Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.0

Inquiry

Summary: This project-a new 92,000 SF Public Elementary School-was sited with primary consideration given to transportation issues, including the proximity of a public bus line, a commuter rail station and consolidation of schools to make a desegregation plan effective, including a more efficient school bus transportation system. Can the combination of these three public transportation strategies - commuter rail station 5/8 of a mile from project, public bus line (that serves the commuter rail line) with a stop at the project, and public school busing - be considered equivalent for the credit? Backround: This project was sited to as part of the School District\'s complete rebuilding program, which included a state-funded desegregation plan. This school location was considered crucial to the master plan as it provided a central location for a consolidation of two existing schools. As part of the site-planning and green-building planning process, public transportation was an important consideration. There is an MBTA (the major metropolitan area transportation system) commuter rail line bordering the site, with a stop 5/8th of a mile from the school. An MBTA bus line runs along the street in front of the school, serving both the school and the commuter rail station. A bus stop was located at the school site as a part of the school construction project. In addition, the school system operates a school bus system, which is the major transportation method for the students, dramatically reducing the number of private cars used for transporting students to and from school. Please consider that the intent of this credit has been met with an equivalent combination of public transportation access.