LEED project boundary as big as 400m radius

Hi Angel! You should use 400m offset, there is an answer to this issue in the FAQ:

Where do we measure the radius from? In LEED 2009, we measured it from the main entry, but the LEED v4 language is different.

The density radius is not from a main entry or from the center of the project site. It's based upon an offset from the LEED project boundary. Because of this, it will likely end up being a weird shape, rather than a typical circle. Also note that measurement to basic services are based upon walking distance rather than a radius.

BR Martina

I am also confused, what exactly is "an offset from the LEED project boundary?"  I understand this is different than a circular radius measured from the center of the project, but I am still unclear how you are supposed to determine the density offset and why that would likely end up being a weird shape.

Thank you!

Courtney

Hi Courtney, the offset would basically be 400m / 0.25 mi from the LEED boundary line in any direction. A "buffer" function in a GIS program could do this, or you could do it manually in a graphics or PDF editor by taking a few line measurements from the boundary and connecting them. 

I think these illustrations are good - they're from the LEED-ND rating system but it;s the same kind of offset. 

LEED boundary: https://usgbc-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/usgbc.org/images/landing-pages/gui...(Getting+Started+Figure+2)_rev.jpg

And a 1/2 mile offset: https://usgbc-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/usgbc.org/images/landing-pages/gui...

You can see it's not a perfect circle because it's drawn from the boundary line and not a center point.  

oops, that 1st link didn't work, it's figure 2 here: https://www.usgbc.org/guide/nd 

Hi Courtney,

For another approach, you should draw a 1/4 mile (400-meter) circle at each outside corner of your LEED boundary, and offset all of the straight edges by the same distance. Use the circles to connect the straight sides - or fillet. a square boundary, your offset may look like a circle. If your boundary is a rectangle, the offset may look like an oval (or stadium shape). 

- Kara

Ok, got it!!! Thank you so much, Emily and Kara!  I felt so silly asking but i truly did not understand what the language meant. Unfortunatly the reference guide assumed one would know and the review comment repeated the information. 

Thanks again!