LEED AP ND key terms

A rating system that certifies whole neighborhoods and mixed-use districts, not single buildings. It rewards compact, walkable, mixed-use development near existing infrastructure, and it coordinates smart location, neighborhood design, green infrastructure, and building performance.

A mandatory requirement that a project must satisfy before it can earn any credits or certify. LEED ND prerequisites include smart location, proximity to water and wetlands, and connected and open community.

An optional point-earning requirement grouped under a category. Projects choose which credits to pursue, and the total points earned determine the certification level achieved.

The unit of achievement in LEED ND. Each credit is worth one or more points, and a project's cumulative point total maps to a certification level after prerequisites are met.

The tier awarded based on total points earned after all prerequisites are satisfied. LEED ND uses Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum thresholds, which differ between the neighborhood development and plan rating versions.

An early review milestone for a neighborhood plan that has been evaluated against the smart location and design criteria but is not yet built. It lets a project advertise its intended rating before construction.

A review milestone confirming that a project's approved plan has progressed through design and permitting. It precedes construction and full certification and signals reduced risk to investors and tenants.

The final review stage, awarded after a project is built and documentation demonstrates that prerequisites and pursued credits were achieved as designed. It is the only stage that yields full LEED certification.

A prerequisite requiring each nonresidential building in the project to demonstrate energy performance better than a defined baseline, typically using whole-building energy simulation or a comparable compliance path.

A location that is transit-served, walkable, near existing development, and avoids sensitive ecological areas. It is the foundation of LEED ND, because no amount of design can offset a poorly located site.

A prerequisite limiting development near waterways, wetlands, and floodplains to protect water quality and habitat. Projects must avoid these areas or demonstrate that impacts are avoided or mitigated.

Previously developed land contaminated or perceived as contaminated, whose reuse is complicated by real or suspected pollution. Redeveloping brownfields earns credit because it recycles land and reduces pressure on undeveloped sites.

Land that has not previously been developed, often farmland, forest, or natural habitat. Developing greenfields is discouraged in LEED ND because it consumes open space and spreads infrastructure.

A site where buildings, roads, or other improvements existed and where at least part of the surface is impervious or disturbed. Reusing such land is favored over building on untouched greenfields.

Compact, mixed-use development within walking distance of high-quality transit, designed so residents and workers can reach destinations without a car. It reduces vehicle travel and supports transit ridership.

The frequency and quality of public transportation available near the project, measured by weekday and weekend trips at nearby stops. Higher service levels make car-free living practical and help projects earn location credits.

A connected system of streets, sidewalks, and crossings with short blocks and few dead ends that gives pedestrians direct routes. It is measured by intersection density and block length.

The number of street intersections per unit area within the project and its surroundings. It is a common metric for connectivity and walkability, because more intersections mean more route choices.

A prerequisite requiring that the project's street network connect to surrounding development and that public spaces remain open and accessible. It prevents gated, disconnected enclaves.

A concentration of retail, services, civic, and residential uses within walking distance of most homes. It shortens trips, supports local business, and helps satisfy diversity-of-uses and walkability credits.

The presence of complementary uses such as housing, retail, offices, schools, and civic space in close proximity. Balanced uses let people meet daily needs locally and reduce vehicle trips.

A mix of housing types, sizes, and price points, including affordable units, within the neighborhood. It supports economic integration and lets households of different incomes live near jobs and services.

Dwellings priced so that lower- and moderate-income households spend a manageable share of income on rent or mortgage. LEED ND credits reward a substantial share of affordable units.

Design and policy choices that lower the amount of land devoted to surface parking, such as shared parking, structured garages, and unbundled costs. Less parking frees land for buildings and green space.

A system of bike lanes, paths, and routes connecting homes to destinations and transit. A continuous network encourages cycling and reduces short car trips.

A network of natural and engineered systems, such as street trees, rain gardens, and permeable pavement, that manages stormwater and provides environmental benefits. It is often cheaper than conventional pipes and adds amenity value.

A site design approach that mimics natural hydrology by infiltrating, storing, and treating stormwater close to where it falls. It relies on distributed small practices rather than large detention basins.

The planning and design of systems that control runoff volume, rate, and quality from developed sites. In LEED ND it is a prerequisite and is measured against predevelopment hydrology.

Ground cover such as pavement or rooftops that prevents water from soaking into soil, increasing runoff. Limiting impervious coverage protects streams and reduces flooding.

Strategies such as shade trees, reflective roofs, and light-colored paving that lower urban temperatures. Cooler neighborhoods cut cooling energy use and improve comfort and air quality.

A prerequisite requiring an erosion and sedimentation control plan during construction. It keeps disturbed soil and pollutants out of storm sewers and nearby water bodies.

Protecting buildings and sites with recognized historic or cultural value during redevelopment. Adaptive reuse keeps embodied carbon and neighborhood character while avoiding demolition waste.

Converting an existing building to a new use rather than demolishing it. It conserves materials and infrastructure, reduces waste, and often anchors neighborhood identity.

The defined geographic area used for all credit calculations and documentation. Choosing it carefully matters because many metrics, such as density and intersection count, depend on what is included.

The number of dwelling units or floor area per unit of land, usually expressed per acre. Higher density supports transit, walkability, and efficient infrastructure.

The technical document explaining each prerequisite and credit, including intent, requirements, calculations, and documentation submittals. Candidates use it to interpret rating system language.

A short narrative submitted with documentation that states which credit a project is pursuing and how it meets the requirement. Reviewers use it to understand the approach before checking calculations.

Locating development outside areas subject to flooding, or meeting strict limits on floodplain encroachment. It protects people and property and preserves natural flood storage.

Land saturated by water for enough of the year to support specialized soils and vegetation. Wetlands filter water and provide habitat, so LEED ND restricts building on or near them.