TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Community Resources and Services, which awards points for locating a project near or integrating community services to reduce transportation needs, particularly in multi-family buildings.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services (1–2 points)
In multi-family buildings, provide access to community services (e.g., retail, grocery, pharmacy) within the development or within 1/4 mile (0.4 km) walking distance. Including retail on the street level of the development contributes to earning points by enhancing access to services for residents.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services
Providing retail on the street level of a multi-family building qualifies as a strategy to meet the credit by integrating community resources directly within the project, reducing resident travel.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isretail on the street level of the development(Option B), as this directly enhances access to community services, contributing to the credit’s requirements.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Compact Development, p. 57., C. Additional parking for adjacent retail developments: This does not enhance resident access to services within the project or nearby.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56., D. Shuttle service for the residents to their places of employment: Shuttle services may supportLT Credit: Access to Quality Transit, but not Community Resources and Services.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Access to Quality Transit, p. 58., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes LT credits, including Community Resources and Services, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of retail integration., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56., 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 community resources strategies., ]
