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Option 4. Walkable Location
Walk Score® Knowing the Walk Score® of the project site provides a better understanding of how the building location can encourage physical activity, reduce GHG emissions, and foster social interactions. [18]
Walk Score® data is categorized as either “supported” or “unsupported.” A supported Walk Score® is based on verified, publicly available data and can be used to demonstrate compliance with walkability requirements for credit achievement. An unsupported Walk Score®, however, relies on incomplete or estimated data and cannot be used to achieve this credit.
A high Walk Score® means that the location is highly walkable, and that area is likely to have many amenities and services within a short walking distance. A location with a low Walk Score® indicates that the location is not as walkable or building users would most likely rely heavily on public or private transit for daily activities.
Projects must be located on a site with a Walk Score® of at least 60. Sites without an official Walk Score® can still be used. In areas where Walk Score® is not applicable, use local surveys and observational studies instead.
Location efficiency Locating a project close to existing and publicly available uses can significantly improve the neighborhoods’ quality of life and achieve multiple social benefits. People have easy access to basic amenities such as parks, restaurants, supermarkets, medical clinics, and educational facilities, which promote a vibrant and interconnected community. Increased walkability encourages building users to walk or bike to their destinations, promoting healthier, more active lifestyles. A reduced dependence on cars directly results in reduced VMT, reduced GHG emissions, and improved outdoor air quality.
The project team must map eligible existing uses or planned uses. Planned uses must be available within one year of the date of a project’s certificate of occupancy. Existing and planned uses must be classified with the use types in supplementary LEED guidance published by USGBC. The team should conduct site visits and use satellite imagery or aerial photography to map out the walking routes from the project’s main entrance to all eligible uses. To ensure a diverse and balanced mix of amenities and services that cater to different needs (e.g., dining, shopping, recreation, healthcare), the counted uses must represent at least three of the five categories, exclusive of the building’s primary use category.
18 “Get your Walk Score®”, Walk Score®, accessed March 31, 2025, https://www.walkscore.com/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 47