A project I'm working on has a large undeveloped area that we'd like to include in the open space calculations and the design calls for adding the necessary features to promote physical interaction with the outdoor space. However, there is the potential for some of that area to be developed in the future (the owner does not currently have plans, but cannot say for sure if there will be development years down the road at this time). In LEED v2009 there was the specific requirement to preserve all open space that is counted toward this credit for the life of the building. It seems like this requirement has been removed for v4. Is that the case or am I missing something?
Thanks.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
July 14, 2017 - 3:20 pm
Hi Mike,
I am wondering about this also and agreeing it appears to be removed. Since it doesn't appear you got a response from this forum, what did you decide to do? Have you submitted? And how did it work out?
Michelle Bombeck
Associate PrincipalO'Brien360
35 thumbs up
June 18, 2018 - 8:48 pm
Mike, Michelle - any update on this question?
Erin Holdenried
Sustainable Design DirectorBell Architects
45 thumbs up
September 11, 2018 - 5:47 pm
I would also like to know if there is any update on this?
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
September 11, 2018 - 6:03 pm
I thought for sure this was still a requirement, but it's definitely not in the Guide (even the online version), and is also not anything that is asked on the credit template.
I hereby assume that it is no longer a requirement for a typical project.
There is a caveat listed for multitenant complexes that IF the open space is not within the LEED boundary, but is part of the complex/master plan, then it "must be protected from development and must be returned to a natural state."
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
September 21, 2020 - 1:00 pm
Hi all,
So we went ahead and submitted with the idea that the requirement has been removed from the reference guide and the form. We just got the review back and the reviewer indicated the space needed to be dedicated for the life of the building. Since we do not see that requirement anywhere, we will be asking the reviewer to confirm where it can be found.
Pooja Sannamani
AECOM3 thumbs up
December 14, 2020 - 8:19 pm
Any updates on what you heard back from the reviewer on this? @Michelle Rosenberger
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
December 15, 2020 - 12:26 pm
Hi Abhinay, Post review call with GBCI confirmed that requirement does not exist anymore.