LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) encourages sustainable development within and near existing communities and public transit to reduce sprawl. Learn key LEED ND concepts for the LEED Green Associate exam.
Table of Contents
Question
LEED for Neighborhood Development encourages
A. development on federally regulated wetlands
B. employment of Fair Trade Certified day laborers
C. development within and near existing communities or public transportation infrastructure
D. development in rural areas within 1 mi. (1.60 km) of public transportation, and 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) from a school, medical facility, park and shopping center
Answer
C. development within and near existing communities or public transportation infrastructure
Explanation
LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) is a rating system that aims to inspire and help create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods1. It looks beyond the scale of buildings to consider entire communities.
One of the main goals of LEED ND is to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the location and design of neighborhoods that are accessible by foot or public transportation. Therefore, LEED ND encourages development within and near existing communities or public transportation infrastructure, which is option C.
LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) promotes smart growth and sustainable community development by encouraging projects to be built in locations that are already served by existing infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and public transportation. This helps reduce urban sprawl and the associated environmental impacts from developing in undisturbed areas.
Key aspects of LEED ND relevant to project location include:
- Prioritizing infill development and redevelopment of previously developed sites
- Locating projects within existing community footprints and near public transportation
- Preserving wetlands, water bodies, agricultural land, and habitat
- Promoting walkable, connected neighborhoods to reduce vehicle miles traveled
By incentivizing development in and around existing communities, LEED ND aims to create more sustainable, livable, and resilient neighborhoods that provide environmental, economic, and social benefits. Rural development lacking transit access is not encouraged.
The other options are incorrect because LEED ND does not encourage development on wetlands, explicitly require Fair Trade labor, or promote rural sprawl lacking public transit. The key focus is on smart growth near existing development.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.