LT Credit: Sensitive Land Protection
The best site is not untouched landโitโs land that has already been used.
What is the Intent of this Credit?
The goal is to:
๐ avoid development on environmentally sensitive land
๐ reduce environmental impact from site selection
Two Compliance Options
โ Option 1: Previously Developed Land
๐ Locate the project on previously developed land
What does โPreviously Developed Landโ mean?
Land that has been:
- previously built on
- altered by human activity
- includes existing infrastructure
๐ก Why LEED prefers this:
- avoids disturbing natural land
- supports redevelopment
- uses existing infrastructure
- strengthens existing communities
๐ฏ Exam Insight
Previously developed land = โ
Good
Greenfield land = โ Avoid
โ What is a Greenfield Site?
๐ A previously undeveloped piece of land
- natural condition
- no prior construction
๐ Typically not preferred in LEED
๐ก Common Strategies
- redevelopment projects
- infill development
- building near existing infrastructure
โ Option 2: Avoid Sensitive Land
Used when:
๐ Project cannot be entirely on previously developed land
Requirement: Do NOT disturb sensitive land types
๐ซ Sensitive Land Types (VERY IMPORTANT)
You must avoid development on or near:
- ๐พ Prime Farmland
- identified by NRCS soil survey (or local equivalent)
- includes:
- prime farmland
- unique farmland
- farmland of statewide/local importance
๐ Defined by U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- ๐ Floodplains
๐ Avoid areas with:
- โฅ1% annual chance of flooding
(also known as 100-year floodplain) - based on:
- legally adopted flood maps
- local/state designation
- ๐พ Habitat for Threatened or Endangered Species
Must avoid habitat for species that are:
- listed under:
- U.S. Endangered Species Act
- state endangered species lists
- OR classified by NatureServe as:
- GH, G1, or G2
๐ Requires coordination with:
- state wildlife agencies
- Natural Heritage Program
- ๐ง Wetlands and Water Bodies
๐ Critical Distances (HIGH PROBABILITY EXAM QUESTION)
Avoid:
- Within 50 feet (15 m) of wetlands
- Within 100 feet (30 m) of water bodies
๐ Except for minor improvements
๐ฏ Exam Insight
Wetlands โ 50 ft
Water bodies โ 100 ft
๐ These numbers are frequently tested
๐ง Where People Get Confused
โ Misconception 1:
โAny previously used land qualifiesโ
๐ Not alwaysโmust confirm it is previously developed, not just disturbed
โ Misconception 2:
โYou can build near wetlands if carefulโ
๐ Noโdistance requirements must be met
๐ 50 ft buffer is required
โ Misconception 3:
โFloodplains are only major riversโ
๐ Noโdefined by probability (1% annual flood risk)
๐ง Targeted Concept Checks (Descriptive)
Official FAQs
What are the two compliance options for Sensitive Land Protection?
2. Avoid disturbing sensitive land types
What is a greenfield site?
๐ previously undeveloped land
Typically:
โข natural condition
โข not preferred under LEED
What are the required buffer distances for wetlands and water bodies?
โข Water bodies โ 100 feet (30 m)
A project is located on previously developed land but expands into a nearby wetland buffer. Does it comply?
๐ Even under Option 1, the project must avoid disturbing sensitive land
๐ Violating buffer distances disqualifies compliance
A project avoids wetlands and floodplains but is built on farmland identified as โprime farmland.โ Does it comply?
๐ Prime farmland is considered sensitive land
๐ Must be avoided
A project cannot locate entirely on previously developed land. What is the best strategy to still earn this credit?
โข avoid all sensitive land types
โข ensure compliance with:
o farmland restrictions
o floodplain avoidance
o habitat protection
o buffer distances
Why does LEED prioritize previously developed land over greenfield sites?
โข reduces ecosystem disruption
โข prevents urban sprawl
โข leverages existing infrastructure
โข minimizes environmental impact
๐ This aligns with smart growth principles
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