What is LEED Neighborhood Development?
LEED Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) is the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) newest sector of project certification. LEED ND was created to motivate architects, engineers and planners to help create more sustainable and connected neighborhoods, and combat urban sprawl.
Does Your Project Qualify?
The LEED ND rating system consists of two categories: LEED ND Plan and LEED ND Built Project:
- Plan certification applies to neighborhood-scale projects currently in any phase of planning and design, and up to 75% constructed.
- Built Project certification applies to neighborhood scale projects near completion or completed within the past three years (substantially built).
The LEED ND Rating system has five categories, each with prerequisites and category-specific credits that earn points. These categories, and the number of points earned, determine if the project will be designated LEED Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Why Get Your Project Certified?
- Plan certification can help developers in fundraising by promoting the project’s sustainable intentions.
- Built Project certification helps substantially built projects earn recognition for their sustainability.
- LEED certified developments generally have lower operation costs, reduced waste sent to landfills, benefit from energy and water conservation, provide more healthful and productive environments for occupants, and reduce greenhouse emissions.
- In many cities these projects qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives.
Who Can Help Get Your Project Certified?
Every project aiming to achieve LEED certification earns one point towards certification with a registered LEED professional on the project team. A LEED AP ND registered professional can guide the developer towards their certification goal.
Want More Information?
- Visit the US Green Building Council’s website to view their in-depth guide to LEED ND.
- Contact Gale Associates to speak with a LEED AP ND registered member of our Civil Engineering Department.
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