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LEED v2009
Healthcare
Sustainable Sites
Site development - maximize open space

LEED CREDIT

Healthcare-v2009 SSc5.2: Site development - maximize open space 1 point

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Credit language

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Requirements

Case 1
Reduce the development footprint1 and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary such that the amount of open space exceeds local zoning requirements by 25%.

OR

Case 2
For areas with no local zoning requirements (e.g. some university campuses, military bases), provide a vegetated open space area adjacent to the building that is equal in area to the building footprint.

OR

Case 3
Where a zoning ordinance exists, but there is no requirement for open space (zero), provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project site area.
All cases
For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, vegetated roof areas can contribute to credit compliance. For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas can contribute to credit compliance. For such projects, a minimum of 25% of the open space counted must be vegetated. Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients average 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less and are vegetated. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Addenda

4/1/2012Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
Add this clause after "..the life of the building": "and is within the contiguous limits of the campus where the applicable project is located."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
11/1/2011
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

The project consists of two new buildings on a campus. The two buildings abut a large green space with gardens and outdoor areas of respite. Both buildings will be pursuing LEED certification and have considered using the LEED guide for campuses. The guide mentions sharing amenities like open space, but is not specific to how these should be shared. Please advise if the open space amenity on this project can be claimed by both buildings. It is a shared amenity that both projects will use as open space and is equal in size to the footprint of both buildings. There is no zoning requirement for open space on the campus.

Ruling:

The open space requirements must be met individually for each building, and the same open space (including shared spaces) cannot be claimed by, or double counted for, multiple LEED projects. Projects can, however, draw the individual LEED project boundaries such that the open space is divided into two separate spaces, so long as each space meets the requirements outlined in the credit and the LEED project boundaries are applied consistently across all LEED credits.Please note that all 2009 projects in multiple building situations can follow the guidance outlined in the 2010 Application Guide for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects (2010 AGMBC), located here: www.usgbc.org/campusguidance. The 2010 AGMBC allows projects on a campus to draw a LEED campus boundary in addition to the individual building LEED project boundaries. Credits such as the open space requirement referenced here, can then be reviewed at the LEED campus boundary and include all open space. These campus credits are considered pre-approved for all buildings included in the LEED campus boundary that subsequently apply for certification. Using this guidance allows for accounting for the open space without dividing it between buildings. However, the 2010 AGMBC must be used in full so LEED 2009 project teams should check this document for up to date guidance on all multiple building issues. Applicable internationally.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
See all forum discussions about this credit »

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Case 1
Reduce the development footprint1 and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary such that the amount of open space exceeds local zoning requirements by 25%.

OR

Case 2
For areas with no local zoning requirements (e.g. some university campuses, military bases), provide a vegetated open space area adjacent to the building that is equal in area to the building footprint.

OR

Case 3
Where a zoning ordinance exists, but there is no requirement for open space (zero), provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project site area.
All cases
For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, vegetated roof areas can contribute to credit compliance. For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, pedestrian-oriented hardscape areas can contribute to credit compliance. For such projects, a minimum of 25% of the open space counted must be vegetated. Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients average 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less and are vegetated.
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