I'm working on a project that is considering pursing the LTc3 High Priority Site credit, Option 3 Brownfield Remediation at the campus level. The site has contaiminated groundwater that will be remediated at a portion of the site, but the contamination is not site wide. Does LEED have any reference to whether the entire site or just a portion of the site needs to have contamination present to pursue this credit at the master site level? Should we pursue this at the individual building level instead?
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emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
476 thumbs up
July 12, 2022 - 12:23 pm
Hi Bret,
I would think that as long as there is contamination documented & remediated somewhere within the master site boundary, you should be able to pursue. This has always been the case with individual projects; it wouldn't be logical to require full site contamination of a master site if it's not required of individual sites...not that LEED always follows logic.
I don't know of a place where this is explicitly stated; it would be safest to email LEED Coach and ask to be safe. If you do this, please report back on their response so we have it for reference. leedcoach@usgbc.org
Bipin Karki
Sustainability Project Manager87 thumbs up
July 13, 2022 - 9:18 am
Hello Bret,
As per LEED BD+C Reference Guide - "If part of the site is found to have contamination, then the entire area within the LEED project boundary is considered a contaminated site."
This credit is eligible for campus approach. So, you should be able to attempt this credit at the master site level. Hope this helps!
Erin Holdenried
Sustainable Design DirectorBell Architects
45 thumbs up
July 22, 2022 - 1:56 pm
I have a similar LEED project that is located on a campus with some contamination, but not within the individial project LEED boundary. Would we have to create a Master Site in order to earn the credit? Some credits can be achieved on a campus level (like parking-related credits) without creating a Master Site.
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
530 thumbs up
July 25, 2022 - 10:01 pm
Hi Erin,
I believe the only way to earn this credit in your instance is to create a Master Site.
Not sure you would be able to claim credit compliance for contamination / remediation outside the project's LEED boundary otherwise.
I wonder if GBCI would push back on project's setting up Master Sites to obtain more credits OR getting the 20% discount on review fees (this is nice on really large projects)