CHAPTER 5: PLANNING FOR SPACE AND LOCATION
For Example:
5.4 Overall Space
Design to a site sediment and erosion control plan that meets the
following objectives, as described in LEED Version 2.0:
Requirements
Prevent loss of soil during construction by storm water runoff and/or
wind erosion, including protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse.
5.4.1 Interior:
Prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams and/or air
Provide approximately 8.4 m2 OFA of interior space per child for the licensed
pollution with dust and particulate matter.
capacity of the center. (Exclusive of corridor circulation.)
Implement a stormwater management plan that results in a 25% reduc-
Provide 2.2 m2-5 m2 AFA of unrestricted space per child in the classroom
tion (developed sites) or no net increase (undeveloped sites) in the rate
depending on age (see chart 5.1). This space is exclusive of corridors,
or quantity of stormwater runoff, as described in LEED Version 2.0:
administrative space, built-in casework storage, toilets, kitchen and laundry
space, and building service and support areas.
Minimize the site's total contribution to the "heat island effect" (see ap-
5.4.2 Exterior:
pendix E for explanation of term) implementing as many of the following
Provide a minimum of 7 m2 of outdoor play yard per child for 50 percent of
strategies as possible, as described in LEED Version 2.0:
the licensed capacity of the center. The play yard space should be divided,
Provide shade (within 5 years) on at least 30% of non-roof impervious
with each outdoor area having a minimum dimension of no less than 2440
surfaces.
mm, and a minimum size not less than 112 m2. At least 50 percent of the
Use light-colored/ high-albedo materials (reflectance of at least 0.3) for
play yard area should be exposed to sunlight at any given time during
30% of the site's non-roof impervious surfaces.
hours of operation.
Use open-grid pavement system for a minimum of 50% of the parking
lot area.
There is also a need for shade in the play yard. Plantings, and other shading
Use EPA Energy Star Roof compliant, high-reflectance and low-emis-
devices should be used between 10 am and 5 pm so that 25 percent of the
sivity roofing.
play yard is shaded during the summer solstice. The designer needs to
Install a "green" (vegetated) roof for at least 50% of the roof area.
submit solar declension charts to ensure that this will be the case. When
play yard areas cannot be provided in compliance with this criteria, the
Minimize light pollution from exterior lighting, as described in LEED Ver-
center, with RCCC approval, must provide for access to alternate play areas
sion 2.0. See section 10.11 for specific technical requirements. See
for large motor skills development. This alternate area may include, but is
Chapter 6 for a full discussion of parking requirements.
not limited to, an open courtyard, or an outdoor space such as a nearby
public park if allowed by state and local licensing requirements.
5.5 Environmental Quality
Areas of the country with particularly rainy weather, for instance, the north,
must have covered or roofed areas that are a minimum of 3 meters wide
5.5.1 Interior:
for exterior play. A multiple-purpose area in the center is particularly valuable
Natural lighting is essential in child care centers. It is the hallmark of
in areas of the country with inclement weather, but interior multi-purpose
nurturing, quality environments for children. Child care centers must
space should not be considered as a substitute for exterior play space.
have access to generous amounts of natural light. Natural light should
The site design should place a high priority on the protection of any existing
be the primary means of lighting the classroom space. At a minimum,
natural environments, including the health and stability of their ecosystems.
natural lighting throughout would be the ideal. Locations without any
A functioning natural environment may provide a wealth of learning
access to natural light should not be used for new child care centers.
opportunities for children of various ages, assuming such outdoors activities
The absence of natural light may be a prime consideration when con-
are conducted with attention to the safety and well-being of children.
templating a relocation of an existing center. The designer should strive
PBS-140 - July 2003
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