The LEED-ND public comment period has recently opened.  For those not familiar with LEED-ND, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development, it is a new certification program created by the US Green Building Council to promote sustainable neighborhood design.  The program, developed by the USGBC in partnership with the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council,  follows on the original LEED certification for individual buildings that has been in place for over 10 years. 

As the first national standard for neighborhood design, it expands LEED’s scope beyond individual buildings to a more holistic approach that integrates smart growth principles with green building techniques:

“Using the framework of other LEED rating systems, LEED for Neighborhood Development recognizes development projects that successfully protect and enhance the overall health, natural environment, and quality of life of our communities. The rating system encourages smart growth and new urbanist best practices, promoting the location and design of neighborhoods that reduce vehicle miles traveled and communities where jobs and services are accessible by foot or public transit. It promotes more efficient energy and water use—especially important in urban areas where infrastructure is often overtaxed.”

Over the past couple years, a LEED-ND pilot program has been underway.  In mid-2007, nearly 240 pilot projects were selected out of a large pool of applications.  Since then, information from these pilot projects has been used to refine the rating system into the current draft version.  Comments on the current draft version will be used to refine and then finalize the LEED-ND program that is expected to launch in mid-2009.

Some key transportation elements of LEED-ND include the following:

Smart Location and Linkages

• Smart location within the region
• Housing and jobs proximity (potential for reduced commute VMT)
• Reduced automobile dependence
• Bicycle facilities and parking

Neighborhood Pattern and Design

• Connected, walkable streets
• Proximity to transit
• Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs
• Reduced parking footprint
• Access to public spaces and surrounding vicinity
• Universal accessibility

Some updates from the 2007 draft rating criteria include more specific definitions for street connectivity and “adequate” transit service (including provisions that full funding must be secured for planned future transit service), language supporting the public health benefits of compact development, updated walkability criteria, and bicycle parking standards that vary by land use type.  A “track changes” comparison of the updated rating system can be found here.

Comments on the proposed LEED-ND rating system can be submitted on the USGBC website (sign-in required).  Public comments will be accepted through January 5, 2009.