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Credit language straight from USGBC
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- On the jobsite without your bulky LEED Reference Guide? Check up on the credit language details here.
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40 Comments
SSC5.1 - Does farm land qualify as a predeveloped site
Does farm land qualify as a predeveloped site for case 2 of the Sustainable Sites Credit 5.1?
Mara Baum replied Sustainability Coordinator, Anshen + Allen Architects Dec 15 2009
Yes, farmland is considered to be previously developed because it has been altered by direct human activities.
Mike Liu replied ATKINS May 16 2010
I dont think that Farm land is previously developed. the defination of previously developed site is
Previously developed sites once had buildings, roadways, parking lots, or were graded or otherwise
altered by direct human activities.
I think the direct human activites is about construction.
Mara Baum replied Sustainability Coordinator, Anshen + Allen Architects May 20 2010
Refer to the definition of greenfield in LEED: "greenfield sites are those that are not previously developed or graded and remain in a natural state." Previously developed sites include those that have been "altered by direct human activities." Farmland is definitely not in a natural state, and the land has been altered by direct human activities. Land clearing and farming -- especially with mainstream American practices -- are very intensive. Given that former farmland can be in horrible shape after years of soil degradation and pesticide use, restoration can be very ecologically beneficial. Of course, you still probably won't qualify for SSc1, but the issues aren't directly related (preserving farmland vs. restoring natural habitat).
SS 5.1 - What Qualifies as Farm Land
Does pasture land qualify as altered by direct human activities, i.e. land used by hoof stock?
Mara Baum replied Sustainability Coordinator, Anshen + Allen Architects Jan 06 2010
Good question. My guess is that pasture land would not be considered farmland, as it is more directly touched by animals than by humans, and in a way that is much closer to a natural condition (packs of non-domesticated animals grazing). However, depending on the intensity of the use I could probably see an argument either way. Has anyone else on this site had relevant experience in this area?
Grabbing a non-contiguous park
A project I am working on is going to be utilizing an off-site park (it's across the street) for stormwater management. Would it be possible for our project to include this non-contiguous park as part of our LEED Site Boundary to help assist with meeting the requirements of SSc5.1, SSc5.2 and SSc6? What rules surround the inclusion of this park? For instance, would our owner need to maintain it or would it be OK if the City was maintaining this park?
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH Feb 03 2010
SSc5.2 Userguide: "In a campus setting with no local zoning requirements, pen space that is equal to the building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint. can be considered separate from the project site, as long as the open space is preserved for the life of the building."
This clause suggests that something like what you suggest is sometimes workable. Step 1 would be to check for previous CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide rulings to support what you'd like to do. Step 2 would be to clearly define and submit your own CIR.
For SSc5, my gut feeling is probably not, unless the owner has direct influence / control on developement (or non developement) on the park grounds and could insure non-developement on the park grounds for the life of the proposed building (65 years?).
As for SSc6, since this kind of run-off would have to be allowed by the owner of the park and some sort of aggreement drawn up between park and building owner AND you somehow channel your site run-off ACROSS the road for infiltration on park grounds, then it would probably fly. The implications of executing such a plan probably won't.
Lauren Glasscock replied Sr. Sustainability Professional, KEMA Services, Inc. Feb 03 2010
Thanks Jean!
Documentation to be provided at the Construction phase
Hello,
I wonder if somebody could possibly help me.
I know that this is a design-stage credit, which means that the letter template and supporting documentation must be submitted at the design phase. However I was wondering if he USGBC also requires any type of documentation at the post construction phase such as pictures of open space or adapted and non invasive plants etc... ?
Many Thanks,
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Feb 23 2010
Maya, this one's actually a construction-phase credit, according to LEED Online 3.
Depending on which compliance path you're taking, you will need to have the contractor sign off on the site disturbance aspect, list native plants you used, etc. (See the Getting It Done tab above for more detail.) Photos are not required, however.
Compliance with SS Cr.5.1
Hello,
can anybody help me with the question:
We have a lot of topsoil and ground, removed from building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint.. As i understand - If we comply with SS Cr.5.1. we cannot use the soil and ground at adjacent territories, because we must leave territory undisturbed (at first it was grassland there). So how can we use both fertile topsoil and ground to make it right and reach this credit? Are there some ways to do it?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 15 2010
Lou, if this is a greenfield site, you cannot disturb the site beyond the limits discussed in the Getting It Done tab above (this content is only available to paid subscibers, by the way).
If you need to do something with excavated soil that disturbs this area, you may not be able to earn the credit. You are more likely to earn SSc5.2, however.
Please clarify, however, whether the site is a greenfield or a previously developed site.
Armen Khachikyan replied Apr 16 2010
Yes, our site is greenfield. So, if we want to earn SSc5.1, should we document that we export excavated soil?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 18 2010
You have to document that the area around the building and services is undisturbed, yes. You do not have to specifically document that excavated soil is exported.
Are you sure this is the best solution? How much soil are we talking about? The use of diesel fuel and trucking to do this could be significant and would weigh against the benefits of earning SSc5.1. If you do have to export it, is there at least a place nearby that you can use the soil to restore? Food for thought.
Armen Khachikyan replied Apr 19 2010
Yes..that's a question. I suppose we'll export it only if we find a place to restore nearby. Thanks for help!
Existing Vegetation
A portion of our predeveloped site is already naturally wooded with trees and shrubs. We are pursuing option 2. If we are not disturbing these wooded areas, do they automatically count toward native or adaptive vegetation or will we need to document each of the trees and shrubs and their species? If some of them do not qualify as native or adaptive, do we have to remove them?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 28 2010
Nelson, those wooded areas could count as native or adapted, but it will take a little work to document that.
For perspective, the LEED Online credit form asks you to "List the native/adapted plants or other ecologically appropriate features that contribute to meeting the requirements of this credit."
For certifiation, the LEED Online form also requires "A site plan showing all natural areas contributing to credit achievement and highlighting areas of native/adaptive vegetation or
other ecologically appropriate features."
Heritage Trees
We have a former pasture with designated Heritage Trees on our site. I am considering this greenfield. Protection of the heritage trees is a great expense for us and we are fitting our building and parking around the trees. When looking at Exemplary PerformanceIn LEED, certain credits have established thresholds beyond basic credit achievement. Meeting these thresholds can earn additional points through Innovation in Design (ID) or Innovation in Operations (IO) points. As a general rule of thumb, ID credits for exemplary performance are awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental percentage threshold. However, this rule varies on a case by case basis, so check the credit requirements. for this credit it only discusses % of site protected, which is a different obstacle to designing around trees. What do you think our chances are for an Innovation Credit?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 16 2010
I would welcome other perspectives, but I would say your chances are not that great.
Basically, you are saying that you had a uniquely difficult site relative to meeting the requirements of SSc5.1, and the lengths that you went to earn SSc5.1 and the specific techniques you used are worthy of special recognition through IDc1.
USGBC has had a clear policy of not awarding IDc1 points for projects earning an existing credit in a unique way, for example, using a special HVAC technology to earn EAc1. This situation seems analagous—subsitute heritage trees for a HVAC system, and SSc5.1 for EAc1.
From the perspective of LEED, a situation like yours is exactly why SSc5.1 exists. It doesn't call for creation of a new LEED innovation credit. It's up to USGBC/GBCI, of course—you could always try your luck by submitting.
Can you "double-dip" with Open Space and Habitat?
I never thought that you could use the same land and attribute it to both open space and habitat, but maybe you can. In the "Related Credits" section of the reference guide, the Habitat credit says that "Use of native vegetationPlants indigenous to a locality (native) and adapted to the local climate; they require limited irrigation following planting, do not require active maintenance such as mowing, and provide habitat value. ...may contribute to achieving the following credits:" and it lists Open Space. However, the Open Space credit does not mention Habitat in this way.
Any ideas as to whether this works according to GBCI/USGBC? Anybody submitted a project this way? Any guidance would be helpful as I've found zero information about this in CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide's, google, or LEEDuser.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 19 2010
Yes, you can double-dip here. This credit, SSc5.1, is focused on habitat. SSc5.2 is focused on open space in general, which can even include pedestrian-oriented hardscape (which is definitely not habitat except for urban dwellers).
Habitat can usually also be counted as open space (and I only say "usually" and not "always" to be cautious, since there may be some exclusions I'm not thinking of).
Open space will often not be habitat, however. Like the hardscape already mentioned.
I haven't read anything saying you can't do this, and it would seem counter to the intent to exclude it. Similarly, why would you not allow recycled content materials to also get credit for being regionally produced.
Parking footprint
Dear all,
Our project includes 10,000m2 of parking footprint (this area not cover by perimeter, just is under roof). So, should we consider it within building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint.? Since I see LEED's definition: building footprint is area used by building structure and defined by the perimeter of building plan.
Hope to receive the answer soon
Thanks so much.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 08 2010
Is the parking structure attached to the main building? How much of a structure is it?
Fabio Frescia replied Sustainable Engineer Jul 09 2010
It's seperated located with main building. Parking here is contructed with a steel frame and some supporting post, and cover with roof, not included with any partition or wall
Fabio Frescia replied Sustainable Engineer Jul 09 2010
And another question is:
Our project is 44,000 m2 total area, included: 11,000 area is existing previous developed, and the other rest is green site - we made new parking area (like above issue).
Since I see in LEED, that "if project contain both greenfield and previous developed, we will apply both requirements".
So it's mean, for our project we need to comply both of all??
Fabio Frescia replied Sustainable Engineer Jul 09 2010
And within this option - both application, how we can submit in LEED online, since LEED online allow to select one of two, can not select both???
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 12 2010
The parking structure should be included in your building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint..
See the second item under the Geting It Done tab above for information on how to apply both cases.
In LEED Online, this would be entered as an alternative compliance path.
Fabio Frescia replied Sustainable Engineer Jul 15 2010
Thanks Tristan so much,
It's very useful for me. Now, I understand more clearly.
green roofs
i am working with some projects looking for certification in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Green roofs are a great option for the projects but we lack options as you may have in the US. One possibility would be to import a system and adapt it to local conditions.
If importing is the option then the questions are:
1) is there system you would recommend?
2) who are the "big names" in the business
3) any manufacturer you had experience with?
Any information to put me on track with the search would be appreciated.
Thanks much
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 15 2010
Gustavo, I recommend reviewing the "GreenSpec Products" bar to the upper right of this page. Through this function you can find major green roof manufacturers, and focus in on the ones with modular systems that you could potentially import.
You should also be able to build a green roof with local materials—I would recommend finding a landscape architect who has some experience with it, either there or abroad.
Exclusion of resurfacing existing parking lot
We have a building on a campus which will be LEED certified. We are adding to and rebuilding an existing parking lot. The replacement of the existing parking lot (if included in the LEED boundary) is creating a large site area to the point that we can not plant enough native planting to achieve SSc5.1.
These spaces are not required for our building.
The new parking lot will be highly reflective and accounted for in stormwater calculations.
We would like to exclude the replacement of the existing spaces from our project. We would include the new parking required for our building. Does anyone know of an approach to do this?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 03 2010
I don't offhand know an answer to your question, but the first place I would go is USGBC"s LEED application guide for multiple buildings and campuses.
It hasn't yet been updated for LEED 2009, but is still valuable. Please post back here with what you learn, and with additional questions.
Brittany McCollum replied Intern, Viridian Aug 12 2010
I just got back a review comment that you cannot use that guide (we call it campus guidance for short) for 2009 projects yet. We tried to utilize it on a campus project where we attributed fuel efficient parking spaces in a parking lot across campus from our building. In the end, they gave it to us via alternative compliance, but not via campus guidance.
So, while it may be valuable guidance, it cannot directly be used as a resource in your submittal.
Mara Baum replied Sustainability Coordinator, Anshen + Allen Architects Aug 12 2010
It's true -- at first they said that the C&MB Application Guide dated 2005 would apply to LEED 2009, but they retracted that. The logic behind most of the campus-based interpretations is still good for most credits, and I definitely suggest proposing alternative compliance approaches based on it.
I don't think that guide directly addresses Michael's original question, though. I would usually say that GBCI would not let you exclude a portion of construction included in the scope of the project, just because it gets you more points. However, the Application Guide suggests that you should create project boundaries on campuses such that if all buildings were certified, then the whole campus would be included in a LEED project. Based on this logic, you could draw boundary line to exclude another building's parking -- as long as that parking is clearly included in another adjacent LEED building's project boundary. If the parking lot is not near another building, then you would be stuck including it with this one. (You say that the campus is LEED certified -- this isn't a real distinction, but I assume you mean that all buildings are or will be LEED certified.)
I think this is your best approach if you really want to try for SSc5.1, but be prepared for GBCI to tell you to include the full lot. If you use the full lot, you can still probably try for SSc4.4 with the campus-scale approach as suggested in the AG, since it seems logical for this project.
Fruits & Vegetables?
Im working on a project and we are counting our green roof/roof garden towards this credit. All the plantings on the roof are native/adaptive/hight drought tolerante except the few vegetables and herbs that will be up there (cherry tomatoe, Mint, sage, Garden Beans ,Egg plant, Green onion
Parsley,Oregano) all of which need daily watering. I assume since they need daily watering they would be NOT be considered native/adaptive, but maybe not? In the case they do not count towards native/adaptive do I need to calculate the sq footage (would be very minimal) they take up on the roof garden and subtract that from the protect/restore habitat sq footage? Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!!!
Mara Baum replied Sustainability Coordinator, Anshen + Allen Architects Aug 12 2010
Great question. Where's the project located? You're first instinct is right, in that most farmed vegetables are not indigenous to the place they're being grown. Chances are good that you will have to exclude that area from the calculations, so you should plan to have enough other planted area to make up for it. You should talk to a local landscape architect versed in native and adapted species for your area.
CASE 2 vegetated roof inclusion subject to earning SSc2?
p77 BD&C userguide 2009
CASE 2. Previously Developed Areas or Graded Sites
"Projects earning SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community
Connectivity may include vegetated roof surface in this calculation"
does this mean that if I don't earn any points under SSc2, then I can't count intensive (and consisting of native/adaptive species) green roof areas towards calculated area? Why is this? What does it have to do with SSc2?
David Posada replied Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Aug 11 2010
This case evolved from dense urban projects with zero lot-line development (building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint. covering 100% of the site), where the only place for creating any sort of habitat was the roof. While intensive roofs tend to have lower species diversity than plantings at grade, this is still better than nothing.
On sites with lower density there would be areas outside of the building footprint with an opportunity to restore more habitat. This is seen as having potentially a greater ecological benefit than an intensive green roof - pervious soil for infiltration, possible connection to adjacent green space or vegetated corridors, and direct view & access by humans.
Achieving the SSc2 credit makes a simple and logical way to divide dense from less-dense sites.
Imagine a site with a one-story building covering 50% of the site, and the majority of the remaining site is covered by surface parking lot. Installing an intensive green roof on this building does have significant benefits, and thus contributes to earning credits SSc6.1, 6.2, and 7.2.
Should this project also earn SSc5 without creating any habitat at grade in a low density development? Should that credit be reserved for a project that makes the greater effort to reduce impervious areas and create viable habitat outside the building footprint?
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH Aug 12 2010
Great answere. Very clear. Thanks. It makes good sense and should advance the intent.
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