NC-2009 SSc5.2: Site Development—Maximize Open Space

  • Schools_SSc5-2_Type1_Open Space Diagram
  • Why open space?

    This credit is intended to promote sites with large areas of vegetated open space that promote biodiversity and recreation—which can also add an amenity to your project, help with natural stormwater management, and mitigate the urban heat islandA densely populated area in which pavement and buildings absorb, store, and release solar energy, making the vicinity warmer than it would be if the pavement and buildings were not present. effect.

    Difficulty varies by location

    It’s generally quite easy for rural and suburban projects to meet the requirements of this credit—this is especially true for schools, particularly those that have sports fields onsite. Urban projects have a harder time with this credit, but can achieve it through strategies like green roofs and pedestrian-oriented hardscapes, which are allowed if the project also achieves SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity.

    Documentation is a breeze

    It’s easy to document this credit for LEED Online—you only need to provide the site area and a site plan showing the dedicated open space. The civil engineer, landscape architect, or architect typically provide the documentation.

    New requirement may be a sticking point

    Despite the easy documentation, there is one frequent sticking point—the owner must sign the LEED Online credit form stating that the open space will remain open space for the life of the building. This is a new requirement for LEED 2009 and it gives pause to some building owners, because they may anticipate future development that would affect this space, or because they find they are simply unable to control what happens in the future.

    In urban areas earning SSc2, green roofs and pedestrian-oriented hardscape can count as open space. Photo – YRG SustainabilityParticularly in rural sites with open space that would be valuable for conservation, you might want to consider having a conservation plan or easement put in place to support ongoing protection, although this is not required for credit compliance. 

    Native species are optional, but come with benefits

    The credit calls for vegetated open space, but unlike SSc5.1: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, it does not require that the vegetation be native or adapted. Turf grass, for example, would be allowed under this credit. But keep in mind that limiting the amount of turf grass in favor of native and adapted species can offer additional aesthetic and environmental benefits, while also contributing to SSc5.1 and WEc1: Water Efficient Landscaping

    Guidelines for wetlands and ponds

    For all compliance paths, wetland or pond areas can count toward the open space requirement—as long as the side slope is vegetated and the incline ratio of the slope is 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less. The rationale here is to avoid giving credit to projects that may have a fenced, concrete detention basin that does not enhance biodiversity or recreation activity. 

    Don’t confuse with SSc5.1

    It’s easy to confuse the requirements of this credit and those of SSc5.1: Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat. They both are intended to promote open space and biodiversity, but their approaches diverge considerably. 

    Open space in developmentUnlike SSc5.1, open space for this credit does not have to use native and adpated species.This credit focuses on increasing the quantity of open space with respect to local zoning requirements and has no restrictions on the type of vegetation installed—lawns or playing fields with turf grass are fine, for example, or even pedestrian-oriented hardscapes—approaches that would not work for SSc5.1. Site disturbance from construction activity is also strictly limited under SSc5.1, but is not under SSc5.2.

    Consider these questions when approaching this credit

    • What are the project goals for providing occupants with vegetated open space, plazas, picnic areas, or outdoor recreational activities?
    • Consider how open space can contribute to access to pleasant views. Can your project provide views of this open space from indoors?

    FAQs for SSc5.2

    I'm confused about the difference between SSc5.1 and SSc5.2. Can I earn them both?

    Yes. Many projects earn both credits due to their inherent overlap. The key distinction is that SSc5.1 is looking at habitat for animals, while SSc5.2 is looking at all kinds of open space. See more in LEEDuser's guidance above.

    Can roof terraces contribute to SSc5.2?

    Roof terraces can count towards SSc5.2 as long as they are accessible and open to all occupants of the project. Private balconies do not count towards the credit requirements.

    How should I count planters and vegetation on balconies?

    If counting vegetation on balconies and roof areas, only consider green roof and open-bottom planters towards SSc5.2 vegetation requirements. Closed bottom planters do not count towards the credit.

    What if my local code has a landscaping requirement? Is this the same as an open space requirement?

    If a local code does not have an explicit ‘open space’ zoning requirement or the ‘open space’ requirement also includes a ‘landscaping requirement,’ use the landscaping requirement to determine the compliance path. The local code open space requirement may be more general and allow for more than vegetation, and may not be in line with the intent and focus on vegetation to meet credit requirements.

    How can artificial turf contribute to the credit requirements?

    Artificial turf can contribute to hardscape areas and help your project achieve SSc5.2 as long as you are already achieving SSc2. It is unlikely the turf can contribute to the vegetated area calculations.

    Can permeable paving count as hardscape or vegetation towards SSc5.2 calculations?

    There is not a clear and explicit approach for calculating how permeable paving contributes to SSc5.2. However, it is reasonable to count some of the permeable paving if it is an open grid system that is predominantly open-grid/vegetation. To calculate the permeable paving contribution, consider using a percentage of the total permeable paving area as vegetated—for example, if you have 1,000 ft2 of open grid, consider 500 ft2 as vegetation.

    Can interior courtyards contribute to vegetation requirements?

    Yes, interior courtyards, if vegetated, can contribute to the open space requirements as long as they are open and accessible to all occupants. Additionally, if your project is achieving SSc2, any pedestrian-oriented hardscape within the courtyard can likely contribute to the credit as well.

    Can a project designate open space off-site and not within the LEED project boundary to meet the credit requirements?

    To date, we are not aware of a project using LEED 2009 being able to achieve the credit requirements by allocating open space outside of the LEED project boundary. This is also not allowed as an exception under MPR3, although campus settings with no local zoning requirements do have an exception noted in the LEED Reference Guide. The credit requires the open space be adjacent to the building and within the project boundary. However, this approach has been used to meet SSc5.1 credit requirements. This approach has also been used successfully on LEED-NC v2.2 campus projects.

    Which approach should a project take if the LEED project boundary covers two areas with different zoning requirements?

    Although there is not an explicit approach for this situation, it is best to evaluate each area separately and meet the credit requirements using the appropriate compliance path for each area.

    The credit requirements state the open space area must be ‘adjacent’ to the project. Does the designated site area need to be right next to the project building?

    Although the credit requirements state the open space is to be adjacent to the project building, most projects simply make sure that the designated areas are near the building, and certainly within the LEED project boundary.

Legend

  • Best Practices
  • Gotcha
  • Action Steps
  • Cost Tip

Pre-Design

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  • Research your site’s zoning requirements to see if you are required to provide open space; this will help you determine how much open space is required for credit compliance. The compliance path you follow is not open to choice—it depends strictly upon your local zoning regulations.

    • Case 1: If you have a local zoning requirement for open space, you will need to provide 25% more open space than what is required by that ordinance.
    • Case 2: If you have no local zoning requirements, you will need to provide open space that is equal to or greater than the building footprint. The most common situation for locations with no zoning are school campuses or military bases.
    • Case 3: If you have local zoning requirements, but no requirement for open space, you will need to provide open space equal to 20% of the total project site area.

     


  • The architect typically knows what the zoning requirements are. If not, check with local zoning office or city planning department. Some cities or counties provide this information online. 


  • Determine the rough development footprint and consider ways to increase the area of vegetated open space.  


  • If you have a small site, consider building up rather than out. This minimizes your building footprint and can help provide the open space needed for this credit and for SSc5.1: Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat (if the vegetation is native or adapted). 


  • Avoid delays by determining your zoning option early in the design process. Typically, planned unit developments (PUDs) or contract zones (with negotiated amounts of open space) have some gray areas surrounding zoning requirements in cases where such zoning requirements were negotiated with the zoning department. If you’re unsure of the correct compliance path, check with GBCI. 


  • Documentation for this credit is relatively easy and straightforward, and will not take much time. As applicable for the different zoning options, you will need to determine the zoning option for the project site, provide the acreage required by zoning, building footprint, total site area, designed vegetated acreage, and a site drawing delineating the vegetated open space.


  • The owner will need to sign off on the LEED Online credit form as part of the documentation, stating that the open space is intended to remain open for the life of the building. 


  • Determine your project goals for vegetated open space and pedestrian-oriented hardscapes. 


  • Discuss the potential for future build-out and make sure the areas delineated as open space for credit compliance will not be compromised in the future. 


  • Designing a project with ample open space can increase the value of the property and may increase rents, especially in areas that do not generally provide these amenities to building occupants. From a purely economic standpoint, however, buildable square footage typically adds more value than open space. 


  • There will be minimal additional costs for this credit if open space was already planned. If the team was not planning on including open space, or was only planning a limited area, then adjusting the building footprint could result in a cost increase or less buildable square footage.  

Schematic Design

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  • Define your LEED project boundary to determine how much area you must designate as open space. The LEED project boundary encompasses a contiguous area that includes all areas affected by the project pursuing certification. Refer to the Rating System document (p. xvii) for specific guidelines on how this is determined. (See Resources.) 


  • Will your project achieve SSc2: Development Density and Community Connectivity? Find out as soon as possible. Pursuing SSc2 makes the open space credit easier, because you can count pedestrian-oriented hardscapes and green roofs towards your open space area.


  • Make sure that all vegetated and hardscape open spaces are included in the LEED site boundary, and that the boundary for this credit is consistent with the boundary for all LEED credits. 


  • If you are counting pedestrian-oriented hardscapes in your credit calculations (through SSc2), you need to make sure that at least 25% of the total open space area is vegetated. Be sure that you calculate the vegetated area based on ground coverage and not using tree drip lines.


  • Typically, pedestrian-oriented hardscapes include areas for passive and active recreational use. This includes plazas, usable roof decks, and courtyards. A roof deck only counts as a pedestrian-oriented hardscape if it is accessible and usable by all building occupants. Private balconies, for example, do not count. 


  • Many urban projects find this credit difficult to achieve without a green roof or pedestrian-oriented hardscape.  


  • Adding a green roof to meet this credit could be costly, but it will help with many other LEED credits and green building strategies. (See LEEDuser’s green roofs strategy page for more detail.)


  • Once you have outlined your LEED project boundary, determined your project’s open space zoning requirements, and know whether or not you are achieving SSc2, then you can begin incorporating the required amount of open space into the design.

    • Case 1: If your project has zoning requirements for open space, provide open space that exceeds this requirement by 25%.
    • Case 2: If your project does not have zoning requirements, provide open space equal to the area of the building footprint.
    • Case 3: If your project does have zoning requirements but there are no requirements for open space, provide open space equal to 20% of your project site’s area. 

  • If your project does not achieve SSc2, then all of the open space must be vegetated—consider providing pocket parks or sports fields.


  • You can use ponds or wetlands as part of the open-space calculation, but only if they have vegetated slopes with an incline ratio of 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less. The rationale here is to avoid giving credit to projects with a fenced, concrete detention basin that does not enhance biodiversity or offer a recreational amenity.


  • Open-bottom, pervious planters count as open space; however, closed-bottom planters do not. (Closed-bottom planters are not thought to provide the same biodiversity that open-bottom planters can.) 


  • Consider eliminating or reducing the area of onsite surface parking. You can do this by placing parking under your building, building a parking garage instead of a lot, or sharing parking facilities with nearby buildings. These strategies can also help you earn SSc4.4: Alternative Transportation—Parking Capacity and SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof


  • Consider limiting the surface area of sidewalks and other hardscapes, replacing them with vegetated areas. 


  • Consider attempting the extra point for Exemplary Performance through IDc1 by doubling your vegetated open space over the credit requirements. 

Design Development

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  • Design your project with a small footprint, and provide open space for occupant use meeting or exceeding the credit requirements. 


  • To aid in restoring habitat (for SSc5.1) and providing a water-efficient landscape (for WEc1), consider using only native and adapted species that require little or no irrigation for some or all of the open space you provide. 


  • To help with stormwater management (for SSc6.1 and SSc6.2) and to reduce the heat island effect (for SSc7.1), consider installing porous pavement for all hardscapes, designing wetlands for stormwater mitigation, and incorporating a green roof. 


  • Run calculations to verify that the credit requirements are being met. The requirements are based on your project zoning ordinances, and are influenced by the LEED project boundary and the achievement of SSc2. 

     


  • If you are relying on pedestrian-oriented hardscapes or green roofs to meet the open space requirements, verify that the requirements for SSc2 are still being met. 


  • Clearly define any areas of open space on project drawings; these need to be included with your LEED documentation. 

Construction Documents

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  • Upload documentation to LEED Online. You need to provide a site plan that delineates the areas of open space, green roof, and pedestrian-oriented hardscape, as applicable. It is also a good idea to include the total project site area and the total open space area on the site plan.


  • The owner needs to sign off on the LEED Online credit form stating that the area delineated as open space will remain open space for the life of the building. 

Construction

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  • Verify that the area designated as open space is maintained during construction, or confirm that disturbed areas will be restored and reclaimed as open space. 

Operations & Maintenance

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  • Continue to protect the areas designated as open space for the remainder of the building’s life. 


  • Consider the use of a master site plan or legal mechanism to protect this open space. Organizations like the Trust for Public Land (see Resources) may be able to help with financing by purchasing a conservation easement on a portion of the land in order to maintain perpetual open space and offset the cost of the land that is not being built on.


  • Work with the management team to ensure that continued protection protocols are put in place, to help preserve the open space. 


  • Installing signage to educate building occupants about the value of protected land helps ensure that natural areas remain respected and protected. 

  • USGBC

    Excerpted from LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations

    SS Credit 5.2: Site development - maximize open space

    1 Point

    Intent

    To promote biodiversity by providing a high ratio of open space to 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..

    Requirements

    Case 1. Sites with local zoning open space requirements

    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.1 and/or provide vegetated open space within the project boundary such that the amount of open space exceeds local zoning requirements by 25%.

    Case 2. Sites with no local zoning requirements (e.g. some university campuses, military bases)

    Provide vegetated open space areaOpen space area is usually defined by local zoning requirements. If local zoning requirements do not clearly define open space, it is defined for the purposes of LEED calculations as the property area minus the development footprint; it must be vegetated and pervious, with exceptions only as noted in the credit requirements section. Only ground areas are calculated as open space. For projects located in urban areas that earn a Development Density and Community Connectivity credit, open space also includes nonvehicular, pedestrian-oriented hardscape spaces. adjacent to the building that is equal in area 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..

    Case 3. Sites with zoning ordinances but no open space requirements

    Provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project’s site area.

    All cases

    For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, vegetated roof areas can contribute to credit compliance.

    For projects in urban areas that earn SS Credit 2: Development Density and Community Connectivity, 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. areas can contribute to credit compliance. For such projects, a minimum of 25% of the open space counted must be vegetated.

    Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space and the side slope gradients average 1:4 (vertical: horizontal) or less and are vegetated.

    Potential Technologies & Strategies

    Perform a site survey to identify site elements and adopt a master plan for developing the project site. Select a suitable building location and design 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. to minimize site disruption. Strategies include stacking the building program, tuck-under parking and sharing parking facilities with neighbors to maximize the amount of open space on the site.

Organizations

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities

This nonprofit industry association consists of individuals and public and private organizations committed to developing a market for green roof infrastructure products and services across North America. 


Trust for Public Land

This organization can help with the purchase of conservation easements. 

Site Plan –

Case 1: Sites With Local Zoning Open Space Requirements

Use a site plan like this example to demonstrate that open space meets or exceeds the credit requirements.

LEED Online Forms: NC-2009 SS

The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each NC-2009 SS credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.

Version 4 forms: (newest)

Version 3 forms:

These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions on these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."

Design Submittal

PencilDocumentation for this credit can be part of a Design Phase submittal.

118 Comments

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Lindsey Evans Architectural Designer PGAV, Inc.
Mar 12 2013
LEEDuser Member
103 Thumbs Up

open space not within LEED project boundary

In the LEEDuser FAQ's above it states, "Can a project designate open space off-site and not within the LEED project boundary to meet the credit requirements? Answer: To date, we are not aware of a project being able to achieve the credit requirements by allocating open space outside of the LEED project boundary. The credit requires the open space be adjacent to the building and within the project boundary. However, this approach has been used to meet SSc5.1 credit requirements."

However, in the 2009 BD+C Reference Guide on page 86 it states, "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."

I am wondering why the FAQ's state that the open space needs to be within the project boundary? Thanks!

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Mar 20 2013 LEEDuser Moderator

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!

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Sasaki Associates Mar 27 2013 Guest

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."

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BABAR MEHMOOD SAUD CONSULT
Mar 11 2013
LEEDuser Member
12 Thumbs Up

Credit achievement requirement clarification

The building has 2 roof levels, upper roof with the mechanical eqipements and the lower roof which has direct to the medical clinical floor (2nd floor). For this credit, can we consider and include the lower roof portion as open space for the Option-1 requirement. Thanks,

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Mar 11 2013 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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).

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Lisa Milano
Feb 20 2013
Guest

Athletic Field included under SSc5.2, but excluded under WEc1?

There is an existing athletic field within our project's LEED boundary that we would like to include in our calculation for SSc5.2 in order to earn 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..
Per 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. #10217, "All LEED projects can choose to include or exclude athletic fields at the project team's discretion from WEc1. However, if such areas are included, they must be included in all other applicable credit calculations."
We will be excluding the athletic field from the WEc1 calculation, so does that mean we have to exclude it from the SSc5.2 calculation as well? The interpretation only addresses the inclusion of the athletic field. Any feedback would be most appreciated!

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Feb 22 2013 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Marcio Alberto Casado Pereira
Feb 14 2013
LEEDuser Member
995 Thumbs Up

Open space have to be acessible?

We have a big area vegetated with adaptaded species within the LEED Campus Boundary (we have a multiple building situation) that does meet the 1:4 side slope criteria but it is unlikely that the building users will go there, since is a preserved area. However, the building owner did make an acess to it. Can I count this area toward SSc5.2?

The other question is: we intent to pursue this credit via master site. However, in the event that the LEED comitee denies it, do you folks know if we can go back and pursue the credit for each building individually?

Thanks

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Feb 20 2013 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Gaston Viau
Dec 06 2012
Guest
34 Thumbs Up

Public Plaza nearby the project site - LEED ND

Our project is located on a LEED ND. When designing the neighborhood, local zoning requirements were committed by a Development Plan which included open spaces all around the neighborhood. In fact, just crossing the street from our building there's a 2,640 sqf Plaza.

Is it possible to achieve SSc5.2 by demonstrating the proximity to this Plaza, although it is not part of our project site?

Thanks in advance for your response.

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Dec 07 2012 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Jean-Baptiste Noel ESD Operations Manager Green & Global Consulting Pte. Ltd.
Nov 27 2012
LEEDuser Member
19 Thumbs Up

Open space and void deck

We are working on a project that has a void deck, so that there is vegetation at the ground level 'under' the building, so at the same location as 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..
Would this type of vegetated 'open' space comply?

Also, this project is in a dense development, but is however developed on a non-previously contructed site (so it does not comply with SS c.2). Just to confirm, even in this case it is not possible to take in account green roofs for SSc5.2?

Thanks

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Nov 27 2012 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Simon Chantal LEED Coordinator Martin Roy & Associés
Nov 08 2012
Guest
31 Thumbs Up

100% open space regulation

What happens when the local code states that 100% of undevelopped space must be covered with grass or plants? Does it mean that I cannot achieve this credit since I can't exceed local zoning requirements by 25%?

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Nov 08 2012 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz Nov 09 2012 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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.

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Scott Preston Sustainable Building Associate LEED AP BD+C The Institute for the Built Environment
Oct 12 2012
LEEDuser Member
17 Thumbs Up

LEED Site Boundary

We have a residential high-rise project in a dense urban environment. It shares a zero lot line with an adjacent parking structure. As part of a separate construction project, a green roof is being planned to be built on top of the parking structure with access from the residential tower to the green roof for residents to use as outdoor open space. Is it possible to create our LEED Site Boundary to include the green roof only? There will be no other work done to the parking structure itself other than the addition of a green roof. Ideally, we would not be required to include the entire existing parking structure as we don't want to include the energy of the existing parking structure as part of our building energy model. Can we include the green roof as open space as part of our boundary for SSc5.1 and SSc5.2?

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Oct 24 2012 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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.

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Josep Escarra Energy consultant ERF, Estudi Ramon Folch i Associats
Oct 05 2012
LEEDuser Member
37 Thumbs Up

Required Signatory SSc5.2-1. Owner/Agent

Hello everyone!!

Could anyone explain what's required in point Upload SSc5.2-RS1? There are 2 documents asked for:

Point 1: Is it the form with blanks?
Point 2: Are they the surfaces expected to fill in the blanks?

Would it possible to upload just the form with all data information on it?

And also: What about a digital signature?? Is this way possible outsite USA?

Thanks!!,

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator, HKS, Inc. Nov 26 2012 LEEDuser Expert 831 Thumbs Up

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."

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Ken Scalf Architect Optimized Design Solutions
Apr 29 2012
LEEDuser Member
45 Thumbs Up

Complicated Open Space/Habitat Protection, LEED Boundary

We are attempting to achieve 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. in open space and protection of habitat. The project is located, and a portion of a secured (fenced) industrial park setting w/ the back property line backing up to an existing residential area. The LEED boundary is a "L "shaped tract that includes all site improvements associated w/ the LEED building and a perimeter strip around two sides of the property lines including the wooded back side adjacent to the residential area. My concern is the reoccurring comment "don't gerrymander the boundary" There are other buildings on the site that are not to be certified and our LEED boundary runs along (gerrymandering, but not including) 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. parking areas for the other buildings, taking credit for all vegetated areas in a contiguous designated area. Additionally we are indicated 2 future buildings adjacent to our site and claiming/preserving the property behind them along the back property lines, again wooded, adjacent to residential property and contiguous at the elbow of the "L" shape. Sorry to be so long winded, however it's been fairly complicated to come up w/ a solution that the owner can accept. Also does anyone have a good example of the language needed for the owner's acceptance letter? Thanks

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Jun 12 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

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?

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Ken Scalf Architect, Optimized Design Solutions Jun 18 2012 LEEDuser Member 45 Thumbs Up

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

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Ahmed Mosa Architect - Sustainable Design Researcher P&T
Mar 09 2012
LEEDuser Member
29 Thumbs Up

Can Atriums or shaded open spaces still qualify for the credit?

In hot humid climates we tend to shade open spaces or design it as an Atrium, and since it's a "pedestrian oriented accessible space" would this space still qualify for SS C5.2 ? or it has to be open to sky?

Note: if its not shaded,, no one will use it..
This case is always happening in shopping malls/hotels..etc..

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Emily Catacchio Sustainability Specialist, Wight and Company Apr 05 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

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

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Apr 06 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

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.

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Ahmed Mosa Architect - Sustainable Design Researcher, P&T Apr 11 2012 LEEDuser Member 29 Thumbs Up

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.

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Elliot Powers Director of Asia Business Development
Jan 31 2012
LEEDuser Member
278 Thumbs Up

SSc5.2: Case 1 or Case 3?

Greetings from Taiwan! Our project is located in a science park that does have requirements for "open space" and "green space," which would indicate that we employ Case 1 to achieve this credit. Problem is, the local requirements for those areas are not consistent with LEED. For example, the locals generally define "Open Space" as anything outside 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., while "Green Space" as any vegetated area on the site. Obviously using the 125% of local open space requirements calculation wouldn't make sense, as the intent of this credit greatly differs from how the locals' define it.

So, despite the existence of local "zoning" with open space requirements, my inclination is to go with Case 3, where there is local zoning but with no open space requirement. Is this sound reasoning, or can anyone fashion a better way to approach this?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Feb 17 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

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!

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Ramón Gutiérrez Building Engineer IDOM
Dec 19 2011
Guest
37 Thumbs Up

Open space below the building

Hello from Spain,
Our ground floor is smaller than our 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.. So we have vegetated open spaces at ground level, outside of our ground floor and below the building.
Two questions:
Can these open spaces count for SSc5.2 calculations?
Can these open spaces with native or adaptative vegetation count for SSc5.1 calculations?
Thanks!

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Feb 17 2012 LEEDuser Moderator

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.

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Omer Moltay
Dec 07 2011
LEEDuser Member
2087 Thumbs Up

Playfields?

(1) Would 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. playfields such as basketball court count towards the pedestrian oriented hardscape?

(2) What about turf surface soccer field? I guess this would a vegetated open space without doubts?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Dec 18 2011 LEEDuser Moderator

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.

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 19 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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Elliot Powers Director of Asia Business Development
Oct 27 2011
LEEDuser Member
278 Thumbs Up

Open Space Requirement

Count me in with those frustrated with this credit language/ requirements. So I can be confident of our calcs, the local requirements call for vegetated open space to equal 25% of the total developed site area. LEED requires the project to exceed that local requirement by 25% (.25 x .25 = .3125). Therefore, if our site contains 10,000 sf, we achieve this credit by the site containing 3,125 sf of vegetated open space. Correct?

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Emily Catacchio Sustainability Specialist, Wight and Company Oct 28 2011 LEEDuser Moderator

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. 

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 07 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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Kathleen Burke Gastinger Walker Harden Architects
Sep 21 2011
LEEDuser Member
113 Thumbs Up

zoning requirement SSc5.2

Our project is located in a small, tight suburban lot. The only landscape requirements within the zoning information is that A) 5% of the parking lot must be landscaped, B) any retention areas must be landscaped (not within our site boundary) and C) the landscape setbacks must be landscaped (also not within our site boundary.) Basically our landscaped area = 20% of our parking lot paved area. We think this meets the requirement for SSc5.2, BUT are worried that LEED will make us use the 20% of the site area. Which we do not meet - we are currently landscaped 12% of our site area. But if we follow our 5% zoning number we are eligible for the credit and also eligible for the 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.. Any advice here?

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Oct 21 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 07 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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Valentin Grimaud Thermal Engineer TERAO Green Building Engineering
Aug 03 2011
LEEDuser Member
402 Thumbs Up

Ground depth beneath vegetated area

Hi everyone!

I have a very specific question regarding vegetated area. Should the earth depth under the vegetated area be of a minimum thickness in order to be considered as vegetated area?
The project we are working on is located in a very dense area (thus earning SS credit 2), so that the whole area is built on a big concrete slab; vegetated areas are thus also built on concrete, and not directly linked to the natural ground. Should I look to the local definition of vegetated area? What are the restrictions for LEED, I did not find anything about it?

Thanks!

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Valentin Grimaud Thermal Engineer, TERAO Green Building Engineering Sep 30 2011 LEEDuser Member 402 Thumbs Up

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.

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz Oct 20 2011 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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.

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Oct 21 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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Catalina A SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CONSULTANT
Jul 29 2011
Guest
233 Thumbs Up

Roof Terraces and Balconies

We are certifying a Hotel Project earning credit SSc2. The Hotel has two open space restaurants located in the first floor and two terraces with vegetation and a pool accessible to everyone in the roof, also each room of the Hotel has a Balcony with vegetation.

Can roof terraces count for open space SSc5.2 calculations? Only part of the roof terraces is green roof.
Two: Can the vegetation in the balconies of each room count as green roof?

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Oct 21 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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JOHN COOK Campus Sustainability Coordinator University of California Riverside
Jul 15 2011
LEEDuser Member
274 Thumbs Up

Tennis Court use for meeting SSc5.2 Maximize Open Space

Can we count count our Tennis courts - that are part of the project boundary towards our Space requirement in Case 2? The courts are hardscaped.

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David Posada Sustainability Manager, GBD Architects Jul 15 2011 LEEDuser Expert 11326 Thumbs Up

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.

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 19 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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Robert Mulcahy Building Scientist Pure Air Control Services
Jul 11 2011
Guest
118 Thumbs Up

Establishing the LEED Project Boundary

I’m trying to confirm the LEED Project Boundary. Normally, the LEED Project Boundary for a single building development would be the same as the site boundary. However, the construction of our classroom building is going to allow us to eliminate 17 portables and create a huge open green space in front of the new building. So my thinking is since we are pursuing the Maximize Open Space I will need to include the space where the portables currently exist as part of the LEED Project Boundary. Is that correct?

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz Jul 11 2011 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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.

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 19 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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J Douglas Dietrich
Jul 01 2011
LEEDuser Member
291 Thumbs Up

Ground-Mounted Solar PV Arrays

If there is an open space with (1) a ground-mounted solar PV array and (2) native plantings or adapted vegetationAdapted (or introduced) plants reliably grow well in a given habitat with minimal winter protection, pest control, fertilization, or irrigation once their root systems are established. Adapted plants are considered low maintenance and not invasive. beneath the PV panels and around them so as not to block sunlight, would the area beneath the PV panels be able to contribute to the SS c1 Habitat square footage calc, the SS c2 Open Space calc, both calcs, or neither calc?

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Oct 21 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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Catherine Dollard Jun 01 2012 LEEDuser Member 189 Thumbs Up

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

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Amy Van Dam Sustainable Design Coordinator, Boulder Associates Architects May 01 2013 Guest 71 Thumbs Up

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?

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Julian Bott Principal Design Consultant Cundall Hong Kong
Jun 08 2011
LEEDuser Member
663 Thumbs Up

zoning requirement split 30% and 95%

Hi we have a site whereby our LEED boundary includes two separately zoned areas and one is zoned for buildings with 30% open space required by local planners. The second space equivalent to the same area again (i.e half our site) has a requirement to achieve 95% in order to keep it open as a park.

We have to include the park within our boundary as our building has a carpark below it.

To go for 25% extra space on top of the 95% is just a bit too much to force onto the rest of the site.

Does anyone think we have a case to say that provied we go for extra 25% in the built area the parkland should be exempt from the calculation as it already meets the intent of the credit.

Hope I haven't confused you all too much

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz Jul 11 2011 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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.

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Oct 24 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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Daniel Hartsig Sustainability Analyst Transwestern
Jun 03 2011
LEEDuser Member
29 Thumbs Up

Code defines Maximum Open Space

Hello Everyone-

I'm currently working on a project where the local code defines no minimum amount of open space. Instead, they define a maximum amount of open space (at 19% of site area).
So... the site has a zoning requirement but it's a maximum, not minimum, so we can't use either option 1 or 2. We're trying to determine if we can submit as alternate compliance or if we should submit as option 3 (existing ordinance but no open space requirement). Any thoughts?

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Devon Bertram Sustainability Manager, YR&G Nov 09 2011 LEEDuser Member 2890 Thumbs Up

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.

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Elliot Powers Director of Asia Business Development Nov 09 2011 LEEDuser Member 278 Thumbs Up

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.

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Rosana Correa Director Casa do Futuro
May 09 2011
LEEDuser Member
135 Thumbs Up

Reflecting Pool

Hello everyone!

Will areas covered with reflecting pools count as open space areas?

Thanks!

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz May 18 2011 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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.

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Felipe Duran Dec 15 2011 LEEDuser Member 225 Thumbs Up

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?
--

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Susan Walter Sr Project Architect, Wilmot/Sanz Dec 15 2011 LEEDuser Member 6638 Thumbs Up

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?

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Romano Iglesia LEED BD+C O+M, Carde Ten Architects Dec 15 2011 Guest 490 Thumbs Up

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.

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Katrina Rosa Owner The EcoLogic Studio
Apr 13 2011
LEEDuser Member
365 Thumbs Up

Artificial Turf

For a mixed-use project (1st story commercial, top 7 multi-family residential), in an urban setting (achieves Community Connectivity SSc2): can artificial turf on the roof deck contribute to achievement of SSc5.2? The project is nearly zero-lot line, and reference manual says we can include 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. as open space (due to SSc2), can the artificial turf be counted? If so, would it be eligible as part of the vegetated area (required to be 25% of open space), or considered as pedestrian-oriented hardscape?

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Tristan Roberts LEED AP BD+C, Editorial Director – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, Inc. Apr 14 2011 LEEDuser Moderator

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.

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Ellen Mitchell Sustainable Design Coordinator HKS, Inc.
Apr 11 2011
LEEDuser Expert
831 Thumbs Up

Definition of Site Area?

This may be a dumb question, but I have a project that falls under Case 3 - provide vegetated open space equal to 20% of the project's site area. I can't find any credit language that says whether the site area includes 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. or not. Other open space requirements in both SS5.1 and other options of SS5.2 are pretty clear about whether to include or exclude the building footprint, but this option doesn't seem to have a clear distinction. My project is on a very tight urban site that is primarily made up of 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./ vegetation, but it comes nowhere close to 20% of the overall site if the footprint is included. Am I missing something?

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