My project is on a dense urban site with little to no open or green space. It is a governmental / law enforcement building. Can the project qualify for SSc5.1 - Protect or restore habitat if the city dedicates a portion of land which is off-site as protected natural habitat? The amount of land protected off-site would exceed that required per the credit guidelines. Any guidance regarding this issue would be greatly appreciated.
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
February 14, 2013 - 12:44 pm
Todd, you also posted this question to the v2.2 forum. Which version is your project under? It makes a difference with this credit.In any case, have you reviewed our guidance above, especially the discussion of off-site restoration under the credit language and FAQs?
Todd Bundren
Associate Principal - Director of SustainabiltyLawrence Group
14 thumbs up
February 14, 2013 - 12:49 pm
Tristan, we are working under the v2009 (my post in the v2.2 was a mistake). Thank you for the reference to the resources; they are very helpful.
Todd Bundren
Associate Principal - Director of SustainabiltyLawrence Group
14 thumbs up
February 14, 2013 - 2:32 pm
Tristan,
Do you know if in lieu of dnating the land to a land trust, could the city pass an ordinance preserving the land in perpetuity? Do you think this would this comply with the credit intent? Thank you very much for the help.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
February 18, 2013 - 9:34 am
Todd, it seems like this could pass muster, but since it's not strictly allowed under the credit language, and since I'm not aware of a lot precedent under this credit option, you may need to submit a CIR to get an official ruling. Or you could just submit the credit and back it up as strongly as possible, and see if it is approved.
Todd Bundren
Associate Principal - Director of SustainabiltyLawrence Group
14 thumbs up
March 3, 2014 - 11:47 pm
Tristan, I submitted the offsite option for this credit as our NC project is a major renovation of an existing building in an urban core and we have no area to protect or restore. The reviewer indicated that the off site option does not meet the intent of LEED-NC SSc5.1 per LEED interpretation 2432. The reviewer indicated that this approach is limited to LEED EB:OM projects. We were therefore denied the point. Does this seem correct as this option is listed above? Is there anything I can reference to make a stronger case? I am in my final construction submission response. Thanks!
Theresa Backhus
Sites Technical Specialist, LEEDUSGBC
66 thumbs up
March 4, 2014 - 10:20 am
Todd,
LEED Interpretation 2432 only applies to v2.2 (and before) projects. The offsite land compliance path is allowed for 2009 NC, Schools, CS, and HC projects, per correction #100000737 made on 11/3/2010 (here: http://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations?keys=100000737). I hope this helps.
Todd Bundren
Associate Principal - Director of SustainabiltyLawrence Group
14 thumbs up
March 4, 2014 - 11:16 am
Thank you so much, I found that addendum last night and have started my reply narrative for the reviewer. Thanks again!