Lindsey, we made that statement for the reasons it states, including , as stated, that we don't know of a project that has done this. Also,  MPR3 does not give an exception for this situation. Your point about campuses is a good one, though, and I'll modify our FAQ to reflect that exception as noted in the Reference Guide. Thanks!

I believe, additional clause is added to this approach per the April 1, 2012 addenda; the LEED 2009 BDC reference guide pg 86 paragraph now reads as:
In a campus setting with no local zoning requirements, open 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, parking garages, 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 "and is within the contiguous limits of the campus where the applicable project is located."

I have had success in including both pedestrian hardscapeHardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios. and vegetation on terrace roofs as long as the project is considered urban (i.e. meets one of the compliance paths of SSc2).

I don't have any experience with this but I am inclined to think that they may not let you count it for SSc5.2 and exclude it for WEc1. I don't know that for sure though. Since it is for an ID point, I would probably try it and see and have a backup ID point such as 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 Green Power "in my back pocket" to plug in if it doesn't work.

I believe for the campus approach, you will need to register each project individually (designating a master) and draw a LEED project boundary that parcels up the vegetated area with no overlapping boundaries. Once the multiple building certification becomes available, you would be able to certify all of the buildings and the large vegetated area as a single LEED project. It sounds like the vegetated area you describe can count towards credit compliance in either case.

I don't think that will work. The intent of SS5.2 is to minimize 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, parking garages, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint. and maximize the amount of open space within your project boundary. Unless this plaza was part of your scope and included in your LEED project boundary, I don't see how it would fulfill the intent of this credit.

I don't know if there is precedence to support this issue one way or another, but I would be inclined to think that the area under the deck could count if it is vegetated and open to the elements. It may be one of those instances where you need to just submit it and see what comes back.

Also, for SS2, your site can be considered previously developedPreviously developed sites are those altered by paving, construction, and/or land use that would typically have required regulatory permitting to have been initiated (alterations may exist now or in the past). Previously developed land includes a platted lot on which a building was constructed if the lot is no more than 1 acre; previous development on lots larger than 1 acre is defined as the development footprint and land alterations associated with the footprint. Land that is not previously developed and altered landscapes resulting from current or historical clearing or filling, agricultural or forestry use, or preserved natural area use are considered undeveloped land. The date of previous development permit issuance constitutes the date of previous development, but permit issuance in itself does not constitute previous development." if it has ever been graded or otherwise altered by human activity (maybe infastructure piping placed below). It seems plausable that your site would have had some sort of alteration if it is in a densely developed area. But if not, you are correct that you cannot include the green roof square footage in your calculations for SS5.2.

I have never had this particular problem, but I think there may be an important distinction here between the LEED requirement and your code, based on your description. The credit intent is to reduce the development footprintThe development footprint is the total area of the building footprint and area affected by development or by project site activity. Hardscape, access roads, parking lots, nonbuilding facilities, and the building itself are all included in the development footprint. (building, hardscapeHardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios., roads, parking) so to increase the amount of vegetated open space. It seems that your code requirement doesn't necessarily limit the amount of development, but simply requires all left over space to be vegetated. I think given that distinction, you could argue that you fall into Case 3: Sites with Zoning Ordinances by No Open Space Requirements in which case your vegetated open space must be equal to or greater than 20% of the total site area.

I'm inclined to agree with Ellen. The zoning is saying that no matter how little open space is remaining, plant something on it. So you could literally pave paradise and put up a parking lot and be zoning compliant. Case 3 should guide you to making more sustainable choices. You may want to add a narrative to the credit submission.

My first question is whether the green roof is accessible exclusively to the residential tower occupants or accessible to everyone? If it is exclusive, then I think you may have an argument to include it in your boundary. I would write a very thorough narrative explaining the scope and function of the green roof project as well as the existing parking garage. You will also need plans, square footage takeoffs and planting schedules so hopefully the designers on the green roof project are willing to work with you. I would also add that if you need a definitive answer, a credit interpretation ruling may be the best way to know for sure.

Hi Josep,

I can understand your confusion with this option. I think that the digital signature is the most straightforward way to approach the required signatories - anyone should be able to create an account with GBCI regardless of whether they are in the US or not. Once they have created an account, the Project Administrator can invite them to join the online project and designate them as 'owner'. Be careful to only have one owner's rep initialing consistently though as we have had to revise forms if more than one owner's rep has signed the forms.

If you are unable to have your owner provide digitial initials, then it looks like you will need to fill out the form with all of the square footage takeoffs, print it out and have the owner sign and date it - there doesn't appear to be a spot specifically for this, but I would just find space in the Required Signatory SSc5.2-1 box. You will also need to upload a separate (and arguably redundant) singed document on owner letterhead that states that "all open space that is counted toward this credit will be preserved for the life of the building."

Ken, it sounds to me like the LEED boundary is gerrymandered—you seem to say this yourself. What are your thoughts on this? Perhaps this credit is not suitable for the project, if you can't attain it without these acrobatics.

I should note that this is the first time I can think of where someone described a case like this and it clearly sounded to me like gerrymandering. I'm sure USGBC has seen more cases and is obviously the authority on what consitutes gerrymandering. That's my take on it, only.

Which owner's acceptance letter do you mean?

Tristan, thank you for the response, I was speaking of; Upload SSc5.1-RS1. Provide a document with the
required signatory statement, copied directly from
the form, signed and dated on letterhead. So I understand correctly the only language require in the owner's letter is "All open space that is counted toward this credit will be preserved for the life of the building." no specific reference to the credit considered, the uploaded LEED Boundary dwg., etc? Thanks

If an atrium is entirely enclosed it cannot promote biodiversity nor provide habitat for wildlife, therefore those spaces would not comply.

I would disagree a little with Emily. This credit emphasizes open vegetated space, while SSc5.1 emphasizes habitat.

I could see an argument for an atrium contributing to this credit, especially if it is more like an outdoor space than most atriums I've seen, which are tiled indoor spaces with potted plants. No guarantees, but you could make a case for it.

Thanks Emily and Tristan for the replies, i will try to make a case for it as its not conventional Atrium and will be used for creating micro climates for agriculture.

Elliot, I think your approach makes sense. I would document your approach in a narrative and hope for the best. Let us know how it goes!

Ramón, I would count them for SSc5.2. SSc5.1 needs to be more like habitat that will actually be suitable for wildlife. So without knowing more about the project, hard to say, but perhaps not.

Omer, LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. #5669 states "...installing playing fields can count towards achievement of SSc5.2 for open space, but does not achieve the intent of SSc5.1 for restored habitat."

However, other Interpretations note that the fields should not be artificial turf. I would say that this latter piece excludes the basketball courts but not a grass pitch.

Omer,
One review I got when attempting SSc5.1 with turf grass, it shouldn't be monoculture and does not require mowing. If it's a real, live grass, then it must grow. I guess the credit deals with shrubs & bushes in most part.

Hi Elliot,

If you take a look under Checklists, Design Development, there is a chart explaining the various calculations for each compliance path. I'm not sure which path your project falls under, so I'm not sure if your math is correct. 

Not all green fields can count as such. I had a library project within a park setting. No doubt that all those green should count but instead the reviewer asked, "Are those greens not monoculture and does not require regular maintenance?". Of course they must be monoculture (of the same grass kind) and of course they require maintenance (they are not synthetic). So, I ended up dropping the point. When in doubt, just submit it-you are not charged by the credit but by the project size. Let the Reviewer ask you a clarification, then you will get wiser in the end.

Kathleen, I think LEED would require 20% of your site area to be open space. Does the project achieve SSc2? Remember you can also use pedestrian hardscapeHardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios. as part of the open space as long as at least 25% of that open area is vegetated.

Kathleen, write a narrative explaining your case and have it titled "Read this first." As always, it catches the attention on the Reviewer before jumping into any conclusion and bringing up requirements. If you think you satisfy the zoning requirements, provide the Reviewer a link to a website were he/she can verify your claim. If no website, provided zoning code section. Or, if non is available at that time, submit it anyway and let it be reviewed. Then you'll know what to provide.

Nobody has any idea on this specific question?
I understand that this credit address biodiversity issues, not imperviousnessResistance to penetration by a liquid and is calculated as the percentage of area covered by a paving system that does not allow moisture to soak into the ground. or stormwater management, but, still, I was wondering about this aspect.
Thanks again.

I think you have a unique case and that it will require you to carefully narrate the vegetate areas for submittal. Projects have earned this credit through vegetated roof systems that have little 'earth' depth but not all projects. Research those exeptions, write your narrative and let us know how it goes. Your vegetation should help with stormwater and with reducing heat islands. I would build my case starting there.

Valentin, I agree with Susan's suggestion. The definition for vegetation in this credit is not explicit, but if you keep in mind the intent of the credit (biodiversity and recreation) when proposing your approach, and ensure that the vegetated and open space areas provided in your project meet the required % threshold, you may have a case.

Catalina, Because you are earning SSc2, I would think you can count the entire roof terrace area as the reference guide states examples of urban open space include "pocket parks, accessible roof decks, plazas and courtyards."

What type of vegetation is on the balconies? I would think unless it is an actual green roof, it cannot be considered as such.

It's hard to say for sure if a reviewer would accept a tennis court as "pedestrian oriented hardscapeHardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios." since those are typically plazas, but it's worth a try. This assumes you're earning SSc2, Development Density, to allow including hardscaped areas.

Did you build it with the building? I guess, that would count for SSc5.2 and remain as a tennis court for the life of the building.

I would think that if you are removing 17 portables and relandscaping that area as part of your project that this area is also part of the site boundary. Read the campus guide and don't gerrymander the boundary.

Property lines & project boundaries do not coincide sometimes. What I normally submit to LEED is the limit of work. If you are doing work here and there, explain in a narrative the scope and limit of your work. It's not always a good thing to have a bigger area. Consistency is one key when showing to the Reviewer your real intent.

I would think this area could count for both SSc5.1 and SSc5.2 but may be worth checking with GBCI or submitting a LEED InterpretationLEED Interpretations are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on existing options. LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED Interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. LEED Interpretations are published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. Request.

Hi Douglas, I'm just wondering how you got on with this as we have a similar scenario? Any guidance would be appreciated - Catherine

Douglas Or Catherine- Did you receive clarification on either of your projects regarding counting the area where a ground mounted PV array is installed toward open space calculation?

Are you building this park along with the carpark underneath or is it an existing condition? Would your project earn the credit, hypothetically, under the other options? Would you meet the 50% EP threshold combining both sites together? I think if you can look at your site more holistically you may be able to build your case for Option 1 with the reviewers. It is hard to understand based on the information you provided.

Hi Julian, Any updates on your approach here? Although there is not an explicit approach for this situation, it seems best to evaluate each area separately and meet the credit requirements using the appropriate compliance path for each individual area.

I would think submitting as option 3 would be the best option, however this requires 20% of the project's site area which exceeds the maximum amount allowed by zoning for your project (19%). Would your project be able to get an allowance to achieve 20% of the site area as open space? If not, it sounds like the credit may not be achievable for the project, however I suggest submitting an inquiry to GBCI to confirm.

Hi Daniel:
Perhaps you've already thought of this, but maybe you can approach the local authorities and seek a variance that allows you that additional 1%, particularly when you present what should be a palatable reason. Don't know the size of the site, but the additional 1% may not represent a whole lot of space. Just a thought. Good luck.

See Reference Guide under All Cases: Only wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients avreage 1:4 or less and are vegetated. Seems like reflecting pools do not count as they don't provide biodiversity to the site.

Susan,
and what about swimming pools? I do get that it won’t count as a “natural pond”, but it definitely should count as pedestrian oriented area, I read above in birds´eye view part: “promote biodiversity and recreation” and: “vegetated open space, plazas, picnic areas, or outdoor recreational activities” As far as I understand - a swimming pool is recreation area and it definitely is an area for outdoor recreational activity, or how should I interpret this?
--

I don't think a swimming pool would qualify. The 'recreation' language is consistently tied to land type of uses. The pool would not contribute to biodiversity plus it contains and uses harsh chemicals. It also doesn't do anything for stormwater management or reducing the heat island effectHeat island effect refers to the absorption of heat by hardscapes, such as dark, nonreflective pavement and buildings, and its radiation to surrounding areas. Other sources may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment. Reduced airflow because of tall buildings and narrow streets exacerbate the effect. which are also listed. The credit talks about water only in the sense of ponds and wetlands.

If you are achieving SSc2 you maybe able to count the surrounding concrete as 'pedestrian oriented landscape'. Anyone else have any thoughts?

My rule for all our LEED Projects, "When in doubt, let the reviewer decide." Since everything is paid for upfront, I might as well pick the Reviewer's mind. Most of the time, I don't get the credit. The take away is, I get a step wiser. About pools, it's not a pedestrian oriented; people don't walk on them and certainly (not) contributing to heat island effectHeat island effect refers to the absorption of heat by hardscapes, such as dark, nonreflective pavement and buildings, and its radiation to surrounding areas. Other sources may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment. Reduced airflow because of tall buildings and narrow streets exacerbate the effect.. Unless you will treat the water and recycle it for your landscape use, WEc1 is out. In case of SSc5.2, Maximize open space, it has to be vegetated.

Jeff, I think you could count the artificial turf as part of the hardscapeHardscape consists of the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. Examples include pavement, roadways, stone walls, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios., but it's hard for me to imagine how it could be counted as part of the vegetated portion.