VOCs) in paints, sealants and adhesives.

Status: Building specifications under construction require that paints, sealants and

adhesives meet strict low-emitting standards for VOCs.

Materials- Non-Urea Formaldehyde Composite Wood Products:

Stated Goal: Avoid using urea formaldehyde composite wood products.

Status: All buildings under construction require wheat board as substrates in residential

cabinets and the use of non-urea formaldehyde medium-density fiberboard to replace

urea formaldehyde medium-density fiberboard.

Materials - Low emitting carpets:

Stated Goal: Ensure all carpets meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Indoor

Air Quality Test Program.

Status: Synergy and Balance building specifications mandate that carpets must meet the

Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label program.



Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control:

Stated Goal: Install permanent systems at all high-volume entryways (such as grills and

grates) to capture dirt and particulates and to prevent them from being tracked into

buildings.

Status: Buildings under construction require permanent entryway chemical and pollutant

control systems

Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plans – during construction:

Stated Goal: Follow the LEED requirements for instituting and following an Indoor Air

Quality Plan during construction.

Status: An Indoor Air Quality Plan has been prepared for all buildings under

construction and is being followed. This includes protecting installed absorptive materials

from moisture damage

Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan – testing before occupancy:

Stated Goal: Follow the LEED requirements for testing an Indoor Air Quality plan

before Occupancy Status to ensure good indoor air quality in all suites, a contract has

been created let to measure the following in Synergy and Balance:

The IAQ test performed in ten units at Synergy all units are well within the allowable

limits as demonstrated in the following table:



Indoor Cleaning Products:

Stated Goal: Promote the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.

Status: A Green Housekeeping Plan has been prepared and a six-month supply of

environmentally friendly cleaning products is being provided to each resident and

business.

Smoking:

Stated Goal: Meet the LEED requirements for avoiding tobacco smoke in the building.

Status: Smoking has been banned in common areas in the residential building.

Construction details provide for sealed doorways to help ensure that unwanted odours

and contaminants do not migrate from one suite to another. In addition, smoking will be

prohibited within 7.5 metres of all commercial building’s doorways, windows and air

intakes.

Controllability of Systems:

Stated Goal: Meet LEED requirements governing the installation of operable windows

and lighting control zones.

Status: In Synergy, Balance and the CI-1 building, the drawings meet the LEED

requirements for operable windows and lighting controls.

Thermal Comfort:

Stated Goal: Comply with ASHRAE 55-2004 requirements to meet thermal comfort

conditions for human occupancy and provide monitoring systems for temperature control.



Status: In Synergy, Balance and the CI-1 building, the drawings meet the requirements.

A four-pipe fan coil system is provided and residents have 100% fresh air systems and

the means to control air flow and temperature individually.

Noise Mitigation Strategies:

Stated Goal: Ensure residential space does not exceed the following noise levels:

Noise levels (decibels)

Bedrooms 35

Living, Dining 40

Kitchen, Bathrooms, Hallways 45

Status:

According to the Synergy building permit, all residential spaces comply with the stated

noise level maximums. Other noise abatement reduction strategies have also been used

(e.g., installation of acoustic underlay, sound insulation)

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Buildings are major repositories for a wide variety of manufactured products. Building

materials have an impact on the environment all the way through its extraction,

processing and transportation steps and eventual disposal. During their entire life cycle

they will contribute to air and water pollution, destruction of habitats and depletion of

natural resources. According to the Canadian Green Building Council, the construction

industry consumes approximately 40% of the global material flow and generates about

33% of the North American solid waste stream. That is why buildings have a significant

“upstream” impact on demand for global natural resources and a significant

“downstream” impact on land use (as a result of the need for safe disposal in landfills).

To minimize Dockside Green’s building eco-footprint, the plan is for each building to use

recycled content, sustainably harvested materials and rapidly renewable resources. At the

same time, construction and household waste are to be minimized.



Recycling Facilities:

Stated Goal: Include recycling rooms in all buildings.

Status: In accordance with LEED certification, a recycling space has been provided in all

buildings under construction. Residential buildings also include a carbon filter organics

collector for each residential suite. Recycling bins were originally going to be provided

under kitchen counters but, after reviewing the experiences in other projects, decided that

an organic collection was a better approach.

Environmentally Friendly Products – Rapidly Renewable Products

Stated Goal: Use rapidly renewable natural materials.

Status: The following products have been used:

� Bamboo flooring and cabinet doors. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass and is being

sourced for Synergy and Balance from locations where it is being sustainably

harvested every three to six years.

� Wheat board substrates in cabinets

� Wool carpets (used as an upgrade feature)

� Cork flooring and paneling in lobby areas. Cork flooring is made from the bark of

the cork tree and is thus rapidly renewable.

Environmentally Friendly Products – Recycled Content:

Stated Goal: Use environmentally friendly products with recycled content.

Status: The following products have been used

� Fly ash: The manufacture of each tonne of Portland cement results in the

production of .87 tonnes of CO2. Globally, 3% of greenhouse gas emissions and

5% of total CO2 emissions are attributed to cement production. EcoSmart

Concrete, a national non-profit research and advocacy group, worked with

Dockside Green to optimize the use of fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power

generation and cement production.

� Adding fly ash to concrete reduces the overall amount of Portland cement needed.

The 35–40% fly-ash content in our cement reduces the C02 level emitted and

strengthens the concrete



� Interface carpet tile: Approximately 1,000 square metres of Interface carpet tile is

being used in corridors, lobbies and common areas. The tile is Interface’s

revolutionary ‘Cool Carpet’ which – thanks to the incorporation of recyclable

materials, energy efficient manufacturing and use of alternative fuel sources –is a

greenhouse gas neutral product. According to Interface Carpets Inc., the

manufacturer of ‘Cool Carpet’, the Dockside Green community will save 14

metric tonnes of greenhouse gases by using the modular ‘Cool Carpet’. Although

the product is more expensive than rolled carpet, money is saved in the long-term.

Worn or stained sections can be replaced by removing only the single tile instead

of the whole roll as would be done with a traditional carpet. Carpets are one of the

single largest components of North America’s landfills. By using modular

carpeting, the Dockside strata corporations will be able to maintain new-looking

carpets without having to replace entire floor areas.

� Rebar with recycled steel

� Aluminum windows and railings with recycled content.

� Terrazzo with post-customer recycled glass.

� Recovered concrete crushed and used on-site.

� Cork flooring, in the lobbies of Synergy, made from the materials left over from

wine cork production.

Construction Waste Management:

Stated Goal: Divert 75% of construction waste from landfill.

Status: Farmer Construction has prepared a construction waste management plan. The

plan will be implemented for each phase of the project. Already 95% of Synergy’s waste

has been diverted from the landfill site, well exceeding our goal. Every month, a

contractor’s report is submitted outlining the various steps that were taken to manage the

waste materials and resources used and disposed of on-site.

Environmentally Friendly Products –Sustainable Wood:

Stated Goal: Use sustainable wood products.



Status: Wood is one the best sustainable building materials in the world. Certain logging

practices have had significant negative impacts on ecosystems, fish stocks and

biodiversity. Some solutions are to use Forest Stewardship Council certified wood (wood

harvested from sustainable forests), reclaimed wood, forgotten wood or other sources of

wood from using sustainable harvesting strategies. Dockside Green has gone to great

lengths (and great depths) to find the most sustainable materials for the community.

Thanks to a revolutionary underwater harvesting technology, which uses guided

submersible tree fellers, we are able to use wood products from preserved trees

submerged behind BC’s large hydro-electric dams.

The technology is that of Triton Logging, a Victoria company. Triton is the world leader

in underwater logging and a growing player in the environmentally certified wood

industry. Using its patented Sawfish™ technology, Triton harvests standing forests

flooded by hydro reservoirs. With 45,000 major dam reservoirs around the world

containing an estimated 300 million trees, submerged forests represent a significant

source of non-living timber that can be used for a wide variety of industrial and consumer

applications. The Synergy townhouses incorporated Triton wood products.

Environmentally Friendly Products – Cement:

New Goal: Work with the Cement Association of Canada to maximize the sustainability

of one of the principal materials used in the project and document the various innovation

environment strategies with respect to the use of cement

Status: Concrete has many positive attributes, from durability to design flexibility and

sound proofing. Buildings made of concrete tend to last longer and can be easily altered

into alternative building uses if the architectural design is done appropriately upfront. For

example, Canada’s first LEED gold project, the Vancouver Island Technology Park,

involved the conversion of an old concrete mental health institution into a high-tech park

for some of Victoria’s leading high-tech companies. The reuse of these old buildings

saved significant dollars and provided an effective greenhouse gas strategy by

maintaining all the embodied energy in the retained structure.

Strategies being used at Dockside Green:

� The thermal mass of concrete contributes to the building’s energy efficiency.



� The condominium towers are constructed with a durable steel-reinforced, solid

concrete structure of floor slabs, columns, sheer walls and roofs. Benefits included

structural strength, noise reduction strategies, durability and adaptability.

Durability results in longer lasting structures, reducing waste and maintenance

costs over the life of the structure.

� Each mix incorporates industrial by products such as fly ash (a by product of coal-

fired power generation and cement production), which is being used at a rate of

35–40% to replace cement. This reduces CO2 levels emitted during production of

cement while using a waste product and strengthening the concrete this technique

is recognized in LEED as a desired strategy and contributes to our LEED platinum

target.

� Fly ash was used in the construction of the sewage treatment plant. This resulted

in a mix that had a high degree of crack resistance and water tightness thereby

eliminating the use of chemical additives and saved about $40,000.

� A soil stabilization process using cement to “improve” the bearing capacity of

inadequate soil conditions on which the biomass plant is being located by drying

the soils and binding them, thereby providing increased capabilities avoiding

unnecessary and expensive improvements such as floating, raft-slabs, piles or

caissons.

� A cement-based solidification/stabilization process was also used to treat 10

tonnes of lead contaminated soil using Portland cement incorporated into the soil.

The result achieved by an environmental consultant was non-hazardous soil. This

strategy is now being promoted across Canada.

� Insulated concrete forms and a floor system were used to construct three

townhouses on-site to showcase the benefits of the system.

� Any waste concrete from the site goes back to Ocean Cement’s yard to be used to

make lock blocks. The use of concrete tends to be mean less construction waste.

Old concrete can be reused. At the Dockside site, we found several abandoned

slabs buried. These were crushed and used for the road base and other building

purposes.

� Concrete panels with recycled glass are being used for elevator lobbies.



� Concrete does not promote mould growth and can be easily cleaned

Building Moisture Protection:

Stated Goal: Engage a building envelope specialist for moisture protection.

Status: Buildings under construction and design have rain screens to protect residents

from unwanted moisture intrusion during wet winters. This investment aids in

maintaining the dryness of the building.

Reuse Buildings on-site:

New Goal: Preserve existing buildings on the site.

Status: The site had two pre-

existing structures. One was a

concrete block building formerly

used by Whitehall Industries. The

other was the Princess Mary

building, a former restaurant. The one-storey Whitehall building was determined to have

no economic or structural value and to be hindering future development that would have

higher density. In addition, there was little embodied energy in the building. Waste

materials from the building are to be recycled as much as possible. The Princess Mary

building consisted of three structures: the stern of the old Princess Mary vessel, a Russian

freighter and a two-story wood structure. Various groups put much effort into trying to

salvage the old stern, but in the end we agreed to do it and provide it at no cost to the

former owner of the vessel. After discussions with Farmer Construction over what to do

with the rest of the structure, they undertook a due diligence review of the building and

then proposed to salvage the building and move their head office into it on-site. This was

exciting news for the project to have our contractor move to Dockside Green. During the

Canadian Construction Association, national conference held in Victoria in March 2008

the association was able to showcase the plan for the building (which is targeting a LEED

platinum certification), Farmer Construction and Dockside Green.



SOCIAL

Although Dockside Green could be considered a community in itself, it is also part of a

larger community. From the start Dockside Green was committed to making sure that not

only the buildings on the site were brought together into a neighborhood, but also that

this neighborhood be connected and engaged with the larger region and landscape that

surrounds it. The overall goal was to create a livable, sustainable community for people

of all ages and income levels by working with the existing surrounding community to

revitalize an existing urban area, preserve some green spaces, reduce automobile

dependency, promote pedestrian and bicycling activities and decrease polluted storm

water runoff

Mixed Use Development:

Stated Goal: Create a mixed-use community using smart

growth principles.

Status: The principles of “Smart Growth” are in effect

with Dockside Green being able to house more than 2,200 residents on the 15-acre site. If

the residents of this development were to be housed in single family dwellings, it would

take a housing project of 115 acres, approximately 115 football fields of open space. The

development is to include three distinct neighbourhoods

� Dockside Village, located on the south end of the site, will feature homes, offices,

shops and services, light industry and live-work studios. In the heart of the village



a community amphitheatre will be bordered by cafés, retail, light retail and office

space – a true gathering place for visitors and residents.

� Dockside Commons, located in the middle of the site, includes Harbour Road

industry. It will be characterized by a dense, small-scale light industrial

atmosphere with office and residential to the east and west of the greenway.

� Open bike lanes and walking space will allow for increased connectivity between

downtown, the site and the Galloping Goose Trail.

� Dockside Wharf will include residential condos located along Tyee Road, with

beautifully landscaped street-oriented townhouses and high-rise condominiums

insulated by garden flats facing an internal greenway. Open space between all

buildings will allow for increased pedestrian traffic throughout the site. This

design will make the area user friendly and safe while promoting urban ecology.

At the north end of Harbour Road, an office building with a restaurant, organic

bakery and coffee shop is being constructed. Blending in with the harbour industry

across the street, this area of Dockside Green will mix historical uses with modern

flare and design. At the north end of Dockside Wharf, there will be waterside

residences with direct access to the water, a public wharf, and the ever-convenient

Galloping Goose Trail. Whether you want to hop on a harbour ferry to downtown

or ride your bike to the BC Ferries terminal along the Galloping Goose, this end of

the site allows for connections to both.

The master plan is continually being revised and improved based on input from the

Community Association and the Municipal planning staff. For instance, Synergy and

Balance have added more pedestrian connections. As well, Synergy has added some

commercial uses near the Harbour Road and Tyee Road intersection and a new plaza. CI-

1 is now open with the organic bakery in full operation and the organic coffee shop and

restaurant under design and construction.

New Urbanism Design:

Stated Goal: Use “New Urbanism” principles and “Smart Growth” in the design of

Dockside Green



Status: The project design has embraced the principles of New Urbanism and Smart

Growth. Both Synergy and Balance have created interesting streetscapes, bringing the

building close to the street and creating landscaped “bulbs” for parking to narrow the

street.

Mix of Residential Units to Attract People in a Range of Ages & Stages of Life:

Stated Goal: Create a mix of unit types to attract a wide range of ages

Status:Dockside Green is attracting residents of all ages and backgrounds who share a

desire to live in a healthy, vibrant community. The project has been carefully designed as

a mixed-use community to reinforce New Urbanism principle including providing

neighbourhood shopping, interconnectivity to surrounding neighbourhoods and numerous

trails throughout the development. The wide range of community amenities –such as the

amphitheater, elegantly designed buildings, parks, dock facilities, urban ecology

practices, greenway and access to waterfront – are all factors to attract a diverse range of

ages.

Both Synergy and Balance include a mix of unit

types (1 bedroom, 1 bedroom and den, 2 bedrooms,

2 bedrooms and den, and 3 bedrooms) in the form

of condos, garden flats and two- and three-storey

townhouses. In addition, people from a diverse mix

of ages have purchased in Synergy. This is a direct

result of our efforts to create a community.

The mix of purchaser ages in Synergy: The mix of purchaser ages in Balance:



Mix of Residential Units to Meet a Broad Range of Incomes and Unit Tenure:

Stated Goal:

Provide $3 million fund for on-site housing affordability initiatives that target household

incomes of between $35,000 and $60,000.

The original 300-point evaluation matrix prepared by the municipality and used in the

original Request for Proposals (RFP) to evaluate prospective developers included a total

of 5 points for housing affordability (1.7% of the evaluation). There was little emphasis

on affordability as the RFP focused on amenities being requested by the municipality,

remediation concerns and the price of the land. Rightly, the municipality wanted to

ensure recovery of its associated costs and the base price of the land. There had been

several failed development proposals on this land before in large part because of the

clean-up costs. Given the allocation of points in the RFP under the triple bottom line

matrix, any developer emphasizing housing affordability would have risked the chance of

being selected.

In assessing the desire to create a diverse project, it was felt as the developers we needed

to address housing affordability as a component of triple bottom line community

developments. We therefore agreed to make a $3 million contribution towards a housing

affordability fund to be used to provide affordable-housing units (ownership) and non-

market units (rental). Under the Master Development Agreement, the target household

income levels were $30,000–60,000. The municipality provided leadership on this

important issue by agreeing to contribute 20% of the building permit fees to be collected

from construction at Dockside Green to the housing affordability fund. The approach by



both the municipality and developer was innovative and has resulted in affordable-

housing units being built on-site.

Status:

In consultation with the Dockside Housing Advisory Committee and the Capital Regional

Housing Authority, a Housing Affordability Strategy has been developed. All parties

involved in the Housing Affordability Strategy supported it. Under the strategy, 26 units

have been provided and integrated into Synergy and Balance as affordable-housing units

– 10% of the units. All 26 units have been sold. The diagram below shows the percentage

of units sold by household income. Note that lower household incomes were targeted

than originally planned.

In total, the subsidy the developer totaled approximately $800,000.

Over $100,000 was spent by the developer on the plans and in excess of $3 million was

raised. There were unexpected costs associated with affordable-housing units due to time

incurred by the CRD Housing Committee and legal costs associated with developing the

covenant for resale of affordable-housing units.

First Nations-Native People:

Stated Goal: Work with First Nations to develop historical signage of their past

connection to the lands.

Status: During the rezoning process, an event occurred where several First Nations

chiefs attended to celebrate the beginning of our relationship. We presented our

ecological written pledge to be good stewards of the land.

Encouraging a Sense of Connectedness:

Stated Goal: Provide various pedestrian, cycle and vehicle connections and intersections

and crossings, as committed under the Master Development Agreement.



Status:

The master plan continues to be refined, with connections being

expanded to the neighbouring community. Improvements include

the north/south greenway, numerous east/west pedestrian trails, a

crossing on Tyee Road, a safe interface between the Galloping

Goose Trail and Harbour Road and the upgrade of the Galloping

Goose. The greenway (north/south) trail has been designed and

about half of it has been completed during Synergy and Balance construction.

Design improvements on Tyee Road have been made to provide landscape “bulbs” and to

slow traffic. As a result, the pedestrian feel of Tyee Road will be improved and enhanced

by the addition of walk-up townhouses and the retail added to Synergy at the plaza and

the corner of Harbour and Tyee Roads. In Synergy, the plaza area and east/west

connection have been completed Consultation with the community has led to additional

public corridors. For instance, in Balance a new trail has been added to the south of the

buildings and a new trail added along the Bay Street Bridge.

Encouraging a Sense of Community:

Stated Goal:

Inspire a sense of community and establish a healthy working relationship with the local

community association, environmental groups and the business community



Status:

The Community Liaison Committee has been established and has met quarterly,

providing valuable community insights to the project. In addition, staff of the

municipality, Ministry of Environment and Capital Regional District have been very

supportive of our innovative approaches and have proposed new strategies to enhance the

triple bottom line elements of Dockside Green. A sense of community is being cultivated

and there has been a steady overwhelming acceptance expressed towards the

development during the numerous rezoning, community and development permit

meetings. We are committed to being open and transparent and to continuing to listen for

new opportunities to improve the development. We have arranged events and gatherings

for purchasers so they can meet each other and begin the process of creating community.

Our goal is to create a model of how developers, municipalities and community,

environment and business groups can work together to create sustainable developments.

Public Amenities:

Stated Goal: Provide the amenities that improve the livability of the development and

the surrounding community, including:

� public art

� dock and small boat launch

� upgrade of Galloping Goose Trail

� a sustainability centre on-site (Dockside Green agreed to work with non-profit

groups to establish this centre, committing $400,000 to it)

� historical and environmental education signage on-site

� amphitheatre, main plaza, Vista and Triangle pathway, playground, staircase from

the Johnson Street Bridge and public washrooms

Status:

The following is an update on the various amenities provided:

� A First Nations totem pole has been commissioned and installed as well as the

“Shatters” a glass sculpture installed in the synergy Plaza. Updates and

modifications to the master plan have to better facilitate the use of the north end of

the Dockside site. The final plan, now built has a water taxi connection, sufficient



space for kayak, canoe or small boat launches, and enough area for pedestrians to

walk about. Connecting to this small boat launch and to the rest of the Dockside

site is the popular Galloping Goose Trail.

� Currently, we are exploring the idea of providing public fitness stations along the

Galloping Goose Trail. These would be located just off the trail in a wood-chipped

area. These would be sit-up stations, push-up stations, chin-up stations, etc.

� A fitness centre was added into Tower B of Synergy for residents Dockside Green

has spent approximately $100,000 in investigating the creation of a sustainability

centre. During 2008, several large non-profit organizations have come forward

expressing renewed interest in spearheading the planning and development of the

Victoria Sustainability Centre.

View Corridors and Open Space

Stated Goal: Continue to refine the master plan to

improve view corridors and open space.

Status: As a result of consultations with the Vic

West Community Association, the Planning

Department and approval support from Council

additional paths and view corridors have been added

between buildings. In addition, we implemented the

association’s suggestion to develop townhouses along

Tyee Road to improve the pedestrian feel of the street.

In Harmony, open spaces have been increased even

further as a result of community consultation and

input from municipal planning department.

Encouraging Innovations in Design and Sustainability

Stated Goal: Share our knowledge with other communities, developers and interested

parties to promote market transformation.

Status: One of Dockside Green’s initiatives from the beginning was to encourage similar

types of development in the private and public sectors around the globe by sharing the



Lessons learned.

Limits Impacts on Municipal Infrastructure and Utilities (Sewer, Water, Storm,

Roads and Landfill):

Stated Goal: Minimize impact on the municipal and the Capital Regional District

infrastructure and utility costs (for sewer, water, storm, roads and landfill).

Status: The development has succeeded in minimizing impacts on the municipal

infrastructure in many ways and has been a catalyst for encouraging other developments

to use some of our strategies.

Sewage: Dockside Green will not be using the city sewage system. Construction of the

plant has been completed in early 2008 and is now operational. Dockside Green is

treating its own sewage on-site. Staff has participated in several community forums to

showcase the benefits of the project’s system from a regional perspective, including its

reuse of treated water and extraction of heat and cooling from the sewage treatment plant.

Water: Dockside Green is expected to reduce potable water use because of the water-

efficient appliances in its buildings and its reuse of treated water from the sewage

treatment process. In total, more than 70 million gallons of water will be saved annually

on full build-out, the equivalent of the entire region’s water use on the driest day of the

year. In addition, the meters in each suite will measure hot and cold water use, which will

also reduce water consumption.

Storm water: Dockside Green will not be using the municipal storm water system.

Landfill: Dockside Green will produce less waste than typical developments,

contributing positively to regional landfill costs. We are on track to reduce over 93% of

our construction waste.

Roads: The various alternative transportation strategies will ensure the development has

less impact on traffic than a standard development, as confirmed by the traffic demand

study prepared by the municipality. We expect the car share program to be a catalyst for

the region. Improvements to the Galloping Goose Trail with bicycle storage and shower

facilities will increase bicycle usage. The car pooling and mini-transit will also result in a

positive reduction in traffic.



Preserve Our Heritage

Stated Goal: Work with the City of Victoria to preserve and move the historic building

on its site to Dockside Green, where it will be used as the sustainability centre, owned by

a non-profit entity.

6

6. Accrediting A Project –A Case

CHANDIGARH SECTOR-15

6.1. Introduction

6.2. About the city and planning philosophy

6.3. Accreditation

6.3.1. Credit check list



6.1. Introduction : Brief History

After the partition of British India into the two nations of India and Pakistan in 1947, the

region of Punjab was also split between India and Pakistan. The Indian state of Punjab

required a new capital city to replace Lahore, which became part of Pakistan during the

partition. After several plans to make additions to existing cities were found to be

infeasible for various reasons, the decision to construct a new and planned city was

undertaken

6.2. About the city and planning philosophy

Planning History of Chandigarh

Le Corbusier's Master Plan

� The Master plan prepared by Le Corbusier was broadly similar to the one prepared

by the team of planners led by Albert Mayer and Mathew Novicki except that the

shape of the city plan was modified from one with a curving road network to

rectangular shape with a grid iron pattern for the fast traffic roads, besides

reducing its area for reason of economy.

� The city plan was conceived as post war ‘Garden City’ wherein vertical and high

rise buildings were ruled out, keeping in view the socio economic-conditions and

living habits of the people.

Geography

Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in

Northwest India. It covers an area of approximately 114 km². and shares its borders with

the states of Haryana in the south and Punjab in the north. The exact cartographic co-

ordinates of Chandigarh are 30.74° N 76.79° E.[3]

It has an average elevation of

321 metres (1053 feet). The surrounding districts are of Mohali and Ropar in Punjab and

Panchkula in Haryana. The boundary of the state of Himachal Pradesh are not too far

from its north.



Plan and Architecture-The City –An Overview

� The City Derives Its Name From A Temple Of Goddess Chandi(The Chandi

Mandir) Located In Nearby Panchkula District Of Haryana. The Word Chandigarh

Literally Means "The Fort Of Chandi".

� Chandigarh Is Known For Its High Standard Of Living With Highest Per Capita

Income In The Country And Tops The List Of Indian States And Union Territories

With A Human Development Index.

� Chandigarh Has Two Satellite Cities (Both Of Which Share A Border With It):

Panchkula And Mohali. Sometimes, The Triangle Of These Three Cities Is

Collectively Called As The Chandigarh Tricity.

� Le Corbusier conceived the master plan of Chandigarh as analogous to human

body:

o Capitol complex: head.

o City centre: heart of city.

o Educational and medical facilities: care of body.

o Industrial area: work place.

o Park areas: lungs of the city.

o Roads: arteries and veins of city.

Fig 6.1: Chandigarh city layout



Taking over from Albert Mayer, Le Corbusier produced a plan for Chandigarh that

conformed to the modernist city planning principles of CIAM, in terms of division of

urban functions, an anthropomorphic plan form, and a hierarchy of road and pedestrian

networks.

This vision of Chandigarh , contained in the innumerable conceptual maps on the

drawing board together with notes and sketches had to be translated into brick and

mortar. Le Corbusier retained many of the seminal ideas of Mayer and Nowicki, like the

basic framework of the master plan and its components: the Capitol, City Centre, besides

the University, Industrial area, and linear parkland.

Even the neighborhood unit was retained as the basic module of planning. However, the

curving outline of Mayer and Nowicki was reorganized into a mesh of rectangles, and the

buildings were characterized by an 'honesty of materials'. Exposed brick and boulder

stone masonry in its rough form produced unfinished concrete surfaces, in geometrical

structures. This became the architecture form characteristic of Chandigarh, set amidst

landscaped gardens and parks.

The city plan is laid down in a grid pattern. The whole city has been divided into

rectangular patterns, forming identical looking sectors, each sector measures 800 m x

1200 m.

The sectors were to act as self-sufficient neighbourhoods, each with its own market,

places of worship, schools and colleges - all within 10 minutes walking distance from

within the sector. The original two phases of the plan delineated sectors from 1 to 47,

with the exception of 13.

The Assembly, the secretariat and the high court, all located in Sector - 1 are the three

monumental buildings designed by Le Corbusier in which he showcased his architectural

genius to the maximum. The city was to be surrounded by a 16 kilometer wide greenbelt

that was to ensure that no development could take place in the immediate vicinity of the

town, thus checking suburbs and urban sprawl.



SECTOR PLANNING

The dimensions of the sector are derived from the “modular” conception. Introvert in

character, a sector is bounded by fast traffic roads running on its four sides and permitting

four vehicular entries into its interior. Each sector has a central green which is bisected by

shopping street. A loop road which distributed the traffic in the interior of the sector

intersects the shopping streets. The individual houses are approached by streets which

branch out of the loop road. The shops are located on the v4 roads which run north-west

to south-east across the sector.

The market of each sector communicates with those of the adjacent sectors, thus forming

a continuous ribbon like shopping street. The shops are located on the south-western side

of the v4 road to protect them from the direct sun and to eliminate the necessity of

crossing street frequently. The buildings are designed as three storey shops cum flats,

with shops on the ground floor and residential accommodation on the upper floors for the

shop owners. A continuous verandah runs in front of the shops. This not only protects the

shops from rain and sun but also provides a shaded walkway for the customers.

� Each 'Sector' or the neighboured unit, measures 800mX1200m, covering 250 acres

of area.

� Each Sector is surrounded by V-2 or V-3 roads, with no buildings opening on to

them. Access from the surrounding roads is available only at 4 controlled points,

which roughly mark the middle of each side.

� Typically a sector is divided in four parts by a V-4 road running from east to west

and a V-5 road running from north to south.

� These four parts are easily identifiable as A, B, C and D corresponding to North,

East, South and West sides.

� Each sector is a self-sufficient unit having shops, school, health centers and places

of recreations and worship. The population of a sector varies between 3000 and

20000 depending upon the sizes of plots and the topography of the area.

� Due to economic constraints, the master plan was to be realized in two phases,

catering to a total population of half a million. Phase-I consisting of 30 low

density sector spread over an area of 9000 acres (Sector 1 to 30) for 1,50,000



people whereas Phase-II consisting of 17 considerably high density Sectors (

Sectors 31 to 47) spread over an area of 6000 acres for a population of 3,50,000.

� Now under the third phase i.e. sector 48 to 63 are under development as high

density sectors. apartment system is brought to cater the increasing demand of

houses in Chandigarh.

VEGETATION PLANNING:

� Tree plantation and landscaping has been an integral part of the cities Master Plan.

Twenty six different types of flowering and 22 species of evergreen trees have

been planted along the roads, in parking areas, shopping complexes, residential

areas and in the city parks, to ameliorate the harsh climate of the region, especially

the hot and scorching summers.

ROADS:

� Le- Corbusier’s System Of 7 Types Of Roads(7 V’s) For Different Kinds Of

Traffic Is First Of Its Kind In The Country.Roads For Fast Moving Traffic Are

Located At The Periphery Of Each Sector,With Shops At Various Places Are

Inside The Sector.

� There Are Shaded Footpaths For Pedestrian S And Tracks For Cycles

� The Sectors Were Linked To Each Other By A Road And Path Network

Developed Along The Line Of The 7 Vs, Or A Hierarchy Of Seven Types Of

Circulation Patterns.

� At The Highest Point In This Network Was The V1, The Highways Connecting

The City To Others, And At The Lowest Were The V7s, The Streets Leading To

Individual Houses. Later A V8 Was Added: Cycle And Pedestrian Paths.

� V1: Roads connecting Chandigarh with other cities like Ambala, Kharar and

Shimla. They have dual carriage way, good tree plantation and distinctive central

verge lighting. The Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg are two roads which merge

into V-1s leading to Kalka and Ambala.

� V2: They are the major avenues of Chandigarh, with important institutional and

commercial functions running alongside. In Chandigarh they are identifiable as

'Margs'. Madhya Marg, Dakshin Marg, Jan Marg, Himalaya Marg, Uttar Marg and

Purav Marg are important examples.



� V3: They are the corridor-streets for fast moving vehicular traffic. A Sector is

surrounded either by V-2 or V-3 roads.

� V4: Roads bisecting the Sectors with shopping complexes located along their

southern edge

� V5: Roads meandering through the Sector giving access to its inner lands.

� V6: Roads coming off of the V-5s and leading to the residential houses.

� V7: They are intended for pedestrian movement and run through the middle of the

sectors in the green areas. A few examples along the Jan Marg and in the Punjab

University exists, otherwise not well developed at present

� V8: They Are Intended To Run Parallel With V-7s For The Bi-Cycles. Not

Properly Developed, As Yet. This Arrangement of Road-Use Leads To A

Remarkable Hierarchy Of Movement, Which Also Ensures That The Residential

Areas Are Segregated From The Noise And Pollution of Traffic

Success of the city can be depicted by the following Fact File:

� Number 1 in the country in terms of Human Development Index

� Chandigarh has been rated as the “Wealthiest Town” of India. In terms of family

wealth, it was rated as the sixth most prosperous city.

� Good Governance- A compact, efficient Administration having Quick Decision

making system.

� Bank Deposits- USD 4 billion with 227 branches

� Education: 109 government schools are there including primary, model and non

model schools out of which 41 are senior secondary school. 31 private secondary

schools are also functioning. 2 universities and 5 under graduate colleges are there

in education system

� Health: 5 Big Govt. Hospitals in the City

� Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing @ 16.06% in the year 2004-05 against

all India Growth of 8.2%.



ARCHITECTURE CONTROLS

A suitable conglomeration of natural and built environment is essential for every

sustainable habitation. Chandigarh's sustainability stems from its modern urbanism

planned in harmony with the elements. Unlike old towns and cities of India, it was

planned as a new city unfettered by the traditions of the past, a symbol of India's new

found freedom and a step into the future. A number of factors have contributed to its

sustainability:

A City with a goal

The city was planned as an administrative center assuring all amenities to all classes of

people to lead a dignifies life. The city achieved this agenda with aplomb precision.

However, the quest doesn't end here. The city continues to grow in response to its

people's needs and happily, this growth is regulated through an edict to prolong its

sustainability.

Suitable Site with climate responsive Architecture

The location of the site of the city has contributed immensely to its sustainability. It had a

number of natural advantages such as stability (bearing capacity of soil), favourable

water supply conditions, natural ground slope, inexhaustible supply of building materials

in the vicinity etc. The city has an extreme climate-cold winters warm dry summers and

the humid monsoon season. Accordingly, the architectural vocabulary for the city's

physical environment includes vernacular shading devices and features such as sunshades

(chajjas), fenestrations, parasols, louvers, verandahs, brick jails & courtyards all aimed at

natural climate control at micro level.

The city is mostly built in brick, stone and shutter finish concrete, which is not only

available in abundance locally but also translates into provocative aesthetic forms.

Besides, the less maintenance cost of material furthers the cause of sustainability.



Labour intensive Development with

Eco Friendly Techniques

The skyline of the city is predominantly

four storeyed achieved through cheap &

plentiful manpower. This was also in

consonance with the low economy and

stringent budget for the new capital.

Infact, the low cost materials and techniques employed in building construction served as

a model in other parts of the nation also. Standardisation of building components such as

the roof spans, lintel size, door and window opening size and shape ensured quality and

cost control.

Fig 6.2: A commercial block in sector

Fig 6.3: Layout plan of sector-15, Chandigarh



Located on the north-west side on the master plan of city of Chandigarh, this sector was

part of the initial phase-1 of the development.

The sector is self-sufficient with basic civic amenities and mixed land use as well as

mixed income users.

The sector has almost all the basic characteristics common with the rest of the sectors like

� A neighbourhood centre.

� Shopping street & markets.

� Schools.

� Parks.

� Mixed housing.

� Playgrounds.

� Civic Centres.



6.3. Accreditation

6.3. 1 Credit check list

� Project Checklist for LEED Accreditation of Chandigarh-Sector 15.

Table 6.1: Accreditation table for LEED-ND Certification



Assumptions and explanations:

Given the fact that there is as such no rating system called LEED for existing

neighbourhood, like the one we have for buildings as LEED for existing buildings, for the

purpose of academic understanding the sector under study is assumed to be left for

development in phase 2 with the adjacent sectors been developed.

Table 6.2: Accreditation table for LEED-ND Certification



Proceedings over the accreditation:

� The Project is fore mostly cross checked for the various prerequisite under the

following head:

o Smart Location and Linkage.

� Prerequisite 1 Smart Location

� Prerequisite 2 Imperilled Species and Ecological Communities

� Prerequisite 3 Wetland and Water Body Conservation

� Prerequisite 4 Agricultural Land Conservation

� Prerequisite 5 Floodplain Avoidance

o Neighbourhood Pattern and Design

� Prerequisite 1 Walk able Streets

� Prerequisite 2 Compact Development

� Prerequisite 3 Connected and Open Community

o Green Infrastructure and Buildings

� Prerequisite 1 Certified Green Building

� Prerequisite 2 Minimum Building Energy Efficiency

� Prerequisite 3 Minimum Building Water Efficiency

� Prerequisite 4 Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

And was found qualified for the accreditation purpose.Then the sector was evaluated for

various possible credits and the credits were divided into 3 categories as

� Points Gained-40 points out of 110 possible points were achieved.

� Points like to achieve – 56 points out of 110 possible points

� Points not possible - 14 points out of 110 possible points.

The major reason for the 14 not possible points is that some points are specifically

available for projects in US only.

RESULTS:

With the existing layout and infrastructure the site sector is able to achieve some 40

points and hence falls in the category of “Certified” for neighbourhood development

LEED certification, but with some financial inputs and strong will to achieve other likely

to achieve points (57 in numbers) be added into the credit list & assuming(out of

experience with a LEED AP) that out of the above 50% could be really achieved the total



sums up to some way around 68 which suggests that the project could qualify for the

GOLD rating or else with slight financial input SILVER rating is achievable easily.

There need to be few simulations for energy efficiency and water efficiency.

The Project was able to achieve following points with the existing setup:

In the Section-I: Smart links & locations

• 5 points for preferred locations

• 2 points for Housing and job proximity

• 1 point each for steep slope protection, site design for habitat or wetland and water

body conservation & restoration of habitat or wetlands and water bodies.

In Section-II: Neighbourhood Pattern & Design

• 4 points each for Compact development & Mixed use neighbourhood centres

• 2 points each for Mixed-income diverse community, Street network & Tree lined

and shaded streets.

• 1 point each for Reduced parking footprints, Access to civic and public spaces,

Access to recreational facilities, Visitability and universal design &

Neighbourhood schools.

In Section-III: Green Infrastructure and Buildings.

• 2 points for Storm-water management

• 1 point each for Building water efficiency, Water efficient landscaping, Heat

island reduction, Solar orientation, Waste water management & Solid waste

management infrastructure

• Lastly in the Innovation and design process there is a 3 points earnings.

Similarly there are few points as well which cannot be earned because of some or the

other reasons like non-applicability etc... Like

• 4 points missed for Regional priority credits as they are only available for US

based projects.

• 2 points missed for preferred locations & Brownfield redevelopment.

• 1 point missed for Existing building use, Historic resource preservation and

adaptive reuse & recycled content in infrastructure, Transit facilities, Local food

production



7

7. Conclusion , Recommendations & Future Scope

7.1. Conclusions

7.2. Recommendations

7.3. Scope for future works.



Conclusions, recommendations & future scope of work:

This seminar work proves to be a guide for understanding Green Neighbourhood in a part

to whole manner. The seminar tries to incorporate almost every aspect related to

designing and execution of LEED-ND which lies within the scope of the seminar.

The challenge the construction sector is facing today is not only to find the best balance

between the various contemporary constraints of the building act (technical, architectural,

social or economic constraints) but also to endeavor to favor "decisions without regret" in

the compromise solutions that the building act necessitates at every moment in the life

cycle of a building, and especially in the construction phase.

The work demand on the sustainable projects could be generated on two factors:

1. There exists enough demand from the developer or client side for the sustainable,

either because of the understanding of the benefits of such development both on

long and short term basis. For generating such demand education and

dissemination of the practises adopted and intent of the exercise is what is the need

of the hour and is the true way to carry the knowledge and wisdom ahead in the

future generations.

However as if now the awareness in not available, accessible and well interpreted

even amongst the building industry professional and all the parties involved.

The designers should be at liberty to apply the concept of sustainable development

and as discussed previously in the seminar that there exist 2 types of sustainability

–weak and strong, the later should always be aimed at without compromise and

manufactures should take up the life cycle cost reduction as the basis of product

designing, manufacturing and marketing as well.

2. There exists legal framework which guides the developer to go for such projects.

The crux is that there should be some level of enforcement from the authority over

the developers and other funding agencies that foster the development of

sustainable green neighbourhood.



The driving force for the developers, for such an attempt could be the tax benefits,

FAR relaxations, subsidy, expertise facilitation etc…

As evident from the present day market of green buildings that the various MNCs

are looking for space for their business expansion mostly in green buildings

because of the policy formulation in their native countries (generally developed

nations) and out of socio-corporate responsibility. This is guiding the developers

to come up with such projects and they are even asking for comparatively more

money for the space as over an ordinary built space, which in turn is easily paid by

the companies in need.

The study showed as that the potential of achieving a sustainable built environment is

quite high when we talk about the neighbourhood more so ever it’s a holistic approach

for the application of concept of sustainability because of the fact that the neighbourhood

consists of multiple land use. Most of the things are decided at the very design stage and

governs various aspects of living and well being. So there lies a potential for making the

things right at a preliminary stage and subsequent level.

The study also led us to conclude that as the cities continue to grow - the sprawl becomes

a major source of problems and unnecessary spread out of the city should be checked as it

leads to wastage of resources and time of the end user and may result in loss of

performance.Debates around the desirability and possibilities of sustainable communities

take place against the background of four linked phenomenon: climate change,

urbanization, economic growth and globalization.

In short, there has been a fundamental shift in the way that many people relate to, and

experience, the world. As a planet we are living beyond our means. We have not been

able to create on any scale ways of living in the world that allow people to share properly,

and that do not damage the well-being of future generations.

A 'sustainable city’ of which a neighbourhood is a basic unit of integration is organized

so as to enable all its citizens to meet their own needs and to enhance their well-being

without damaging the natural world or endangering the living conditions of other people,

now or in the future.(Girardet 1999: 13)



This definition has a number of things going for it. It places people and their long term

needs at the centre. These include:

• Good quality air and water, health food and good housing.

• Good quality education, a vibrant culture, good health care, satisfying employment

or occupations and a sharing of wealth.

• Safety in public places, equal opportunities, freedom of expression and catering

for the needs of the young, the old and the disabled.

This is clearly a greener and more inclusive approach to sustainability than exists within

the current policies of most countries. It looks to the environment and to economics and

to social relationships and social justice. As such it is a more hopeful vision – and this,

we believe, is vital to education and community development. Without hope, we easily

lose direction and the capacity to find it. Hope, 'buffers us against falling into apathy in

the face of tough going'.

Future scope of work:

The work could be carried forward in various ways:

1. Integrating the concepts especially for the Indian context as mentioned in the

LEED requirement for neighbourhood development.

2. Integration of various neighbourhoods amongst themselves as it finally takes us to

the next level of making cities green-challenges and issues.

3. Carry out Simulation of various components on the scale of a neighbourhood and

compare the same with an existing non-green neighbourhood.

4. Carry out a socio-economic well being survey to ascertain and examine the impact

and make tangible results out with it to prove the point of holistic development.

5. Formulate out some standard means of practice and performance for a sustainable

development.

6. Economic feasibility and benefits of developing such places for the various actors

of developments like the developer, government, end user, facilitators etc.



REFERENCES:

Published Works:

• Sustainable communities and neighbourhoods. theory, policy and practice- infed

• Future Forms and Design for Sustainable Cities-Mike Jenks and Nicola Dempsey

• Energy Manual-Sustainable Architecture-Hegger, Fuchs, Stark, Zeumer

• Sustainable Practices in the built environment-Craig A.Langston, Grace K.C. Ding

• Environment, Technology & Sustainability-Hocine Boughdah & Stephen Sharples

• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature: Douglas-Farr

• Great-Neighbourhoods-How-to-Bring-Them-Home

• Neighbourhood Handbook

• Green Building Handbook- guide to building products and their impact on the

environment byTom Woolley, Queens University of Belfast Sam Kimmins, Paul

Harrison and Rob Harrison ECRA, Manchester, ISBN 0-419-22690-7.

• City planning and realities- A case study of Chandigarh by Bipin Kumar Malik

Assistant Professor Chandigarh College of Architecture,Chandigarh – India

Un-published Works:

• Project specific compliance to LEED green building-by Prajakta Bakshi.

• Green Building-An Integrated approach-by Neha Gupta, 403/MBEM, SPA New

Delhi

• Holistic Approach to sustainable buildings (Thesis work) By Tanushree Mohanty

May 2006

• Strategies for sustainable practices in building projects (Thesis work) By Jyothi

Subray Hegde, Jan 2003

• Sustainable development related to building projects (Thesis work) By Dependra

Gabryal, May 2002

• Sustainable site planning and management during project implementation-by Divya

Vishwanathan, BEM 417, SPA



Web Sites:

� http://www.sustainablebuildingcentre.com

� http://www.energydesignresources.com/Resources/Publications/PublicationLibrary//

� http://www.buildnova.com/

� http://greenbuildingelements.com

� www.wbdg.org/design/envelope.

� www.buildinggreen.com

� www.greenbuilding.com/ www.breeam.org

� www.usgbc.org/ www.igbc.org/ www.terin.org

� www.wiley.com/go/sustainable construction



A

Appendices

Appendix 1: Diverse use as per LEED ND ratings

Appendix: 2 Glossaries for LEED neighbourhood development ratings-2009



APPENDIX: 1

APPENDIX FOR DIVERSE USE:

Food Retail

� Supermarket

� Other food store with produce

Community-Serving Retail

� Clothing store or department store selling clothes

� Convenience store

� Farmer’s market

� Hardware store

� Pharmacy

� Other retail

Services

� Bank

� Gym, health club, exercise studio

� Hair care

� Laundry, dry cleaner

� Restaurant, café, diner (excluding establishments with only drive-throughs)

Civic and Community Facilities

� Adult or senior care (licensed)

� Child care (licensed)

� Community or recreation centre

� Cultural arts facility (museum, performing arts)

� Educational facility (including K–12 school, university, adult education centre,

vocational school, community college)

� Family entertainment venue (theatre, sports)

� Government office that serves public on-site

� Place of worship

� Medical clinic or office that treats patients

� Police or fire station

� Post office

� Public library

� Public park

� Social services centre

Adapted from Criterion Planners, INDEX neighbourhood completeness indicator, 2005.



APPENDIX: 2

GLOSSARY FOR LEED NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT RATINGS-2009

KEY DEFINITIONS

1. Adjacent site a site having at least 25% of its boundary bordering parcels that are

each at least 75% previously developed. A Street or other right-of-way does not

constitute previously developed land; instead, it is the status of the property on the

other side of the street or right-of-way that matters. Any fraction of the boundary

that borders waterfront other than a stream is excluded from the calculation. A site

is still considered adjacent if the 25% adjacent portion of its boundary is separated

from previously developed parcels by undeveloped, permanently protected land

averaging no more than 400 feet in width and no more than 500 feet in any one

place. The undeveloped land must be permanently preserved as natural area,

riparian corridor, park, greenway, agricultural land, or designated cultural

landscape. Permanent pedestrian paths connecting the project through the

protected parcels to the bordering site may be counted to meet the requirement of

SLL Prerequisite 1, Option 2 (that the project be connected to the adjacent parcel

by a through-street or non-motorized right-of-way every 600 feet on average,

provided the path or paths traverse the undeveloped land at no more than a 10%

grade for walking by persons of all ages and physical abilities).

2. Connectivity the number of publicly accessible street intersections per square

mile, including intersections of streets with dedicated alleys and transit rights-of-

way, and intersections of streets with non-motorized rights-of way (up to 20% of

total intersections). If one must both enter and exit an area through the same

intersection, such an intersection and any intersections beyond that point are not

counted; intersections leading only to culs-de-sac are also not counted. The

calculation of square mileage excludes water bodies, parks larger than 1/2 acre,

public facility campuses, airports, rail yards, slopes over 15%, and areas non-



buildable under codified law or the rating system. Street rights-of-way may not be

excluded

3. Infill site a site that meets any of the following four conditions:

a. At least 75% of its boundary borders parcels that individually are at least

50% previously developed, and that in aggregate are at least 75%

previously developed.

b. The site, in combination with bordering parcels, forms an aggregate parcel

whose boundary is 75% bounded by parcels that individually are at least

50% previously developed, and that in aggregate are at least 75%

previously developed.

c. At least 75% of the land area, exclusive of rights-of-way, within a 1/2 mile

distance from the project boundary is previously developed.

d. The lands within a 1/2 mile distance from the project boundary have a pre-

project connectivity of at least 140 intersections per square mile.

4. A Street or other right-of-way does not constitute previously developed land; it is

the status of property on the other side or right-of-way of the street that matters.

For conditions (a) and (b) above, any fraction of the perimeter that borders

waterfront other than a stream is excluded from the calculation.

a. Infill project site based on minimum 75% of perimeter adjacent to

previously developed parcels

b. Infill project site based on minimum 75% adjacent to previously developed

parcels using project boundary and selected bordering parcels

5. Connectivity: the number of publicly accessible street intersections per square

mile, including intersections of streets with dedicated alleys and transit rights-of-

way, and intersections of streets with non motorized rights-of way (up to 20% of

total intersections). If one must both enter and exit an area through the same

intersection, such an intersection and any intersections beyond that point are not

counted; intersections leading only to cul-de-sac are also not counted. The

calculation of square mileage excludes water bodies, parks larger than 1/2 acre,

public facility campuses, airports, rail yards, slopes over 15%, and areas



nonbuildable under codified law or the rating system. Street rights-of-way may not

be excluded

6. Previously: developed altered by paving, construction, and/or land use that would

typically have required regulatory permitting to have been initiated (alterations

may exist now or in the past). Previously developed land includes a platted lot on

which a building was constructed if the lot is no more than 1 acre; previous

development on lots larger than 1 acre is defined as the development footprint and

land alterations associated with the footprint. Land that is not previously

developed and altered landscapes resulting from current or historical clearing or

filling, agricultural or forestry use, or preserved natural area use are considered

undeveloped land. The date of previous development permit issuance constitutes

the date of previous development, but permit issuance in itself does not constitute

previous development.

ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS:

Accessory dwelling unit: a subordinate dwelling unit that is attached to a principal

building or contained in a separate structure on the same property as the principal unit.

adapted (or introduced) plant a species that reliably grows well in a given habitat with

minimal attention from humans in the form of winter protection, pest protection, water

irrigation, or fertilization once its root systems are established in the soil. Adapted plants

are low maintenance but not invasive.

Alley: a publicly accessible right-of-way, generally located midblock, that can

accommodate slow-speed motor vehicles, as well as bicycles and pedestrians. An alley

provides access to the side or rear of abutting properties for loading, parking, and other

service functions, minimizing the need for these functions to be located along streets. It

may be publicly dedicated or privately owned and deeded in perpetuity for general public

use.

Applicant: the entity that prepares the LEED-ND project submission and is responsible

for project implementation. An applicant may be the developer or another cooperating

entity.



Area median income: the median income of a county as determined by the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

bicycle network: a continuous network consisting of any combination of physically

designated in-street bicycle lanes at least 5 feet wide, off-street bicycle paths or trails at

least 8 feet wide for a two-way path and at least 5 feet wide for a one-way path, and/or

streets designed for a target speed of 25 miles per hour or slower.

Block: land bounded by the project boundary, transportation or utility rights-of-way that

may be publicly dedicated or privately owned and deeded in perpetuity for general public

use, waterfront, and/or comparable land division features.

Brownfield: real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be

complicated by the presence or possible presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or

contaminate.

Build-out: the time at which all habitable buildings on the project are complete and

ready for occupancy.

Bus rapid transit: an enhanced bus system that operates on exclusive bus lanes or other

transit rights-of-way; it is designed to combine the flexibility of buses with the efficiency

of rail.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA): a farm operation for which a community of

individuals pledges support so that the farmland becomes, either legally or informally, the

community’s farm. The growers and consumers provide mutual support, sharing the risks

and benefits of food production. Consumers receive portions of the farm’s harvest

throughout the growing season.

Construction impact zone: the project’s development footprint plus the areas around the

improvement where construction crews, equipment, and/or materials are staged and

moved during construction.

Covenants, conditions, and restrictions: limitations that may be placed on a property

and its use and are made a condition of holding title or lease.

Cul-de-sac: a street segment that terminates without intersecting another street segment.

Cultural landscape: an officially designated geographic area that includes both cultural

and natural resources associated with a historic event, activity, or person or that exhibits

other significant cultural or aesthetic values.



Density: the amount of building structures constructed on the project site, measured for

residential buildings as dwelling units per acre of buildable land available for residential

uses, and for non-residential buildings as the floor-area ratio of buildable land area

available for non residential uses. In both cases, structured parking is excluded.

Developer: a public and/or private entity that controls a majority of the project’s

buildable land and is committed to making a majority of the investments required for the

project implementation described in the LEED-ND submission.

Development footprint: the total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets,

parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project.

Dwelling unit: living quarters intended for long-term occupancy that provide facilities

for cooking, sleeping, and sanitation. This does not include hotel rooms.

Employment centre: a non-residential area of at least 5 acres with a job density of at

least 50 employees per net acre.

Existing: present on the date of submission of LEED-ND certification documents;

similarly, an element or condition that exists is present on the date that LEED-ND

certification documents are submitted.

Floor-area ratio (FAR): the density of nonresidential land use, exclusive of parking,

measured as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the total buildable

land area available for nonresidential structures. For example, on a site with 10,000

square feet of buildable land area, an FAR of 1.0 would be 10,000 square feet of building

floor area. On the same site, an FAR of 1.5 would be 15,000 square feet of built floor

area; an FAR of 2.0 would be 20,000 built square feet and an FAR of 0.5 would be 5,000

built square feet.

Functional entry: a building opening designed to be used by pedestrians and open

during regular business hours. This does not include any door exclusively designated as

an emergency exit, or a garage door not designed as a pedestrian entrance.

Gray water: untreated wastewater that has not come into contact with toilet waste.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, and water

from clothes washers and laundry tubs. It does not include wastewater from kitchen sinks

or dishwashers, unless a graywater definition established by the authority having

jurisdiction in the area has precedence.



Habitable building: a structure intended for living, working, or other types of

occupancy. Habitable structures do not include stand-alone garages and utility structures

such as pump stations.

Heat island: thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas.

Historic building: a building or structure listed or determined to be eligible as a historic

structure or building or structure or as a contributing building or structure in a designated

historic district, due to its historic, architectural, engineering, archaeological, or cultural

significance. The building or structure must be designated as historic by a local historic

preservation review board or similar body, be listed in a state register of historic places,

be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, or have been determined eligible for

listing in the National Register.

Historic district: a group of buildings, structures, objects, and sites, of varying sizes, that

have been designated as historically and architecturally significant and categorized as

either contributing or non contributing.

Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index a scoring system established by the

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the

specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2006 International Energy

Conservation Code) scores 100, and a net zero energy home scores 0. The lower a

home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is.

Invasive plant: either an indigenous or nonindigenous species or strain that is

characteristically adaptable, aggressive, has a high reproductive capacity, and tends to

overrun the ecosystems it inhabits.

metropolitan (metro) and micropolitan (micro) statistical area a geographic entity

defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for use by federal statistical

agencies in collecting, tabulating, and publishing federal statistics. A metro area contains

a core urban area with a population of 50,000 or more, and a micro area contains an

urban core with a population between 10,000 and 50,000. Each metro or micro area

consists of one or more counties and includes the counties containing the core urban area,

as well as any adjacent counties that have a high degree of social and economic

integration (as measured by commuting to work) with the urban core. “Core-based

statistical area” (CBSA) encompasses both metro and micro areas.



Multiunit residential: consisting of four or more residential units sharing a common

entry.

Native (or indigenous) plant: a plant species that did or would have occurred on the site

or within the subject county prior to the widespread land alterations that accompanied

European settlement. Cultivars of native plants may be considered native plants.

Park: a publicly accessible area that is permanently maintained in a seminatural

condition for human recreation and relaxation; it has soil, grass, water, flora, and/or

recreation improvements.

Paseo: a publicly accessible pedestrian path, at least 4 feet wide and no more than 12 feet

wide, that provides shortcuts between buildings and through the block, connecting street

frontages to rear parking areas, midblock courtyards, alleys, or other streets. A paseo may

be roofed for up to 50% of its length and may be privately owned or publicly dedicated.

Planned diverse use: a shop, service, or facility outside the project boundary that has

received a building permit and is under construction at the time of the first certificate of

occupancy is issued for any building in the LEED-ND project.

Planned occupancy: the highest estimate of building occupants based on planned use(s)

and industry standards for square foot requirements per employee. The minimum planned

occupancy for multiunit residential buildings is 1 person for a studio unit, 1.5 persons for

a one-bedroom unit, and 1.25 persons per bedroom for a two- bedroom or larger unit.

Plaza: a publicly accessible gathering space that is integrated into the street network and

allows vehicular, bicycle, and/or pedestrian travel. A plaza is generally paved, is spatially

defined by building fronts paralleling at least two thirds of its perimeter, and may be

privately owned or publicly dedicated.

Postconsumer: generated by households or commercial, industrial, or institutional

facilities in their role as endusers of a product, which can no longer be used for its

intended purpose.

Potable water: water that meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water quality standards and

is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it

may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems.



Pre-consumer: diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. It does

not include the reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind or scrap generated in a

process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.

Predevelopment: before any development occurred on the site. Predevelopment

conditions describe the natural conditions of the site prior to any human alteration, such

as development of roads or buildings.

Previously developed site: a site that, preproject, consisted of at least 75% previously

developed land.

Pre-project: before the LEED-ND project was initiated, but not necessarily before any

development or disturbance took place. Preproject conditions describe the state of the

project site on the date the developer acquired rights to a majority of its buildable land

through purchase or option to purchase.

Prime soil: earth with chemical, hydro graphic, and topological properties that make it

especially suited to the production of crops, as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources

Conservation Service.

Project: the land, water, and construction that constitutes the project application. A

project applicant does not have to own or control all land or water within a project

boundary, but all the area within the project boundary must comply with prerequisites

and attempted credits.

Project boundary: the platted property line of the project defining land and water within

it. Projects located on publicly owned campuses that do not have internal property lines

must delineate a sphere-of-influence line to be used instead. Project site is equivalent to

the land and water inside the project boundary. The project must not contain non

contiguous parcels, but parcels can be separated by public rights-of-way. Projects may

also have enclaves of non project properties that are not subject to the rating system, but

such enclaves cannot exceed 2% of the total project area and cannot be described as

certified.

School: a kindergarten, elementary, or secondary institution for the academic instruction

of children.

Single-family residential: any residential unit other than multiunit residential, including

single, duplex, triplex, row house, townhouse and semiattached residential building types.



Street: a dedicated right-of-way that can accommodate one or more modes of travel,

excluding alleys and paseos. A street is suitable for primary entrances and provides

access to the front and/or sides of buildings and lots. A street may be privately owned as

long as it is deeded in perpetuity for general public use. A street must be an addressable

thoroughfare (for mail purposes) under the standards of the applicable regulating

authority.

Square: (also green) a publicly accessible open area for gatherings that is wholly or

partially bounded by segments of the street network. A square can be landscaped or

landscaped and paved, is spatially defined by building fronts paralleling at least 45% of

its perimeter, and may be privately owned or publicly dedicated.

Unique soil: earth with chemical, hydro graphic, and topological properties that make it

especially suited to specific crops, as defined by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation

Service.

Walk distance: the distance that a pedestrian must travel between origins and

destinations without obstruction, in a safe and comfortable environment on a continuous

network of sidewalks, all-weather-surface footpaths, crosswalks, woonerfs, or equivalent

pedestrian facilities.

Water body: the surface water of a stream (first-order and higher, including intermittent

streams), arroyo, river, canal, lake, estuary, bay, or ocean, excluding irrigation ditches

Water and wastewater infrastructure: publicly owned water and wastewater

infrastructure; this excludes septic and mound wastewater treatment systems.

Wetland: an area that is inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency

and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a

prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands

generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas, but exclude irrigation

ditches unless delineated as part of an adjacent wetland.

Woonerf: a street, also known as a home zone, shared zone, or living street, where

pedestrians have priority over vehicles and the posted speed limit is no greater than 10

miles per hour. Physical elements within the roadway, such as shared surfaces, plantings,

street furniture, parking, and play areas, slow traffic and invite pedestrians to use the

entire right-of-way.



Vehicle miles travelled (VMT): the number of miles driven by motorists in a specified

time period, such as a day or a year, in absolute or per capita terms.