We are requesting clarification and further definition of the new language in the LEED 2.1 Rating System, which says that residential projects should "provide covered storage for 15% of occupants" to achieve this credit. Our project is an apartment complex and is considering two alternatives for bicycle storage. The first is to provide outdoor bike storage areas with roofs or awnings to protect the bikes. The second is to provide dedicated bike hanging fixtures in each apartment, since the majority of occupants prefer to store their bicycles inside their apartments. Do either or both approaches meet the LEED requirement of "covered storage"?
Yes, as long as the storage spaces in either case are "easily accessible by building occupants during all periods of the year", as stated in the LEED Version 2.1 Reference Guide on page 37 (page 36 of the v2.0 Reference guide), and there are adequate spaces to serve at least 15% of building occupants. Applicable internationally.