Total of 5 categories:
A summary of the available categories and corresponding credits are outlined within these pages. Note that with other LEED rating systems, some credits have different requirements or may not exist. For example, LEED CS which applies to core and shell buildings only has a total or 62 points compared to the 69 for LEED NC. So it is important to look at the different LEED rating systems as they apply to your building. LEED NC has 14 possible points in the Sustainable Sites category and LEED CS has 15 points.
Sustainable Sites:
This category of credits is intended to reduce environmental damage, pollution and other harmful effects due to building construction.
Truthfully, the only real "green" measure would be to not build at all but that is unrealistic.
These are just a general listing/ summary of the credits and not meant to serve as a guide in anyway.
We strongly encourage you to refer to the USGBC web site or obtain the LEED reference manuals.
1 prerequisite, 8 credits = 14 possible points
SS Prerequisite 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention. Requires an erosion & sediment control plan
SS Credit 1: Site Selection
Has restrictions on the type of land you can develop on. Avoids using green fields.
SS Credit 2: Development Density
Promotes developing in already developed areas.
SS Credit 3: Brownfield Redevelopment
promotes using brown field or contaminated sites.
SS Credit 4.1: Alternative Transportation:
Promotes the use of mass transit and reduce reliance on automobiles.
SS Credit 4.2: Alternative Transportation
Promotes the use of bicycles.
SS Credit 4.3: Alternative Transportation:
Use of alternative fuel vehicles are encouraged.
SS Credit 4.4: Alternative Transportation
No increase in parking capacity.
SS Credit 5.1: Reduced Site Disturbance:
Encourages restoration of open areas or reduce impact on green fields.
SS Credit 5.2 Reduced Site Disturbance:
Reduces development foot print. Restore habitats.
SS Credit 6.1: Stormwater Management
Reduces storm water run off.
SS Credit 6.2: Stormwater Management:
Improve quality of storm water run off. Reduce pollution of water.
SS Credit 7.1 Heat Island Effect: Non Roof
Reduce the heat island effect created in urban environments by paved surfaces.
SS Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect: Roof
Encourages the use of cool roofs.
SS Credit 8 Light Pollution Reduction:
Reduces light pollution.
Go to page:
1 (LEED introduction)
2 (Sustainable Sites)
3 (Water Efficiency)
Other FAQs in our sustainable series: