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 Effect – Non-Roof and/or count towards WE Credit 1: Water Efficiency Landscaping: No potable Water Use or No Irrigation since the artificial turf does not use any water irrigation?
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Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11478 thumbs up
April 27, 2010 - 8:13 pm
Nathan, see our discussion in the Checklists 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?