855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 087
Extracted Content
Option 3. 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. [39] 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 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 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 to earn a point.
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 including 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, active lifestyles. A reduced dependence on cars directly results in reduced VMTs, reduced GHG emissions, and improved outdoor air quality.
A walking distance of 0.5 miles (800 meters) from the project is required because it corresponds roughly to a 10-minute walking time, which most people find reasonable to access the publicly available uses. The goal is to make the number of required publicly available uses is intended to be equivalent to the corresponding Walk Score® ranking. Use Table 8 to determine the types and numbers of uses.
Table 8. Use types and categories [40]
| Category | Use type |
|---|---|
| Food retail | Supermarket |
| Food retail | Grocery with produce section |
39 Get your Walk Score® , (n.d.), Walk Score®, walkscore.com/.
40 “Community Resources”, U.S. Green Building Council, last accessed April 2, 2025, https://www.usgbc.org/credits/homeshigharise/v4-draft/ltc4.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 77