I have a project on an island in South Korea. Two previously separated islands by shallow sea have been joined together 20 years ago by an area of reclaimed land built for the construction of an International Airport. This area is part of a Free Economic Zone designated by the Korean Government in 2003 which is already under development, all infrastructure is already existing.
The project owner has bought a small portion of the land now, however there has never been any hardscape built on it.
After having read a thread in SSc1 and the Supplemental Guide I am worried if my project can pursue LEED certification, as acc. to MPR Supplemental Guide: Page 18: “Previously developed support structures and artificial land mass: ‘Buildings located on previously constructed ….. and infill, and other manufactured structures in or above water are permissible, provided that artificial land is previously developed (i.e., the land once supported another building or hardscape constructed for a purpose other than the development of the LEED project).”
I am wondering if this also applies for my site as
1. The reclamation was made 20 years ago for the purpose of economic & infrastructure development by the Government
2. The reclamation was not specifically undertaken for our project
3. The project owner has not reclaimed the land, the land was bought several years after the reclamation was done
Has anyone any experience with similar cases?
Any advice/comments?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
February 18, 2013 - 9:24 am
I don't have experience on similar cases, but I think you will need an official ruling to know whether you can proceed. According to the letter of MPR2, and the supplemental guidance, I would say that you don't comply (the dite hasn't "supported another building or hardscape"), but via direct communication with you, or via a CIR, GBCI would have more leeway to consider your project's specifics, and to interpret them via the MPR intent. Definitely let us know how it goes.
Elke Malleier
Dr.Sustainability & Green Building Consultant
10 thumbs up
March 26, 2013 - 10:12 pm
Please be informed that I have received my CIR ruling which says that our project is eligible to seek LEED certification due to the requirements regarding building on artificial land in MPR2, as the project site has existing hardscape (a public road which is separating our site in two portions), the project site is classified as “previously developed” and may pursue LEED Certification.
GBCI informed that
"The timeframe of reclamation and whether it occurred outside the project scope is immaterial to determining eligibility for LEED. The previously developed status of artificial land masses is the sole determinant as to whether projects on such lands are eligible for LEED Certification"
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
March 28, 2013 - 8:30 pm
Elke, thanks for reporting back—that's a helpful distinction to understand, and I'm glad you can proceed with your certification!