In the LEED 2009 BD&C Reference Guide, there is language in each of the SSc4 credits sections that indicates that a Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (CTMP) can earn the project one ID credit across all four SSc4 credits. Most LEED professionals I talk to are aware of this. However, there's one odd bit of language, shown only in SSc4.1:
"This management plan could be considered a comprehensive approach to addressing the 4 credits within SS Credit 4, Alternative Transportation. This is particularly useful for large buildings, buildings that are part of a master plan implementation, and developments with multiple buildings."
I take this to mean that a CTMP that addresses the intent of all four SSc4 credits can earn the project ALL SSc4 credits, plus the ID credit. Other LEED Professionals I've talked with disagree, but can't specifically say why. Am I interpreting this wrong?
David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1980 thumbs up
September 5, 2012 - 3:39 pm
Eric,
My understanding of that paragraph is the CTMP "could" be used to document all four SSc4 credits if it is detailed enough to address the specific requirements of all four credits, not just their intent. It might be analogous to the Master Site credits in the AGMBC, where you document once how you are meeting all the requirements and then refer back to that master credit on relevant campus projects.
Since this language is in a paragraph that begins with "Consider developing a transportation management plan that...." and is in the Section 4. Implementation, rather than Section 6. Calculations or 9. Exemplary Performance, I think it’s been offered as a general suggestion, not an alternative compliance path, for approaching all four credits when more than one building will be sharing these common transit resources. I imagine you’d still be filling out credit forms for each credit, but could reference the one CTMP to show how you are meeting all requirements.
Does that answer your question?
Eric Shamp
Associate Vice PresidentCannonDesign
68 thumbs up
September 6, 2012 - 3:09 pm
Yes, I believe I understand. A CTMP must address the specific requirements of SSc4.1-4. Anything less (i.e. meeting the intent but not necessarily the requirements) would be considered an Alternative Compliance Path, and therefore subject to all of the risks inherent in that approach.
Susan Walter
HDRLEEDuser Expert
1296 thumbs up
September 25, 2012 - 4:17 pm
I'm not sure if I completely agree. Of course, if you want to have your project's CTMP address all four SSc4 credits, you can. But I am not convinced that it must address all four in a LEED positive way. For example, if your master plan includes building a parking garage, SSC4.4 - add no new parking is shot, especially for any project that serves shift workers (assuming this will put you over zoning). I would think that programs that enhance alternative transportation but don't earn a LEED innovation credit alone have a place in the CTMP and can be very engaging from the owner's point of view. Agree with David on having to fill out each credit form.
Robert Millspaugh
April 22, 2013 - 2:21 pm
In submitting a CTMP is it possible to recover points (other than the exemplary performance point) for SSC4.1 without meeting the requirements listed in the credit language? Our project is located in a village without any bus public buses. Even if we work with other organizations in the community to set up a shuttle/bus system, it seems a far cry to reach 50 rides per day (a criteria I've seen references on this forum). However, implementing any form of public transportation would represent a huge improvement over current conditions as it would not only improve access to our site but throughout the greater community as well. Does this seam like feasible approach? In this case would it still be 0 OR 6 credits? Are there any particular criteria we should keep in mind as we set up such a system and develop our CTMP? Thanks!
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
April 22, 2013 - 3:48 pm
Robert, you'd have an easier time earning an EP point using a CTMP for another SSc4 credit. It's not really allowed to earn an EP point for a credit that you didn't earn, and you couldn't really earn the credit unless you meet the credit requirements.