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Can be either simple or complex—it's up to you
You can earn this credit simply by eliminating turf grass, planting native and adaptive species, and not installing an irrigation system. If those measures go too far for your project, you can still achieve the credit as long as you have some flexibility with plant species selection, and irrigation system design and controls. You may need a landscape designer to identify local or adaptive plant species that require little irrigation, to design water-efficient irrigation systems, to address the potential use of non-potable waterPotable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities...
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59 Comments
Clarification - 5% of Site Area as Landscape.
In LEEDv3.0 Reference Guide pg.182-183, it says:
"For buildings without vegetation on the grounds, teams can earn points by reducing the use of 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. for watering any roof and courtyard garden space or outdoor planters, provided the planters and garden space cover at least 5% of the building site area (including 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., hardscape area, parking footprint, etc.). If the planters and garden space cover less than 5% of the building site area, the project is ineligible for this credit."
So this applies only to projects which does not have any ground available (such as building basements extending to the plot limits etc.), or this requirement applies to even projects where ground space is available. Kindly clarify.
Thanking You.
Joshua Radoff replied Principal, LEEDuser Primary Author, YRG sustainability Aug 31 2009
This caveat applies to all project types, whether you've got a zero lot line site or a sprawling parking lot. The intent here, I believe, is to improve over the previous version of LEED, that didn't stipulate how much landscaping you needed to get the credit. So in theory, with the older system, you could have one planter, irrigate it efficiently, and get the credit. Now there is a minimum amount of site area that needs to be vegetated to qualify.
Clarification - 5% of Site Area as Landscape.
Dear Mr.Joshua,
I too accept the theory on the new LEED rating system of having a minimum requirement for landscape areaThe landscape area is the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios.. If its the requirement for all the projects, I feel its more appropriate that its been mentioned in the requirements section of the credit.
Moreover, eventhough it has been mentioned in the implementation part, the words "For buildings without vegetation on the grounds", I feel indicates a particular scenario of projects which does not have vegetation on natural ground (earth).
Your opinion on the above statement would be of help.
Joshua Radoff replied Principal, LEEDuser Primary Author, YRG sustainability Sep 08 2009
Balaji,
You make a good observation. It certainly seems that USGBC is creating a back door approach for projects without a shred of landscape on the ground. Perhaps the thinking is that if you have a large site, and you've gone and paved paradise and put up a parking lot, then you probably wouldn't have the 5% site coverage with planters and such. It's just too many planters.
Therefore, the application here would only be for urban, zero lot line-ish sites that don't have much ground to work with. In this case, it would be good to give these projects some parameters such as how much landscaping is required to qualify for the credit, which they have now done.
We have a call in to see if this is an accurate assumption or not, and I'll provide another post if we learn something new.
Thanks,
Josh
Joshua Radoff replied Principal, LEEDuser Primary Author, YRG sustainability Sep 10 2009
One follow up note... We received some guidance here from GBCI. A very prompt reply. The only concern is the use of the phasing "we believe":
"Though the Reference Guide and credit submittal form suggest otherwise, we believe that the 5% minimum landscaped area requirement was intended to apply to all projects whether the landscaped areas are ‘natural’ in-ground/at-grade areas, or planters, roof gardens, etc. If the requirement didn’t apply to both conditions, projects could leave a tiny sliver of in-ground planted area (say, less than 1% of the total site area) on almost any site and achieve the credit, while a similarly situated project with planters covering 4% of the site could not achieve the credit. A very small area (e.g. 1% site coverage) could meet the requirements with minimal plantings, but have relatively little impact on total water usage, whether it was irrigated or not. That kind of minimal differentiation between the design and baseline cases clearly wouldn’t meet the intent of the credit."
Brenden McEneaney replied Feb 04 2010
This general discussion may suggest somewhat of a rethinking of the water use reduction credits - namely that water use could be treated a bit more like energy and that we may want to measure total gallons (or percentage) of 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. saved rather than differentiating between indoor and outdoor water use.
Here in Southern California, irrigation systems are needed. Even if a non-potable source is provided, a potable make-up is usually required as a backup. But rainwater systems need to be very large (often prohibitively so - both financially and environmentally) to meet the annual needs of the landscape, since what little rain we get falls in a short window. A project here that achieves 95% landscape water savings seems to me to be achieving a far greater environmental benefit (even before looking at the inevitable urban runoff) than a project in a rainy climate that doesn't install an irrigation system, but more LEED points would be awarded the latter project...
Apply to green roofs?
We have a roof going in where the manufacturer is insisting on a 3 year establishment irrigation. I cannot find in WE1 or SS7 points if we are to consider a green roof "landscaping" although I assume we do. The project has cistern (for toilet flushing), but getting that water to the roof will be difficult...
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Sep 29 2009
Heather, I hope someone will correct me if they have a different experience, but irrigation of green roof landscaping would fall under WEc1, and would not be allowed past one year, for plant establishment. I wonder if the manufacturer making this stipulation is aware of the LEED implications?
The manufacturer is aware of
The manufacturer is aware of this, but is not budging on their insistance. They go so far as to say that they have dealt with this before on LEED jobs, and USGBC should change their policy not them... Obviously, we do not want to play with roof warrenties.
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Oct 28 2009
I'd write a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide, I know there has been a lot of discussion around this and I imagine you could get away with a two year establishment period...three might be more difficult. But, if you have a good argument it could work.
Irrigation of playing field in a soccer stadium
Concerning credit WEc1.1 and 1.2, there are some circumstances where it is unclear whether the water used for watering must be considered as irrigation water per intent of the credit or process waterProcess water is used for industrial processes and building systems such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making..
For playing field in soccer stadium how should I consider it when calculating the total water applied for irrigation?
Best regards.
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Jan 04 2010
That is a good question. On LEED for Schools projects you can decide to include or exclude playing fields for the landscape irrigation calculations but you must then be consistent across all credits. So, if you exclude the playing field from the landscape irrigation calculation you must also exclude it from the open space calculation. I would imagine you can take a similar approach in this situation, but it might be worth writing a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide to have an official say on the subject.
Blowdown water for irrigation?
Overheard in an exchange about the possible use of cooling tower blowdownBleed-off, or blowdown, is the release of a portion of the recirculating water from a cooling tower; this water carries dissolved solids that can cause mineral buildup. water for irrigation:
Blowdown water for irrigation it depends! Blowdown typically contains high concentrations of minerals precipitated out of the cooling evaporation process.
Well maintained cooling towers may provide suitable water (lower Total Dissolved Solids TDS) but incoming municipal water will affect quality as well. Of course secondary filtration to remove the TDS is an option but at a cost.
Best bet is to collect blow down with other sources such as rainwater, condensate and greywater to dilute the TDS.
This article is useful.
Existing Landscaping
We have a project that is within a campus setting. The existing lawn areas with the leed boundary are not being altered. Are we required to include these in the lanscape calcs since they are not in the contract scope? Can we hatch these areas out and exclude them from the calcs?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jan 22 2010
Erik, why are you including the existing lawn areas in the LEED boundary if they are not a part of the project scope? Seems like the simplest thing here would simply be to leave them out of all your credit calcs.
That wouldn't help you with this credit, of course—but it's not clear to me how you are planning to earn this credit, anyway? Are there other landscaped areas you are hoping to use to earn the credit?
Might be better to include the landscaped areas in the project boundary to at least help with other SS credits.
WEc1 and planter boxes for pre-2009 rating systems
This is my first time in the forum, so I'm not familiar with the total range it covers. Everything I've seen on here so far is for 2009, but I'm looking for some official word on WEc1 and see that there's been some discussion on the subject in another thread.
Here's the issue. A Schools 2007, zero lot line project's landscaping consists entirely of six small planter boxes on a second floor roof terrace, which they intend to water for a one year establishment period. The new rating systems have set a 5% minimum of the site area for a project to qualify as "landscaped", but there's nothing numerical under the old rating systems. The LEED for Schools 2007 reference guide defines Landscape AreaThe landscape area is the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios. as the total site area less 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., paved surfaces, water bodies, patios, etc. Using that definition, this project shouldn’t qualify for WEc1.
The only CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide I've been able to find that's related is this one: A LEED NC2.0/2.1 CIR Ruling dated 1/3/2002 allowed for planters to be removed from landscape watering calculations, and stated that any water use for the planters should be included in the calculations for Water Use Credit 3.1 and 3.2 that apply to water use within buildings.
If this project is allowed to count those boxes as landscaping, they're eligible for two points. Under the pre-2009 rating systems, is that what's being allowed?
Any guidance will be greatly appreciated!
Ben Stanley replied Sustainability Manager, YRG sustainability Jan 29 2010
Rick,
There's nothing in the LEED for Schools 2.0 rating system or reference guide to explicitly exclude planters from the landscape irrigation calculations so you could give it a try. However, given the direction of the current rating system, I wouldn't count those credits as "in the bag" until after the design review.
Indoor plants
I would like some clarification as to whether indoor plants that require irrigation would count for the purposes of this credit.
Thanks!
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Mar 17 2010
When you say "irrigation" that sounds a bit more intensive than the usual "watering." Does that reflect something about your project?
I am checking around, but I think average potted plants that need watering are not counted here, but if there is such an intensive installation of plants that they require irrigation (like a permanent, piped system) perhaps they should be included. The credit language refers to "landscapes."
Gunnar Hubbard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C replied Mar 17 2010
Indoor plants to do not count toward this credit. With that said, plants indoors can certainly help create a wonderful indoor environment. And plants need watering indoors for sure...so planning "how" to water them, and with "what" water source, are important considerations from a green building perspective. Is some one watering or is it a permanent system doing watering... Green Walls come to mind here...
Ilana Judah replied Director of Sustainability, FXFOWLE Mar 18 2010
Thanks Tristan and Gunnar. We have an atrium space in our project and are looking at the possibility of an indoor garden. We are considering bamboo plants which require more water than the average potted plant- and would likely have some sort of permanent irrigation system. Just wanted to get a sense of how LEED considers situations like this.
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, WEc1 looks at whether you have landscape irrigation, and how much. Technically speaking, the credit doesn't care whether you use artificial turf, which provides a certain aesthetic and performance, or concrete sidewalk, patio blocks, gravel paths, etc.—or probably best from an environmental point of view, native landscaping.
Artificial turf could be part of a landscaping plan that meets the WEc1 requirements, and compared with natural turf, it can save a lot of water, along with other benefits, as examined by Environmental Building News in the article, "Which Grass is Greener? Comparing Natural and Artificial Turf." I think it would be a stretch to say it "counts toward" the credit, through.
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jun 23 2010
WEc1 actually does care, so don't missinterpret what Tristan is saying here, and I agree it does NOT count towards this credit.
The requirement is that the total irrigated area in the baseline and design cases must match. I'm working through an appeal on this very issue, and in review (and multiple conversations) it appears as if WE1.1 will not recognize the use of non-organic solutions to enhance the water savings.
As such we've had to use the areas established in the Design case for the Baseline, and then apply the calculations. While this seems counter intuitive, the greater goal is to keep the plant life on the project and figure out how to do it with less water.
Otherwise we could get very high results from deleting 99% of the living material from the design case, and using crushed rock in all the beds. This is not at all the intent of this point.
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 24 2010
Rick's clarifications are very important here. Thanks, Rick.
Water Meter
We're trying to determine if a second water meter is necessary to track water useage for exterior landscaping. The jurisdiction for the project does not have a preference either way. Based on my research it seems there is no need to spend the additional sum of money to install a second meter but I'm unsure if this is acurate. Do any of you have any experience with this?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC May 07 2010
To earn the LEED-NC credit, you don't have to submeterSubmetering is used to determine the proportion of energy or water use within a building attributable to specific end uses such as tenant spaces, or subsystems such as the heating component of an HVAC system. your irrigation water—the credit is earned based on calculations from your design.
If the building plans to pursue LEED-EBOMEBOM is an acronym for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, one of the LEED 2009 rating sytems. certification, it may be worth installing the meter, though, because you can earn a point through WEc1: Water Performance Measurement.
Caroline O'Leary replied May 07 2010
We are following LEED-NC so it would seem inapplicable to us in this case. Thanks Tristan!
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jun 23 2010
On commercial projects it usually pays to have the owner install a separate meter for the irrigation water, as no sewer taxes are charged and irrigation is usually the majority of the water consumed on a commercial project. The dual meters can also make sense at a private residence, depending on the likely ownership duration.
WEc1 - BD+C 2009
In the footnote on this credit it states:
" If the percent reduction in 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. is 100% AND the percent reduction of total water is equal to or greater than 50%, both Option 1 and Option 2 are earned."
Does this mean you must accomplish both Option 1 and 2 to earn 4 points or both options to earn 6 points?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jun 24 2010
Susie, this credit is a little odd in that you have the choice of Option 1 or Option 2, but Option 2 includes Option 1. Option 2 earns max 4 points as opposed to 2 for Option 1.
Susie Spivey replied Director of Sustainable Design, tvsdesign Jun 25 2010
Thanks for the input - hopefully they will see the confusion in their statement. Having worked on LEED projects for 10 years I realize that Option 1 is embedded (essentially) in Option 2, but the wording is awkward in that saying both Opt 1 and Opt 2 are earned could confuse you at the number of points earned. We'll count of 4 for this project!
Susie Spivey replied Director of Sustainable Design, tvsdesign Jul 29 2010
Out of curiosity I sent emails to both GBCI (via certification@gbci.org AND via the inquiry page of a project) and USGBC (via leedinfo@usgbc.org) requesting clarification for the number of points that could be earned if both credits were achieved. Does it surprise anyone that I got 2 different answers...from GBCI?
GBCI response via certification@gbci.org : "Thank you for your inquiry regarding LEED BD+C 2009, WEc1. We apologize for the delay as we are experiencing high technical email volumes. A maximum of four points can be earned for WEc1. The footnote you cite is essentially attempting to say (admittedly not very clearly) that to meet Option 2, Option 1 must first be met. We trust this will help you with your process and thank you for your interest in LEED Rating Systems."
GBCI response via project page: " Thank you for the inquiry. I apologize for the delayed response, and any inconvenience it may have caused. To answer your question concerning the amount of points awarded for WEc1, you are correct. When the percent 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. reduction is 100%, and the total water reduction for the project is greater than or equal to 50%, this would yield 6 points (2 for Option 1, and 4 for Option 2)."
I think it is safe to move forward and assume a max of 4 points can be earned. I have not received an answer from USGBC.
ZEB Tech singapore replied ESD Consultancy, ZEB-Technology Pte Ltd Aug 02 2010
Dear Susie, I think , as you have mentioned, You will have to proceed with 4 points totally. If you refer to LEED online template, It clearly states that "A 50% in 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 is required for 2 points. A 100% reduction is potable water and a 50% reduction in total water is reduction in total water is required for 4 points." please correct me if I am wrong.
Susie Spivey replied Director of Sustainable Design, tvsdesign Aug 03 2010
Wanted to share with you all the clarification response I received from GBCI regarding this issue:
To clarify, the proper response on this issue is that projects can only achieve a maximum of 4 points for WEc1 in the LEED 2009 BD+C rating systems. The wording of the footnote in the reference guide that you cited can be a bit confusing on the matter, but the maximum point value is noted at the top of page 179 where it states that 2-4 points are available for WE Credit 1. The total number of possible points for this credit (2-4 points) is also noted in the LEED-NC 2009 credit checklist (http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=5719), and in the LEED-NC 2009 WEc1 Form in LEED Online v3 (www.leedonline.com).
Irrigation Types and Efficiencies
LEED only cites only two types of irrigation and their efficiency. For quite some time now the irrigation manufacturing industry has improved their sprinkler products tremendously and it might be fair to say that the efficiency for some sprinklers, e.g. Hunter MP Rotator nozzles, is by far higher than 0.625. Cities sometimes require above ground irrigation which limits the opportunities to receive LEED WEc1. Does anyone have suggestions how to incorporate a higher efficiency number in the LEED calcs? Advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Gunnar Hubbard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C replied Jul 01 2010
Since the default efficiency values are not adjustable on the LEED template, I recommend recreating the calculation in a spreadsheet to incorporate the higher efficiency rates, and uploading this to LEED Online under the credit file uploads. If pursuing this path, you will need to indicate this strategy on the template in a narrative (additional details, alternative compliance path), upload the spreadsheet, and also upload manufacturer information listing the efficiency rate you are indicating on the spreadsheet. Hope this helps!
Brackish Water for Irrigation?
We have a project located close to the coast. The landscape designer is considering including plants which would be watered with brackish water for irrigation (pumped from underground). Would this be considered a non-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. source for irrigation?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Jul 01 2010
On a practical basis, I assume the designer would be selecting plants that would withstand brackish water?
To the extent that your situation is covered by the LEED Reference Guide, it's considered noncompliant (page 183). However, based on the fact that you seem to be meeting the credit intent in avoiding the use of potable groundwater, and that your specific situation is not anticipated by the reference guide, you could try submitting a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide.
Exterior Water Features
How is the water used for an outdoor fountain calculated? Is it part of the landcape irrigation calc? It certainly doesn't qualify for indoor water use. any help would be appreciated!
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jul 10 2010
IMO, the intent of the credit is isolated to irrigation... which is water put on living material (by an automated system usually) that returns to the earth. That would mean that water features are exempt from this point.
Keep in mind LEED doesn't anticipate all situations, and exterior water features can be an important part of dealing with natural cooling in certain climates... so outright fountains are neither good nor bad. If there's an opportunity to use a non-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. source for the water that's great, just keep in mind that reducing water usage for irrigation (by possibly using that same water... assuming rain water harvesting or condensate harvesting) should come first.
Advice on reporting Controller Efficiency?
Does anyone have any advice on reporting controller efficiency on the LEED templates? The reference guide says to "determine, if applicable, the CE..." Yet, if you don't think it's applicable there is no way to indicate that on the template. You have to upload something for the form to read as complete.
We are using a drip irrigationDrip irrigation delivers water at low pressure through buried mains and submains. From the submains, water is distributed to the soil through a network of perforated tubes or emitters. Drip irrigation is a high-efficiency type of microirrigation. system that does not use weather based controls or sensor-based systems. We've contacted the manufacturer and they don't really have an answer for us. Is there any type of standard CE to use? For now we're just using "1" but I'm not sure if this is acceptable.
Shannon Gray replied Consultant, YRG sustainability Aug 30 2010
Hi Annette,
You are correct with inputting "1" for your CE number. If you input 1 you should not have to upload any supporting documents. If you use any number other than 1 you would need to include supporting documents.
Best,
Shannon
Irrigation system
Pls. can you advice to me about our specific case:
Since our project in VietNam, so, for landscaping irrigation here, client doesn't apply any system as sprinkler or Drip, they just install a available valve and when need to irrigate, a man will connect piping with this valve and irrigate by manual.
Our location within the area have high rainfall, so, if we apply this method, it's take some advantages.
But, I wonder that, if we apply this method, how we can determine Irrigation efficiency IE???
Hope to receive your reply soon.
Thanks.
Rick Ferrara replied AIA, LEED BD+C, Gensler Jul 26 2010
You do not tell us what the water source is when the man comes and turns on the water. If it is 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. you do not qualify for the point. If the source is non-potable you can. While the solution for this point (at least in America) is to use a high efficiency irrigation system, it is not required, but simply having a man use a hose to water the plants is not going to qualify.
Gunnar Hubbard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C replied Jul 27 2010
Fabio - hope you are well! Was that 2 years ago we met? Since you are not installing an irrigation system, just write a narrative stating this. We understand that there is just a hose bib(s) on the side of the building... which is not a permanent irrigation system. Therefore the intent of the credit has been met for all points available.
Water Efficient Landscaping
I have the Landscape factors for all landscape type in my project, which includes tree, shrubs and ground cover. But When I key in the available data in LEED online submittal template, it asks for the "Area" of each landscape type. Its pretty obvious that for shrubs and Ground cover, "Area" would be applicable, But for Trees, only the "Numbers" are applicable. In a couple of filled example templates, that i found online, Trees are not included in the table of submittal template. So , can you please guide me on whether i can ignore trees' data in the submittal template or if it is required to be added, how do i input for Area (as trees are specified in terms of "Numbers" and not the area)
Allison Zuchman replied Green Building Consultant, Fore Solutions Aug 17 2010
That is a very good question, and one that seems to have a slightly vague compliance path. The LEED Reference Guide itself says that the species factorSpecies factor (ks) is a constant used to adjust the evapotranspiration rate to reflect the biological features of a specific plant species. is somewhat subjective (see pg 184 of the Reference Guide).
So first, yes, you should include the area of the trees. The best strategy I have seen so far is to include trees in the "mixed" category which includes a mix of trees, shrubs, and groundcover (see page 185 of the Reference Guide.) The mixed strategy is probably the most straightforward because you do not need to calculate a separate area for the trees but instead include the trees in a mixed vegetation area.
(I have also heard that the mature tree canopy is sometimes calculated to figure out the total area of the trees. If pursuing this strategy, make sure the total of all the vegetation type square footages equals the total landscaped area - i.e. do not count the tree canopy and also the groundcover below that same canopy.)
I would also consult with your landscape architect if there is one on the project.
ZEB Tech singapore replied ESD Consultancy, ZEB-Technology Pte Ltd Aug 18 2010
Dear Allison, Thankyou.
Existing Landscaping
Hello,
Does anybody know if we are supposed to include existing landscaping (located within the site boundary) in our calculations?
Thanks,
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 04 2010
If you're irrigating your landscape and pre-existing landscaping is part of that, then it needs to be included in your credit calculations.
Micro climatic factor, Kmc
The landscaping on my site doesn’t have any adjacent parking nor located in a slope, but has wind tunnel effect. The results of wind tunnel test at various points on site proves that on an average, the wind is comfortable for activities such as sitting and walking. So based on this fact, can i assume my Kmc value to be average. My landscape consultant has specified a high value for Kmc(for trees), which seems to be unrealistic to me. Since the site has dense landscaping and that there is a composite landscape type at any location(ground cover or shrub under tree canopy), i think that there is no reason for a high Kmc. Please advice.
Thanks
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Aug 18 2010
That's hard to say without seeing the site. If I had hired a landscape consultant to help witht he design and calculations here, I would generally defer to their judgement. But if you think they're incorrect, I suppose it's your prerogative to change the numbers.
Green Roof and Water Efficiency
We have installed a green roof on an urban project (LEED boundary = 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.) for a total of 58% of the building footprint. We have choosen adapted plants and installed a efficient irrigation system. How do we define the base case for this? What kind of vegetation? What type of irrigation system?
Lauren Glasscock replied Sr. Sustainability Professional, KEMA Services, Inc. Aug 30 2010
Hi Emmanuel,
The baseline should be the same size as the design green roof and assume higher species and density factors (groundcover or mixed palette depending on whether it is an extensive or intensive green roof design) and a sprinkler efficiency of 0.625.
Lauren
Emmanuel Pauwels replied Aug 31 2010
Thanks Lauren, that was very helpful
80% non-irrigated Native, 20% inefficient irrigation landscape
Our landscaped site is approximately 80% natively, non-irrigated vegetated. However, 20% of our site landscape is forced (due to owner requirements) to irrigate grass in a fairly in-efficient way (would not meet LEED requirements).
My question is: does the 80% non-irrigated landscape outweigh the 20% even though the 20% irrigated is over the LEED efficiency threshold for that section? Or does the threshold violation disqualify us from the credit?
Tristan Roberts replied Editor – LEEDuser, BuildingGreen, LLC Sep 01 2010
Eamon, this credit is not based on site area that meets a specific threshold. It's based on the overall amount of irrigation water used on the project compared with a baseline. To determine how the project performs, you'll need to do the calculations.
Make sense?
Eamon Geary replied Technical Specialist, Michael Baker Jr, Inc. Sep 01 2010
Makes perfect sense, similar to a VOC-budget. Thanks for the confirmation.
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