I have a client that is developing an open-air type shopping center (i.e., the tenant stores are arranged in blocks that open to exterior interconnecting walkways) and is willing to pursue LEED certification (see plan attached). The promoter will develop the common areas and the offices/technical areas from start to finish and also all the structures and infrastructures (e.g., water and electricity) for the tenant spaces. The tenants will then have to install their own HVAC and lighting systems.

1. Since more than 40% of the gross floor area won't be directly controlled by the owner (tenants will be responsible for fit-out, lighting and HVAC) I think that the most suitable rating system would be LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development. Do you agree?

2. Even though the building was designed to appear as one building, it is an open mall shopping center with outdoor walkways connecting the tenant spaces (that are arranged in groups of buildings). Therefore, this shopping center comprises a group of building only connected by circulation (mall) but maintaining programmatic dependency and architectural cohesiveness. Reading the additional guidance section of the MPR "Must use reasonable LEED boundaries" it is stated that «buildings that have no physical connection or are physically connected by circulation» (which is the present case) «are considered separate buildings and individual projects for LEED purposes, with the following exceptions: (...) For other cases such as buildings that have programmatic dependency or architectural cohesiveness, project teams are encouraged to contact USGBC to discuss their project prior to proceeding». Therefore, I would appreciate your guidance regarding how to apply for LEED in this case.

Hope to hear from you soon.