LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Select a LEED certified building (of any level) for the LEED-CI renovation.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the responsible party, declaring that the commercial interiors project is located in a LEED certified building.
• Provide a copy of the core building LEED certification document."

-LEED-CI Reference Guide, page 25

"Please provide a site plan (drawing) which includes surrounding context and which indicates any bodies of water and/or wetlands within 100' of the proposed building. Include the 100 year flood line and a line indicating a boundary 5' in elevation above that flood line if either cross the site. If neither line crosses the site, indicate the nearest USGS elevation contour line."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED

The purpose of redeveloping brownfields is to convert a previously contaminated site to a safe environment for the community, and to improve the ecological health of the area. By remediating brownfield sites, the university promotes the health and safety of the community, a tenet of the second Sustainability Principle. Mitigation of brownfield sites also helps to enhance "the health of campus ecosystems." Monitoring any pre-existing contaminated soils helps the university establish indicators for sustainability that will enable reporting and continuous improvement, a tenet of the sixth Sustainability Principle.

Given Harvard's urban environment, it is highly possible that a site's soil will be contaminated. Brownfield remediation often incurs additional cost, but law often requires treatment, recycling, reuse, or disposal of the contaminated soils. Five Cowperthwaite's LEED-NC SSc3 and 90 Mount Auburn's LEED-NC SSc3 describe costs specific to those projects. However, there are several financial incentives and grants available for brownfield remediation, through both state and federal agencies. See "Additional Resources" below for further information.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "A building developed on a site documented (by means of a ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment) OR
• A building on a site that has been classified as a brownfield by a local, state, or federal government agency. Effective remediation of site contamination must have been completed."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide, page 26

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide a copy of the pertinent sections of the ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment documenting the site contamination OR provide a letter from a local, state, or federal agency confirming that the site is classified as a brownfield by that agency.
• Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party, declaring the type of damage that existed on the site and describing the remediation performed."

- LEED-CI Reference Guide, page 26

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 3 for NC examples.

Harvard EH&S Guidelines: Soil Excavation and Disposal

EPA Brownfields

Massachusetts Brownfield Act

Massachusetts Brownfield Redevelopment

ASTM E1903-97 Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

The intent of this credit is to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff by reducing the imperviousness of the site. The goal of the third Harvard Sustainability Principle is to enhance campus ecosystems. Because the reduction of stormwater runoff reduces the amount of contaminants flowing in to the soil, campus ecosystem health is promoted. Monitoring the campus pervious surface area helps the university increase recharge to the aquifer.

The Davis Langdon study on LEED found that "Site size plays a significant role in whether or not the stormwater-related points result in additional cost." (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 13). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

1. "A building that prior to development had: Less than or equal to 50% imperviousness and has implemented a stormwater management plan that equals or is less than the pre-developed 1.5 year/24 hour rate and quantity discharge. OR
2. If greater than 50% imperviousness has implemented a stormwater management plan that reduced pre-developed 1.5 year/24 hour rate and quantity and discharge by 25% of the annual stormwater load falling on the site. (This is based on actual local rainfall unless the actuall exceeds the 10-year annual average local rainfall - then use the 10-yaer annual average.) This mitigation can be through a variety of measures including perviousness of site, stormwater retention ponds, capture of rainwater for reuse or other measures."

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party, declaring that the post-development 1.5 year/24 hour peak discharge rate and quantity does not exceed the pre-development 1.5 year/24 hour peak discharge rate and quantity. Include calculations demonstrating that existing site imperviousness is less than or equal to 50%. OR
• Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party, declaring and demonstrating that the stormwater management strategies result in at least a 25% decrease in the rate and quantity of stormwater runoff. Include calculations demonstrating that existing site imperviousness exceeds 50%."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 28

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 6.1 for NC examples.

Stormwater Best Management Practice Design Guide EPA 600/R-04/121A

The intent of this credit is to reduce the runoff of total suspended solids and phosphates from the building site. According to the adage "what gets measured gets conserved," monitoring pollutants and the amount of urban runoff will help improve the campus' soil quality. This supports one of the Harvard University Sustainability Principles, "Enhancing the health of campus ecosystems and increasing the diversity of native species." The continued monitoring is part of the sixth Sustainability Principle, which is to encourage the university to continue to develop and utilize "indicators for sustainability that will enable monitoring reporting and continuous improvement."

The Davis Langdon study on LEED found that "Site size plays a significant role in whether or not the stormwater-related points result in additional cost" (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 13). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "A building that has in place site stormwater treatment systems designed to remove 80% of the average annual site area Total Suspended Soilds (TSS) and 40% of the average annual site area Total Phosphorous (TP).
• These values are based on the average annual loadings from all storms less than or equal to the 2-year/24 hour storm. The building must implement and maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs) outlined in Chapter 4, Part 2 (Urban Runoff), of the United States Environmental Protection Agenc's Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Pollution in Coastal Waters, January 1993 (Document No. EPA 840B92002), or the local government's BMP document, whichever is more stringent."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 34

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party declaring that the design complies with or exceeds EPA or local government Best Management Practices (whiever set is more stringent) for removal of Total Suspended Solids and Total Phosphorous."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 34

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 6.2 for NC examples.

Stormwater Best Management Practice Design Guide EPA 600/R-04/121A

Heat islands are phenomena that can be observed, often in metropolitan areas, where heat radiates from surfaces that have absorbed heat from the sun, resulting in an uncomfortably hot outdoor environment, and creating higher demand on building cooling loads. Designing shading prevents this solar heat gain. Siting parking underground reduces the amount of paved surface that retains heat. The use of open-grid paving reduces the ability of the surface to hold heat.  By minimizing the surface area exposed to large temperature differentials, a key component of heat transfer via conduction is minimized, thereby reducing the cooling load on the building. Minimizing the area exposed to the sun reduces heat transfer via radiation.   The first of the Harvard University Sustainability Principles strives for “institutional practices that promote sustainability, including measures to increase efficiency.”  This design element promotes an increase in efficiency for the campus through reduced demand on the building’s cooling loads. This results in more temperate outdoor air temperatures.  This design element promotes campus ecosystems by using plants to reduce solar heat gain. This ties in to the third Sustainability Principle, to commit to continuous improvement in "enhancing the health of campus ecosystems and increasing the diversity of native species.”

The Davis Langdon study found that most LEED projects are able to achieve this credit by adding shading elements and changing the color of concrete paving "for relatively low cost". (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 13). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "A building that provides shade (or will have within 5 years of construction) and/or uses light-colored/high-albedo materials with a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least 30, and/or open grid pavement, that individually or in total equals at least 30% of the site's non-roof impervious surfaces, which include parking areas, walkways, plazas, fire lanes, etc., OR

• Has placed a minimum of 50% of parking spaces underground or covered by structured parking, OR

• Used an open-grid pavement system (less than 50% impervious) for 50% of the parking lot area."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 36

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party, referencing the site plan to demonstrate areas of paving, landscaping (list species) and building footprint, and declaring that–

• A minimum of 30% of non-roof impervious surface areas are constructed with high-albedo materials and/or open grid pavement and/or will be shaded within five years
• OR a minimum of 50% of parking spaces have been placed underground or are covered by structured parking
• OR an open-grid pavement system (less than 50% impervious) has been used for a minimum of 50% of the parking lot area."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 36

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 7.1 for NC examples.

EPA Heat Island 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Heat Island Group

The intent of this credit is to reduce the solar heat gain absorbed into a building through its roof, and to reduce the cooling loads on the building.  The reduction of waste and the increased efficiency of a building's energy use are two of the fundamental tenets of the Harvard University Sustainability Principles. Considering the ecological implications of the energy saved from an Energy Star roof, compared with its overall life cycle impact is important.

There should be little cost impact achieving this credit if the approach is to use a high emissivity roof, as the cost for these are only slightly ($1-$2/SF) more than black roofs. However, if a green roof is used to achieve this credit, the added cost is significant (between $10 and $30/SF). (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 14). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "A building with roofing having a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) greater than or equal to the value in Table 1 for a minimum of 75% of the roof surface;
• OR a building that has installed a "green" (vegetated) roof for at least 50% of the roof area.
• OR a building having in combination high SRI roofs and vegetated roofs that satisfy the following area requirement:
  Total Roof Area ≥ [(Area of SRI roof x 1.33) + (Area of vegetated roof x 2)]"

- LEED Reference Guide, page 41

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, civil engineer or responsible party, referencing the building plan and declaring that 75% of the roofing materials have a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of at least the values indicated" in the table below:

  Roof Type	Slope	SRI
  Low-Sloped Roof	<2:12	78
  Steep-Sloped Roof	>2:12	29

• OR Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, civil engineer or responsible party, referencing the building plan and demonstrating that vegetated roof areas constitute at least 50% of the total roof area."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 41

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 7.2 for examples.

EPA Cool Roofs

Energy Star Reflective Roof Products 

ASTM Standards

Cool Roof Rating Council

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Heat Island Group- Cool Roofs

The intent of this credit is to minimize light pollution and light trespass, and to counter the negative effects of urban development on nocturnal ecologies. This is one way to work on "[e]nhancing the health of campus ecosystems and increasing the diversity of native species," which is the third Harvard University Sustainability Principle. The intention of this design element is not to create unsafe environments, but to design exterior lighting so as to minimize its impact on sensitive environments.

The Davis Langdon report found that projects that include site lighting in the earliest stages of site planning are able to achieve the credit at a very low cost impact. (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 14). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that meets or provides lower light levels and uniformity ratios than those recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)Recommended Practice Manual: Lighting for Exterior Environments (RP-33-99). The building must have designed the exterior lighting such that all exterior luminaires with more than 1000 initial lamp lumens are shielded and all luminaires with more than 3500 initial lamp lumens meet the Full Cutoff IESNA Classification. The maximum candela value of all interior lighting shall fall within the property. Any luminaire within a distance of 2.5 times its mounting height from the property boundary shall have shielding such that no light from that luminaire crosses the property boundary."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 41

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by a lighting designer or an appropriate party, declaring that the credit requirements have been met."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 46

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC credit 8 for NC examples.

ASHRAE

Illuminating Engineering Society of America

New England Light Pollution Advisory Group

The intent of this credit is to reduce the quantity of potable water used for campus landscaping through the inclusion of native plant species, which rely on local annual rainfall and do not require extra irrigation after their initial plantings are established. Potable water is a precious resource, and its conservation on campus is a key tenet of the Sustainability Principles.  By conserving potable water, Harvard University is "demonstrating institutional practices that promote sustainability, including measures to increase efficiency."

According to the Davis Langdon study, water efficient landscaping credits have very small construction and soft cost implications. (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 15). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

Since Harvard pays for its water use, there is potential for significant savings when reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. The Harvard Business School installed a weather monitoring station to water when most efficient and only when necessary.  HBS saves about $43,000 annually in water costs through decreased consumption. The Business School used the 0% Harvard Green Campus Loan Fund to finance the irrigation project, which had a payback of 4.93 years. It should be noted that a rain shut off device does not qualify for the LEED credit 1.1.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that employs high-efficiency irrigation technology, OR uses captured rain or recycled site water to reduce potable water consumption for irrigation by 50% over conventional means."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 52

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, engineer or responsible party, declaring that potable water consumption for site irrigation has been reduced by 50%. Include a brief narrative of the equipment used and/or the use of drought-tolerant or native plants. Include calculations demonstrating that irrigation requrements for potable water have been reduced by at least 50%. Calculations should be based on July conditions."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 52

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC WEc1.1 for NC examples.

American Rainwater Catchments Systems Association

The goal of this design element is to develop landscapes that do not strain limited resources. The design of natural landscapes enhances the appearance of the campus and can be achieved in a manner that saves potable water through no irrigation or via salvaging non-potable water for landscaping. This design decision supports a number of the Harvard University Sustainability Principles. Planting native species is an institutional practice that increases efficiency by reducing the consumption of potable water, and "enhances the health of campus ecosystems and increases the diversity of native species." The surprisingly rich and varied ecosystem found on Harvard’s urban campus is supported when landscape designers and architects develop planting plans and irrigation strategies that both enhance the campus's flora and fauna and save the precious resource that is potable water. Planting native species that require no additional irrigation is a long-term, environmentally responsible decision, a tenet to the fourth Sustainability Principle.

Since Harvard pays for its water use, eliminating the need for irrigation saves money. Blackstone requires no permanent irrigation system, and anticipates cost savings due to reduced maintenance for native plantings and no mow grass. Zero Arrow Street collects rainwater in a cistern for irrigation.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that uses only captured rain or recycled site water to eliminate all potable water use for site irrigation (except for initial watering to establish plants), OR does not have permanent landscaping irrigation systems."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 53

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED letter template, signed by the responsible architect and/or engineer, declaring that the project site will not use potable water for irrigation. Include a narrative describing the plant species used and how the plantings will tolerate lack of irrigation. If a water recycling strategy is used, describe the rain collection or recycled site water system, including capacity and anticipated refill frequency. Include calculations demonstrating that irrigation requirements can be met from captured rain or recycled site water. Calculations should be based on July conditions.

OR

Provide the LEED letter template, signed by the landscape architect and/or responsible party, declaring that the project site does not have a permanent landscape irrigation system. Include a narrative describing how the landscape design allows for this."

- LEED Reference Guide, page 53

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC WEc1.2 for NC examples.

The purpose of this credit is to reduce the amount of potable water Harvard uses for non-potable uses, particularly for sewage conveyance. This design element, with its focus on the conservation of potable water, challenges design teams to enable comparative analysis of sustainability implications and to "support long-term economic, environmental and socially responsible decision-making," which is the fourth Harvard University Sustainability Principle. Being innovative in water systems thinking encourages environmental inquiry and institutional learning throughout the university community, as this is an area which the university has much room for improvement. No project at Harvard has achieved this credit. Utilizing gray water for sewage conveyance is a strategy to conserve potable water and to increase the efficiency of the university's resources.

This credit presents an opportunity to examine feasibility through comparing capital versus operating costs. To reuse greywater, the need for a double plumbing system, and possibly for containment systems, and for meeting local code requirements will increase the capital cost. However, the reduction in potable water used to convey sewage will reduce operations cost. There is less of a cost increase when using collected rainwater rather than greywater. Reclaimed storm drainage water for sewage conveyance was considered at BCG, but since 27.5 year payback was long this design element was eliminated during value engineering. The wastewater generation reduction would have been 117%. One Western Avenue considered using greywater for water closets. The team considered collecting the water from sinks and showers, and carrying it to a holding tank and treatment system. The savings associated with this strategy was substantial, at approximately $8,400 per year (May 2001).

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that reduces the use of municipally provided potable water for building sewage conveyance by a minimum of 50%, OR treats 100% of wastewater on-site to tertiary standards."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 60

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, MEP engineer or responsible party, declaring that water for building sewage conveyance will be reduced by at least 50%. Include the spreadsheet calculation and a narrative demonstrating the measures used to reduce wastewater by at least 50% from baseline conditions.

OR

•  Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer or responsible party, declaring that 100% of wastewater will be treated to tertiary standards on site. Include a narrative describing the on-site wastewater treatment system."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 60

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC WEc2 for NC examples.

The intent of this element is to reduce the use of potable water for toilet flushing, sinks and showers in order to preserve a precious natural resource, water. Water conservation is an important part of Harvard University’s Campus Sustainability Principles. Potable water is a limited resource, and current usage through ineffective and inefficient plumbing fixtures results in the loss of this resource “down the drain." Conserving water is not only a strong long-term economic and environmentally responsible decision, it is also socially responsible. These three factors are inherent in the fourth Sustainability Principle. Water efficiency is a strategy that applies to all aspects of the university: staff, students, and faculty all interact with plumbing fixtures several times each day. Functioning, effective water-conserving plumbing fixtures are a daily means to “encourage environmental inquiry and institutional learning throughout the university community.”

Water-saving fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets, waterless urinals, low-flow faucets, and low-flow showerheads are comparable in price to standard fixtures, and are being used in numerous Harvard buildings.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that meets the 20% reduction in water use requirement for the entire building and has an ongoing plan to require future occupants to comply."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 66

“Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the MEP engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project uses 20% less water than the baseline fixtures performance requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

Provide the spreadsheet calculation demonstrating that water-consuming fixtures specified for the stated occupancy and use of the building reduce occupancy-based potable water consumption by 20% compared to baseline conditions."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 66

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project. See LEED-NC WEc3.1-3.2 for NC examples.

The purpose of this design element is to shift the energy grid toward non-polluting renewable energy sources, and to encourage buildings to be self-sufficient rather than fossil-fuel intensive. The first University Sustainability Principle states that the university is dedicated to "increase efficiency and use of renewable resources." This design element encourages land-use patterns that bring energy production closer to its enduser. Distribution losses due to the transmission of electrical energy across long distances can be minimized with onsite renewable energy generation. Measurement of onsite renewable energy generation can become a learning vehicle to develop long-term planning tools to support long-term sustainable decision-making.

This credit has yet to be achieved by a Harvard LEED project. This element should be considered with life cycle costing. The capital cost is likely to be higher, but can be offset by grants, such as those offered by the MTC Renewable Energy Trust, and the HGCI Loan Fund. The usual 10-year payback requirement to qualify for the HGCI Loan Fund is waived for photovoltaic projects, which often have longer payback periods.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that supplies at least 5% of the building’s total energy use (expressed as a fraction of annual energy cost) through the use of on-site renewable energy systems."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 71

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED Letter Template, signed by the architect, owner or responsible party, declaring that at least 5% of the building's energy is provided by on-site renewable energy. Include a narrative describing on-site renewable energy systems installed in the building and calculations demonstrating that at least 5% of total energy costs are supplied by the renewable energy system(s)."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 71

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED project.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"A building that had in place at time of selection other quantifiable environmental performance, for which the requirements may be found in other LEED rating systems."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 79

LEED-CI Version 2.0

"Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer, building owner, engineer, or other responsible party, declaring compliance with each claimed requirement based on the applicable standards as defined in the applicable LEED Green Building Rating System."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 79

Currently there are no audit requirements for this credit.

This credit has not yet been achieved by a Harvard LEED-CI project.

Dense development conserves untouched lands for other purposes, such as forest, agriculture, or recreation. When people live in close proximity, mass transit options become more viable. Dense development is key to decreasing daily energy consumption. Since travel distances are shorter in dense settings than suburban ones, density also encourages physical activity, including walking and biking. Dense development contributes to the second Sustainability Principle: "Promoting health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment." The fourth Sustainability Principle stipulates that Harvard is committed to continuous improvement in "Developing planning tools to enable comparative analysis of sustainability implications and to support long-term economic, environmental and socially responsible decision-making." Harvard's buildings are located in dense urban areas that facilitate a connection to the cities in which the university operates.

There should be no added cost, as Harvard's property is located in a dense urban setting. Most Harvard LEED projects should be able to easily achieve this point.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "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 (two-story downtown development),"

OR

• "Select space in a building that is located within ½ mile of a residential zone or neighborhood (with an
  average density of 10 units per acre net),"

AND

• "The building has pedestrian access to at least 10 of the basic services below within ½ mile:

1) Bank; 2) Place of Worship; 3) Convenience Grocery; 4) Day Care; 5) Cleaners; 6) Fire Station; 7) Hair Care; 8) Hardware; 9) Laundry; 10) Library; 11) Medical/Dental; 12) Senior Care Facility; 13) Park; 14) Pharmacy; 15) Post Office; 16) Restaurant; 17) School; 18) Supermarket; 19) Commercial Office; 20) Community Center, and other recognized services evaluated on their merit."


Greenfield developments and projects that do not use existing infrastructure are not eligible.

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 81

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the civil engineer, architect or other responsible party, declaring that the project met the credit requirement.
• Provide density calculations for the building and surrounding area with and area plan, highlighting the building location.

OR

• Provide an area plan highlighting the building location, the residential zone or neighborhood, and 10 or more basic services located within 1/2 mile of the project space (inclusive of the building selected."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 81

"Please provide calculations of development density for both the project and the surrounding area, defined by the required radius, to accompany the area plan which should already have been submitted with the LEED Letter Template."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

Mather Dunster

Landmark Center

Urban Land Institute

Public transportation access encourages people to ride the train or bus instead of driving a car.  The reduction of single occupant vehicle usage reduces both greenhouse gases and pollution. Development of structures accessible to public transportation fosters a transition toward sustainability.  The creation of a built environment that facilitates sustainable practices such as the use of mass transit encourages behavioral change that benefits the environment.  Planning that accounts for public transit supports long-term economic, environmental and socially responsible decision-making.  Access to public transit within ¼ mile of a building is a quantifiable indicator that can be monitored. 

All of Harvard's LEED projects have achieved this credit, as the campus is in close proximity to several public transportation options.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Tenant to select building within ½ mile of a commuter rail, light rail or subway station or ¼ mile of two or more public or campus bus lines usable by tenant occupants."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 89

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by an appropriate party, declaring that the building in which the project is located is within required proximity to mass transit.
• Provide an area drawing or transit map highlighting the building location and the fixed rail stations and bus lines, and indicate the distances between them. Include a scale bar for distance measurement."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 89

'For most compliance paths no further documentation is likely to be necessary. If shuttle service is the means of acheiving this credit, then the following are the audit requirements for this credit:

Please provide documentation of shuttle capacity and schedule demonstrating that it is capable of serving the building population. See CIR ruling dated 09-20-04."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

Mather Dunster

Landmark Center

The intent of this credit is to encourage occupants to ride bicycles, rather than drive cars, to and from the building. Development of alternative transportation access for the campus is important in order to support the university in increasing efficiency and decreasing pollution due to transit. Improved resources for bicycling as an alternative means of transportation supports the second Sustainability Principle, which promotes the "health, productivity and safety of the university community through design and maintenance of the built environment."

To date, all of Harvard's LEED projects have easily achieved this credit. A study by the Davis Langdon group based on 221 projects found that Credit 4.2 "is a relatively inexpensive point with low design impact." (Matthiessen, Fay and Morris, 13). For the full cite, see Financial Links.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

"Provide secure bicycle storage, with convenient changing/shower facilities (within 200 yards of the building) for 5% or more of tenant occupants."

- LEED-NC Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 93

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, declaring the distance to the cycle storage and showers from the building entrance, showing the number of regular tenant occupants and demonstrating that more than 5% of occupants have provision."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 93

• "Please provide drawings and cut sheets or photos highlighting bicycle securing apparatus and its location, along with floor plans and/or photos indicating location of changing/shower faciliities. Provide documentation indicating that there is at least one shower for every 8 cyclists."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0: Audited Credit Requirements; USGBC

Mather Dunster

Landmark

Harvard University Quad Bikes

The intent of this credit is to encourage commuters to carpool by providing preferential parking for vans and carpools.  The first campus Sustainability Principle is to  “Demonstrate institutional practices that promote sustainability, including measures to increase efficiency.” By giving the incentive of preferential parking to commuters, the university establishes and begins to institutionalize practices that increase efficiency. Harvard University's Commuter Choice Program runs the university's carpooling for the entire university community.  

Harvard's Commuter Choice program provides incentives for carpooling and vanpooling. There should be no added cost for a Harvard project to earn this credit. All Harvard LEED projects to date have easily earned this credit.

LEED-CI Version 2.0

See updated Credit Interpretation Rulings issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.

• "For projects occupying less than 75% of gross building square footage:
  • Parking spaces provided to tenant shall not exceed minimum number required by local zoning regulations.
  • AND Priority parking for carpools or van pools will be provided for 5% or more of tenant occupants.
  • OR No parking will be provided or subsidized for tenant occupants.
• For projects occupying 75% or over of gross building square footage:
  • Parking capacity will not exceed minimum local zoning requirements.
  • AND Priority parking for carpools or vanpools will be provided capable of serving 5% of the building occupants. OR No new parking will be added for rehabilitation projects.
  • AND Preferred parking for carpools or vanpools will be provided capable of serving 5% of the building occupants."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 98

LEED-CI Version 2.0

• "Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, stating any relevant section of local zoning regulation defining parking requirements for tenant’s occupancy group and zone.
• Provide the LEED-CI Letter Template, signed by the architect, interior designer or other responsible party, showing the section of the tenant’s lease that indicates parking guarantees."

- LEED-CI Version 2.0 Reference Guide, page 98

There are currently no audit requirements for this credit.

Mather Dunster

Landmark

Harvard Commuter Choice

Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)