LEED v2009
Retail – Commercial Interiors
Sustainable Sites
Development density and community connectivity

Retail-CI-v2009 SSc2: Development density and community connectivity

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Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Option 1: Development density
Select space in a building that is located in an established, walkable community with a minimum density of 60,000 square feet per acre net (13,800 square meters per hectare net). The density calculation is based on a typical two-story downtown development and must include the area of the project being built.

OR

Option 2: Community connectivity
Select space in a building on a site that meets the following criteria:
  • Is located within 1/2-mile (800 meters) of a residential area or neighborhood with an average density of 10 units per acre net.
  • Is within 1/2-mile (800 meters) of at least 10 basic services.
  • Has pedestrian access between the building and the services.
For mixed-use projects, no more than 1 service within the project boundary may be counted as 1 of the 10 basic services, provided it is open to the public. No more than 2 of the 10 services required may be anticipated (i.e., at least 8 must be existing and operational). In addition, the anticipated services must be documented appropriately to demonstrate that they will be operational in the locations indicated within 1 year of occupation of the applicant’s project. Examples of basic services include the following:
  • Bank
  • Place of Worship
  • Convenience Grocery
  • Day Care Center
  • Cleaners
  • Fire Station
  • Beauty Salon
  • Hardware
  • Laundry
  • Library
  • Medical or Dental Office
  • Senior Care Facility
  • Park
  • Pharmacy
  • Post Office
  • Restaurant
  • School
  • Supermarket
  • Theater
  • Community Center
  • Fitness Center
  • Museum
Proximity is determined by drawing a 1/2-mile (800 meter) radius around a main building entrance on a site map and counting the services within that radius. Greenfield developments and projects that do not use existing infrastructure are not eligible. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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LEEDuser overview

Frank advice from LEED experts

LEED is changing all the time, and every project is unique. Even seasoned professionals can miss a critical detail and lose a credit or even a prerequisite at the last minute. Our expert advice guides our LEEDuser Premium members and saves you valuable time.

For full access, sign up now for LEEDuser Premium

Already a premium member? Log in now

Credit language

USGBC logo

© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Option 1: Development density
Select space in a building that is located in an established, walkable community with a minimum density of 60,000 square feet per acre net (13,800 square meters per hectare net). The density calculation is based on a typical two-story downtown development and must include the area of the project being built.

OR

Option 2: Community connectivity
Select space in a building on a site that meets the following criteria:
  • Is located within 1/2-mile (800 meters) of a residential area or neighborhood with an average density of 10 units per acre net.
  • Is within 1/2-mile (800 meters) of at least 10 basic services.
  • Has pedestrian access between the building and the services.
For mixed-use projects, no more than 1 service within the project boundary may be counted as 1 of the 10 basic services, provided it is open to the public. No more than 2 of the 10 services required may be anticipated (i.e., at least 8 must be existing and operational). In addition, the anticipated services must be documented appropriately to demonstrate that they will be operational in the locations indicated within 1 year of occupation of the applicant’s project. Examples of basic services include the following:
  • Bank
  • Place of Worship
  • Convenience Grocery
  • Day Care Center
  • Cleaners
  • Fire Station
  • Beauty Salon
  • Hardware
  • Laundry
  • Library
  • Medical or Dental Office
  • Senior Care Facility
  • Park
  • Pharmacy
  • Post Office
  • Restaurant
  • School
  • Supermarket
  • Theater
  • Community Center
  • Fitness Center
  • Museum
Proximity is determined by drawing a 1/2-mile (800 meter) radius around a main building entrance on a site map and counting the services within that radius. Greenfield developments and projects that do not use existing infrastructure are not eligible. See all forum discussions about this credit »
See all forum discussions about this credit »