Location and Site as Green Building Leverage Points
Definition
Location and site decisions are early leverage points because they shape transportation, infrastructure, habitat, water, heat, public health, and community outcomes before building systems are selected.
Sourced Facts
- The guide states that where a building is located can be as important as how it is built, particularly through travel choices, community connection, and greenhouse-gas effects. PDF p. 59; guide p. 52
- It recommends evaluating prior development, infrastructure and transit connections, street life, and how people travel between home and work. PDF p. 59; guide p. 52 PDF p. 60; guide p. 53 PDF p. 61; guide p. 54 PDF p. 62; guide p. 55
- Site design is framed through relationships to the bioregion, watershed, habitat, climate, and community, with rainwater management and habitat conservation as examples of wider benefits. PDF p. 63; guide p. 56 PDF p. 64; guide p. 57 PDF p. 65; guide p. 58 PDF p. 66; guide p. 59 PDF p. 67; guide p. 60
Interpretation
Interpretation
Establish location and site constraints before optimizing building equipment. Some loads, water demands, infrastructure needs, and transport impacts can be avoided through planning choices and cannot be fully corrected by efficient MEP systems later.
Evidence
- Primary pages: PDF p. 59; guide p. 52, PDF p. 60; guide p. 53, PDF p. 61; guide p. 54, PDF p. 62; guide p. 55, PDF p. 63; guide p. 56, PDF p. 64; guide p. 57, PDF p. 65; guide p. 58, PDF p. 66; guide p. 59, and PDF p. 67; guide p. 60
- Source note: LEED Core Concepts Guide - Third Edition > 4. Application Strategies