Our design team attended a LEED training seminar with Mr. Tom Paladino in November of 2000. At this seminar we inquired about this credit. The explanation that was given to us at the time was to measure the 60,000 sqft density on a 9-square plan. Those properties that shared a side or corner with our property should be calculated to comply. After the new revision to the Reference Guide came out with the calculator, we realized that by these standards our radius for calculating development density is 1300 feet or three city blocks. Under these new guidlines we are not able to meet the density requirements due to parking lots and low density developments. Can we use Mr. Paladino\'s explanation from before the normalization formula was developed.
The calculation method described in your inquiry was current at the time of the workshop and was included in the Unformatted Review Draft of the LEED Reference Guide. As a draft, the calculation methodology was subject to final revisions through the publishing process. Your project was registered on 08/08/2001 and must follow the guidelines in effect at that time. This means you must follow the June 2001 Reference Package. If the site selection decision was based on the documentation current at the time, and that decision can be proven through a paper trail, please provide this written proof in your LEED Application.