In response to a LEED-CI pilot project team requesting an innovation credit for exemplary performance under the credit for Public Transportation Access, a 6/13/03 LEED-CI pilot CIR ruling states that "the LEED Rating System does not distinguish between the size of mass transit systems in proximity to a project site so long as the number and distances of those stations are compliant with credit requirements." This guidance may have been based on the conception that, because this credit is met by the location of the project, it is a "pass/fail" type credit. The conception that it is pass/fail may be based on the belief that there is no easily measurable way to determine what would constitute exemplary performance with respect to the intent of the credit. The intent of the credit for both the NC and CI versions of the credit is "Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use." This CIR is a request that the SS TAG reconsider the approach previously taken to this credit, and consider granting an exemplary performance point (via the Innovation Credit category) to projects which substantially exceed the threshold of the credit. Exemplary performance towards the intent of reducing pollution and land development impacts from automobile use is possible and measurable. Studies have shown that average transit ridership increases by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in growth of transit service levels (e.g, increased transit vehicle coverage and expanded operating hours). (Source: The Center for Clean Air Policy\'s Transportation Emissions Guidebook www.ccap.org/guidebook, pp.38-43, which is based on a number of studies.) Access to increased transit density-a measure of the number of transit rides available in a given location-results in an increased use of transit and therefore a reduction in the use of automobiles. Decreases in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) translate directly into less pollution, less energy use, and fewer land impacts from automobile use.
Corrected January 23, 2007 Based on evidence that locations with higher transit density can achieve substantially and quantifiably higher environmental benefits, meeting the following threshold qualifies a project for exemplary performance Innovation Credit. It follows the Center for Clean Air Policy\'s finding that average transit ridership increases by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in growth of transit service levels, which leads to the conclusion that quadrupling transit service generally doubles transit ridership. To accomplish this quadrupling of service and doubling of ridership, at a minimum: 1) locate the project within 1/2 mile of at least two existing commuter rail, light rail, or subway lines, OR locate project within 1/4 mile of at least two or more stops for four or more public or campus bus lines usable by building occupants; AND 2) frequency of service must be such that at least 200 transit rides per day are available in total at these stops. A combination of rail and bus is allowable. This strategy is based on the assumption that the threshold of the base credit would provide, in most cases, at least 50 transit rides per day (half-hourly service 24 hours per day or more frequent service for less than 24 hours per day). If, on average, transit ridership increases by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in transit service, then quadrupling the number of rides available would, on average, double the transit ridership. (4 x 50 rides = 200 rides). Include a transit schedule and map within your LEED certification submittal. Applicable Internationally.