Why build an Olympic-sized swimming pool at your school if there’s already one in the neighborhood? Will you have a playing field that the Little League can use when school isn’t in session? What about a parking lot that the farmer’s market could use on weekends?

The purpose of this credit is to build community by sharing school resources with non-school groups, and vice versa. Sharing spaces and services among schools and other community entities can cut down on construction costs and operating expenses, while helping everyone get access to resources they need.

Projects should consider student safety before attempting this credit. The type and degree of concern will depend on the strategies you choose for sharing spaces, but often the problem can be addressed properly by installing security gates limiting access to appropriate areas.

Projects should also consider concerns around liability and insurance, increased wear-and-tear, trash and extending hours of cleaning or security personnel. Whether these are an issue will likely be project-specific.

What’s New in LEED v4

• Nothing new!