Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

Regarding: LEED-NC SS Credit 4.1 - Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access LEED-CI SS Credit 3.1 - Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation Access (Pilot version credit number was SS 4.1) In response to a LEED-CI pilot project team requesting an innovation credit for exemplary performance under the credit for Public Transportation Access, a 6/13/03 LEED-CI pilot CIR ruling states that "the LEED Rating System does not distinguish between the size of mass transit systems in proximity to a project site so long as the number and distances of those stations are compliant with credit requirements." This guidance may have been based on the conception that, because this credit is met by the location of the project, it is a "pass/fail" type credit. The conception that it is pass/fail may be based on the belief that there is no easily measurable way to determine what would constitute exemplary performance with respect to the intent of the credit. The intent of the credit is to "Reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use." This CIR is a request that the USGBC reconsider the approach previously taken to this credit, and consider granting an exemplary performance point (via the Innovation Credit category) to projects which substantially exceed the threshold of the credit. Exemplary performance towards the intent of reducing pollution and land development impacts from automobile use is possible and measurable. Studies have shown that average transit ridership increases by 0.5% for every 1.0% increase in growth of transit service levels (e.g, increased transit vehicle coverage and expanded operating hours). (Source: The Center for Clean Air Policy\'s Transportation Emissions Guidebook www.ccap.org/guidebook, pp.38-43, which is based on a number of studies.) Access to increased transit density-a measure of the number of transit rides available in a given location-results in an increased use of transit and therefore a reduction in the use of automobiles. Decreases in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) translate directly into less pollution, less energy use, and fewer land impacts from automobile use.