Rating System

LEED BD+C: New Construction

Rating System Version

v2 - LEED 2.2

Inquiry

The intent of LEED NC v2.2, SS Credit 2 states, "Channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserve habitat and natural spaces." In determining if we can attain this credit, we request assistance to determine what qualifies as "previously developed" land.\n\nThe project is a B+48 floor mainly residential building with some commercial use on the ground floor with a total built up area of approx. 1,300,000 sq.ft. The property is within a master-planned development, and is one of several similar plots currently under design by third-party developers.\n\nThe master developer has prepared a 23.7 million sq.ft. site for more than 100 separate building plots, to varying degrees, in anticipation of third-party developers buying individual plots. While some of the preparation work included normal grading activities, some very significant work, such as land reclamation from the sea floor, has been done to create an artificial peninsula and island. It should be noted that the infrastructure for the entire master-planned community is currently being installed so there will be paved roads and utilities before construction on the subject property begins. It should also be noted that the previous ecosystems on our specific project site were a combination of ocean and previously undeveloped desert.\n\nOur client has recently taken ownership of their plot, and wants to diligently design and construct their project to strict environmental standards. In order to earn SS Credit 2, the site must be determined to be previously developed. From the owner\'s perspective, the site has been previously "graded and altered by direct human activity," which is part of the definition of previously developed land. Based on the site characteristics described above, does the subject property qualify as previously developed, and therefore eligible to earn SS Credit 2 (assuming all other SS Credit 2 requirements are also met)?