Abstracted from: Sustainable Sites Initiative Winter 2010 - SITES Update
Green Rating Systems Hold Public Comment Period
LEED 2012 Rating System Draft Released
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has released a draft version of the LEED 2012 rating system for public comment. Beginning November 8, 2010, and running through January 14, 2011, the first comment period will be followed by a second in July and August of 2011. The final release of the rating system is expected by late 2012.
LEED 2012 has expanded and revised several changes that affect the building site. The Building Design and Construction (BD&C) tool includes expanded credits in the newly created Location and Transportation section, including a prerequisite to avoid prime farmland. There is also a new soil restoration credit in the Sustainable Sites section. The LEED Neighborhood Development (ND) rating tool contains requirements in its Green Infrastructure and Buildings section for identifying and preserving heritage or champion trees, establishing protection zones for trees during construction, and reducing invasive vegetation. Learn more about the changes.
