855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 128

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Urban Outdoor Spaces

Urban outdoor spaces are pedestrian-oriented paving or landscape areas that facilitate social activities. They also offer users recreational areas where designs incorporate walking paths, playgrounds, and fitness equipment. Additionally, outdoor spaces with vegetation are crucial for the environment. Vegetated outdoor areas help reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air and water quality, and support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species. Teams pursuing this credit should include multiple, diverse outdoor spaces, which allow for the inclusion of people of all ages and activity levels. At a minimum, the outdoor space must include at least one of the following: biophilic space, garden, recreational area, or social area.

Biophilic space Biophilic space integrates natural elements into building designs and can connect individuals with nature to enhance health, well-being, and productivity. Restoring vegetation in biophilic spaces by planting diverse species helps to sustain and enhance biodiversity while boosting the aesthetic appeal of natural areas, resulting in stronger biophilic effects.

Areas that meet the vegetation restoration requirements of SSc1: Biodiverse Habitat and include elements of human interaction meet the biophilic space criteria of this credit. These spaces must integrate features that invite engagement, such as seating, walking paths, shaded areas, and educational signage about the local ecological system.

Garden Community gardens and urban food production spaces offer residents an opportunity to connect with nature and practice environmental stewardship. These areas enable building occupants and neighbors to grow fruits and vegetables while fostering interaction with the environment and building connections within the community.

Project teams that incorporate extensive or intensive vegetated roofs in the design may use these areas to comply with the garden element, if they are physically accessible and include areas dedicated to food production. Maintenance is necessary for the vegetated roof system to keep plants healthy and the supporting structure in good condition.

Recreational area The design of recreation-focused paved and landscaped areas such as sports courts, fields, tracks, playgrounds, and swimming pools encourage active engagement with the environment. These spaces promote physical activity, social interaction, and active and passive recreation opportunities. Recreational spaces support health and fitness and celebrates and strengthen community connections.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 118