I really disagree that a LEED ND project needs to have achieved Stage 2 certification for a building on the project to get the point. I think that Stage 1 certification should be adequate, as the Stage 1 credits related to location (the SLL credits) are unlikley to change between the various stages for a particular project. Furthermore, infill determination is made in Stage 1, which I believe to be the most important distinguising attribute of sustainable neighborhood development. Yes, I know that there can be LEED ND projects that are not infill, but I think a LEED ND infill project should automatically get all points in this new LEED 2012 credit. I understand that the NPD and GIB credits can can change between Stage 1 and 2 as Stage 1 requires just letters of intent for many of them, but the aspect of the certification most relevant to a particular building will remain the same.
Perhaps a compromise: some points are available under this credit for Stage 1, more for Stage 2, and all for Stage 3?
Chris Marshall
Manager, LEED Technical DevelopmentU.S. Green Building Council
182 thumbs up
September 14, 2011 - 3:01 pm
Hi Sara. I appreciate the points you make on how Stage 1 certification could do just as well for the LT-related criteria as Stages 2 and 3. From the Location and Planning TAG's perspective, Stage 1 needs to provide as much assurance of achieving that LT criteria as the latter stages do. TAG members and staff will need to do a credit-by-credit analysis is Stage 1 projects can give that assurance. Your points are well-taken and worth considering as we review the feedback from this second public comment period.