Documentation requirements for the Site Selection credit

1. Site Analysis: The project team should conduct a site analysis that includes identifying the site’s environmental features, such as wetlands, floodplains, critical habitats, and historic or cultural resources. This analysis should also include an evaluation of the site’s proximity to public transportation, amenities, and services, such as schools, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities. Documentation can include maps, photographs, or reports that provide evidence of the site’s characteristics and its proximity to public transportation and amenities.
2. Site Selection Process: The project team should document the process used for site selection, including the criteria used to evaluate potential sites and the reasons for selecting the chosen site. This documentation can include meeting minutes, reports, or other documentation that provides evidence of the decision-making process and the reasons for selecting the chosen site.
3. Avoidance of Sensitive Areas: If the project team identifies environmentally sensitive or protected areas on the site during the site analysis, they should provide documentation that shows how these areas were avoided or minimized during the site selection process. This can include maps, reports, or other documentation that demonstrates how the project team took steps to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive areas.
4. Floodplain Analysis: If the site is located in a flood-prone area, the project team should conduct a floodplain analysis that includes mapping the site’s floodplain boundaries and determining if any development is proposed within these boundaries. Documentation can include floodplain maps, hydrologic reports, or other relevant documents that provide evidence of the floodplain analysis and demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements.
5. Proximity to Public Transportation and Amenities: The project team should provide documentation that demonstrates the site’s proximity to public transportation and amenities, such as maps or reports that show the distance and accessibility of public transportation options (such as bus stops or train stations) and amenities (such as schools, grocery stores, or healthcare facilities) from the site. This documentation can be obtained from public transportation agencies, local planning departments, or other relevant sources.
6. Brownfield Analysis: If the site has a history of being a brownfield (a previously developed site that may have contamination), the project team should conduct a brownfield analysis that includes identifying any potential contamination issues and outlining the remediation plans or actions taken to address these issues. Documentation can include reports, testing results, or other relevant documents that provide evidence of the brownfield analysis and demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements.
7. Site Selection Documentation: Finally, the project team should compile all the documentation related to the site selection process, including the site analysis, avoidance of sensitive areas, floodplain analysis, proximity to public transportation and amenities, and brownfield analysis, into a comprehensive package. This documentation should be organized, clearly labeled, and easily accessible for review by the LEED reviewer during the certification process.

sample multi-objective questions with answers for the Site Selection credit category of LEED BD+C:

Question: Which of the following areas would be considered environmentally sensitive or protected areas that should be avoided during the site selection process?
A) Wetlands
B) Brownfields
C) Flood-prone areas
D) Areas with endangered species habitat
Answer: A, C, and D

Question: What is the purpose of conducting a floodplain analysis during the site selection process?
A) To determine the site’s proximity to public transportation
B) To identify environmentally sensitive areas
C) To assess potential contamination issues
D) To evaluate the site’s vulnerability to flooding
Answer: D

Question: Which of the following documents would be considered suitable documentation for conducting a site analysis as part of the site selection process?
A) Site photographs
B) Wetland maps
C) Reports on historic or cultural resources
D) Maps of public transportation routes
Answer: A, B, and C

Question: What is the significance of proximity to public transportation and amenities in the site selection process for LEED BD+C certification?
A) It promotes walkability and reduces reliance on private vehicles
B) It ensures compliance with local zoning regulations
C) It minimizes the need for on-site stormwater management
D) It reduces construction costs
Answer: A

Question: Which of the following would be considered appropriate documentation for the brownfield analysis during the site selection process?
A) Reports on site contamination testing
B) Floodplain maps
C) Proximity analysis of public transportation
D) Site analysis reports
Answer: A

Question: Why is it important to avoid sites with brownfields during the site selection process?
A) Brownfields are areas with high levels of pollution, posing environmental and health risks
B) Brownfields are considered to be environmentally sensitive areas
C) Brownfields are flood-prone areas
D) Brownfields are protected areas with endangered species habitat
Answer: A

Question: Which of the following would not be considered suitable documentation for the site selection process?
A) Meeting minutes of the project team’s decision-making process
B) Reports on site contamination testing
C) Maps of public transportation routes
D) Photographic evidence of potential sensitive areas on the site
Answer: C

Question: What is the purpose of the avoidance of sensitive areas in the site selection process?
A) To minimize environmental impacts on the site
B) To ensure compliance with local zoning regulations
C) To reduce construction costs
D) To promote walkability and accessibility
Answer: A

Question: Which of the following would not be considered an environmentally sensitive or protected area that should be avoided during the site selection process?
A) Wetlands
B) Endangered species habitat
C) Brownfields
D) Areas designated for affordable housing
Answer: D

Question: Which of the following would not be considered suitable documentation for the floodplain analysis during the site selection process?
A) Hydrologic reports
B) Floodplain maps
C) Meeting minutes of the project team’s decision-making process
D) Reports on historic or cultural resources
Answer: D