We were on the cusp of Gold level until our review came back with several points deducted from our energy model. Our Green Rater suggested that we look into the Pilot Credit program and felt confident that we may qualify for several additional points. Within the Pilot Credit Library, we found that several aspects of our project had naturally conformed to the LEED mission of sustainability, accessibility and energy conservation. In particular; that our project is located in an existing densely populated neighborhood of an older Mid-West industrial city qualified us to receive one (1) point for PC 9. There exists many community resources within walking distance of the building and the original fabric of the neighborhood still supports many of the original mom & pop corner stores.
I find this point very useful in the redevelopment of existing buildings in older inner-city neighborhoods and even densely developed smaller towns. The idea is to promote sustainability through reinforcing the value of living in a walkable community.
DARYN EDWARDS
PrincipalInterface Studio Architects
14 thumbs up
December 7, 2011 - 9:43 am
Albert - we are completing the certification for a project which seems very similar to yours (over-the-cusp of Gold with this credit), just north of Center City in an older Northeastern City (Philly) with access to many amenities.
I did find a local anomaly within our 1/4 radius of the site which was, I believe a mid-20th Century development, that utilized cul-de-sacs. This significantly lowered the number of total intersections from what probably would have been close to 90 to closer to 70.
Most of Philadelphia probably wouldn't have a very hard time meeting the criteria for this point but, having seen the effects of the cul-de-sac design in this area, I can see how it would make this credit difficult. This small cul-de-sac development is still well situated for easy access to public transportation as well as other walkable amenities.
In my opinion, it's an easy credit for projects within an existing infrastructure of older cities but would obviously cause havoc trying to meet this in less dense, suburban town or development.