I'm not sure where to establish the LEED Boundary for our site, we would prefer it be on the property line because it helps us out with open space credits. However, the limit of disturbance is quite a bit larger than the actual boundaries of the site because the City requires that the sidewalks be replaced with the renovation of the building. The sidewalks are out of our design control as we are required to follow City design guidelines for the sidewalks.
Can we use our property line as the LEED Boundary?
Dustin Norton
Sustainability Program ManagerPrimus Design Services, LLC
40 thumbs up
December 14, 2018 - 4:54 pm
I think you'd be ok to use the property line. The reviewer shouldn't question the boundary unless it looks like you are doing something funny to help yourself earn credits that you wouldn't otherwise achieve - including additional vegetated area to earn open space or excluding it without reason to try to qualify as a zero lot-line for example.
Erica Downs
Sustainability ConsultantThe Green Engineer
5 thumbs up
February 5, 2019 - 4:26 pm
I have a similar, but opposite question: We would like to use the entire area within the property line, but the LOW is much smaller. The property contains wetlands and other undeveloped areas that could help with our site development credit. Thoughts?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
February 5, 2019 - 5:01 pm
If I understand your question correctly—defining the LEED boundary to include entire properties, including area outside of scope of work, is common and I don't imagine a reviewer would blink. Assuming you're not gerrymandering the property or doing something else funny. The area should also stay committed to this LEED project, and not be used again to earn those credits in another LEED project.
Erica Downs
Sustainability ConsultantThe Green Engineer
5 thumbs up
February 7, 2019 - 11:14 am
Thanks Tristan!