LT Credit: Sensitive Land Protection
The best site is not untouched land—it’s land that has already been used.
What is the Intent of this Credit?
The goal is to:
👉 avoid development on environmentally sensitive land
👉 reduce environmental impact from site selection
Two Compliance Options
✅ Option 1: Previously Developed Land
👉 Locate the project on previously developed land
What does “Previously Developed Land” mean?
Land that has been:
- previously built on
- altered by human activity
- includes existing infrastructure
💡 Why LEED prefers this:
- avoids disturbing natural land
- supports redevelopment
- uses existing infrastructure
- strengthens existing communities
🎯 Exam Insight
Previously developed land = ✅ Good
Greenfield land = ❌ Avoid
❓ What is a Greenfield Site?
👉 A previously undeveloped piece of land
- natural condition
- no prior construction
👉 Typically not preferred in LEED
💡 Common Strategies
- redevelopment projects
- infill development
- building near existing infrastructure
✅ Option 2: Avoid Sensitive Land
Used when:
👉 Project cannot be entirely on previously developed land
Requirement: Do NOT disturb sensitive land types
🚫 Sensitive Land Types (VERY IMPORTANT)
You must avoid development on or near:
- 🌾 Prime Farmland
- identified by NRCS soil survey (or local equivalent)
- includes:
- prime farmland
- unique farmland
- farmland of statewide/local importance
👉 Defined by U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
- 🌊 Floodplains
👉 Avoid areas with:
- ≥1% annual chance of flooding
(also known as 100-year floodplain) - based on:
- legally adopted flood maps
- local/state designation
- 🐾 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
👉 Requires coordination with:
- state wildlife agencies
- Natural Heritage Program
- 💧 Wetlands and Water Bodies
📏 Critical Distances (HIGH PROBABILITY EXAM QUESTION)
Avoid:
- Within 50 feet (15 m) of wetlands
- Within 100 feet (30 m) of water bodies
👉 Except for minor improvements
🎯 Exam Insight
Wetlands → 50 ft
Water bodies → 100 ft
👉 These numbers are frequently tested
🧠 Where People Get Confused
❌ Misconception 1:
“Any previously used land qualifies”
👉 Not always—must confirm it is previously developed, not just disturbed
❌ Misconception 2:
“You can build near wetlands if careful”
👉 No—distance requirements must be met
👉 50 ft buffer is required
❌ Misconception 3:
“Floodplains are only major rivers”
👉 No—defined by probability (1% annual flood risk)
🧠 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?
👉 previously undeveloped land
Typically:
• natural condition
• not preferred under LEED
What are the required buffer distances for wetlands and water bodies?
• Water bodies → 100 feet (30 m)
A project is located on previously developed land but expands into a nearby wetland buffer. Does it comply?
👉 Even under Option 1, the project must avoid disturbing sensitive land
👉 Violating buffer distances disqualifies compliance
A project avoids wetlands and floodplains but is built on farmland identified as “prime farmland.” Does it comply?
👉 Prime farmland is considered sensitive land
👉 Must be avoided
A project cannot locate entirely on previously developed land. What is the best strategy to still earn this credit?
• avoid all sensitive land types
• 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?
• reduces ecosystem disruption
• prevents urban sprawl
• leverages existing infrastructure
• minimizes environmental impact
👉 This aligns with smart growth principles
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