Item 3 - LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities Guide
Item 3 - LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities Guide
Item 3 - LEED v4.1 Cities and Communities Guide
LEED v4.1
CITIES AND
COMMUNITIES: EXISTING
April 2, 2019 U.S. Green Building Council
Contents
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS (IP)............................................................................................................... 6
IP Credit: Integrative Planning and Leadership ................................................................................... 6
IP Credit: Green Building Policy and Incentives .................................................................................. 7
NATURAL SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY (NS) ........................................................................................ 9
NS Prerequisite: Ecosystem Assessment ........................................................................................... 9
NS Credit: Green Spaces .................................................................................................................. 10
NS Credit: Natural Resources Conservation and Restoration .......................................................... 11
NS Credit: Light Pollution Reduction ................................................................................................. 14
NS Credit: Resilience Planning ......................................................................................................... 15
TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE (TR) ........................................................................................ 17
TR Prerequisite: Transportation Performance................................................................................... 17
TR Credit: Compact, Mixed Use and Transit Oriented Development ............................................... 19
TR Credit: Access to Quality Transit ................................................................................................. 21
TR Credit: Alternative Fuel Vehicles ................................................................................................. 23
TR Credit: Smart Mobility And Transportation Policy ........................................................................ 24
TR Credit: High-Priority Site .............................................................................................................. 25
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ................................................................................................................. 26
WE Prerequisite: Water Access and Quality ..................................................................................... 26
WE Prerequisite: Water Performance ............................................................................................... 28
WE Credit: Integrated Water Management ....................................................................................... 30
WE Credit: Stormwater Management ................................................................................................ 31
WE Credit: Smart Water Systems ..................................................................................................... 33
ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS (EN) ..................................................................... 34
EN Prerequisite: Power Access, Reliability and Resiliency .............................................................. 34
EN Prerequisite: Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance ......................................... 35
EN Credit: Energy Efficiency ............................................................................................................. 37
EN Credit: Renewable Energy .......................................................................................................... 39
EN Credit: Low Carbon Economy ..................................................................................................... 41
EN Credit: Grid Harmonization ......................................................................................................... 42
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) ............................................................................................... 43
MR Prerequisite: Solid Waste Management ..................................................................................... 43
MR Prerequisite: Waste Performance ............................................................................................... 45
MR Credit: Special Waste Streams Management ............................................................................. 47
MR Credit: Responsible Sourcing for Infrastructure .......................................................................... 48
MR Credit: Material Recovery ........................................................................................................... 49
MR Credit: Smart Waste Management Systems .............................................................................. 50
QUALITY OF LIFE (QL) ....................................................................................................................... 51
QL Prerequisite: Demographic Assessment ..................................................................................... 51
QL Prerequisite: Quality of Life Performance .................................................................................... 52
2
QL Credit: Trend Improvements ........................................................................................................ 53
QL Credit: Distributional Equity ......................................................................................................... 54
QL Credit: Environmental Justice ...................................................................................................... 56
QL Credit: Housing and Transportation Affordability ......................................................................... 57
QL Credit: Civic and Community Engagement.................................................................................. 58
QL Credit: Civil and Human Rights ................................................................................................... 59
INNOVATION (IN) ................................................................................................................................. 60
IN Credit: Innovation .......................................................................................................................... 60
REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP) ................................................................................................................. 61
RP Credit: Regional Priority............................................................................................................... 61
Appendices .......................................................................................................................................... 62
3
Scorecard
Cities Communities
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS POSSIBLE: 5 POSSIBLE: 5
Credit Integrative Planning and Leadership 1 1
Credit Green Building Policy and Incentives 4 4
4
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES POSSIBLE: 10 POSSIBLE: 10
Prereq Solid Waste Management REQUIRED REQUIRED
Prereq Waste Performance 4 5
Credit Special Waste Streams Management 1 1
Credit Responsible Sourcing for Infrastructure 2 2
Credit Material Recovery 1 -
Credit Smart Waste Management Systems 2 2
5
INTEGRATIVE PROCESS (IP)
IP CREDIT: INTEGRATIVE PLANNING AND LEADERSHIP
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Use inter-disciplinary teams and at a minimum ensure the following processes are followed:
1. Comprehensive Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan for the city or have a plan which is
adopted, reviewed, revised or updated within the last five years that establishes a clear vision and
strategy for the future.
Reference:
STAR v2 IP-1: Best Practices & Processes
2. LEED for Cities or Communities Team: Assemble and convene an interdisciplinary and cross-
departmental team. Include team members from at a minimum three of the following areas of
expertise:
• Development Authority
• Urban / Master Planning and Design
• Engineering – Energy and Power; Hydrology; Transportation; Waste
• Economic Development
• Urban Ecologist, Biologist or Landscape Architect
• Construction Management
• Human Services
• Education / School Board
• Sustainability / Resilience Officer
• Data Officer / Information Technology
Include any other experts or stakeholders as relevant to the city or community. Conduct regular
meetings with the integrative project team to review project status, introduce new team members
to project goals, discuss problems, formulate solutions, review responsibilities, and identify next
steps.
3. LEED for Cities Roadmap Development: Soon after formation of LEED team, conduct at least
two workshops to assess and develop the following:
• Gap Analysis: Assess the existing status of the city or community against the parameters
mentioned in LEED prerequisite and credit requirements. Develop a gap analysis report.
• LEED Goal Setting and Roadmap: Develop a strategic roadmap for the city to achieve the
goals set out under LEED for Cities and Communities rating system. Create an action plan
that identifies the targeted LEED rating, the credits that have been selected to meet the
targeted certification level and the entity accountable for meeting the requirements for each
selected credit.
6
IP CREDIT: GREEN BUILDING POLICY AND INCENTIVES
1-4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To encourage the design, construction, and retrofit of buildings using green building practices.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Option 1. Buildings owned and/or operated by the local government or development authority
(1-2 points Cities, 1-3 points Communities)
• Existing Buildings: Register and certify existing buildings above 5000 square feet (465 square
meter) that are owned and/or operated by the local government or development authority to
LEED, EDGE or an equivalent green building rating system. The green building rating system
must address energy, water, waste, transportation and ecological aspects of the city. Points are
awarded as per table below.
Table 1 Points for green buildings
AND
• New Buildings: Adopt policy for all new construction undertaken by the city government or
community local authority to achieve LEED or an equivalent green building certification.
AND/OR
AND / OR
7
o Include a minimum of 50% of the buildings owned or operated by the jurisdiction or the
community that are 5,000 square feet (465 square meters) or greater. The data year reported
must be from within the most recent 3-year period.
AND/OR
o Adopt a program that requires disclosure of energy data from privately owned buildings in the
jurisdiction. Disclosure may be to the public, the governing entity, and/or specific users of the
building, such as tenants, prospective tenants, potential buyers, or potential lenders.
o At a minimum, all privately owned nonresidential or multi-family buildings with a gross area of
more than 20,000 square feet (1858 square meters), excluding parking, must be included.
The data year reported for active programs must be from within the most recent 3-year
period.
o The program must include (i) a legally-enforceable policy or ordinance approved by the local
governing body and (ii) a mechanism for reporting, a platform for disclosing individual or
aggregated data, such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, Arc Skoru, or a locally
developed and recognized tool, and an annual program report.
o Provide the timeline for roll out and implementation within the next 3 years.
8
NATURAL SYSTEMS AND ECOLOGY (NS)
NS PREREQUISITE: ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT
Required
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To assess existing ecosystem conditions and services provided by ecosystems, built landscapes, and
other open spaces to inform the city development along with conservation and restoration efforts.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Complete and document an ecosystem assessment of the areas that includes the following topics:
2. Soils: Natural Resources Conservation Service soils delineation, U.S. Department of Agriculture
prime farmland, unique farmland or farmland of statewide or local importance, healthy soils, soils
disturbed by previous development and degree of disturbance (local equivalent standards may be
used for cities or communities outside the U.S.).
3. Vegetation and Habitat: Total existing vegetated area, primary vegetation types, native plants
and plant communities, significant tree mapping, identification of top three threatened species as
per The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1 or local or regional standards, habitat for
threatened or endangered species, unique habitat. Identification of top three most damaging
invasive plant species and mapping of degraded vegetation and habitats if applicable.
4. Hydrology and Aquatic Ecosystems: Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) as determined by
FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) (or local equivalent for cities or communities outside
the U.S.), wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines; precipitation, rainwater collection and reuse
opportunities including overland water flow, water quality, storage capacity of the site and
watershed conditions, potable and non-potable water sources; pollution sources and pollutants.
Map areas with degraded aquatic ecosystems as applicable.
The survey or assessment should demonstrate the relationships between the features and topics
listed above and how these features influenced the city or community strategy and development.
Note: Not all topics apply to every city or community, and each may contain additional important
unique elements that are not explicitly addressed here.
References:
LEED v4 BD+C SS Credit: Site Assessment
SITES v2 Section 2: Pre-Design Assessment + Planning
1
http://www.iucnredlist.org/, Accessed on December 17, 2018.
9
NS CREDIT: GREEN SPACES
1-2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To provide accessible green spaces to positively impact physical, mental and psychological health
and well-being of the community while also enhancing the environmental quality of the city or
community.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Provide easily accessible green space. Points are awarded as per table below.
121 11.25 1
145 13.5 2
AND
Minimum area of green space must be no less than 7212 square feet (670 square meters).
Reference:
LEED v4 ND NPD Credit: Access to Civic and Public Space
AND
A minimum of 70% of the dwelling units must have a green space within 1/2-mile (800 meters)
walking distance 2.
Reference:
STAR Communities V2 BE-6: Public Parkland, Outcome 2: Proximity
Green space is defined as land that is partly or completely covered with trees, shrubs, grass or other
vegetation. This includes urban parks, trails and community gardens 3 including roof top or vertical
gardens. This does not include schoolyards, playgrounds, public seating areas, public plazas or
vacant lots.
2
Communities can include city level green spaces which are not within the community boundary but are freely accessible to the
residents and meet the prescribed requirements.
3
Adopted from United States Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘What is Open Space/Green Space?’ retrieved from
https://www3.epa.gov/region1/eco/uep/openspace.html, Accessed on December 17, 2018.
10
NS CREDIT: NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To conserve and restore the natural resources within the city or community.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
OR
• Maintain natural resource acreage at 11.5% or more of total jurisdictional land area.
Reference:
STAR Communities V2 NS-3: Natural Resource Protection Outcome 1: Natural Resource Areas
Natural resource areas include but are not limited to critical aquifer recharge areas; deserts and arid
lands; fish or wildlife habitat, natural deltas or floodplains, steep slopes, natural parkland, forests,
geologically hazardous areas, grasslands and prairies, habitats of endangered and threatened
species, shorelines and their buffers, streams and their buffers and wetlands. Green spaces as
defined under and / or provided under NS Credit: Green Spaces can be included within the Natural
Resource Acreage.
OR
1. Steep Slopes:
• Do not permit development on slopes greater than 40% and do not disturb portions of the land
area within 50 feet (15 meters) horizontally of the top of the slope and 75 feet (23 meters)
horizontally from the toe of the slope.
• For undeveloped slopes from 26% to 40%, development can be permitted on 40% of the area.
• For undeveloped slopes from 15% to 25%, development can be permitted on 60% of the area.
• For previously developed slopes (above 15%) restore a minimum of 50% of the slopes with
native vegetation or noninvasive adaptive plants within a period of 5 years.
Reference:
LEED v4 ND SLL Credit: Steep Slope Protection
OR
4
Communities can include natural resource areas within a buffer of 1 km (1000 meters) from the community boundary to
demonstrate compliance with the requirement.
5
In lieu of a consolidated Natural Resources and Conservation Plan, cities and communities may provide individual plans,
ordinances, regulations or policies to demonstrate compliance to credit requirements.
11
If construction is permitted on steep slopes (greater than 15%), adopt a regulation to the effect
that development permits and building permits will be issued after reviewing the following for each
city or community:
• A general site survey, topographic and land feature survey along with geotechnical evaluation.
• A grading plan that indicates a clear feasibility for roads, driveways and building envelop
without massive manipulation of the site.
• A tree and vegetation plan.
• A drainage management plan.
• An erosion control plan that avoids massive manipulation of the site.
• An Environmental Inventory and Assessment to identify environmentally sensitive areas and
features to be protected, and to measures avoid, minimize or mitigate environmental impacts of
the proposed development and development activities.
Reference:
LEED v4 ND SLL Credit: Steep Slope Protection
Reference:
LEED v4 ND SLL Prerequisite: Agricultural Land Conservation
OR
If the development footprint affects farmland of any category, mitigate the loss by providing
alternative area for farming such as rooftop farming or vertical farming in the ratio of 2:1. In
addition, plan for farmer’s markets in residential areas which will be within 1/2-mile (800-meters)
walking distance.
6
Significant Habitat for the purpose of this prerequisite is defined as Locally or regionally significant habitat of any size, or
patches of predominantly native vegetation at least 150 acres (60 hectares) (even if part of the area lies outside the project
boundary); Special status plants which include plants designated as special status in the region. These plants may include, but
are not limited to, heritage or legacy trees, specimen trees (as designated by a local tree board), rare vegetation in a unique
habitat, and unusual genetic variants of a particular species; and any habitat flagged for conservation under a regional or state
conservation or green infrastructure plan.
7
https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/LittonC/PDFs/682_SERPrimer.pdf, Accessed on December 17, 2018.
12
4. Aquatic Ecosystems:
• Do not permit any development within limits specified below except for minor improvements or
comply with the equivalent local or national regulations.
o Shorelines and coastal areas: Within 200 feet (61 meters) from normal high tide line.
o Floodplains, rivers and streams: A flood hazard area shown on a legally adopted flood
hazard map or otherwise legally designated by the local jurisdiction or the state or entirely
outside any floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
o Wetlands: Within 50 feet (15 meters) of a wetland, except for minor improvements.
o Water bodies: Within 100 feet (30 meters) of a water body which is greater than 50
contiguous acres (20 hectares) and within 50 feet (15 meters) for waterbodies less than 50
contiguous acres (20 hectares).
• Restore degraded aquatic ecosystems identified during the Ecosystem Assessment.
Restoration strategies must be developed based on Society for Ecological Restoration Science
& Policy Working Group. 2002, The SER Primer on Ecological Restoration, Section 3,
Attributes of Restored Ecosystems.
References:
LEED v4 ND SLL Prerequisite: Wetland and Water Body Conservation
SITES v2 Prerequisite 1.3: Conserve aquatic ecosystems
SITES v2 Credit 3.6: Restore aquatic ecosystems
OR
13
NS CREDIT: LIGHT POLLUTION REDUCTION
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To minimize and manage ambient light levels to protect public health and the integrity of ecological
systems and increase the night sky access, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce the consequences
of development for wildlife and people.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Option 1.
Achieve a sky glow at or below 4 in the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale where the Milky Way is still visible in
residential areas, or a Sky Quality Meter reading of 21.2 or greater.
Reference:
STAR v2 BE-1: Ambient Noise & Light
OR
Option 2.
• A minimum of 70% of the street lighting in the city or community should meet the requirements of
section on Glare and Sky-Glow requirements of ‘ANSI/IESNA RP-8-14 Roadway Lighting’.
AND
• Adopt a lighting ordinance for the city or community conforming to the Section II to VI of the Model
Lighting Ordinance (MLO), 2011 8 developed jointly by the International Dark Sky Association and
Illuminating Engineering Society.
8
http://darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/16_MLO_FINAL_JUNE2011.PDF, Accessed on December 17, 2018.
14
NS CREDIT: RESILIENCE PLANNING
4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To strengthen the resilience of communities to climate change risks, natural and man-made hazards
and extreme events.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Natural Man-made
Geo Physical Earthquake Social Complex
Emergencies/Conflicts
Landslide Displaced Populations
Tsunami Cyber Attack
Volcanic Activity Technological Infrastructure failure
Hydrological Avalanches Fire
Flood Industrial Explosion
Climatological Extreme Temperatures Accidents
Drought Accidents on Road, Air,
Railway, Maritime
Wildfires Transport Air and Water
Extreme heat/cold Pollution Air and Water
Heat Island Effect
Meteorological Cyclones
Storms/Wave Surges
Biological Disease Epidemics
• Risk Identification – Identify the impacts from which an area is at risk. Use national/state level
maps and historic data of occurrence to identify the potential threats.
• Risk Assessment – Estimate the probability of occurrence of the extreme events. Study their
characteristics, frequency and potential severity. Conduct a socio-economic and environmental
assessment of the impact.
• Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment – Assess the most exposed and affected sections of
the city or community.
• Adaptation and Mitigation Goal - Set goals based on the vulnerability and capacity assessment.
Highlight threats having maximum damage potential and most vulnerable areas that require
mitigation strategies. The goal should address the top two natural and man-made hazards.
AND
15
• Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies - Adaptation and mitigation strategies to meet the
goals identified under Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment above.
• Fundamental Emergency Planning and Preparedness - Access to basic needs, first aid,
emergency supplies, water, food communication, temporary shelter.
• Early Warning Systems - Strategies for early warning systems and operation of critical facilities
during the extreme event and post-event rehabilitation. Demonstrate at least one early warning
system in practice.
• Critical Infrastructure Location - Map and reduce over time any critical infrastructure that is
located in designated high risk areas.
• Policy Intervention - Incorporate building structure resilience strategy to withstand the potential
damage due to natural hazards in the building regulations.
• Capacity Building - Design awareness programs to educate different stakeholders (at least one at
community level and one at internal administrative level) about hazard management. Plan for
implementation the programs at regular intervals for at least one year. The programs should have
the provision for revisions after stakeholders’ feedback.
References:
RELI v1: Risk Adaptation + Mitigation for Acute Events
STAR v2 CE-1: Climate Adaptation
STAR v2 HS-6: Hazard Mitigation
16
TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE (TR)
TR PREREQUISITE: TRANSPORTATION PERFORMANCE
1-6 Points
This prerequisite applies to:
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To promote non-motorized transportation, encourage use of public transit and reduce pollution from
transportation sector.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure the daily per capita Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) for the city or community by capturing the
commute patterns of the population. Total VMT must be calculated for a minimum period of the most
recent calendar year using either of the following methodologies:
VMT per capita per day is calculated by dividing the total VMT for the city or community for a period of
the most recent calendar year by total population of the city (Use USGBC population calculator based
on residing and floating population). Divide this by 365 to get daily VMT per capita. Document the
assumptions for differing day/night and seasonal populations if variations significantly alter travel
patterns.
Obtain a minimum transportation performance score of 40. Additional points for this prerequisite are
awarded for transportation performance scores above 40, according to the table given below.
17
The score is a value from 1-100 based on city’s or community’s VMT per capita.
References:
LEED for Cities (Pilot) Transportation
STAR v2 BE-7: Transportation Choices, Outcome 4: Vehicle Miles Travelled
18
TR CREDIT: COMPACT, MIXED USE AND TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
1-2 Points
This credit applies to:
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To encourage compact and mixed use development, high level of connectivity within city or
community and encourage walking, biking, and transit use.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Identify Compact and Complete Centers (CCC) on the master plan or land use map of the city or
community. CCCs are measured as areas within a ½ mile (800 meters) walking distance of a central
point that represent the strong mix of uses, public transit availability, density, and walkability. CCCs
may overlap.
Provide safe and comfortable sidewalks, bikeways and crosswalks that are unobstructed and barrier-
free for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users and people with low vision. Comply with
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or relevant national or local guidelines for 100% of sidewalks,
bikeways and crosswalks.
AND/ OR
• Are within ¼ mile (400 meters) walking distance of an existing or planned bus, streetcar or
informal transit stops that connects to a mass rapid transit station or a pulse point within 3 miles 9
(5 kilometers).
Points are awarded based on the percentage of population residing in CCCs as per table given below.
9
TOD guidelines, ITDP
19
Table 5. Percentage of population residing in CCC
Based on the land use map or master plan, identify areas and total population that reside in mixed
use zones and residential zones. Mixed use zone has a balanced mix of uses such as residential
(high, medium and low), commercial and institution, open areas and others. Residential zones
primarily consist of residential units. The definition of land use zoning should be as per local standard.
• Areas in mixed use zones will be considered to have qualified for a CCC and percentage of
population residing in these areas will meet the requirements for this credit.
• For the residential zone, meet all requirements to qualify as a CCC.
References:
STAR v2 BE-3: Compact & Complete Communities
LEED v4 ND NPD Prerequisite: Connected and Open Community
LEED v4 ND NPD Credit: Mixed-Use Neighborhoods
20
TR CREDIT: ACCESS TO QUALITY TRANSIT
1 point
This credit applies to:
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To encourage use of diverse transportation modes in order to reduce the reliance on personal
vehicles within city or community.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
All cities or communities must disclose data on modal split showing the percentage of population
commuting to work and other places by using the following transportation modes, preferably
calculated within past one year:
• Drive alone (or chauffeured)
• Carpool
• Motorcycle
• Taxicab
• Public transportation (excluding taxicab)
• Walk
• Bicycle
• Or, other means
Reference:
Variation on STAR v2 BE-7: Transportation Choices Outcome 1
AND
OR
References:
STAR v2 BE-7: Transportation Choices, Outcome 1 and Outcome 3
LEED v4 BD+C Transit, LT Credit: Intermodal Connectivity and Placemaking
OR
10
TOD Guidelines, EMBARQ
21
bus rapid transit stops, passenger rail stations (i.e. light, heavy, or commuter rail), commuter ferry
terminals, bus, streetcar or informal transit stops, meet the minimum requirement of 72 weekday trips
and 30 weekend trips. The transit service at these stops and stations in aggregate must meet the
given minimum requirement for each CCC as identified in TR Credit: Compact, Mixed Use and Transit
Oriented Development. Planned stops and stations may count if they are sited, funded, and under
construction during the time of certification.
If existing transit service is temporarily rerouted outside the required distances for less than two years,
the project may meet the requirements, provided the local transit agency has committed to restoring
the routes with service at or above the prior level.
Reference:
LEED v4.1 BD+C, LT Credit: Access to Quality Transit
22
TR CREDIT: ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
1-2 Points
This credit applies to:
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
The electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) must meet the following requirements:
• Provide a Level 2 charging capacity (208 – 240 volts) or greater.
• Comply with the relevant regional or local standard for electrical connectors, such as SAE Surface
Vehicle Recommended Practice J1772, SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler or IEC
62196 of the International Electrotechnical Commission for cities or communities outside the U.S.
• Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology must be capable of responding to time-of-use market signals
(e.g. price). Cities or communities pursuing EN Credit: Smart Energy Systems should incorporate
EVSE into any demand response program or load flexibility and management strategies.
Demonstrate that the number of private and public electric vehicle charging stations exceed 1.07 per
10,000 residents.
OR
Demonstrate compliance with local or national policy for all types of vehicles within the city (privately
and publicly owned vehicles or fleet) for electric vehicle charging facilities within the city or community.
AND/OR
OR
Demonstrate compliance with local or national policy for providing alternative fuel stations for all
vehicles (privately owned vehicles and publicly owned vehicles or fleet) within the city or community.
References:
STAR v2 CE-3 Greening the Energy Supply, Outcome 1
LEED v4 BD+C Transit LT Credit Green Vehicles
11
Alternative fuel refers to low-polluting, non-gasoline fuels such as hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural
gas, methanol, and ethanol.
23
TR CREDIT: SMART MOBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION POLICY
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To promote efficient operation of transport systems, user facilitation, behavior change and reduced
environmental impact through smart technologies and transportation policies.
Requirements
CITIES
Adopt any four solutions or policies to support a city-wide smart and efficient transportation system. (2
points)
COMMUNITIES
Adopt any two solutions or policies to support a community-wide smart and efficient transportation
system. (2 points)
Indicative list of solutions 12:
• Passenger Information System (PIS) - At least 80% of all transit stations identified in TR Credit:
Compact, Mixed Use and Transit Oriented Development, 1. Access to transit facilities must be
equipped with PIS system.
• Automated Speed Enforcement - At least 80% of roads to be equipped for automated speed
enforcement.
• Traffic Surveillance: At least 80% of all transit stations identified in TR Credit - Compact, Mixed
Use and Transit Oriented Development, 1. Access to transit facilities must be equipped with
CCTVs for traffic surveillance.
• Global Positioning System (GPS)/ General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) - All public transit
vehicles must be equipped with GPS/ GPRS system.
• Signal Synchronization and Transit Signal Priority - All signals on major roads must be
synchronized or prioritized to address varying traffic flows.
• Integrated Ticketing System - At least 80% of all public transit systems and subsystems to have
Automatic Ticketing System.
• Real-time Parking Management - At least 80% of all public and multi-level parking to have real-
time parking management system.
Electronic Toll Collection - All toll booths and plazas to have electronic toll collection system.
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) - Adopt RFID technology for logistics and/or for public
transportation system.
12
http://www.grantthornton.in/globalassets/1.-member-firms/india/assets/pdfs/smart-transportation-report.pdf, Accessed on
December 17, 2018.
24
TR CREDIT: HIGH-PRIORITY SITE
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To preserve historic structures and sites and focus growth and redevelopment to infill and other
priority locations.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Develop an inventory of designated and eligible historic structure(s) and site(s). Consider historic
buildings that are outside the city or community boundary but may be impacted by development.
Adopt a policy for alteration (rehabilitation, preservation or restoration) of any historic building or a
contributing building in a historic district to ensure that following requirements are met:
• Approval in the form of a certificate of appropriateness from a local historic preservation
commission or architectural review board for any exterior alterations or additions for building
subject to local review.
• Approval in the form of a certificate of appropriateness for alteration from the office in case of
buildings subject to state or federal or national review.
OR
OR
25
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE)
WE PREREQUISITE: WATER ACCESS AND QUALITY
Required
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To provide all sections of the society with equitable access to clean drinking water and sanitation
services and prevent pollution from stormwater runoff.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Water and wastewater systems serving the city or community must meet the following requirements:
Case 2. For cities which have not achieved a 100% coverage of all buildings within the boundary by
public water supply and wastewater collection systems, provide a roadmap for achieving the same
within 5 years of certification or at the time of LEED recertification.
Requirement can be met by including private water wells if it is permitted within the local or regional
jurisdiction.
• Report on enforcement actions taken in case of non-compliance with the adopted drinking water
quality standard, under the following categories:
o Violation of testing frequency
o Violation in water quality parameter threshold
Reference:
STAR v2 BE-2: Community Water Systems, Outcome 1
• Report on enforcement actions taken in case of non-compliance with the adopted wastewater
treatment and quality standard, under the following categories:
o Violation of testing frequency
26
o Violation in water quality parameter threshold
All wastewater treatment systems that are independently operated onsite or decentralized and are
outside the jurisdiction of the city or development authority must disclose the applicable standards for
wastewater treatment and discharge.
Reference:
STAR v2 BE-2: Community Water Systems, Outcome 3
Stormwater Quality
CITIES
Adopt a policy to comply with U.S. EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit program for stormwater pollution prevention from construction and industrial activities and
municipal sources or local, state, or national equivalent.
Reference:
STAR v2 BE-2: Community Water Systems, Outcome 4
COMMUNITIES
Monitor the quality of stormwater discharged from the community and ensure compliance with U.S.
EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program for stormwater
pollution prevention from construction and industrial activities and municipal sources or local, state, or
national equivalent.
27
WE PREREQUISITE: WATER PERFORMANCE
1-6 Points
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To support water management by minimizing water use and demand as a means to conserve water in
the city or community.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure the daily per capita domestic water consumption within the city. Domestic water
consumption must be calculated for a minimum period of the most recent calendar year.
Domestic water is water used for indoor and outdoor household purposes including drinking, cooking,
washing, landscaping and sanitation. Domestic water consumption is represented by the amount of
water supplied by the public water supply utility or municipality. It may also include some industrial
users that receive water from public water treatment facilities rather than well systems. It does not
include water withdrawn for non-domestic uses such as agricultural irrigation, golf course irrigation,
livestock, aquaculture, mining, or thermoelectric generation.
Daily domestic water consumption per capita is calculated by dividing the total water consumed for a
minimum period of the most recent calendar year by total population of the city (Use USGBC
population calculator based on residing and floating population). Divide this by 365 to get Domestic
Water Consumption per capita per day. Document the assumptions for differing day/night and
seasonal populations if variations significantly alter water consumption patterns.
Obtain a minimum water performance score of 40. Additional points for this prerequisite are awarded
for water performance scores above 40, according to table below.
The score is a value from 1-100 based on per capita domestic water consumption.
28
1. Total domestic water consumption (in million liters or gallons), based on monthly or daily
consumption for minimum period of the most recent calendar year.
2. Total population of the city or community. Consider day time and night time population,
permanent and floating population for calculations.
References:
LEED v4.1 O+M Water Performance
STAR v2 BE-2: Community Water Systems, Outcome 2
STAR v2 CE-5: Water Efficiency, Outcome 1: Domestic Water Use Per Capita
29
WE CREDIT: INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To support water management, reduce freshwater consumption and encourage to move towards a
net zero water city or community.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Adopt an integrated water management process by developing a water balance statement to report
on amount of water withdrawn to the amount entering the system through precipitation, river flow and
other sources.
Demonstrate that the ratio of water withdrawals for human use to the total freshwater resources is
less than 0.2.
Use Water balance calculator that consist of the following to demonstrate flow of water within the city:
2. Water Demand
Report on total water demand for all of the following sectors and use types present within the city
or community, for past twelve consecutive months (one full year):
• Buildings – All use types such as residential, commercial, institutional and industrial buildings
under the public and private sector.
• Landscaping for public spaces such as parks, alongside roadways and open spaces.
• Any other sector as applicable to the city.
3. Water Supply
Measure the total amount of water supplied through various sources for past twelve consecutive
months (one full year) sources of water supply may include, but not be limited to the following:
• Freshwater – Freshwater includes all naturally available water except for seawater and
brackish water.
• Reclaimed water – Reclaimed water includes:
o Treated wastewater – For each of the sectors identified in Water Demand, identify the
wastewater generated. For reusing treated wastewater, provide centralized water
treatment plant. Support treated wastewater reuse which is within the scope of the
development authority’s direct execution, such as at building or community level by
adopting appropriate regulations, policies or ordinances. In addition, meet the
requirements for wastewater quality as per WE Prerequisite: Water Access and Quality.
o Harvested rainwater – For each of the sectors identified in Water Demand, identify the
quantity of stormwater harvested. For harvesting stormwater at city or community level
provide stormwater infrastructure. Support stormwater harvesting for areas within the
scope of the development authority’s direct execution, such as at building or community
level by adopting appropriate regulations, policies or ordinances. In addition, meet the
requirements for stormwater quality as per WE Prerequisite: Water Access and Quality.
o Desalinated water – Measure the total amount of desalinated water supplied within the
city.
Reference:
Variation on STAR v2 BE-2 Community Water Systems Outcome 2
30
WE CREDIT: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology processes, retain (i.e. infiltrate, evapotranspirate,
or collect and reuse) on site the runoff for, at minimum, the 60th percentile of regional or local rainfall
for ten-year 24-hr rainfall event data using low-impact development (LID) and green-infrastructure (GI)
practices. Refer the methodology given in Part I, Section E of U.S. EPA Section 438 Technical
Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects of the Energy
Independence and Security Act to obtain 60th percentile rainfall event.
Cities or communities that have taken initiatives to manage stormwater, provide data trend-line
showing reduction in stormwater flooding events over past five years. Additionally, provide details on
strategies adopted to inspect and ensure maintenance of existing stormwater management facilities.
Adopt techniques to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, collect and reuse water for areas, such as
pavements, walkways, parks, open spaces and others.
References:
LEED v4 ND GIB Credit: Rainwater Management
SITES v2 Water Prerequisite 3.1: Manage Precipitation on Site
LEED v4.1 BD+C SS Credit: Rainwater Management
OR
Provide details on strategies adopted to inspect and ensure maintenance of existing stormwater
management facilities and techniques to infiltrate, evapotranspirate, collect and reuse water for areas,
such as pavements, walkways, parks, open spaces, and others.
Reference:
13
Flood is the overflowing of the normal confines of a stream or other body of water, or the accumulation of water over areas
that are not normally submerged. Floods include river (fluvial) floods, flash floods, urban floods, pluvial floods, sewer floods,
coastal floods, and glacial lake outburst floods. https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/special-reports/srex/SREX-Annex_Glossary.pdf ,
Accessed on December 17, 2018.
31
STAR NS-1 Green Infrastructure, Outcome 1
For cities or communities following Case 2 of Option 1 or Option 2, adopt techniques 14 to infiltrate,
evapotranspirate, collect and reuse water for areas such as pavements, walkways, parks, open
spaces and others within the city.
14
Examples of acceptable techniques to achieve above requirements:
• Planting rain gardens with native or adapted plant material (e.g. trees shrubs);
• Installing a vegetated roof;
• Using permeable paving, consisting of porous above-ground materials (e.g., open pavers, engineered products), a base
layer designed to drain water away from the building, and (often) a 6-inch-deep (150 millimeters) subbase; and
• Installing permanent infiltration or collection features (e.g., vegetated swale, rain garden, rainwater cistern) that can retain
100% of the runoff from at minimum, the 80th percentile of regional or local rainfall events.
Cities may also refer to Urban Best Management Practice Database and Codes by Maryland Department of Environment that
provides a list of BMPs under the category of environmental site design, structural and other practices.
https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/water/stormwatermanagementprogram/documents/Urban%20BMP%20Database%20for%
20Phase%20II%20MS4s%202016.pdf. Accessed on March 01, 2019.
32
WE CREDIT: SMART WATER SYSTEMS
1-2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To improve the operational efficiency of the water management systems through use of smart
technology.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
OR
33
ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS (EN)
EN PREREQUISITE: POWER ACCESS, RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCY
Required
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Power system must meet the following requirements. Cities with multiple utilities or service providers
must aggregate the data from the respective utility to demonstrate compliance
Access
Case 2. For cities which have not achieved a 100% coverage of all coverage of households or
population by electricity supply, provide a roadmap for achieving the same within 5 years of
certification or at the time of LEED recertification.
AND
AND
Off-grid developments or micro-grids are eligible if they independently meet the above requirements
and are supported by the city development plans or policies.
References:
PEER v2 RR Prerequisite: Reliability Performance Monitoring
PEER v2 RR Credit: Power Surety and Resiliency
34
EN PREREQUISITE: ENERGY AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
PERFORMANCE
1-18 Points
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities (1 – 14)
• Communities ( 1- 18)
Intent
To support energy management and move towards a zero energy and emissions city.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure the annual energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for the city or
community. The inventory 15 should cover Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for one whole calendar
year or fiscal year. LEED points are based on Energy and GHG performance on Arc scored on
Greenhouse gas emissions per capita (tons CO2e per capita).
Document the assumptions for differing diurnal and seasonal population if varying numbers are used
to arrive at GHG emissions per capita.
Obtain a minimum Energy and GHG Performance Score of 40 on Arc. Additional points for this
prerequisite are awarded for Energy and GHG Performance Scores above 40, according to table
below.
Table 7. Energy and GHG Performance score in Arc and corresponding LEED for Cities and
Communities points
15
Protocols accepted for GHG inventory: 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)), Baseline Emissions Inventory/Monitoring Emissions Inventory methodology (BEI),
(Covenant of Mayors). Bilan Carbone (Association Bilan Carbone (ABC)), Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse
Gas Emission Inventories (GPC), Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Research Center of Korea (GIR), International Local
Government Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Protocol (IEAP) (ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA),
International Standard for Determining Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Cities (UNEP and World Bank), PAS 2070: Specification
for the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions of a city(British Standards Institute (BSI)), U.S. Community Protocol for
Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA), GHG Protocol
for Cities (Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
35
91 15
94 16
97 17
100 18
36
EN CREDIT: ENERGY EFFICIENCY
1-4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
AND / OR
Pump Energy Index listed in Table I.1 - Proposed Energy Conservation Standards for Pumps, 10 CFR
Parts 429 and 431 of DOE standards Federal Register final rule Energy Conservation Program:
Energy Conservation Standards for Pumps or international equivalent standard.
AND / OR
Where:
%HDES: Percentage of city’s or community’s heating load or demand supplied by DES
%CDES: Percentage of city’s or community’s cooling load or demand supplied by DES
%EDES: Percentage of city’s or community’s electric load or demand supplied by DES
Points are awarded based on percentage of city load supplied by district energy resources as shown
in the Table below.
80 % 1
160 % 2
37
Community scale DES systems do not qualify for this point under the LEED for Cities rating system.
However, they can achieve points under the LEED for Communities rating system pertaining to the
boundary.
38
EN CREDIT: RENEWABLE ENERGY
2-6 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To reduce the environmental and economic harms associated with fossil fuel energy and reduce
Greenhouse Gas emissions by increasing self-supply of renewable energy and the use of grid-source,
renewable energy technologies and carbon mitigation projects.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Cities or communities may choose one or more strategies for procuring renewable energy (such as
solar PV, wind, geothermal, micro or small scale hydro 16, or biomass) from the categories below.
Points are based on total city energy consumption from EN Prerequisite Energy and Greenhouse Gas
Performance met by the specific strategy as per the table given below. Points achieved in each
category may be added for up to a total of 6 points.
• On-Site Renewables: Includes on-site nonpolluting renewable energy generation, owned, leased
or subsidized by the city, utility (or energy provider).
• New Off-Site Renewables: Includes large-scale renewable energy plant with a minimum
capacity of 1 MW, to meet the energy needs of the city or community. Plant maybe located within
or outside the city boundary and should be owned or leased for a period of fifteen years by the
city or utility. The plant built within the last year or contracted prior to renewable energy project
development. A new or on-going Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Virtual Power Purchase
Agreement (VPPA) between the city/ community, utility and/or renewable energy provider is
acceptable.
• Existing Off-Site Renewables: Includes renewable energy procured from an existing renewable
energy provider or utility (Contract not required).
• Green-e Certified RECs and Carbon Offsets: Includes green-e certified Renewable Energy
Certificates (RECs), and/or carbon offsets purchased by the city to mitigate the environmental
impacts of city energy consumption; if purchased by the utility or energy provider, RECs and
Carbon Offsets must be prorated as per the city’s annual energy share in the utility’s generation.
RECs and carbon offsets must be Green-e certified. Carbon offsets must be purchased from
recognized GHG reduction projects within the country where the city is located. For this purpose,
engage in a contract for qualified resources that have come online or been built within the last
fifteen years. The contract must be for a minimum of fifteen years to be delivered annually. If
RECs or carbon offsets are purchased by the utility serving multiple cities, these must be prorated
as per the city’s annual energy share in the utility’s generation.
• RECs and Carbon Offsets: Includes other Renewable Energy Credits and Carbon Offsets
purchased by the city; if purchased by the utility, RECs and Carbon Offsets must be prorated as
per the city’s annual energy share in the utility’s generation.
Prosumers, Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) or other aggregated consumers) with a minimum
on-grid capacity of 2 MW which will be owned and operated by consumers may be included in the
calculations based on whether these are on-site or off-site renewables.
16
Small hydroelectric is limited to capacity of 25 MW or as per national standard.
39
Environmental benefits of all procurement must be retained by the city or utility. All off-site qualifying
resources must be contracted, owned, or leased for at least 15 years.
Green-e
Existing Off-
On-Site New Off-Site Certified: RECs RECs and
Points Site
Renewables Renewables and Carbon Carbon
Renewables
Offsets Offsets
2 2% 20 % 60 % 100% 150%
3 6% 40 % 80 % 200%
4 15 % 60 % 100 % 300%
5 35 % 80 %
6 60 % 100 %
40
EN CREDIT: LOW CARBON ECONOMY
2-4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
Intent
To progress towards a low carbon economy by decoupling economic growth of the city or community
from greenhouse gas emissions.
Requirements
CITIES
GDP of the city or community should include the increase in GDP of the region due to the economic
activities within the city or community. Data at city level or apportioned metro or state level data must
be used.
Reference:
STAR Communities V2 EJ-2: Green Market Development Outcome 1: Greenhouse Gas Intensity
41
EN CREDIT: GRID HARMONIZATION
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To improve operational efficiency of the energy system and encourage consumer participation in
energy use optimization.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
OR
OR
42
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR)
MR PREREQUISITE: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Required
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES 17
The local government, development authority, or waste management service provider/s must meet
the below requirements.
Access
Case 1. 100% coverage of all types of buildings or city population by waste management services for
municipal solid waste.
Case 2. For cities which have not achieved a 100% coverage of all types of buildings or city
population of all types and applicable buildings by waste management services, provide a roadmap
for achieving the same within 3 years of certification or at the time of LEED recertification.
AND
• Segregation – Waste must be sorted and segregated. Sorting must be done into minimum four
categories - organic, recyclables, electronic waste (e-waste), and others. For areas where source
segregation is not undertaken, central sorting facility must be provided.
• Waste Storage and Collection – Comply with the ‘Requirement’ sections of U.S. Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 40, Volume 26, Part 243 on Storage, Safety and Collection (or local,
state or national equivalent, whichever is more stringent).
• Waste Handling and Processing Facility – Total waste collected should be transported to the
waste handling and processing facility situated within or outside the city boundary for further
handling and processing of organic and inorganic waste. It must be either be centralized or
decentralized. This facility must ensure that waste from registered project is only handled by them
and not from any other source. In addition, all the organic waste should be stored in non-corrosive
container with lid cover and recyclable and e-waste in a place with firm waterproof base at central
waste handling and processing facility.
o Organic waste comprising of all food waste and yard waste i.e. yard trimmings, dry leaves
and wasted manure must be transported to organic waste treatment facility for converting it
into compost via composting or biogas via anaerobic digestion.
o All the recyclable waste should be sorted into minimum six categories Including paper,
corrugated cardboard, glass, plastic, metal, and send to material recovery facility for
treatment. For e-waste management refer MR Credit Material Recovery.
17
Communities must meet all the requirements that are within the scope of the services provided or contracted by the
community.
43
o Landfill should meet the requirements of EPA Landfill Manual or local, state or national
equivalent.
• Material Recovery Facility – This recycling facility must be designed and operated in
accordance to the local / national regulations. All the sorted recyclable waste from waste handling
facility must be send to MRF for recycling and further treatment to produce recycled products.
These products must be send to suitable markets with vendors situated within the city of outside
the city boundary.
Support waste management and diversion strategies which are not directly within the scope of the city
or community services must be supported by the appropriate contract with the service provider.
AND
Divert a minimum of 35% of construction and demolition waste from all infrastructure works (new,
renovation, repair or demolition) undertaken by the local government.
44
MR PREREQUISITE: WASTE PERFORMANCE
1-5 Points
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities (1-4 points)
• Communities (1-5 points)
Intent
To support waste management and move towards net zero waste city.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure the total weight of waste (in lbs., kg, or tons) that is generated, and the total weight that is
diverted from landfills or incineration for a minimum period of the most recent calendar year. LEED
points are based on waste performance in Arc across two metrics:
• Municipal solid waste generated (in metric tons per year per capita)
• Municipal solid waste diverted (% of total generated)
Municipal solid waste generated must include waste generation from all sectors within the city or
community including but not limited to residential, institutional, commercial, other sectors and open
spaces.
Waste to energy may count as waste diversion method if the facility meets European Commission
Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and the European Commission Waste Incineration Directive
2000/76/EC. 18 In addition, cities or communities must demonstrate that reuse and recycling strategies
were exhausted before sending material to waste to energy facility.
Construction and demolition waste is not included under this credit. Exclude land clearing debris, soil
and landscaping materials.
Document the assumptions for differing diurnal and seasonal population if varying numbers are used
to arrive at waste generation per capita.
Obtain a minimum waste performance score of 40. Additional points for this prerequisite are awarded
for waste performance scores above 40, according to Table below.
Table 10. Waste Performance Score in Arc and corresponding LEED points
18
These standards consist of performance metrics of both efficiency and emissions for different types of energy recovery
systems. In addition, the facility must meet the applicable European standards based on the fuel type. See Referenced
Standards for more information on these directives:
EN 303-1—1999/A1—2003, Heating boilers with forced draught burners
EN 303-2—1998/A1—2003, Heating boilers with forced draught burners
EN 303-3—1998/AC—2006, Gas-fired central heating boilers
EN 303-4—1999, Heating boilers with forced draught burners
EN 303-5—2012, Heating boilers for solid fuels
EN 303-6—2000, Heating boilers with forced draught burners
EN 303-7—2006, Gas-fired central heating boilers equipped with a forced draught burner
45
Waste Performance Score
The Waste Performance Score rates the resource consumption and resource use efficiency of the city
(waste generated and diverted) against the consumption and efficiency of comparable cities or
communities.
The score is a value from 1-100 based on the cities’ total weight of waste generated and the total
weight of waste diverted from landfills and incineration facilities.
46
MR CREDIT: SPECIAL WASTE STREAMS MANAGEMENT
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To divert special waste streams from landfill and incinerators and recover and recycle reusable
materials.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure and report the total weight of waste generated under special waste streams and the total
waste diverted from landfill or incineration. Report data for one full calendar or fiscal year.
Special wastes are defined as non-municipal solid waste generated within the city or community,
including industrial waste, agricultural, bio-medical waste, hazardous waste or any other as specific to
the city. 19
19
What a Waste 2.0: A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050
http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/brief/solid-waste-management , Accessed on December 17, 2018.
47
MR CREDIT: RESPONSIBLE SOURCING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
1-2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To encourage use of products and materials for which life cycle information is available and that have
been extracted and sourced in a responsible manner.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Comply with one or more of the following criteria for minimum 20% by cost of the total value of
permanently installed top three materials used in infrastructure. (1 point)
Comply with at least one of the following criteria for minimum 40% by cost, of the total value of
permanently installed top five materials used in infrastructure. (2 points)
Include new construction, major renovation, repair or demolition works undertaken or contracted by
the local government for a full calendar year. Infrastructure includes but is not limited to roads and
highways, transits, water supply and wastewater treatment plants, public spaces and parks.
Material should meet at least one of the following sourcing and extraction requirements:
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - Products purchased from a manufacturer (producer)
that participates in an EPR program or is directly responsible for extended producer responsibility.
Products meeting EPR criteria are valued at 50% of their cost for the purpose of credit
achievement calculations.
Reference:
LEED BD+C v4 MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization- Sourcing of raw materials.
48
MR CREDIT: MATERIAL RECOVERY
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
Intent
To recover materials from the waste stream which have a high value and provide mechanism for
collection and channelization of these back to the producer thereby moving towards a circular
economy.
Requirements
CITIES
Collection centers must be provided within the boundary and must be equipped with facilities to
collect and store the waste products pertaining to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policy
in order to transfer these to the manufacturers. Collection centers must be within or outside the city
boundary and may be operated by the municipality or other organizations such as Producer
Responsible Organizations (PRO).
AND
OR
• Conduct a waste stream audit for all non-recyclable waste generated within the city, by either
weight or volume.
• Based on the waste stream study, identify and list top five major contributing waste producers.
• Report major contribution based on source and total weight or volume of waste generated.
• Municipality must initiate a dialogue with identified producers to take appropriate measures for the
safe collection, storage and recycling/reuse to take back product into the system.
Reference:
TRUE Leadership Credit 4: Take Responsibility for Company Products and Packaging
49
MR CREDIT: SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Provide smart waste management systems using any or both of the following to handle a minimum of
20% of the waste generated within the city.
• Transport Network – Underground transport network will have 19 inch (500 millimeters) diameter
pipes coated by 3-layer PE coating. PVC conduits containing both the compressed air conduits
and system communication control cables will run parallel to the waste pipes.
• Central Waste Handling Facility – At central waste handling facility all pipes will transfer waste
for compacting and an automated software will direct the compacted waste to the proper
container, from there to be trucked for recycling.
AND/OR
• Route Optimization – Information analyzed at the cloud will be processed further and sent to
waste vehicle operators to optimize the fleet routing for waste collection.
50
QUALITY OF LIFE (QL)
QL PREREQUISITE: DEMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT
Required
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Provide a comprehensive demographic narrative that includes the following population and housing
characteristics:
• Brief history of development, noting critical points of change for the overall area or specific
neighborhoods.
• Age cohorts, including the following categories: Under 18 years, 18 years and over, and 65 years
and over.
• Racial/Ethnic composition. [In the U.S., this must include Black or African American, American
Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, White alone (not
Hispanic or Latino), two or more races, and Hispanic or Latino (of any race).]
• Other prominent sociocultural groups present, such as migrants, religious groups, and
linguistically isolated.
• Housing market analysis, including total housing units, dwelling units per acre, homeowner
vacancy rate, rental vacancy rate, units in structure (including single-unit, duplex, 3 or 4 units, 5 to
9 units, 10 to 19 units, 20 or more units, mobile home, and boat, RV, van, etc.), age of housing
(including 2014 or later, 2000 to 2013, 1980 to 1999, 1960 to 1979, 1940 to 1959, and prior to
1939), median value of owner-occupied units, median monthly owner costs, and median rent.
AND
Develop a series of maps (or interactive layers) that provide demographic breakdowns of selected
characteristics at the neighborhood or block group scale:
• Demographic Indicators:
o Minority population,
o Low income population,
o Linguistically isolated,
o Less than HS Education,
o Under Age 5, and
o Over Age 64.
• Residential density
• Public Accommodations and Services: Parks, Libraries, Recreation Centers, Schools, Fire
Stations, Police Stations, and Healthful retail food outlets
51
QL PREREQUISITE: QUALITY OF LIFE PERFORMANCE
1-6 Points
This prerequisite applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To track and measure metrics related to elevating the living standards of all people.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Measure all of the Quality of Life parameters below for a minimum period of the most recent calendar
year or fiscal year. LEED points are based on city performance in Arc (under Human Experience) 20
combined across four categories – Education, Equitability, Prosperity, and Health and Safety.
1. Education
• Population with (at least) a High School Degree – Percentage of adult population
• Population with (at least) a Bachelor’s Degree – Percentage of adult population
2. Equitability
• Median Gross Rent as a % of Household Income
• Gini Coefficient – A number between 0 and 1
3. Prosperity
• Median Household Income – Median household income in equivalent US dollars
• Unemployment Rate – Percent of population 16 years and over
Obtain a minimum Quality of Life Performance score of 40 on Arc. Additional points for this
prerequisite are awarded for Quality of Life Performance Scores above 40, according to table below.
20
Refer to Human Experience category on Arc for Quality of Life.
21
Daily AQI must be based on hourly monitoring of all five major air pollutants - ground-level ozone, PM 2.5, PM 10, carbon
monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
22
The Violent Crime Rate is an aggregate per capita measure of the number of homicides (murder and non-negligent
manslaughter), forcible rape, robberies, and aggravated assault crimes. Violent Crime is defined differently based on national
standards. Therefore, consider the data requested and disaggregate local values as needed to reflect the LEED for Cities’
definition.
52
QL CREDIT: TREND IMPROVEMENTS
1-4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To demonstrate an improvement over time in key metrics pertaining to a person’s quality of life.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Select up to four (4) of the following metrics and demonstrate either an annual improving trend from a
baseline year no more than five years prior to the most recent reporting year or achievement of the
stated thresholds. One point is available for each metric demonstrating improvement.
• Population with a High School Degree – Portion of population aged 25 years and over who
have obtained a high school diploma 23; Threshold: Equal to or greater than 70%
• Graduation Rate – Portion of school district’s initial cohort class graduating from high school (or
ISCED level 3) 24; Threshold: Equal to or greater than 90%
• Small Businesses – Number of businesses having fewer than 500 employees per 1,000
residents 25; Threshold: Equal to or greater than 20
• Unemployment Rate – Portion of population in the labor market who are not employed 26;
Threshold: Between 3 to 4 percent
• Poverty Rate – Portion of population living below the national poverty line 27; Threshold: Declining
at a rate of zero poverty by 2025
• Percentage of household incomes meeting the living wage standard – Portion of households
meeting the living wage for the area 28; Threshold: Equal to or greater than 80%
• Violent Crime – Incidents of violent crime, weighted by type, per 100,000 people 29; Thresholds:
Equal to or less than 5.5 homicides, 70 incidents of forcible rape, and 462.7 aggravated assaults.
• Asthma rate – Portion of the population aged 18 years and over who have current asthma
prevalence; Threshold: None, trend decreasing only
• Hypertension – Portion of the population aged 18 years and over with high blood pressure 30;
Threshold: Non, trend decreasing only
• Obesity rate – Portion of the population aged 18 years and over who have a body mass index
(BMI) greater than or equal to 30.0 kg/m2 31; Threshold: Equal to or less than 26%
23
High school degree may include equivalency, such as GED or other certificate of completion
24
Graduation Rate is the percentage of a school's first-time cohort who completes their program within the published time for
the program. The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) provides a standard for international comparison
of education statistics. A high school degree is equivalent to ISCED level 3. Reference: STAR v2 EAC-3 Educational
25
Reference: STAR v2 EJ-3 Local Economy Outcome 3
26
Reference: variation on STAR v2 EJ-1 Business Retention & Development Outcome 2
27
Reference: STAR v2 EE-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation Outcome 1
28
Consider costs for food, childcare, heath, housing, transportation, other necessities and taxes to calculate the living wages.
Minimum living wage must be calculated individually for the main family compositions found within the city. Take a weighted
average of the living wages to calculate the average minimum living wage for the city. Based on income data, identify the
percentage of population meeting the minimum living wage requirement. http://livingwage.mit.edu/resources/Living-Wage-User-
Guide-and-Technical-Notes-2017.pdf Reference: STAR v2 EJ-4 Quality Jobs & Living Wages Outcome 2
29
Violent Crime Rate includes the number of homicides (murder and non-negligent manslaughter), forcible rape, robberies, and
aggravated assault crimes. Violent Crime is defined differently based on national standards. Therefore, disaggregate local
values as needed to reflect this definition. Incidents should include all reportable offenses in the given area, even if not under
the local authority’s jurisdiction. Reference: variation on STAR v2 HS-7 Safe Communities Outcome 1
30
This metric may also be reported as “Poor or fair health”. Reference: variation on HS-2 Community Health Outcome 1
31
Reference: variation on HS-2 Community Health Outcome 2
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QL CREDIT: DISTRIBUTIONAL EQUITY
4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To foster equitable economic prosperity and expand access to community services to all.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Reference:
Variation on STAR v2 EE-6 Poverty Prevention & Alleviation Outcome 2
AND/OR
Option 2.
Reference:
STAR v2 EJ-6 Workforce Readiness Outcome 3
OR
Reference:
STAR v2 EAC-3 Educational Opportunity & Attainment Outcome 4
AND/OR
Reference:
STAR v2 EJ-1: Business Retention & Development Outcome 3
AND/OR
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Demonstrate that community facilities, such as parks, libraries, recreation centers, and schools, and
healthful retail food outlets are as accessible to low-income residents as they are to the broader
community. Density is based on the number of dwelling units per acre. Use Network Analyst to
identify walkability routes and the density category to select the appropriate walk distance
requirement for the buffered area.
Reference:
STAR v2 EE-4 Equitable Services & Access Outcome 1
55
QL CREDIT: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
1 Point
The credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Demonstrate progress in reducing the risks and exposure to priority environmental justice conditions
for priority areas in the last 5 years.
The scope of environmental justice includes not only the disparate impacts from degradation to the
natural environment, but impacts to the general environment that people live and work in as well.
56
QL CREDIT: HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION AFFORDABILITY
1-2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To provide an adequate and diverse supply of location-efficient and affordable housing options for all.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Demonstrate the delivery of high quality homelessness services related to short-term emergency
shelter options and permanent housing solutions in coordination with non-governmental service
providers.
Reference:
Adaptation on STAR v2 EE-5 Human Services Outcome 1 and Action 8
AND
Option 1. Adopt a comprehensive housing policy that addresses the following elements (1 point)
• Higher density (12 DU per acre) within ¼ mile (400 meters) of walking distance to public transit
stations;
• A housing needs assessment addressing housing supply affordability, diversity of housing stock
by unit and ownership type, and community demographics;
• Programs or code enforcement ensuring healthy housing standards for both rental and owner-
occupied units; and
• Evaluation of existing area conditions to identify whether a family of four with an income at 200%
national poverty level could afford to live with less than 45% housing plus transportation costs or
zoning ordinances requiring at least 10% of units are affordable in transit-served areas and areas
identified for compact, mixed-use development.
References:
Adaptation on STAR v2 BE-3 Compact & Complete Communities Action 4
BE-4 Housing Affordability Actions 1 & 2
HS-2 Community Health Action 5
AND/OR
Option 2. Demonstrate that at least 60% of households, compared to the National Typical, would
spend less than 45% on housing and transportation combined. (1 point)
Reference:
Adaptation on STAR v2 BE-4 Housing Affordability Outcome 1
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QL CREDIT: CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
1-2 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To promote a cohesive, and socially connected community and facilitate their participation in local
decision-making.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Demonstrate both high-tech and high-touch on-going engagement techniques that empower the
public in shaping the future of the community.
AND
Demonstrate that public engagement techniques include practices that intentionally and directly
engage all residents, including traditionally unrepresented or underrepresented groups, through
inclusive, context-sensitive, and transparent decision-making processes.
Reference:
STAR v2 IP-1 Best Practices & Processes (2)
AND
Option 1. Demonstrate that appointments to local advisory boards and commissions reflect the
gender, racial, and ethnic diversity of the area. (1 point)
Reference:
STAR v2 EE-1 Civic Engagement Outcome 3
AND/OR
Option 2. Demonstrate that 51% or more of residents believe they are able to have a positive impact
on their community based on a local survey. (1 point)
Reference:
STAR v2 EE-1 Civic Engagement Outcome 2
AND/OR
Option 3. Demonstrate that at least 80% of residents report positive levels of neighborhood cohesion
based on a local survey. (1 point)
Reference:
STAR v2 EAC-2 Community Cohesion Outcome 3
AND/OR
Option 4. Demonstrate that at least 30% of residents in large jurisdictions or 35% of residents in small
or mid-sized jurisdictions volunteered in the past year. (1 point)
Reference:
STAR v2 EAC-2 Community Cohesion Outcome 2
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QL CREDIT: CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
1 Point
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To uphold a process that ensures the civil and human rights of all people is fundamental
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES 32
• Adopt a policy-based mission statement to promote a discrimination free quality of life for all
relating to employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of race, sex, color,
religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status or familial status and
gender identity or expression.
Reference:
STAR v2 EE-2 Civil & Human Rights Action 2
• Describe initiatives and policies that ensure the voting rights of all eligible voters are
protected.
• Integrate community policing and procedural justice into police department operations to
support and build trust with residents.
Reference:
STAR v2 HS-7 Safe Communities Action 7
• Have in place a local officer or Commission on Human Rights who is responsible for:
• formulating and carrying out educational programs designed to minimize or eliminate
discriminatory practices;
• receiving and investigating complaints alleging any discriminatory practices by police or
non-police;
• providing mediation services to resolve incidences of alleged discriminatory practices;
and
• publishing an annual report detailing any issues, complaints, and other activities;
• advising leadership on human rights issues.
Reference:
Adaptation of STAR v2 EE-2 Civil & Human Rights Actions 3 and 5
32
Communities may include city level officers accessible to the community residents to demonstrate achievement of this credit.
59
INNOVATION (IN)
IN CREDIT: INNOVATION
1-6 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
One point is awarded for each Innovation credit achieved, up to a maximum of six. A city or
community may use any combination of the options below. Each option is equivalent to one point.
Option 1. Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed
in the LEED for Cities and Communities rating system.
AND / OR
Option 2. Achieve exemplary performance in any of the LEED for Cities and Communities
prerequisite or credit. An exemplary performance point is typically earned for achieving double the
credit requirements or the next incremental percentage threshold.
AND / OR
Option 3. Meet all of the requirements of a prerequisite or credit from any of the below rating systems
at the city or utility level:
• STAR Community Rating System v2, October 2016
• PEER Rating System v2, February 2018
• LEED v4 Transit, November 2018
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REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP)
RP CREDIT: REGIONAL PRIORITY
1-4 Points
This credit applies to
• Cities
• Communities
Intent
To provide an incentive for the achievement of credits that address geographically specific socio-
economic and environmental priorities.
Requirements
CITIES, COMMUNITIES
Option 1. One point is awarded for each Regional Priority credit achieved, up to a maximum of four.
• Identify the credit which is a regional priority.
• Provide Background and context outlining the regional priority.
• Achieve the full points for respective LEED for Cities and Communities credit.
AND/OR
Option 2. Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance for a regional priority using a
strategy not addressed in the LEED for Cities and Communities rating system.
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Appendices
APPENDIX 1. DIVERSE USES
List of Diverse uses
62
APPENDIX 2. LT CREDIT: INTERMODAL CONNECTIVITY AND PLACEMAKING
(LEED v4 BD+C TRANSIT)
1–4 points
Intent
To encourage development in locations shown to have multimodal transportation choices or otherwise
reduced motor vehicle use, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and other
environmental and public health harms associated with motor vehicle use.
Requirements
Option 1. Transit for Placemaking
Ensure that the station displays characteristics that will integrate a mixture of uses to connect people
and places and maximize utilization (1-3 points)
• Walkable Streets
• Compact Development
• Public Spaces and Cultural Opportunities
• Mixed Use
1-characteristics 1
2-characteristics 2
3-characteristics 3
4-characteristics 4
AND/OR
3 connections 1
4 connections 2
5 connections 3
6+ connections 4
63