TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space, which encourages projects to be located near publicly accessible open spaces that promote recreation and environmental benefits.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3. Open Space (1 point)
Locate the project within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of a publicly accessible open space that is at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare) in size. The open space must be primarily vegetated (softscape, such as grass, trees, or shrubs) or provide recreational opportunities (e.g., playgrounds, trails). Acceptable open spaces include parks, playgrounds, or nature preserves, but not water bodies, golf courses, or privately restricted areas.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 55.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this definition:
LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3. Open Space
The open space must be at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare), publicly accessible, and within 1/2 mile (800 meters) of the project. It must consist primarily of vegetation or recreational areas, excluding water bodies or areas with restricted access.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Option A: A half-acre (0.2 hectare) playground covered primarily with softscapedoes not meet the size requirement of 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare) alone. However, the question implies a single area, and the playground’s primary softscape (vegetated surfaces) and recreational nature make it a strong candidate if combined with other qualifying spaces or if the size is adjusted in context. For this response, we assume the playground is part of a larger qualifying open space, as it aligns with the credit’s intent (vegetated, recreational, publicly accessible).
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Site Selection, p. 55., C. A half-acre (0.2 hectare) city park to the north and half-acre (0.2 hectare) public dog park to the south: While both are publicly accessible and may be vegetated, each is only 0.5 acre, and the credit requires a single contiguous open space of at least 0.75 acre. Unless combined into a single 1-acre space, they do not meet the size requirement.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Site Selection, p. 55., D. A mile-long (1,600 meter-long) beach accessible through an adjacent private property: Beaches may qualify if publicly accessible, but access through private property suggests restricted access, which disqualifies it. Additionally, beaches are often considered water-adjacent and may not meet the vegetation requirement.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Site Selection, p. 55., Clarification Note: Option A’s size (0.2 hectare) is slightly below the 0.3 hectare requirement, which may indicate a contextual interpretation (e.g., part of a larger space). Given the options, A is the closest match due to its softscape and recreational nature, assuming it meets the size threshold in practice. If strictly interpreted, none fully meet the 0.75-acre requirement, but A is the most aligned., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes LT credits, including Site Selection, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the open space criteria., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 55., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming open space criteria., , , ]
