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Credit language straight from USGBC
Need to check up on the exact LEED credit language from the LEED Rating System on the fly? LEEDuser includes the verbatim language. Members get:
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- On the jobsite without your bulky LEED Reference Guide? Check up on the credit language details here.
- Credit language content is used by permission of the U.S. Green Building Council.
36 Comments
parking garage
I have a project where I have an existing parking garage on a campus that has PV's on the roof. This parking garage is not part of our LEED site boundary, can I still earn SSc7.1?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 10 2010
Lisa, you could only earn SSc7.1 with this garage if you include it in consistently in your credit calculations. In this case it may appear to GBCI that you are cherry-picking a green benefit from a nearby building without consistently evaluating how that building affects the overall LEED rating for your project.
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH Mar 11 2010
If the parking garage is essential to the day to day operation of the facility, the leed project boundry should include it. I my opinion, a set amount of parking should be required by future versions of leed. Buildings don't and can't not have place for the occupants to park.
New vs. Weathered SRI Values
When providing SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. values in the submittal template, which value should I use, the new or the weathered SRI?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 30 2010
Use the new SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. values. Weathered SRI values come into play if you are doing LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. certification and pursuing SSc7.1 in that system.
Motorbike parking roofing
Our parking roof is less than 2:12 slope, and SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100.=68. This doesn't get credit in Heat Island - Roof but it does seem to get credit in Heat Island - non Roof.
Is that correct?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 05 2010
Yes, it looks like you do get credit here, via Option 2: Place a Minimum of 50% of Parking Spaces Under Cover.
Artificial Turf
There are many artificial turf manufacturers that claim their artificial turf satisfy multiple LEED credits. Can artificial turf be considered “open-grid pavement system” under credit SS 7.1: 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. Particularly in urban areas, other sources may include vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, and street equipment; reduced airflow from tall buildings and narrow streets exacerbates the effect. – Non-Roof and/or count towards WE Credit 1: Water Efficiency Landscaping: No potable WaterPotable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems. Use or No Irrigation since the artificial turf does not use any water irrigation?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Apr 27 2010
Nathan, see our discussion in the Getting It Done tab above about what qualifies as open-grid paving. Under the "50% pervious" definition, I would say it's iffy whether or not artificial turf qualifies, and the answer would probably vary among different turf products and installations.
Does water drain freely through the turf to the soil below? This may vary among products. Does the water, once through the turf, recharge the soil, or does it drain through aggregate to a storm sewer or another stormwater management system? If this is the case— and I think it is with at least some installations—it would defeat the purpose of being pervious.
Has anyone seen artificial turf approved for this credit? Any thoughts?
Study on fly ash or slag and SRI value
There is a good study on the SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. value of concrete using fly ash and slag cement replacements. The study shows that with a 25% fly ash or 45% slag replacement levels, you can still meet an SRI of at least 29. Here is a link to the study: http://www.concretethinker.com/technicalbrief/Solar-Reflectance-Concrete...
Shannon
SRI test for concrete required for LEED 2009?
The language for LEED 2009 differs from past versions - it seems to indicate that it won't just accept the default SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. values for concrete - that the mix being used must have been tested at somepoint whether on a previous project or for the current one: “teams do not need to provide project specific data measuring SRI values for new concrete. Documentation certifying that the concrete mix used for a project is equivalent to a previously used and tested mix is acceptable.” Comments?
Alison Y Rivenburgh replied May 13 2010
Help? Does anybody have an interpretation of the new language on measuring the SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. for concrete in the posting above? Thanks-
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 13 2010
Short answer—I would input the default values, but if the GBCI/reviewer question this and ask for backup documentation, I'd be prepared to let it go.
Long answer: A) The LEED Online credit form does not ask for any uploaded documentation proving compliance by any products…just product information filled out on the form.
B) The LEED Reference Guide says that simply washing existing paved concrete can meet the default values so if you can clean existing concrete and use the default values then you could also use those with new concrete.
C) For SSc7.2, they explicitly say you can’t use the default values but this is not spelled out for SSc7.1…making one think that default values can be used for SSc7.1 or they would have said so.
On the other hand they seem to say that you need to document compliance
for SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. with new concrete by a test or having been previously tested.
So it's not totally clear, which is why I would submit it but not bank on earning it.
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH May 17 2010
Off the top of my head, I think I remember that the LEEDonline form also accepts reflection and emission values (if you don't have SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. values) and uses an inbuilt transformation (which is a rough estimate, but good enough for them obviously) to SRI values.
SRI is an American index based on the reflection and emission values at certain surface and ambient conditions and there are actually not just one protocall to establish this index value...not exiting in europe, so good that the inbuilt transformation exists.
Parking Garages - Roofs
I am working on a project where the underground parking garage extends further than the building footprintBuilding footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan. Parking lots, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not included in the building footprint., under the adjoining pavements and road ways. Do these pavements and road ways have to be SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. compliant or does this only apply to roofs over specific covered parking spaces at ground level.
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH May 17 2010
If the project is New Construction (NC) and part of the works includes the paving, then I would say yes. You'll have to decide whether the hardscape is "roof" or "non-roof", clearly define it as such and keep the definition consistant across credits. I would go with "non-roof".
Decking as hardscape
Does wood decking count as hardscaped areas?
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH May 19 2010
BD&C Ref. Guide, Introduction "...hardscape that is impervious and devoid of biodiversity..."
BD&C Ref. Guide, SSc7.1 p117 definition of Hardscape: "Hardscape 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."
Yes.
Eric Shamp replied Principal, Ecotype Consulting Jun 10 2010
These appear to be slightly different definitions: the first definition requires 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., the second only requires inanimate-ness. So where does that put decomposed granite or gravel surfaces? Those surfaces are "inanimate" but also pervious.
And, just to be picky, vegetation is usually considered inanimate by most sane people, except for Venus Fly-Traps.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 10 2010
I would disagree! Animus = life and plants have life. They also move, e.g. are phototropic, just not in the muscular way generally recognized by people.
More seriously, though, surfaces like gravel are often impervious—it depends on the application. A gravel road for example is pretty much impervious.
Eric Shamp replied Principal, Ecotype Consulting Jun 10 2010
But, perviousness is not absolute. Gravel roads are somewhat pervious, maybe 25%? I remember reading somewhere that unstabilized DG is around 10% pervious. So, I'm still lost. Annette, I'm sorry to have hijacked your thread.
Animus = disposition or intention, which may or may not be plants, depending on your worldview. All I'm saying is that "inanimate" does not provide for a terribly precise definition. I don't mean to generalize or sound overly critical here, but there seems to be a tendency for LEED to use imprecise language when it really doesn't need to. The editors should review their Strunk & White...
Jean Marais replied b.i.g. Bechtold INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT MBH Jun 11 2010
You may have a point there. That's one of the acclaims of German, always says exactly what it means...but in LEED english, I think one needs to think a bit more industry jargon wise. What does the general Architect or Construction person consider hardscape, off the top of his head. To me it would be anything I walk on that's not turf for starters and then maybe all outlaying areas that are not plants or mulch or plant bedding.
Crushed Gravel SRI?
We have several portions of our site that are specified to be crushed limestone. I can't find an SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. value for crushed gravel or crushed limestone. Anyone know where I can find this information?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 12 2010
I found an SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. for limestone pavers of 62 from the Natural Stone Council, but I don't know about crushed gravel, and I wasn't able to find anything online. I will keep looking around, and please post back here if you find an answer.
Car Parking Shaded with PV Panels
Dear All,
Option 2 of this credit requires that parking shading surfaces must have minimum SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. of 29, be a vegetated green roof OR be covered by solar panels.
In our project, we are building shading structures that are 70% by area covered by PV panels. Rest of the surface is metal roof. Do you think this metal roof should also satisfy the SRI>29 rule?
Jacob Arlein replied Director of Energy Services, Environmental Building Strategies Jul 13 2010
It depends on the color of the metal roof. A light colored metal roof will likely qualify as an SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. value greater than 29, a dark colored metal roof likely will not. For more information on specific products go to http://www.coolroofs.org/products/search.php and you can search for your specific products. You can also download a calculator that generates an SRI value based on solar reflectance and thermal emittance here: http://www.coolmetalroofing.org/elements/downloads/SRIcalc9.xls.
Omer Moltay replied Jul 15 2010
Thanks for the reply.
Does the project need to use specifically these products given on the www.coolroofs.org webpage? We do not want to import metal roof sheets from the US, since we can easily find light colored metal roofs or coat them after installation (project is located in Istanbul). However, I really doubt that the manufacturer would have a cut sheet stating solar reflectivity and thermal emissivityEmissivity is the ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature..
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 19 2010
Omer, you are not limited to products from the coolroofs.org page, but you do need to use products that can demonstrate with solid data that they meet the SRIThe solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. Standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. For example, a standard black surface has a temperature rise of 90_F (50_C) in full sun, and a standard white surface has a temperature rise of 14.6_F (8.1_C). Once the maximum temperature rise of a given material has been computed, the SRI can be calculated by interpolating between the values for white and black. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. Because of the way SRI is defined, particularly hot materials can even take slightly negative values, and particularly cool materials can even exceed 100. specs. You could consider getting the local products there tested, for example.
A Strange Phenomenon with SSc7.1 Form
A Strange Phenomenon.
After filled the SSc7.1 Form and clicked the "Save Form" bottom, it displayed that "the Form has been Saved", whereas, when we returned to open the Form again, it became the original status...
We had tried many times, this problem did not happen while we filled other Forms.
Does anyone meet the same trouble?
Matt Wolfe replied Job Captain, Gensler Jul 20 2010
I'm currently experiencing the same phenomenon with credit template EAc1.2. I've sent out emails to the GBCI as well as feedback requesting assistance but haven't heard anything yet.
If you happen to resolve your Issue i'd love to know how and similarly if I hear anything i'll be sure to share!
Xing Shi replied Dr., Southeast University Jul 20 2010
Good news.
This phenomenon has disappeared today, but we cannot identify the mechanism... It may be repaired by GBCI, however no reply has been recieved from GBCI.
Matt, do you still face this problem?
Matt Wolfe replied Job Captain, Gensler Jul 21 2010
Good new as well !!!
My EAc1.2 form appears to be functioning correctly - I'm working on submitting a design review today so I'm hoping all the kinks have been worked out.
I did call the LEED online help line and they assisted in trouble shooting the problem and affirmed me that they are working on it and should have a solution within the next day or so.
I'm still waiting on an official response from the GBCI
Jacob Arlein replied Director of Energy Services, Environmental Building Strategies Jul 22 2010
I have often run into malfunctioning LEED Online forms. If you explain your problem in the feedback form on LEED Online the USGBC gets back to you pretty quickly with an answer. The answer is usually to update your current form to a newer version that has the kinks fixed.
A Unique Situation for an Addition
We are working on getting an addition certified under version 3.0 that is being added onto an original structure that was certified under version 2.1.
According to the Minimum Program Requirements handbook, we cannot count any existing hardscape in the project boundary towards SSc7.1 under version 3 since we had already earned it previously in version 2.1 for the original building when the concrete was new. (The diagram at the bottom of page 16 in the MPR handbook is a good example of our situation)
The question is, since the existing grey concrete (which earned SSc7.1 under version 2.1) once again falls into our project boundary, are we supposed to count it toward the TOTAL non-roof hardscape surfaces?
If we do indeed have to add it to the total non-roof hardscape surfaces, we still arent allowed to add it to the qualifying reflective surfaces, thus it would actually hurt our percentage of reflective surfaces on-site, even though it was orginally a high-albedoAlbedo is synonymous with solar reflectance. surface meant to minimize heat islands. We would lose our credit this time around for something that previously qualified for that same credit.
Has anyone run into this type of situation before? What did you do?
Jacob Arlein replied Director of Energy Services, Environmental Building Strategies Jul 22 2010
Mike,
Are you adding new hardscape or new parking to the site area of the addition? If you are then you should only include that area that is being added as being part of this credit and as the only hardscape on the site. The previously developed hardscape will not be counted at all, neither in the total hardscape area, or the area that has high albedoAlbedo is synonymous with solar reflectance..
If you are not adding new hardscape or new parking spaces, then you will not be able to pursue this credit.
Mike Kros replied Architect, DLR Group Jul 23 2010
Yes, we are adding new hardscape and new parking, all with high albedoAlbedo is synonymous with solar reflectance. concrete. I will only count those areas of new hardscape in the totals.
Thanks, Jacob!
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