In LEED's Location and Transportation category, what is the environmental rationale for locating near transit and amenities?

• A. To increase development density regardless of travel behavior.
• B. To maximize on-site parking.
• C. To reduce vehicle miles traveled, encourage sustainable mobility, and support less car-dependent communities.
• D. To prioritize aesthetics over mobility.

Answer: (C)

Reducing vehicle dependence by locating near transit and amenities is the environmental goal. When a project is situated close to public transit and everyday services, people have practical options besides driving alone—walking, biking, or taking transit become convenient choices. This lowers vehicle miles traveled, which cuts fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions, and local air pollutants, and it supports communities that are less car-dependent. That’s exactly what LEED aims for in this category: encourage sustainable mobility, reduce transportation energy use, and promote denser, walkable, mixed-use environments. The idea isn’t just about putting development somewhere busy; it’s about enabling transportation choices that minimize environmental impact.