LEED-ND vs. LEED-NC why would I choose to follow one and not the

Andrew Slusser

Designer

Flad Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

12 thumbs up

February 22, 2011

Hi Everyone, I am looking for some help if anyone has looked at the 2 rating systems side by side. I am working with a company that is looking at either certifying buildings on an individual building basis or trying to certify the entire development instead of going through the hassel of certifying 5-10 buildings. Has anyone done a comparison like this and perhaps in a graphic form? I have looked at the 2 and noticed you do need at least 1 certified new building to even attempt the neighborhood development route, but was hoping someone did an extensive search before. Thanks for any assistance! Andrew

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Allison Beer McKenzie

Architect, Director of Sustainability

SHP Leading Design

LEEDuser Expert

389 thumbs up

Thu, 02/24/2011 - 18:20

Andrew- I am not sure I would even know where to start on a comparison of the two Rating Systems, because they really are focused on two entirely different scales. The Neighborhood Development Rating System will require you to have a great deal of control over not only the buildings themselves, but also the roads, walkways and infrastructure that connects them. You would also need to make sure that the area the buildings are in would actually meet all the ND prerequisites. If you're really focused on the buildings primarily, I think you will likely be better off going with individual certifications.