Discover which type of site – infill or greenfield, urban or low-density – will earn the most LEED points under the Location and Transportation category. Expert insights for LEED Green Associate Exam prep and sustainable site selection.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following sites would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation?
A. Greenfield site in an urban area with substantial transit connectivity
B. Infill site on the outskirts of a city with some transportation connectivity
C. Greenfield site in a low-density area with some transportation connectivity
D. Infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity
Answer
The site that would maximize LEED points under the Location and Transportation category is:
D. Infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity
Explanation
An infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation. An infill site is a site that has been previously developed or graded and is surrounded by existing development.
An existing neighborhood is a geographic area with a variety of land uses, such as residential, commercial, educational, or recreational. Substantial transit connectivity means that the site has access to multiple modes of public transportation, such as buses, trains, light rail, or bicycles.
The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “encourage development within existing communities and public transit infrastructure”.
LEED strongly encourages development on previously developed infill sites rather than undeveloped greenfield sites. Infill development:
- Utilizes existing infrastructure
- Preserves open space and habitat
- Promotes walkable, connected neighborhoods
- Reduces urban sprawl
Locating the project in an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity also earns more points because it:
- Provides access to public transportation
- Reduces dependence on personal vehicles
- Lowers transportation-related emissions
- Improves mobility and quality of life for occupants
In contrast, greenfield sites require all new infrastructure and promote car-dependent sprawl. Low-density areas and outskirts of cities have less transit connectivity than urban neighborhoods.
Therefore, an infill site within an existing transit-rich neighborhood (D) will achieve the most LEED points compared to the other options presented. The combination of infill development and abundant transit access is optimal for the Location and Transportation credit category.
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