Decking as hardscape

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.

These appear to be slightly different definitions: the first definition requires imperviousness, 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.

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.

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...

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.

A question regarding this. In a project, I have a xerophyle garden which has many barrel cactus, and other suculent plants. As you know, the density of that garden is very sparse, and it leaves a good part of land without actual vegetation, but covered by gravel. But I shouldn't actually walk there, is part of the garden. Does this "remaining" area of my planctation should be considered part of the Hardscape? I think not.

I think it can be considered garden, not hardscape, providing it is permeable and generally consistent with a native landscape.

What was the decision on decomposed granite? Include as hardscape? I am addressing this too on my project.

I am not surre about decomposed granite. I'd lean toward including it.

Wood decking is definitely supposed to be included. The glossary page of usgbc.org defines hardscape as "the inanimate elements of the building landscaping. It includes pavement, roadways, stonewalls, WOOD AND SYNTHETIC DECKING, concrete paths and sidewalks, and concrete, brick, and tile patios. [emphasis added]" It looks like they added to the definition since 2010.

Regarding gravel, decomposed granite, etc. If it is used as a walking surface, usually it has to be compacted to be a stable surface. Which means it is impervious; and therefore, hardscape. As fill for a gardening bed, it would not be compacted and remain pervious, I would not include it.