Dear all leed users,
What is considered in terms of vegetated planters ? In table 3. Non roof strategies, it's defined that it can't be "artificail turf grass" but can it be "natural turf grass" ?
I saw an other question in the forum about the interpretation of the review team that it's not really clear and that the GBCI seems to be taking liberty and arbitrarily interpreting left and right what is and what is not compliant.
My question will be simple: what are the measures that will be accepted under this heading "vegetated planters" ?
Thanks a lot for your answer
Marion
Pierre-Olivier Demeule
December 3, 2020 - 2:08 pm
I find the question more than relevant and I am also looking for some answers to it.
Thanks !
Chloe Naese
AssociateKath Williams + Associates
3 thumbs up
December 18, 2020 - 6:05 pm
I am also wondering about this. Does anyone know what constitutes a compliant vegetated planter?
emily reese moody
Sustainability Director, Certifications & ComplianceJacobs
LEEDuser Expert
454 thumbs up
December 18, 2020 - 6:30 pm
Confirmed there often seems to be variation on reviewers' responses; I have had to argue comments more than once.
I have always taken the vegetated planters to mean anything that's not in-ground and has quality vegetation. LEED generally does not support the use of turf grass in the standard varieties, as it does not support the intents to provide habitat or restore native species. That said, there have been allowances for grass that is mixed species and if that grass is not continually mowed, i.e. allowed to grow in its natural state.
When it comes to employing something that is not explicitly stated in any credit, it's usually best to confirm whether your approach really meets the intent of what the credit and category is trying to accomplish. If there's something unusual about project circumstances, I'd recommend just emailing LEED Coach and asking for guidance directly. Many inquiries like this are simple, and they'll respond with confirmation or suggested considerations; if it's something truly unique they may tell you to submit for a LEED interpretation.